Toronto is the largest city in Canada, and it’s an ideal destination for anyone exploring the East of the country. Over the past two years, I’ve enjoyed exploring this beautiful city and discovering all it has to offer. From the breathtaking architecture of the CN Tower to the vibrant street art in Kensington Market, Toronto has something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting during the winter or summer, staying for an extended period, or just stopping by briefly as part of your trip, I’ve put together the ultimate list of top attractions in Toronto that promise year-round enjoyment.
Best attractions of Toronto
Let’s dive into the top attractions around Toronto and discover what makes this city so special. If you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, Toronto has it all. Get ready to be amazed!
CN Tower
Location – 301 front street West, Website
The CN Tower is a 553.3-meter (1,815 ft, 5 in) freestanding structure and a city symbol with multiple observation decks offering stunning views of Toronto and beyond.
On the main deck of CN Tower, there’s plenty to do! Walk on the famous glass floor or dine at the 360 Restaurant, where you’ll get views of the entire city as the restaurant rotates every hour. Thrill-seekers can try the Edge Walk, hanging off the edge of the outside of the building. Read this blog – My personal adventure at the CN Tower.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Location- 288 Bremner Blvd, Website
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is a must-visit attraction, just a short walk away. The aquarium offers an educational, and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a stunning display of marine life, including jellyfish, seahorses, and various species of fish.
One of the highlights of the aquarium is the walk-through tunnel surrounded by sharks and rays. As you stroll through the tunnel, it will feel like you are walking on the ocean floor, entirely surrounded by these fascinating creatures. In addition, the aquarium has touch tanks and daily shows where you can watch divers feed the fish and learn about conservation efforts.
Rogers Center
Location- 1 Blue Jays Way, Website
Want to catch a baseball game? The Blue Jays play at Rogers Centre, located at the base of the CN Tower. They’re Canada’s only MLB team, so if you’re in Toronto from April to September, this is your chance to catch baseball. Enjoy the summer weather and affordable tickets at Rogers Centre.
Nathan Phillips Square
Location- 100 Queen St. West, Website
Whether you’re looking for a fun place to take pictures for Instagram shots, enjoy a festive event, or start your exploration of the city, Nathan Phillips Square is a popular gathering spot for tourists and locals alike, and there’s always something happening here.
For instance, the Square transforms into a festive party zone during New Year’s Eve, with concert stages and fireworks. In winter, the Square is worth a visit. The fountain becomes an ice skating rink, free to use or rent skates for a few dollars.
When you visit during the day, the sign decorates with themes to celebrate various festivals or special occasions. But at night, it’s even more impressive, as it glows in vibrant colors against the dark sky. In addition, there are usually street food trucks and lots of tourist buses parked around the Square, making it an ideal spot.
Harbourfront center
Location- 235 Queen Quay West, Website
If you’re searching for fun activities near the waterfront, visiting the Harbourfront Centre is worth considering! The Centre is a cultural hub on a pier that offers walking paths, performance stages, exhibits, restaurants, coffee shops, and more. Something new and exciting is always happening at the Harbourfront Centre, and you can capture great photos down by the lake.
Royal Ontario Museum
Location- 100 Queens park, Website
Located at the intersection of Bloor Street and Avenue Road, the museum is a sprawling architectural marvel that houses an extensive collection of over 6 million objects that reflect the diversity of the natural world and human history.
I got my ticket and felt a little lost in the museum since there were many galleries, and I wasn’t sure where to start. Fortunately, I spotted a friendly museum guide waiting for people to join her free guided tour. I thought, why not? I decided to join them, and it was worth it. This kind of free tours offer daily.
The ROM is a fascinating journey into the past, with galleries across continents and centuries. The museum has a collection of over 30 galleries of spectacular dinosaur fossils; explore the intricate textiles and costumes from around the world or admire the exquisite gems and minerals in the Teck Suite of Galleries: Earth’s Treasures.
The museum’s collections are more comprehensive than natural history and geology. The ROM also has an extensive collection of art and cultural artifacts worldwide, including the renowned Samuel European Galleries, which feature European art and culture. The museum’s galleries also showcase the vibrant cultures of Canada’s First Peoples, with exhibits that highlight their traditions, arts, and daily life.
