Ten of the Most Terrific Sights to Explore in Toronto
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the 4th largest in North America. As the capital of the Ontario province, it is renowned for its illustrious skyline, diverse neighborhoods, and eclectic food scene. The array of immigrants has made Toronto one of the most multicultural cities in the world with lots of unique experiences to enjoy. Visiting during the summer or the shoulder seasons will guarantee the best weather and most attractions will be open. Here are the top 10 best things you must see when visiting Toronto!
10. Nathan Phillips Square
Resting in in the heart of the city, Nathan Phillips Square is one of Toronto’s main plazas. Named after a well respected mayor, it makes as a great gathering point and has the iconic Toronto sign. The square is right next to the New City Hall and even turns into an ice skating rink during the winter months.
9. Kensington Market
Kensington Market is actually a neighborhood in downtown Toronto containing vintage boutiques, colorful street art, and an array of international restaurants. Be sure to try some Poutine at NomNomNom Poutine for the best of Canada’s signature dish. Less than a 15min walk away lies the infamous Graffiti Alley, which is adorned with eccentric street art.
8. Royal Ontario Museum
Stop by the Royal Ontario Museum to immerse yourself in history with exhibits ranging from ancient civilizations to contemporary art. The ROM is a bastion of knowledge and aesthetics where you can find prehistoric dinosaur fossils and ancient cultural antiques. The museum has a huge amount of artifacts on display so be prepared to spend at least a few hours.
7. Distillery District
Step back in time by strolling through the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District. This pedestrian-only area is a hub of creativity with art galleries, boutiques, bars, and cafes. The Distillery district contains Victorian style architecture and once housed a large whiskey distillery. Check out the Illuminarium Toronto for an ethereal cutting-edge visual experience like no other.
6. St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market is a food lover’s paradise where you can find fresh produce, international delicacies, and great souvenirs. Grab a Peameal bacon sandwich at the Carousel Bakery for the perfect start to any day. Keep in mind the market is closed Mondays but open the rest of the week from 9am to 7pm (but 5pm on weekends).
5. The Toronto Islands
Take a ferry just off shore of the mainland to reach the Toronto Islands and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This chain of 15 islands boasts stunning views of the skyline, sandy beaches, lush greenery, and even an amusement park! You can also rent a bike or kayak to explore the area on your own. Be sure to visit during the summer when all the attractions are operating for the best experience. You can purchase tickets to the ferry here, or buy private water taxi services at the port (more expensive, but less crowded, faster, and can leave when you want).
4. Casa Loma
Casa Loma is a Gothic Revival masterpiece that stands as a time capsule of Toronto’s regal past. Wander through grand halls adorned with royal artifacts and savor the view of the city skyline from the castle’s towers. Learn all about the castle’s history with a free audio guide supplied at the entrance. After wandering the halls, check out the celebrity wax museum depicting famous actors from movies shot in Toronto. One of my favorite works of cinema shot on the set was Scot Pilgrim V.S. the World.
3. Little Canada
Delve into the enchanting world of Little Canada, a meticulous showcase of the country’s diverse landscapes in miniature form. Little Canada exhibits 6 iconic territories where you’ll find uncanny models of famous landmarks. Be on the lookout for Maurice, the tiny red moose hidden throughout each display. You can even generate a miniature version of yourself using the Litilization pod to take home a tiny version of yourself or become an everlasting piece of the museum!
2. Niagara Falls, a Quick Daytrip from Toronto
While not directly in Toronto, a journey to the nearby Niagara Falls is an essential odyssey and only about an hour away. Witness the breathtaking spectacle of water in tumultuous descent, a symphony of nature’s unrestrained power. Niagara Falls is a poetic dance of mist and might, and easy to see why it’s often considered the 8th natural wonder of the world. Sign up for a day trip to the falls on a guided tour here! For more of the top things to do in the Niagara area, check out this post.
1. Rise to the top of Toronto at the CN Tower
No trip to Toronto is complete without visiting the CN Tower. This architectural marvel soars 553 meters into the sky, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city below. Thrill-seekers can try out the EdgeWalk, an exhilarating hands-free walk around the outside of the tower’s main pod. The iconic tower is Toronto’s most popular landmark so I highly recommend reserving tickets in advance. For the best deals for saving money the city’s top attractions, I highly recommend getting the Toronto CityPass.
Toronto is a city that seamlessly blends urban sophistication with natural beauty, offering a diverse range of experiences for every traveler. Whether you’re captivated by towering skyscrapers, enchanted by cultural treasures, or craving culinary delights, Toronto has it all. Three to 4 days in the city is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights in this vibrant city. Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
Check out the top 10 best things to do in the city in our Toronto Bucket List Tour!
Here’s our tour of Casa Loma! the first part of our Toronto travel vlog series
Check out our walkthrough of the Roya Ontario Museum!
Here’s the amazing Illuminarium Toronto!
Check out our guide to some of the coolest neighborhoods in Toronto!
Here’s some amazing views of the Toronto skyline and the Toronto islands!
Join us as we head to the top of Toronto in the CN Tower!
Check out the wonderous miniature world of Little Canada in part 7 of the Toronto Travel Vlog series!
Check out our Digital Travel Guide: How to Save Money & Travel More! For our best tips on booking cheap flights, hotels, and the best travel hacks for saving money on your trips!
How to Save Money & Travel More! Eclectic Travel Guide
