Bucket List: Amazing Places to Visit in Toronto, Canada
Toronto is the capital of Ontario and is considered the country’s largest city. It is home to a dynamic mix of tourist attractions, from the galleries and museums to the world-famous CN Tower and Toronto Islands just offshore of the city. The city center is easy to navigate, many of the top attractions are within walking distance of each other, and a subway system is available to cover longer distances.
Have a spectacular view of the city from the CN Tower.
The CN Tower is 553m, which makes it the tallest building in Toronto and the tallest free-standing building on the continent, and it is also among the seven wonders of the world. This is a must-see attraction you should not miss while in the city.
You can just marvel at the building from the ground or take a trip to one of the observation areas or the restaurants to have a magnificent view of Lake Ontario.
The Sky Pod is the highest viewing center, at a height of 447m above the city, and you will be able to see Niagara Falls and New York State on a clear day.
Explore the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
This is a major landmark of the city and is located in the Yorkville neighborhood. It is the largest museum in Canada, one of the best museums in North America, and the best place to learn more about history.
The ROM has over six million artifacts, many of which are displayed in its 40 separate galleries. The galleries cover natural history (dinosaurs and meteorites), culture (historical exhibits), and arts worldwide. The museum also has a kid learning zone and a shop for your kid’s fun.
Enjoy the city’s multiculturalism at the Kensington market.
This is the best place in the city if you want to get an authentic taste of Toronto’s multiculturalism. This was once a Jewish market before becoming a funky neighborhood for writers, foodies, and artists.
There are many fresh food stores, discount surplus stores, cafes, and used clothing shops to go shopping and have an excellent time exploring the market. The neighborhood also has an artist community, tattoo shops, galleries, and bookshops for you to patronize.
Have fun at the Rogers Centre.
The Rogers Centre is a giant domed sports arena, and it is adjacent to the CN Tower. This mega-structure was completed in 1989, and it is Toronto’s answer to the ambitious Olympic Stadium built by its arch-rival, Montreal.
The center is a venue for sports, football, baseball, and concerts. It can accommodate many thousands of spectators. The center offers one hour guided tour where you can have a behind the scene of the facility.
Wander around the castle of Casa Loma
This extraordinary building looks like a medieval castle that stands on beautifully kept grounds. Casa Loma is a famous Toronto landmark and is the city’s most unique piece of architecture.
The castle was built by Sir Henry Pellatt, a multi-millionaire, and it is now a museum with decorated suites, gardens, towers, stables, and secret passages. You will indeed have a memorable time in this castle.
Visit Toronto Zoo
This is a huge zoo, and it is located on the Red River, which is 40km northeast of the city center. It has several thousand animals, and a major attraction of the zoo is the Panda exhibit, which was opened in 2013.
The zoo is divided into several sections to represent the major region of the globe. The North American section is unique because of its vast bison park, impressive polarium, and spacious grizzly bear enclosure. The great barrier reef and an African savanna are some of the zoo’s highlights.
Go sightseeing in the Toronto Islands.
There are 13 small islands in Lake Ontario, spreading across 820 acres of land. The most popular islands are the center island, which features a big park with a picnic area, an amusement park, and a spectacular garden where you and your kids will have a fun time being here alone.
Some other islands are home to some of the oldest residential communities, and some islands are prestigious yacht clubs.
Go sightseeing at Ripley’s Aquarium.
This is a new attraction, and it is near the base of the CN Tower. There is a spectacular display of diverse marine life at this facility, and the fun feature of this facility is the big underwater tunnel, which has a moving sidewalk. You will get to see the ocean world as you walk around while the sharks and other marine animals pass through.
A big highlight of this aquarium is the Jellyfish display with creative lighting. There is a touch tank feature where you will get a hands-on experience with stingrays and small sharks. If you are an animal lover, you will surely like this place.
Shop until you drop at the Eaton Centre
If you love shopping, the Eaton Center is the right fit for you. It is located at the north end of the Central Business District. The center has a subway station, extends over several blocks, and is constantly enlarged and renovated.
If you are a stranger, you can easily get lost in this maze of department stores, boutiques, cafeterias, specialty shops, snack bars, etc., found at the different levels above and below ground.
Go sightseeing in the Distillery District.
This is an exciting place to go to during the day or evening. This historic area has become a trendy entertainment and shopping district.
You will find an exciting boutique, artists’ studios, galleries, and restaurants here, and the district also hosts various entertainment events. It is also home to schools and performing arts venues to entertain you.
Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario.
This modern building is on the west side of the city center, Canada’s largest. The gallery’s main highlight is the Henry Moore room, which houses the largest collection of his sculptures worldwide.
It also houses collections of Canadian, Oceanic and African, and European art. The gallery also homes an extensive collection of Photography and drawings.
Go to the theatre in the entertainment district.
This is where major theatre productions with the latest shows, musicals, concerts, and other performing arts occur, and you should endeavor to see them.
The district comes to life in the evening and is also home to different restaurants and cool spots to socialize.
The main center of activity in the district is along King Street. The best-performing art venues like Roy Thomson Hall, four seasons center for the performing arts, the Princess of Wales Theatre, and the Royal Alexandra Theatre are all found in the area.
