Amelie CameronWith Toronto’s long history, its attractions come in a wide variety. Some are modern skyscrapers, others are historical sites and gorgeous natural landmarks, and others are fascinating structures that offer a fun, unique experience!
If you’re planning to go sightseeing in Toronto, these are the must-see attractions that you should put on your itinerary.
- CN Tower
- Harbourfront Center
- Casa Loma
- Humber Bay Arch Bridge
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Art Gallery of Ontario
- Aga Khan Museum
- Fort York National Historic Site
- Ontario Science Center
- Toronto Islands
- Scarborough Bluffs
- The Distillery Historic District
- St. Lawrence Market
- Kensington Market
- Hockey Hall of Fame
- Toronto Zoo
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
- Evergreen Brick Works
- Allan Gardens
- High Park
CN Tower
Address: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9:30 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14168686937
The CN Tower is one of the most memorable buildings in the Toronto skyline. It stands at 553.3 meters high, making it the world’s tallest free-standing structure until it was dethroned by Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Because of its height, there are many fun things you can do in this skyscraper. For example, it serves well as an observation deck, so you can drink in a 360-degree view of the skyline; there’s also a restaurant if you want to enjoy fine dining while high up.
Another exciting thing to do here is braving the EdgeWalk. This activity lets you walk along a platform 116 stories above Toronto with nothing but a harness; it’s not for the faint of the heart, but it’s definitely thrilling and unforgettable!
| Pro Tips: When you visit during a stormy day, there’s a possibility that lightning will strike the tower. If this happens, you don’t have to panic because the tower is actually built to handle it. A lightning strike will make for a cool photo, though, so if possible, try to capture it on your phone. |
Harbourfront Center
Address: 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday—12 to 6 pm
- Closed on Monday and Tuesday
Contact Number: +14169734000
For people who love contemporary art, the Harbourfront Center is a must-visit. This center is home to a thriving community of creatives and boasts a calendar full of performances, community activities, and other exciting events.
Aside from fun events, the Harbourfront Center has more things to offer. For example, there are open studios that allow you to watch as artists-in-residence are working on their next masterpiece; there are also galleries with many interesting pieces on display.
During winter, head to the lakeside rink and practice—or show off—your skating skills. Bring a partner if possible; it’s a perfect date night idea.
| Pro Tip: Festivals are held in the Harbourfront Center. Some of the past festivals were Hot and Spicy (a food festival), TAIWANfest (a cultural festival), and Summer Music in the Garden (a music festival). If there’s one happening while you’re in Toronto, I recommend attending it and joining in the fun! |
Casa Loma
Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9:30 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14169231171
When we think of castles, we think of the majestic structures scattered all around Europe, but did you know that there’s a castle smack-dab in Toronto? This castle is Casa Loma, which was built in 1914 by a financier by the name of Sir Henry Pellatt.
Now owned by the City of Toronto, Casa Loma is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions—with over 650,000 visitors every year! It’s also a hospitality venue; over 250 private events are held annually in this castle.
Another interesting fact about Casa Loma is that it has eye-catching architecture, making it a perfect location for film, television, and photo shoots. Some of the films that feature this castle include X-Men, Chicago, and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.
| Pro Tip: If you’re hungry, there’s a restaurant within the castle itself: Blue Blood Steakhouse. Treat yourself to a delectable piece of steak or any of the seafood dishes! |
Humber Bay Arch Bridge
– From: alisonsouto
Address: Martin Goodman Trl, Toronto, ON M8X 3M9, Canada
Contact Number: +14163922489
The Humber Bay Arch Bridge is pretty underrated, but with its massive arch, it’s definitely a pretty sight. It becomes even prettier during sunrise because of all the light reflected by the Humber River.
The best part about the bridge is that it’s for pedestrians, so you’re free to come here and enjoy the view for as long as you want. You can also rent a bicycle and cycle along the bridge if you want something more challenging.
| Pro Tip: The bridge is also part of the waterfront trail, a hiking trail that runs parallel to the entire north shore of Lake Ontario. If you’re an avid hiker, you might want to take this trail and enjoy the view along the way. |
Royal Ontario Museum
Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday—10 am to 5:30 pm
- Closed on Monday
Contact Number: +14165868000
Are you a big fan of history? Then, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) should be on your Toronto itinerary.
