If you’re in search of locations to go to in Toronto, we received your again!
Toronto is all about artwork, tradition, multicultural experiences, meals, inexperienced city areas, museums, sports activities, and pleasant locals (like us, eh). So what’s to not love?
As you recognize, Highway Journey Ontario is predicated in Toronto and locals (one among us born and bred), we’ve put collectively the highest locations to go to in Toronto + hidden gems. A whopping 35+ of the most effective Toronto sights to familiarize you with town we name residence.
Normally, we plan day journeys and weekend getaways from Toronto –– however whether or not you’re a Canadian, a neighborhood Torontonian, right here for a sport, a live performance, a present or a vacationer passing by means of, you’ll discover that there’s a lot to find on this metropolis. Oh, and when you’ve explored the whole lot on this checklist, why not contemplate an epic day journey from Toronto?
Toronto Historical past
- Toronto, probably the most densely populated metropolis in Canada and the capital of Ontario, has gained a fame for being the nation’s most famed metropolis. This can be why many people Torontonians imagine that Toronto is Canada.
- Regardless of its immense dimension, acclaim, and the sentiment of its residents, Toronto isn’t the capital of Canada – that honour is reserved for Ottawa, the place the nation’s federal authorities is predicated.
- The identify Toronto has an extended historical past, relationship again to 1675 when it appeared on maps as a water channel between Lake Simcoe and Couchiching. Over time, the identify made its means south to a fort on the banks of the Humber River often known as Fort Toronto. This was the primary settlement within the space and in the end lent its identify to the fashionable metropolis of Toronto.
- The Mohawk folks referred to the channel connecting Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching as “Tkaronto,” which means “the place there are timber standing within the water”. This channel, now often known as “The Narrows,” has been documented since 1615, when Samuel de Champlain recorded it.
- If you wish to sound like a neighborhood, don’t pronounce the second “T” like “Turonno”
Getting To Toronto
Aircraft
Toronto has two worldwide airports: Toronto Pearson Worldwide and Billy Bishop Toronto Metropolis Airport. Toronto Pearson is Canada’s busiest airport and provides connections to every continent.
The quickest and most budget-friendly means of travelling from the airport to Toronto is with the UP Categorical (Union-Pearson Categorical), which departs from Terminal 1. Alternatively, you could possibly take a taxi, Uber, or public transportation.
Billy Bishop Toronto Metropolis Airport is minutes from Toronto’s downtown core and situated on the Toronto Islands. Travellers can take a short ferry or stroll by means of the underground tunnel below Lake Ontario. Each Porter Airways and Air Canada provide flights from this airport.
Prepare
You may get to Toronto by prepare from different elements of Ontario and neighbouring provinces utilizing GO Transit, VIA Rail, and AMTRAK + VIA Rail if coming from the USA.
Automobile
Driving to Toronto from close by areas is simple, with Highways 2, 401, 407, and the Queen Elizabeth Approach + Gardner Expressway. Moreover, if you happen to want to cross the border, Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, and Windsor are the closest factors of entry.
Bus
Located between two Toronto Subway Stations and accessible by means of the underground PATH, the Grey Coach Terminal, now often known as the Toronto Coach Terminal, is town’s central hub for Coach Canada, Greyhound Canada, and Ontario Northland bus traces.
Getting Round Toronto
Full disclosure, it takes an hour to get from Toronto to Toronto by automotive in any route. Our fifth season is building. Driving is a nightmare as nice and vital as building is for a constantly rising metropolis. One of the simplest ways to get round Toronto is by strolling, biking, or utilizing the streetcar (tram) and subway (prepare).
Toronto Transit Fee (TTC)
Toronto Transit Fee (TTC) which operates town’s trains, buses and streetcars, provides Day Passes – accessible in any respect subway stations. This permits limitless rides on all TTC transit inside 24 hours. This cross is very inexpensive for individuals who plan to make a couple of journeys throughout their keep.
Bike Share
For individuals who need to discover town in type, Bike Share has a number of bike stations scattered across the metropolis so guests can discover town shortly and successfully.
Hop-on-hop-off-bus
An environment friendly and well-liked option to see most of the metropolis’s sights is on one of many many sightseeing excursions just like the hop-on-hop-off bus tour, which offers vacationers with an affordable and handy means of visiting Toronto’s hottest sights.