Dundas Square
Location- 1 Dundas Street East, Website
Suppose you’re looking for a place similar to Times Square in Toronto. In that case, Dundas Square is the perfect spot to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife. A famous street in Toronto, it offers a range of attractions, such as street performers and dazzling lights that illuminate the entire area during the evening.
While there is little to do besides shopping and dining, the place is worth visiting to capture some stunning photos. It’s worth noting that the Eaton Centre, a popular attraction, is located at the southwest corner of the Square. Although it’s a fantastic mall, it doesn’t merit a separate entry on the list. The mall has an extensive range of shops, fountains, and, during the Christmas season, a giant tree and reindeer, making it an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
Toronto Island
Location – Lake Ontario, Website
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto? Head over to the Toronto Islands!
The Islands, famous for their beaches, walking trails, and the historic Centreville Amusement Park, are in Lake Ontario. Take a ferry from the Ferry Terminal on Queens Quay to get there. Alternatively, try the Toronto Harbour Boat Cruise for a smaller tour of the harbor and surrounding islands.
Casa Loma
Location- 1 Austin Terrace, Website
Casa Loma, located in midtown Toronto, was built in the early 1900s and is a popular tourist attraction for various reasons. The Gothic-style mansion was constructed by Sir Henry Pellatt, a wealthy businessman in Toronto. Over the years, the estate has had a rich history and is now owned by the city. It is highly regarded for its extensive art collection and historical significance.
The estate is renowned for its grand-sized, impressive gardens. It is a popular venue for many events, including festivals and weddings throughout the year.
Queen Street West
Location – Queen Street
Queen Street West is a great place to go shopping and explore. It’s located along Queen Street West, west of Yonge Street, and extends past Bathurst Street. Many stores and shops sell various products, from clothing, electronics, furniture, and books.
In addition to shopping, there are many great places to eat and drink along Queen Street West. Many restaurants, cafes, and bars have various food and drink options. And if you’re in the mood for coffee or tea, there are plenty of places to get your caffeine fix.
Whether you’re a shopper, a foodie, or just looking to explore a new place, Queen Street West has something for everyone.
The Distillery District
Location- 55 Mill St. Website
Visit the Distillery District for beer, history, food, and photo spots. This industrial area was home to distilleries and now houses for shops, restaurants, and art installations. Enjoy light displays and Christmas markets in winter.
St. Lawrence Market
Location- 92 Front Street East, Website
Built in 1902, the St. Lawrence Market has two floors, offering fresh produce, meats, seafood, cheese, wine, and more. You’ll find samples and lunch options too.
The Market is east of downtown on Front Street. Take a photo of The Gooderham Building, a historic red-brick flatiron building at Wellington and Front Streets!
The Art Gallery of Ontario
Location- 317 Dundas St. West, Website
AGO is a massive art gallery located on Dundas Street West, Toronto. It features 95,000 works spread across 45,000 sq meters of space, making it one of the most extensive galleries in North America. Established in 1900, AGO has seen many expansions to its current size and number of galleries. It holds exhibitions and offers visitors numerous galleries to explore.
Riverdale Park
Location- 550 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 2N6
it’s a popular park known for its stunning views of the downtown skyline, especially at sunset. It is one of my favorite spots in Toronto watching sunsets and hang out with friends.
People often go there for:
- Picnics and relaxing
- Playing sports (baseball, soccer, etc.)
- Running or walking trails
- Watching the sunset
Aga Khan Museum
Location: 77 Wynford Drive, Toronto
The Aga Khan Museum in Toronto is a museum dedicated to Islamic art, Iranian art, and Muslim culture. It’s known for its stunning modern architecture, serene reflecting pools, and beautifully curated exhibitions.
A great place for Art lovers, architecture enthusiasts, culture explorers, and photographers.
Getting around Toronto
Toronto has many attractions and things to do, so planning your trip is crucial to make the most of your time there. Although it is possible to see Toronto in a day, it would be busy! While the city is walkable, the distances between the attractions can be daunting.
To get around the city, you can use the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), which includes streetcars, buses, and subway lines. I recommend getting a Presto card, a rechargeable card you tap and load with money at a machine. The TTC is moving towards the Presto-only system. This will make it easier to move around the city quickly.
Good content 🙂👍