This museum covers just about anything in the massive book that is history. You can find rare gems that were extracted from the earth, as well as the bones of the majestic dinosaurs that once ruled our land!
Aside from being a museum, ROM is also a delight for creatives. For one thing, its architectural design is unique—it’s a clash of modern and classic architecture—and for another, there are interesting exhibits.
With over 40 galleries and exhibits, there’s so much to see in ROM. Plus, the exhibitions change every few months or so, so you’ll always have something to look forward to.
| Pro Tip: If you’re keen on checking out all the galleries, exhibits, and collections, you should stop by the museum as soon as it opens. It takes roughly three to four hours to explore everything, so be sure to put on your most comfortable pair of shoes. |
Art Gallery of Ontario
Address: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Thursday—10:30 am to 5 pm
- Wednesday and Friday—10:30 am to 9 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Closed on Monday
Contact Number: +14169796648
If you’re more of an art lover, then you need to visit the Art Gallery of Ontario. It’s one of the largest art museums in all of North America; it attracts about one million visitors every year!
This museum is home to over 120,000 works of art, and they come in a wide variety—from works by Indigenous and Canadian artists to cutting-edge contemporary art by internationally renowned artists.
One of the most fascinating pieces on display in the gallery is Large Two Forms by Henry Moore. It’s an avant-garde, corporeal structure that sparks curiosity to anyone who sees it; its sheer size, too, is enough to make you stare at it in awe.
| Pro Tip: If you need the kick of coffee, head to the Espresso Bar. If you prefer to eat something more filling, there’s the AGO Bistro. The bistro has menus for lunch, brunch, and dinner. |
Aga Khan Museum
Address: 77 Wynford Dr, North York, ON M3C 1K1, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday—10 am to 5:30 pm
- Wednesday—10 am to 8 pm
- Closed on Monday
Contact Number: +14166464677
As far as museums go, the Aga Khan Museum flies under the radar of most people, but it’s definitely one worth checking out. This institution is home to art from historically significant Muslim civilizations, as well as works by contemporary Muslim artists.
The main highlight of this museum is the Permanent Collection. It features works from a vast geographic area—from Spain and North Africa to the Middle East to South Asia and China.
Aside from displays of artwork pieces, the Aga Khan Museum also hosts films and live performances by Muslim artists. Because of this, there’s so much to look forward to in this museum.
| Pro Tip: If you can’t visit the museum but still want to check out some of the exhibits and displays, don’t worry because the museum has #MuseumWithoutWalls. This program allows you to virtually check out several collections and exhibits! |
Fort York National Historic Site
Address: 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday—11 am to 4 pm
- Closed on Monday and Tuesday
Contact Number: +14163926907
Fort York played an important part in Toronto’s history. It was once a battlefield where British soldiers, First Nations warriors, and Upper Canadian militiamen fought off the United States Army and captured Toronto back during the War of 1812.
Because of this, Fort York has been carefully restored and maintained, and now it’s a historic site you can visit to gain insight into the city’s history. Specifically, this site has military records, letters, memoirs, and other multimedia that you can peruse.
This site also has an exhibit that takes you through the steps leading up to the battle. This exhibit is so immersive that you’ll feel like you were there yourself when the soldiers fought against the U.S. Army!
| Pro Tip: If you want to have a more knowledgeable person giving you a tour of the place, you can join a guided tour, which starts at 11 am. This guided tour is free! |
Ontario Science Center
Address: 770 Don Mills Rd., North York, ON M3C 1T3, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday—10 am to 4 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 5 pm
- Closed on Monday
Contact Number: +14166961000
The Ontario Science Center is a must-visit for all science lovers. After all, this place celebrates all things science—from biology to technology to astronomy!
There are so many cool galleries and exhibits you should check out. There’s a simulated rainforest and a place for children to play science-themed arcade-style games; there’s even a space that displays meteorites from Mars and moon rocks!
The science center hosts over 500 interactive exhibits, so you really have a lot to check out. To make the most of your experience, try arriving here as early as possible; that way, you have a lot of time to explore everything.
| Pro Tip: When you’re hungry, there’s a restaurant inside the science center: Hakka Garden. It features a delicious fusion of Chinese and Indian cuisines! |
Toronto Islands
– From: travels.of.madhu
Address: St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands, ON, Canada
Aside from museums, historical sites, and skyscrapers, Toronto also boasts so much natural beauty. One landmark that’s a perfect example of this is the Toronto Islands.