Many tour operators provide narrated excursions in languages aside from English, together with Spanish, French, Mandarin, and Japanese, to say a couple of.
Prime Issues to See in Toronto (Day 1)
Earlier than we get began, Toronto is the normal territory of many countries, together with the Mississaugas of the Credit score, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. It’s now residence to many various First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Like most of our itineraries, we use the CN Tower as our start line. Since Toronto is a giant metropolis, we’ll logistically divide locations primarily based on their proximity to one another, from the CN Tower, and what you’ll be able to match inside a day.
1. CN Tower (The preferred of all locations to go to in Toronto)
Eager to get a birds-eye view of Toronto? Then head on over to the well-known CN Tower. Standing at 553.3 meters excessive, it’s the tallest free-standing constructing within the Western Hemisphere and the ninth tallest on the planet.
Whereas this Toronto vacationer attraction might be seen from nearly wherever within the downtown space, the most effective view is certainly from the Sky Pod. At 447 meters excessive, you’ll be capable of see so far as Niagara Falls on a transparent day. When you’re in search of a extra death-defying expertise, stroll alongside the 365-meter-high “Edge Stroll.”
After the sightseeing, why not seize a chunk to eat on the 360-degree revolving restaurant?
2. Rogers Centre
Rogers Centre (aka SkyDome, its former identify that almost all of us nonetheless name it) is a multi-purpose stadium residence to the Toronto Blue Jays. Opened in 1989, this iconic stadium is the world’s first totally retractable roof stadium and is a logo of Toronto’s sporty facet.
The Rogers Centre has hosted quite a few main occasions, together with the 1993 World Collection and the 2009 World Baseball Basic. Many cultural and musical occasions happen yearly if a sport isn’t on.
3. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
In downtown Toronto, close to the CN Tower, sits the underwater world that’s Ripley’s Aquarium. With over 20 000 marine and freshwater specimens, there is no such thing as a scarcity of mesmerizing water animals to identify.
The underwater tunnel is the proper place to look at these creatures – you’ll really feel as if you happen to’ve been transported to a wholly completely different world. There are additionally interactive shows, contact tanks and plenty of different instructional alternatives, making the Ripley Aquarium one of many must-see locations in Toronto for households.
4. Toronto Railway Museum
Toronto Railway Museum is a superb place to find the historical past of Toronto’s railroads and railway business. The museum has two everlasting exhibitions – one is devoted to the Railways of Toronto, and the opposite is to the Working Railway.
It additionally options many attention-grabbing shows, together with a Forties Pullman Station, a railway submit workplace, and collections of artifacts from the times of steam.
5. Steam Whistle Biergärten
Steam Whistle Biergärten, situated within the historic Roundhouse Park, provides a wide array of Steam Whistle’s craft beer, native spirits and scrumptious eats. The 20,000-square-foot courtyard with an enormous fire and loads of seating is open every day from Might to October and hosts numerous occasions all through the summer season months.
The beer choice contains house-made lagers, IPAs, ciders and extra. It additionally has a full bar providing wine and cocktails. As well as, there’s a collection of meals objects resembling wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, salads and extra.
6. Amsterdam Brewhouse
Amsterdam BrewHouse is a superb and well-liked beer-inspired place to go to in Toronto that’s situated by the lake and provides beautiful views of Lake Ontario. Amsterdam Brewhouse has a wide array of craft beers, wines, and spirits and an array of scrumptious meals choices to pair it with.
With as much as 15 completely different beers on faucet, together with some hard-to-find seasonal specialties. Amsterdam Brewhouse has a fantastic ambiance and, through the summer season, can have lengthy lineups of individuals attempting to get in, making it one of the vital well-liked locations to go to in Toronto.
7. Harbourfront Centre
Harbourfront Centre is a non-profit cultural group and landmark on Toronto’s waterfront based in 1972. The Centre presents over 4,000 occasions year-round with entry to main Canadian and worldwide artists in music, theatre, dance, literature, visible arts, household programming and extra.
With 4 galleries, a craft & design retailer, a public promenade, an out of doors stage and several other out of doors websites for festivals and particular occasions, there’s a good probability that one thing might be occurring throughout your go to.
