From the CN Tower to the Royal Ontario Museum, here are Toronto’s top tourist and cultural attractions. If you’re planning on taking a road or air trip to this great city in Canada, you need to read this!
The best tourist attraction in Toronto: the CN Tower
Definitely the best tourist attraction in Toronto, the CN Tower gives you a 58-second elevator ride and takes you to the 114th floor of the second tallest free-standing structure in the world, an 1,815.5-foot communications tower and 181 floors built in 1976 by Canadian National. The glass elevator offers a breathtaking view that predisposes the visitor to the dizzying panorama from the top of the observation deck where, on a clear day, you can see as far as the Canada-US border. Visitors with steel nerves can walk on the glass floor for a view 1122 feet down. Do you want to impress your traveling companions? For a panoramic view of 1465 m above the ground,
A tourist attraction for sports fans: the Hockey Hall of Fame
This shrine to Canada‘s favorite sport celebrates all phases of hockey, including the players who have reached the top. Housed in part in a former bank, a handsome establishment dating back to 1885 and incorporated into Brookfield Place, this hall of fame contains the most comprehensive collection of hockey memorabilia and memorabilia in the world, including the very first version of the Stanley Cup. Interactive exhibits, from a range of multimedia kiosks to test your hockey knowledge to a virtual penalty shootout game, allow visitors to compete against legendary players, one on one.
Toronto’s must-see tourist activity: the Toronto Islands
These islands formed from a peninsula, when the rushing waters of the River Don separated the tip from the mainland during a violent storm in 1858. More than a dozen islets and medium-sized islands make up this urban archipelago, some of them connected by bridges, others accessible only by boat. A thriving residential community of creative people calls Ward and Algonquin Islands their home, while Center Island is a popular amusement park location.
No cars are allowed on the islands, which adds enormously to their quiet charm. As well as exploring the islands on foot, one can opt for two ways to get the most out of the experience: either hire a boat and row through the important lagoon system, or hire a bike to pedal to a secluded spot. to have a picnic. You will easily forget that you are a stone’s throw from one of the busiest ports in Canada.
The shopping destination in Toronto: the Eaton Center
This building is named after Canada’s legendary retail magnate, Timothy Eaton, whose sales catalog and department stores were beloved national institutions until 1999, when the company declared bankruptcy. Shopping center on several floors, it is the mall par excellence of the city center: large, noisy and very busy. Opened in 1979, it was hailed as the anchor that would turn seedy Yonge and Dundas streets into an upscale destination, with a complex housing some 300 shops, restaurants and cafes.
To discover in Toronto: the historic Distillery District
As you walk the cobbled, pedestrian streets that cut through the industrial Victorian architecture established across North America as you once did, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled to another century. The 44 buildings of this 13-acre site were, until the mid-1900s, owned by Gooderham and Worts, one of the largest distilleries in the world. This distillery was built from a flour mill, founded there in 1832 by the Englishman James Wort and his brother-in-law William Gooderham. This 150-year-old neighborhood has been given a new lease of life with a vibrant community of cafes, restaurants, galleries, art studios, performance venues and specialty stores.
The Hill House
This medieval-style castle, completed in 1914 for an astronomical sum of 3.5 million, looms on a hill overlooking the city center. Designed by famed Toronto architect EJ Lennox, Casa Loma (“house on the hill” in Spanish) was owned by Sir Henry Pellatt, a prominent industrialist who, following financial ruin, was forced to relinquish to his 98-room dream home, less than 10 years after it was built.
The Art Gallery of Ontario
One of the most prominent museums in North America for its eclecticism, the Art Gallery of Ontario, founded in 1900, houses more than 79,000 works. Canada’s remarkable pieces of art, including the paintings of the Group of Seven, are a national treasure. In addition to superb plasters, bronzes and other works by Henry Moore, the gallery exhibits important masterpieces of European art, from paintings by Tintoretto and Frans Hals to Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso. Major renovations, led by architect Frank Gehry, were completed in November 2008. They include a free contemporary gallery with rotating exhibitions accessible from street level during opening hours.
A must-do in Toronto: the Royal Ontario Museum
With over six million objects, the Royal Ontario Museum , or ROM – the largest in Canada – was established in 1914 with the ambitious dual mandate of covering natural history and world cultures. Themed galleries on archaeology, science, art, world cultures and natural history display important collections of Chinese treasures, ornate sarcophagi and dinosaur skeletons. Exhibits invite children to dig for fossils and examine species under a microscope.
Ontario Place
Designed by Eb Zeidler, this internationally renowned cultural, leisure and entertainment complex, inaugurated in 1971, is located on three man-made islands along the shores of Lake Ontario. The park is packed with family attractions ranging from rides to concert halls. Snack bars and restaurants are scattered throughout the complex. Taking full advantage of its lakeside location, Ontario Place offers great water activities, including the only downtown water park that features giant water slides, toboggan runs and wading pools for kids. toddlers. The complex is open from the end of May to the end of September.