Visit the High Park
This 165 hectares park in the west end of the city center is considered the largest park in Downtown Toronto.
The Howards owned the park before it was deeded to the city of Toronto in 1873. This is a recreational and natural park with sporting facilities, cultural facilities, educational facilities, gardens, and playgrounds.
In the summer, the Canadian Stage Company hosts Shakespearean plays at the park, and in the winter, tobogganing is popular.
Go sightseeing at the Ontario Science Center
This is family-friendly and has many interesting exhibits to entertain your kids. It is located about 10km northeast of the city center.
Tourists who visit the center can see the latest developments in technology, optics, telecommunications, biology, space travel, meteorology, etc. They are presented in a fun way.
Look at shoes at the Bata Shoe Museum.
If you are a fashion enthusiast and you want to know more about the history of footwear, and you love to see shoes, the best place for you is to go to the Bata shoe museum, which has a unique collection of footwear from all around the globe, and it displays 13,500 items.
The museum features four exhibits; one is a semi-private gallery, and three change regularly.
There are many tourist attractions in Toronto that you can visit, and you will never have a dull moment in this city. Other notable tourist attractions are St. Lawrence Market, Toronto Botanical Garden, Niagara Falls, etc.
Best Time to Visit Toronto
The best time to visit Toronto is spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is generally pleasant and mild. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures, usually ranging from around 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). Springtime brings blooming flowers and cherry blossoms, while autumn offers vibrant fall foliage for picturesque views.
Summer (June to August) is also a popular time to visit, with warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The city has festivals, outdoor events, and patio dining options. However, summers can be humid, and occasional heatwaves are possible.
In Toronto, Winter (December to February) can be cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping below freezing. However, this season can still be enjoyable if you enjoy winter activities like ice skating, skiing, and holiday festivities.
It’s important to note that Toronto is a year-round destination with something to offer each season. The best time to visit depends on personal preferences, desired activities, and tolerance for weather conditions. Consider factors like your preferred weather, budget, and the specific events or attractions you wish to experience when planning your trip to Toronto.
How to get to Toronto
Getting to Toronto, Canada, depends on your starting point and mode of transportation. Here are some common ways to get to Toronto:
By Air: Toronto is served by two main airports: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ).
- If you travel internationally or from a long distance, you’ll likely arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport. It is located about 27 kilometers (17 miles) northwest of downtown Toronto and is accessible by public transportation, taxi, ride-sharing services, or airport shuttles.
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is on an island just offshore from downtown Toronto. It primarily serves domestic and regional flights and is accessible by a short ferry ride from the mainland.
By Train: VIA Rail Canada operates train services to and from Toronto’s Union Station, connecting the city with various destinations across Canada.
By Bus: Several bus companies, including Greyhound, Megabus, and Coach Canada, provide bus services to Toronto from various cities in Canada and the United States.
By Car: Toronto is well-connected to major highways, making it accessible by car. If you’re driving from nearby cities or regions, you can take highways such as the 401, 403, 407, or the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) to reach Toronto.
It’s advisable to check the availability, schedules, and fares of transportation options based on your location and travel preferences. Additionally, consider factors like traffic, weather conditions, and any travel restrictions or entry requirements that may be in place.
Top 5 Best Hotels in Toronto
- The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto: [Check Rates and Availability] This luxury hotel offers elegant accommodations and impeccable service in the heart of downtown Toronto. It features spacious rooms, a spa, a fitness center, and several dining options.
- Four Seasons Hotel Toronto: [Check Rates and Availability] Located in the upscale Yorkville neighborhood, this renowned hotel offers luxurious rooms, a rooftop terrace, a spa, and gourmet dining experiences. It provides impeccable service and a convenient location near high-end shops and restaurants.
- Shangri-La Hotel Toronto: [Check Rates and Availability] Situated in the city’s entertainment district, this stylish hotel boasts spacious rooms, a full-service spa, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. It offers stunning city views and is within walking distance of popular attractions.
- The Hazelton Hotel: [Check Rates and Availability] Nestled in the trendy Yorkville area, The Hazelton Hotel is known for its luxurious accommodations and personalized service. It features spacious rooms, a spa, an indoor pool, and a renowned restaurant.
- Fairmont Royal York: [Check Rates and Availability] A historic landmark in downtown Toronto, the Fairmont Royal York offers a blend of classic elegance and modern amenities. Its grand lobby, comfortable rooms, multiple dining options, and convenient location near attractions like the CN Tower provide a memorable stay.
These hotels are highly regarded for their comfort, service, and prime locations in Toronto. However, it’s important to consider your specific preferences, budget, and travel dates when selecting the best hotel for your stay.
Toronto Travel and Tour Packages
To help you plan your visit to Toronto, we listed places and other unique activities in Toronto, Canada. We also listed some of the best travel deals, tour packages, and excellent flight deals and accommodation.
Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of affordable Toronto hotels and resorts via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Toronto, Canada? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
Also read:
- My First Time in Toronto Canada
- Lunch at 360 Restaurant – CN Tower Toronto
- Ontario: Yours to Discover
- Taking in Downtown Toronto on Your Next Canada Holiday