The Toronto Islands feature 15 small islands in Lake Ontario, but the interesting thing about these islands is that they’re actually sandbars that came from the Scarborough Bluffs and moved by the lake’s currents.
Currently, the Toronto Islands are a popular tourist destination. You can go hiking or cycling here (the greenery is absolutely refreshing); there’s even an amusement park with fun rides, so this place is perfect for families as well.
| Pro Tip: To enjoy the islands even more, you should try paddleboarding or kayaking here. You’ll be able to enjoy a view of the Toronto skyline while doing so. |
Scarborough Bluffs
– From: chrisnoronhaphoto
Address: 1 Brimley Rd. S, Bluffers Pk Rd, Scarborough, ON, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +14163380889
Speaking of gorgeous natural landmarks in Toronto, another one you should check out is the Scarborough Bluffs. The Bluffs is an escarpment that forms much of the eastern side of Toronto’s waterfront, and it’s noted for its amazing, bright, white cliffs.
In addition to its majestic cliffs, another interesting thing about the Bluffs is that it hides an ancient Greek theatre—or what looks like one. Guild Park and Gardens is a sculptural garden that houses rose bushes and salvaged architecture from the past.
Among the relics from demolished historical buildings in Toronto are the former archways of the Bank of Toronto. These archways are what make the garden look like a Greek theatre; they’re also perfect as a backdrop for your photos.
| Pro Tip: There are several parks lined along the Scarborough Bluffs, but only Bluffers Park has a beach. I recommend going there to swim in the lake while enjoying the view of the Bluffs. You can also paddleboard here! |
The Distillery Historic District
Address: 55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—10 am to 6 pm
- Friday and Saturday—10 am to 7 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14163641177
Shopaholics and foodies alike will take delight in the Distillery Historic District. This neighbourhood is teeming with boutique shops and eateries, so you can shop and dine to your heart’s content!
Aside from shops and restaurants, this district houses several theatres and galleries. These theatres and galleries host works and plays by local artists, so if you want to witness the skills of Canadian talents, you should check out these places.
The district is home to many world-renowned festivals and events. These festivals are always a lot of good fun because of all the performers and stalls selling amazing food, so if possible, be sure to attend an event and mingle with the locals.
| Pro Tip: Do you like supernatural stories? Well, rumour has it that the Distillery Historic District is haunted. If you want to catch a possible ghost sighting, you can join a haunted walk with other like-minded people. The district hosts The Haunted Walk, and you can find it on their tour page, but there are also walks hosted by third-party organizers that you can find on websites like Viator and TripAdvisor. |
St. Lawrence Market
Address: 92–95 Front St East, Toronto, ON M5E 1C3, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday—9 am to 7 pm
- Saturday—7 am to 5 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14163927219
St. Lawrence Market has been around since 1803, and for over 200 years, it has served as the beating heart for the culinary community in Toronto. Currently, there are over 120 vendors selling all kinds of things.
Most people come here to shop for groceries, but you can also find specialty items here. For example, you can browse boutique shops for unique jewelry, clothes made from Egyptian cotton, adorable toys, and many more.
Of course, there are restaurants here as well; Buster’s Sea Cove is one of the most popular ones, thanks to their fish and chips and other fresh seafood dishes. If you prefer something sweet, you can purchase a delectable pastry in any of the bakeries.
| Pro Tip: Events are often held in St. Lawrence Market. Usually, these are cooking classes, but there are also food festivals where several vendors come together and sell delicious treats at an affordable price. |
Kensington Market
Address: Old Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
Another historical neighbourhood that’s become a well-known market in modern-day Toronto is Kensington Market. Just like St. Lawrence Market, Kensington Market features a wide array of boutique stores and trendy restaurants.
An interesting fact about Kensington Market is that it was once home to a Jewish community over the first half of the 1900s. That’s why you can see several synagogues in the area—even to this day.
Now, the market is a hotspot for foodies. If you’re overwhelmed with all the available options, you can’t go wrong with the local favourites like Seven Lives (the tacos are so delicious) and Rasta Pasta (this is your chance to taste Jamaican-Italian fusion!).
| Pro Tip: As you may already know, weed is legal in Canada, so if you want to try smoking it, you can find cannabis products in some shops here. Examples include Hot Buds, One Plant, and Kensington Cannabis Store. |
Hockey Hall of Fame
Address: 30 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1X8, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14163607765
Are you a big fan of hockey? Then, you’ll definitely love visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame because it’s a celebration of the sport.