Niagara Falls
One of the most famous natural attractions in the world: the great hissing arches, the foaming waterspouts crashing over 20-story high cliffs are a dazzling spectacle. The spray clouds add to the excitement of being on the edge of such a precipice, a feeling that ties your stomach. The 188 m high Canadian waterfall named “the horseshoe” is the most powerful of the three cataracts that make up Niagara Falls. On the other side of the river, we find the impressive “American falls” and the smallest, “the bride’s veil”. When visiting the falls, take the time to stop at some of the other sites in the Niagara region, including its acclaimed wineries and historic museums.
Canada’s Wonderland amusement park
The main star of this amusement park , the Leviathan, is the tallest roller coaster in the park. The brave participants will plummet 306 feet at an angle of 80 degrees and reach speeds of up to 148 km/h. Kids, meanwhile, will love the rides from Planet Snoopy and KidZville . The whole family can live an unforgettable experience.
The Ontario Science Center
Live an extraterrestrial experience in L’Espace’s state-of-the-art planetarium, touch a (simulated) tornado and discover a real rainforest with Living Earth. The Science Arcade lets you explore physics using a generator bicycle and light wand, making it a crowd favorite. However, inform yourself before coming to the Ontario Science Center as some activities may be temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Toronto’s Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium features the largest underwater tunnel in North America. Measuring 100 meters long, it allows you to cross a gigantic aquarium filled with sharks. Plus, Ripley’s Aquarium has three touch tanks where you can touch rays, horseshoe crabs and sharks.
Le Canada’s Walk of Fame
Walk in the footsteps of Canada’s most inspiring stars. To see celebrity stars such as Neil Young, Wayne Gretzky, Ginette Reno, Linda Evangelista, Pamela Anderson, Ryan Reynolds and Rachel McAdams, head to downtown Toronto along King Street West (between St. John and Simcoe) and along Simcoe Street (between King Street West and Wellington Street).
Kensington Market
The eclectic and multicultural neighborhood of Kensington Market combines different types of architecture from the 1880s to the 1960s. to make it a very special urban district. At the market, you will find foodstuffs from Central and South America as well as foodstuffs from the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Jamaica.
St. Lawrence Market
This historic building, which is over 200 years old, won the title of the best market in the world by National Geographic in 2012. The market is made up of three buildings: the South Market, the North Market and the St. Lawrence Hall. The North Market is best known for its Saturday Farmers’ Market, a tradition that has been going on since 1803. The history of the market is so exciting that there are even tourist walking tours about it.
Toronto City Hall
Toronto City Hall is an internationally recognized architectural masterpiece. Designed during one of the largest architectural competitions organized by a city, it was chosen by an international jury from more than 510 submissions from 42 countries. In winter, the shallow pool is transformed into a skating rink thanks to a cooling system located in the cement floor.
The restaurant with the most breathtaking view in Toronto: One Eighty
Located on the 51st floor , taking the stairs will most certainly allow you to enjoy your meal without worrying about the calories. With its two highest terraces in Canada, acrophobics will have to move on! For others, you’ll be happy to know that the One Eighty restaurant serves reasonably priced meals (main dishes start at $17) with a 180-degree view. Chef Zack Jacobs’ award-winning menu combines tapas-style appetizers with seasonal entrees and desserts.
Le Bata Shoe Museum
In addition to slippers, clogs and shoes from different civilizations, you can see shoes made from human hair and a pair of platforms that belonged to Elton John. The Bata Shoe Museum holds no less than 13,000 shoes and artifacts, making it the largest shoe collection in the world.
Toronto’s LEGOLAND® Discovery Center
This indoor amusement park brings together more than 3 million LEGO blocks under one roof. Discover the MINILAND facility in the city of Toronto and its surroundings, take a tour of the factory, board a trolley to save the princess in the Kingdom Laser Quest Ride. Be there ready to eliminate the dangers that will suddenly appear in front of you with your laser guns.
Toronto’s Chinatown
Stretching along Spadina and Dundas Streets West, Toronto’s Chinatown is one of the largest in North America. On the menu: medicinal herbs, exotic foods, cheap offers and excellent restaurants.
Toronto Zoo
Lots of charming encounters await visitors to the Toronto Zoo. Whether it’s Twiga, a Masai giraffe, or her giraffe Mstari, or the two giant pandas Er Shun and DaMao. You can also take a four-hectare tundra circuit that includes award-winning habitat for polar bears as well as snow geese, reindeer, snowy owls, arctic foxes and wolves.
Toronto’s Indian Quarter
Head to Gerrard Street between Greenwood and Coxwell for a foray into India. Amid garlands of colorful light bulbs and dazzling saris, inhale the exotic aromas, fill your baskets with mustard seeds and candy canes and give in to the festive rhythm of Bollywood’s most popular songs. Despite the textile shops brimming with colorful silks and the various items to be had, the main attraction is still the food. Delight in an authentic tandoori chicken or indulge in the many vegetarian alternatives.
