10 Things to do in Toronto That You Shouldn't Miss

March 16, 2022 Carley Gatson

We've heard Toronto described as "New York City run by the Swiss," and it's true—you can find world-class theater, shopping and restaurants here, but the sidewalks are clean and the people are friendly. The best place to start is literally at the top—the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.
Restaurants in Toronto

1. Royal Ontario Museum

100 Queen's Park, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2C6 Canada +1 416-586-8000 [email protected] http://www.rom.on.ca
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,278 reviews

Royal Ontario Museum

Opened in 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) showcases art, culture, and nature from around the globe and across the ages. One of North America's most renowned cultural institutions, Canada's largest museum is home to a world-class collection of more than six million objects and specimens, featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. As the country’s preeminent field research institute and an international leader in new and original findings in biodiversity, palaeontology, earth sciences, the visual arts, material culture and archaeology, the ROM plays a vital role in advancing our global understanding of the artistic, cultural and natural world.

Reviewed By ElTouristo61 - New York City, United States

The ROM, Canada’s largest museum, is an impressive collection of art, culture, nature and history. Plan on spending at least half a day as there are so many exhibits. The special exhibit on Jodhpur included 4 centuries of royal art, paintings, decorative art, and jewelry—an amazing journey through some of India’s cultural history. Well worth the few extra dollars for access. Equally impressive are the European and Asian sections. There is plenty for the whole family to do but keep in mind if you enter with a city pass you’ll have to pay a few extra dollars for the special exhibits.

2. CN Tower

290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, Ontario M5V 3L9 Canada +1 416-868-6937 [email protected] http://www.cntower.ca/
Excellent
51%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 25,013 reviews

CN Tower

At a height of 553.33 m (1,815 ft., 5 in), the CN Tower is Canada’s National Tower, an engineering Wonder, award-winning dining & entertainment destination, and Toronto’s “must-see” for over 4 decades. Rocket to the top in a thrilling 58 second ride aboard glass fronted elevators. Spectacular views overlooking up to 160km (100 miles) from 3 observation levels including, the LookOut Level with floor-to-ceiling panoramic Window Walls, the world famous Glass Floor including Outdoor SkyTerrace and SkyPod, the highest of them all. Experience the thrilling EdgeWalk, the World’s Highest Outdoor Walk on a Building. Enjoy award-winning Canadian cuisine and breathtaking revolving views at 360 Restaurant, the perfect place for entertaining or celebrating. Plus, visual displays and exhibits on the history of the CN Tower, KidZone play area and unique Canadian artisan and souvenir shopping in the Gift Shop. Don’t miss the architectural illumination of the Tower each night from dusk to dawn.

Reviewed By Rocker08

We were fortunate to get a table right by the window.. the revolving restaurant has great views of the city as you are slowly moving... the coolest is to watch the flights taking off and landing into Billy Bishop airport.

3. High Park

1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, Ontario M6R 2Z3 Canada +1 416-392-8188 http://www.toronto.ca/parks/featured-parks/high-park/
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,270 reviews

High Park

Popular urban oasis offers a variety of outdoor recreation including ice-skating, baseball games, nature hikes and exploring the park's greenhouse.

Reviewed By TylerS30 - Toronto, Canada

Gardens, a waterfall, walking trails, a cafe, a small zoo, a lake, fountains, off leash dog area, picnic spots, historic statues, cherry blossoms, amazing fall colours, tennis, a train tour and more. High Park in Toronto has it all. High Park is basically Toronto's Central Park. It's big, and acts as a big green oasis perfect for an afternoon escape. To minimize walking, I recommend you drive into the park and park your car near the cafe and go on foot from there. If you don't mind the walk, you can take the subway to High Park station on line 2. From there it is about a 15 minute walk into the centre of the park. Don't forget your camera.

4. Hockey Hall of Fame

Brookfield Place - Concourse Level 30 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M5E 1X8 Canada +1 416-360-7765 [email protected] http://www.hhof.com
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,054 reviews

Hockey Hall of Fame

Honor the achievements of some of the greatest stars in hockey at this shrine to Canada's national sport.

Reviewed By dave4559

Recommend a stop here if you are a hockey fan, make sure you have some time to see everything, lot to see and do, son was able to shoot pucks, lots of history and the trophy room was incredible.

5. St. Lawrence Market

92-95 Front St. E., Toronto, Ontario M5E 1C4 Canada +1 416-392-7219 http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/
Excellent
54%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13,866 reviews

St. Lawrence Market

All roads to good food lead to St. Lawrence Market, a city landmark more than two centuries old. Two hundred vendors sell everything from local mustard to fresh pasta, lobster to artisanal bread.

Reviewed By Nicole99756 - Temagami, Canada

But I’ve been to many places all over the city, and seriously, this is one of the reasons I moved here. Local, friendly, fresh, TASTY, always something different to try, great antiques section, and well, amazing fresh food to prepare yourself, or “no time for that?” the already prepared food is scrumptious too! And, well, if your into “people watching”... this is definitely your place. Surrounding area is always bustling with charm, energy and great food. So really, why not check it out?

