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Things to do in Toronto, Canada: The Best Historic Sites
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. Secret City Adventures: Murdoch Mysteries Escape Game
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Secret City Adventures are pioneers in theatrical escape room games and immersive experiences in Toronto. We design, develop, and deliver unique games that push the boundaries of storytelling, where players are the protagonists and the heroes! In this original escape game Detective Murdoch is missing and as Toronto's newest constables you've been called into action, but the clock is ticking! You only have 60 minutes to save Murdoch. Discover the clues, piece together the evidence, crack the case, and unravel the Secret of Station House No. 4!
Reviewed By keithtB1350QW - Richmond Hill, Canada
This was our first time doing an escape room and this one was certainly very fun. Because we a fans of the TV show, it made it all the more engaging. The addition of two actors in the game also added a wonderful element to the experience. The puzzles were challenging and you definitely had to work as a team to see how all the clues fit. I really didn't think we were going to figure it out. With less than 2 minutes to go, we managed to solve the mystery and help Murdoch escape imminent death! At the end, the actors told us that less than 10% of the groups are able to solve the game so we felt really good about that! All in all, definitely well organized and highly recommended.
2. Osgoode Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
At Osgoode Hall Restaurant, we emphasize the connection between the natural food from our land, the farmers that nourish and harvest it, and-ultimately-the people who enjoy it. Unpretentious, welcoming and accessible, our "farm-to-table" cuisine lets you experience spectacular seasonal ingredients, sourced locally from within 100km whenever possible. Our ultimate goal? To create a memorable and unique dining experience-for you and for each one of our guests.
Reviewed By W1702PJmarkg - Catonsville, United States
Osgoode Hall is a classic 2 1/2 story late Palladian style structure built in 1829-32 and named for the 1st chief justice of Upper Canada. It is currently the home of the Law Society of Ontario. This Canadian national historic site was enlarged in 1844,1855,1880 and 1891 and it's great library houses the largest private collection of legal material in Canada. This 6 acre site is located in the heart of Toronto and is surrounded by a cast iron fence built in 1867. It was closed the day we visited and we would like to come back to see the inside of this regal property.
3. Mackenzie House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Mackenzie House is the restored home of William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto's first Mayor, a radical journalist and publisher, and leader of the Rebellion of 1837 in Upper Canada. This house was given to Mackenzie by friends and supporters, when he retired from public life, and in recognition of his many years of serving the community. Mackenzie House is one of 10 historic museums operated by the City of Toronto. Toronto's Historic Sites engage visitors, inspire passion, challenge ideas and connect the past to the present.
Reviewed By DGVNJ - Elmwood Park, United States
On a quiet side street you step into Mackenzie House and are transported back 175 years and treated to an informative history of Toronto and if you go during the holidays you can feast in the joyous experience of a Scottish Hogmanay celebration. When we arrived we were able to explore the entire house and had the chance to use what I believe to be one of the the oldest working printing presses in existence in a recreated print shop. The costumed docents gave insightful and informative descriptions of house and the way of life that we were being given a view to. Since this was a special Hogmanay event we were also treated to some wonderful live music by Gin Lane and a delicious feast. For the first time in my life I tried haggis and loved it! The haggis looks like a medium sized pumpernickel loaf and you are given a 1/2 in slice. It's a rich concoction that tasted wonderful. The entire event was well worth it and a great way to start our visit to Toronto.
4. Toronto's First Post Office
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Canada's oldest surviving purpose-built post office, in the heart of Toronto's historic St. Lawrence district. Toronto's First Post Office is a museum and full-service postal outlet.
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
As the name suggests, it is Toronto’s First Post Office and is functional even today. It is located in the historic St. Lawrence district. It has a museum inside which is worth visiting. Certainly would very highly recommend the same to any traveler.
5. The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 350 reviews
The last operating double-decker theatre in the world. Built in 1913 and restored and renovated by the Ontario Heritage Trust in the 1980s today the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre is home to a diverse and variety of entertainment in Toronot. From TIFF to Ross Petty Holiday Family Musicals there is something for everyone. The downstairs auditorium is the elegant Elgin Theatre red and gold in Edwardian design. The upstairs theatre is the whimsical Winter Garden a unique botanical rooftop garden that blooms year around. Join us for musicals, operas, comedy and films. Public tours happen Mondays at 5pm and Saturdays at 10am check website for cancelations.