The Waterfront
The downtown lakefront is a popular spot for tourists and Torontonians alike. Bordered by a long wooden promenade, it is the ideal place for a walk. In addition, urban beaches are perfect for relaxing on hot summer days. The Waterfront also has several trendy boutiques for window shopping.
Le BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Toronto
This sumptuous Hindu temple is an architectural masterpiece. Handmade according to age-old traditions, the Mandir was built in a record 18 months by more than 400 dedicated volunteers. Made of real hand-carved Italian marble, the Mandir is a unique monument of its kind in Canada.
The Rogers Center
A Toronto city tour is incomplete without a stop at Rogers Centre. The prestigious amphitheater offers several options under the same roof, whether sporting or cultural events. It is also the first stadium in the world to be equipped with a motorized retractable roof.
Where to eat in Toronto: What is it?
The restaurant with many ethnic dishes promises surprises and discoveries. Its diverse menu combines local traditions and influences from around the world to offer delicious comfort food dishes. The impressive selection of local craft beers and award-winning wines will leave you thirsty. What’s more, the good quality/price ratio of the dishes, the original music and the fireplace contribute to the warm atmosphere of the restaurant.
For a drink in Toronto: Bellwoods Brewery
The dream tourist attraction for beer lovers. Located in downtown Toronto, this small brewery occupying a former garage offers an ever-changing lineup of craft beers. Its above-average menu features a poultry liver mousse. Take the opportunity to stop by their shop and bring back a few beers.
The Yorkville neighborhood
Luxurious and upscale, Yorkville is Toronto’s most chic neighborhood. It’s the place to be if you’re looking for fine foods to spend your paycheck. Since the area includes the University of Toronto, expect to meet students and nerds through the wealthy people as well. Speaking of stars, your chances of meeting them will increase considerably during the Toronto International Film Festival, which takes place there every year.
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Have you always dreamed of time travel? Your fantasies will be fulfilled in this village which recreates the authentic atmosphere of the Ontario countryside of 1860. Discover more than 40 restored houses, shops, public and agricultural buildings, actors and artisans in period costume. Wondering how beer tasted in 1860? Drop by the historic Black Creek Brewery and see for yourself.
The Yonge-Dundas Square
Opened in 2002, Yonge-Dundas Square was created to bring more life and energy to the city. The urban space has granite surfaces, an elevated stage and 22 computer-programmed fountains. Yonge-Dundas Square hosts events, exhibitions and concerts of various sizes almost every day.
Comedy clubs
Do you want to pamper yourself? Head with a light heart to one of Toronto’s many comedy clubs, where comedians like Jim Carrey got their start. The three main reference points are Yuk Yuk’s , Comedy Bar and Second City .
Graffiti Alley
Also known as Rush Lane or Rick Mercer’s Lane, Graffiti Alley stretches for the equivalent of one kilometer. Urban art enthusiasts and amateur photographers will delight in the works unfolding south of Queen Street West, from Spadina Avenue to Portland Street.
The Rising Sculpture
The $5 million sculpture measuring more than 20 meters tall was created by one of China’s most influential contemporary artists, Zhang Huan. The sculpture resembling the body of a dragon is made of stainless steel. It is made up of countless doves of peace and twisted tree branches. It took the artist two years to complete his work in his studio in Shanghai. Weighing 22 tons in total, Rising was shipped to Toronto in five containers and assembled on site. The sculpture aims to advocate the protection of the environment and the harmonious relationship between man and nature.
The Canadian National Exhibition
This national fair is one of the largest in the world. It’s a veritable end-of-summer ritual for many Canadians. Indulge yourself with fair trade food or one of the many eccentric specialties offered on site such as “Timbits Poutine”. On the program: equestrian and canine shows, rides, typical fairground attractions, casino, concerts and cooking demonstrations.
The Toronto Botanical Garden
Stroll through 17 award-winning themed gardens on the 1.5 hectare Toronto Botanical Garden site. Inspirational and educational, the organic gardens are open daily from dawn to dusk. Plus, admission is free.
Harbourfront Center
Located very close to the Waterfront, the Harbourfront Center is a four-hectare multifunctional entertainment complex. At almost any time of the year, it is possible to attend a festival or an exhibition on the theme of art, culture and dance, music or gastronomy.
Marylin Monroe Towers (Absolute Towers)
Nicknamed for their voluptuous curves, these condo towers in suburban Mississauga represent the natural lines of life. The creators of the building had the ambition to awaken the desire of metropolitans towards nature, such as the sun or the wind, as well as the human body. Unlike typical skyscrapers, the Marylin Monroe Towers avoid rigid, vertical lines. Their uninterrupted balcony enveloping each floor of the building gives them a soft and dynamic appearance.
The Humber Bay Arched Bridge
This pedestrian bridge provides an excellent view of the lake and the western end of town. It was completed in the mid-1990s and is 139 meters long.
The smallest house
Toronto’s smallest house sits on a lot just wide enough for a car to drive through, making it very popular with tiny house enthusiasts. The modest abode was built in 1912 when Arthur Weeden noticed a tiny available lot on Day Avenue and decided to build a house there.