There are many exhibits to check out here. At the center of the Great Hall, you’ll find the magnificent Stanley Cup (at least a replica of it), and nearby is the NHL Zone, which highlights the current teams and players of the NHL.
Another fun exhibit is Be a Player. It’s an interactive exhibit, which means you’ll get to live out your dreams of being a hockey player!
| Pro Tip: If you can afford it, you might want to purchase any of the VIP packages. These packages offer amazing perks, such as a photo package with the Stanley Cup, accommodation at Le Germain Hotel Maple Leaf Square, and an autographed souvenir. |
Toronto Zoo
Address: 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5K7, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Contact Number: +14163925900
If you love animals, then don’t pass up the opportunity to visit the Toronto Zoo. At 287 hectares, it’s the largest zoo in Canada; there’s so much to see and discover here!
The zoo houses over 5,000 animals across 500 species, and they’re all categorized into seven zoogeographic regions: Africa, Americas, Australasia, Eurasia, Indo-Malaya, Tundra Trek, and the Canadian Domain.
Aside from the different pavilions housing the animals, the zoo also has fun areas where children can play around. A perfect example is Splash Island, which is a water play area for little ones.
| Pro Tip: If you’re tired of walking around, you might want to ride the Zoomobile instead! |
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Address: 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +16473513474
Another great place in Toronto you should visit if you love animals is Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. Located near the CN Tower, the aquarium holds 5.7 million litres of water and is home to 20,000 exotic sea and freshwater animals across 450 species.
Just like the zoo, this aquarium is divided into several areas. Stroll along the Dangerous Lagoon, an underwater tunnel where you can see sharks and stingrays, or dip your arms into the Discovery Center and touch animals like the horseshoe crab.
There are other fun things you can do in the aquarium. For example, you can have a slumber party here; it’s perfect for families who want to have a bonding time together.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit both the aquarium and the CN Tower, you can purchase the Sea the Sky Combo. It gives you access to both attractions at a relatively low price! |
Evergreen Brick Works
Address: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 3X8, Canada
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +14165967670
Tired of the bustle of Downtown Toronto? Then you might want to relax in Evergreen Brick Works.
This place is fondly referred to as Toronto’s backyard because it’s where people come to congregate and reconnect with nature. It also serves as a market area where people can buy fresh produce from local farmers.
Aside from being a market, Evergreen Brick Works is a venue for live concerts, skating activities, and other community events. This place is really bustling with energy, so you should come here to experience what it’s like living in Toronto.
| Pro Tip: If you’re interested in the site’s history and ecology, you can go on a tour to learn more. These tours are organized by volunteers, and they’re free of charge (though you can donate if you want to). Check out this page to learn more. |
Allan Gardens
– From: allan_gardens
Address: 160 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2E5, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14163927288
Allan Gardens is a perfect place to go for people who are passionate about plants. The land where the conservatory stands was donated to the Toronto Horticultural Society by George William Allan, and to this day, it’s still home to all kinds of plants and flowers.
The main highlight is the Palm House, which is a domed structure built in the neo-classical and Edwardian style. It also has several greenhouses, each housing a wide variety of plants, such as bromeliads, orchids, and gesneriads.
Aside from the Palm House, Allan Gardens has a playground where your little ones can run around and play with each other.
| Pro Tip: You can bring your own snacks and have a picnic in the park! |
High Park
Address: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3, Canada
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +14163380338
You can never go wrong with visiting a park, and if that’s what you’re in the mood for, you might want to visit High Park. This is the largest public park in Toronto!
Going on a picnic is the most popular thing to do here, but you can also go on a hike or check out the diverse vegetation. For your children, there are several fun playgrounds, especially the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground.
High Park even has a mini-zoo! This mini-zoo houses llamas, buffalo, bison, deer, peacocks, and more; it’s free of charge, so don’t forget to check it out.
| Pro Tip: If you’re visiting sometime in April or May, you may be lucky to spot the cherry trees blossoming. The sight of the cherry blossoms is one of the reasons this park is popular among tourists. |