Reviewed By NiuMum
When I suggested to take a guided tour to the theatre，some of my friends said why dont we leverage a show to visit the theatre rather than investing additional time and money？I have to say it is really worth it！We attended the Saturday morning 10:00 2 hours guided tour. Two volunteers hosted us. Linda let us take the 1913 made Otis Elevator. It is manually operated！They spend two hours to relfect the theatre history and how it was restored including keeping the original spelling mistake. They keep it as Edward time style. It is really amazing to see the only operating double decker theatre in the world on site. I really recommend people pay a visit there. When you know the stories，you will see this theatre differently when you come for a show next time.
6. Enoch Turner Schoolhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Enoch Turner Schoolhouse is an historic site and museum owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust. The school was built in 1848, when it was known as the Ward School. The original one-room school was established in 1848 by Enoch Turner, a wealthy brewer and philanthropist, to educate the children in the poor neighbourhood surrounding his brewery. Because many of the area's immigrant families were from County Cork in Ireland, the neighbourhood became known as Corktown – a nickname it still carries today.Turner supplied the funds to construct the Schoolhouse and the land was donated by the adjacent Little Trinity Church. In 1849, the school opened with space for 240 pupils and Turner paid for its operation for three years. It was the first free school in Toronto.In 1859, classes were relocated to the nearby Palace Street School at Palace Street (now Front Street East) and Cherry Street. The Trinity Street School and property were returned to Little Trinity parish, and from the 1860s to the 1960s the school served as a parish hall and Sunday school for the church. In addition, the School and hall served as a recruiting station during the Second Boer War and the World War I, and a soup kitchen during the Great Depression. Due to a severe fire at Little Trinity Anglican Church in 1961, the parish could no longer afford to care for the school building, and it fell into disrepair. By the late 1960s, the building was slated for demolition.To protect the building and raise funds for its restoration, a group of citizens together with members of the Little Trinity Church congregation set up the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse Foundation on October 8, 1970. The former Trinity Street School was renamed Enoch Turner Schoolhouse. After extensive interior and exterior renovations, the Schoolhouse opened as a living history site and conference and reception centre. In March 2008, the ownership and operation of the Schoolhouse were transferred to the Ontario Heritage Trust from the Foundation. The Enoch Turner Schoolhouse Foundation continues as an independent charitable organization, working with the Trust to support the programming and operation of the Schoolhouse. The museum is open for education programs by appointment and open to walk-in visitors during regular business hours.
Reviewed By operalover939 - Toronto, Canada
Several of us were here last night to attend a performance of "Figaro's Wedding" by Against the Grain Theatre, Joel Ivanu's adaptation of the Mozart opera. The audience numbered about a hundred, arranged in two different ways -- seating was rearranged during the two intermissions. The opera was highly entertaining. It runs for another week; try to get to it if you can. The acoustics are fine; the sight lines excellent.
7. St. Paul's Bloor Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Come be a part of a growing, dynamic, and transformative Christian community at St. Paul’s Bloor Street. St. Paul’s is based in a historic building in downtown Toronto, but our community is spread all over the city. We believe the good news of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is relevant to all people and has the power to transform our lives, the City of Toronto, and our world. We believe we were made to love God and to express that love together through loving others in word and deed.
8. Niagara Tours
9. The Grange
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 25 reviews
This restored brick home is open to the public and formerly housed the Art Museum of Toronto.
Reviewed By termar - Hamilton, Canada
Staying at the Super 8 a bit west of the park, it was a pleasant stroll as I headed east. It is always nice to see any green space in a large city. This one is a cut above. There was a large enclosure for dogs to run around unleashed. There were extensive play areas for children, one sign indicating no adults unless accompanied by a child. Located and very much associated with the Art Gallery of Ontario to its north, some unique sculpture work is on display, including pieces by the world famous sculptor Henry Moore. The park’s history is interesting. From the early 19th century, it served as the front lawn area of The Grange, the family residence of the Boulton family. An elliptical path for carriages of that bygone era has been kept. The area was reopened to the public in 2017, under the supervision of the Grange Park Advisory Committee. Keeping the historic theme, the park is anchored on its northern side by The Grange, a Georgian manor house. I suspect it the park looks even better in the summer when splash pads are a welcome relief from the heat.
10. Gooderham (Flatiron) Building
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By rezasattarzadeh - Muscat, Oman
Gooderham building is definitely one of those structures which gives character to a city die to both its shape and history. Located ar downtown Toronto, it's one of the early building which was an important centre of administration. Though the interior is not accessible, one could admire the exterior façade. Don't forget to see the back of the building which has gone through a facelift.