6. Toronto Island Park

9 Queens Quay West Bay Street, Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2H3 Canada +1 416-392-8193 [email protected] http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,440 reviews

Toronto Island Park

Park consisting of four main islands and containing trails, beaches and children's amusement rides.

Reviewed By chefbynite - Toronto, Canada

Apart from the fact that everything closes at five? The Islands are beautiful and offer stunning views of the Toronto Skyline, the ferries run till midnight and it’s a cheap return fayre, well worth a visit, just pack a picnic if going to be staying to watch sunset!!

7. Casa Loma

1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, Ontario M5R 1X8 Canada +1 416-923-1171 [email protected] http://www.casaloma.ca
Excellent
50%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7,568 reviews

Casa Loma

Canada's majestic castle and Toronto’s premier historic attraction. In 1911, Sir Henry Pellatt engaged noted architect E.J. Lennox to help him realize a lifelong dream,the creation of an Edwardian castle on the top of a hill overlooking Toronto. It took 300 men nearly three years to complete the nearly to 200,000 square foot castle at a cost $3,500,000 (at the time). Situated on 5 acres, Casa Loma was the largest private residence in Canada. Sir Henry Pellatt with his wife Lady Mary enjoyed Casa Loma for less than ten years before financial misfortune forced him to abandon his home. The tour of the castle is self-guided. Visitors can experience the castle at their leisure with the aid of multimedia audio guides.

Reviewed By Amy_K-30229 - Chicago, United States

This was one of my favorite tourist attactions in Toronto. It's in the Annex District, the neighborhood where Margaret Atwood--author of The Handmaid's Tale--lives. The self-guided tour is very well done, you pick up a map and a telephone reciever-like device that can hang around your neck. The map shows you how to walk the property and each room has a number to type in to be able to learn about Sir Henry Pellatt and his fourtune then downfall, as well as the construction of his great castle. The basement has the movie posters of all the films/tv shows that were filmed there, as well as a tv playing the clips of each. It was great to walk through the whole castle, then make it down to the basement to recognize each room as the clips played on screen. My only disapointment was, they were setting up for a wedding in the conservatory, so we could not fully explore the room.

317 Dundas St W, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1G4 Canada +1 416-979-6648 [email protected] http://www.ago.net
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,265 reviews

The AGO, Art Gallery of Ontario

With a collection of more than 90,000 works of art, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is among the largest and most distinguished art museums in North America. An international landmark, the AGO is also one of Canada’s most innovative cultural destinations. Highlights of the Gallery’s world-class collection include iconic Canadian and Inuit works, along with European and contemporary art – all on view in a spectacular building transformed by renowned Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry. After spending time with the AGO’s vast collection, be sure to enjoy a meal or glass of wine at the Gallery’s award-winning restaurant FRANK. Visit shopAGO for a unique collection of artful gifts, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and beautiful art books.

Reviewed By H8962UYericb - Toronto, Canada

This fine gallery has interesting permanent collections including a wonderful room of sculptures by Henry Moore and regular fantastic visiting shows - most recently on the influence of industrialism of the Impressionists - I will look at Gare St. Lazare with new eyes.

9. Distillery Historic District

55 Mill St, Toronto, Ontario M5A 3C4 Canada +1 416-364-1177 http://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/
Excellent
50%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,201 reviews

Distillery Historic District

The Distillery District is an internationally acclaimed village of brick-lined streets and dozens of vibrantly restored Victorian Industrial buildings. It’s one of Ontario’s hottest tourist attractions and home to live theatres, galleries, fashion, design and jewelry boutiques, unique cafes and award-winning restaurants. It’s all completely closed to traffic and just a few minutes walk from downtown Toronto.

Reviewed By 416GYPSY - Toronto, Canada

in winter or summer there is always something to do or see here,, Christmas market is amazing and the cobblestone and shops are always a hit.. great patios and super quaint.. we love Balzacs coffee and EL CATRIN is always a hit

10. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

288 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M5V 3L9 Canada +1 647-351-3474 [email protected] http://www.ripleyaquariums.com/canada
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 20,328 reviews

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Explore the Waters of the World at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto at the base of the CN Tower, the aquarium is Toronto's must-see attraction for tourists and locals of all ages. Immerse yourself in a world of 20,000 aquatic animals and discover your own underwater adventure. The Aquarium features North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel with more than 5.7 million litres of water and over 100 interactive opportunities. Get up close and personal with several touch exhibits featuring horseshoe crabs, sharks, scarlet cleaner shrimp, and stingrays as well as daily dive shows every 2 hours. This awe-inspiring attraction consists of nine carefully curated galleries showcasing a cross section of saltwater and freshwater environments from around the world – starting with species from Toronto’s backyard, the Great Lakes basin.

Reviewed By brandy7280 - Toronto, Canada

This place is awesome....so much to see and explore....despite the many different species and types of fish you don't feel overwhelmed or claustrophobic....I loved every minute of it...its easy and simple to make your way through and the shark tank treadmill section is totally awesome and worth every penny....I could spend all day there its a great place and will keep the kids engaged from start to finish....will definitely go again and have recommended this place to many people...thanks for a great day Ripley's

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