Issues To See In Toronto | East Of The CN Tower
8. Scotiabank Area
Scotiabank Area, previously often known as the Air Canada Centre, is an indoor area residence to the Toronto Raptors (2019 world champions! “WE THE NORTH!”) and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The sector is owned and operated by the Maple Leafs Sports activities and Leisure enterprise division, which additionally owns each groups.
9. Fairmont Royal York
The Fairmont Royal York is a historic, AAA/CAA four-diamond luxurious lodge and is likely one of the metropolis’s iconic landmarks. The lodge has over 1,000 rooms and suites and provides numerous companies and facilities, together with upscale eating, assembly and banquet services, a health centre and spa, salon companies, and occasion areas.
10. Hockey Corridor of Fame
Talking of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Canadians love their sport – particularly ice hockey! If you’re a fan of this sport or need to be taught extra about it, it’s essential to head to the Hockey Corridor of Fame. This museum holds all sorts of memorabilia – from gamers’ jerseys and kits to the well-known Stanley Cup.
Coming to this museum is likely one of the finest issues to do in Toronto with youngsters. In addition to shopping the exhibitions, you’ll be able to take a look at your ice hockey abilities. This corridor of fame provides interactive video games the place you’ll be able to shoot pucks at a digital goalie – or try to be the goalie if you happen to’re up for it. And sure, you’ll be able to strive these video games out even if you happen to’re an grownup.
11. Gooderham Constructing (Flatiron Constructing) + Berczy Park
The Gooderham Constructing and Berczy Park are two superior downtown landmarks en path to St. Lawrence Market and The Distillery District. The Gooderham Constructing, generally often known as the Flatiron Constructing, is a notable Victorian Period constructing within the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood that has existed since 1892.
Behind the Flatiron Constructing is Berczy Park, which is on this checklist just because it has the good 2-tiered fountain with canine and cat sculptures.
12. The Cathedral Church of St. James
The Cathedral Church of St. James is the oldest Anglican church in Toronto. Established in 1797, it was the primary Anglican church in Higher Canada and served as the unique seat of the diocese of Toronto.
The constructing is an instance of Gothic Revival structure, constructed from native stone within the 1830s and contains a 137-foot-high tower and spire, making it a distinguished landmark within the metropolis.
13. St. Lawrence Market
This public market on the southwest nook of Entrance and Decrease Jarvis Avenue is crammed with distributors. The sights, scent, and grand inside contribute to a captivating ambiance. If you end up in St Lawrence Market, pattern some scrumptious meals or deal with your self (or a pal) to a present or two.
This spot is a Toronto must-do, even if you happen to’re simply visiting Toronto for the weekend.
14. Distillery District
Whether or not you like a craft beer, a glass of wine or good previous G&T, you’ll discover it on this industrial Toronto neighbourhood. Taking a segway tour is a good way to discover the world. However if you happen to’re planning on sampling some (boozy) items, then a walking tour could be the smarter choice.
Distillery District is thought for its hip, broody ambiance, which makes it the proper place for a number of occasions. Throughout the hotter months, there’s the Music Metropolis Summer season sequence and a weekly Sunday market. In any other case, there’s a number of boutiques, artwork galleries, eating places, and cafes ready to be found.
Toronto Locations To Go to | North Of The CN Tower (Day 2)
King Avenue
From the CN Tower, we head North to King Avenue. Inside the downtown core, King Avenue is a significant cultural and leisure hub (Leisure District). It comprises many outlets, eating places, bars, golf equipment, stay theatres, film theatres, live performance halls, the Toronto Worldwide Movie Pageant and different companies.
15. Roy Thomson Corridor
Roy Thomson Corridor is residence to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and hosts many different performances and particular occasions all year long. The acoustics and structure of the corridor have made it a well-liked venue for each classical and well-liked music acts, in addition to comedy and stage performances.
Canadian architect Arthur Erickson designed the constructing, which might seat 2 630 and was accomplished in 1982.
16. Princess of Wales Theatre
The historic Princess of Wales Theatre is a 1,000-seat theatre inbuilt 1893 and is the oldest in Canada. Canadian impresario George William Ross initially owned the constructing, however Mirvish Productions owns it.
Though the theatre was initially constructed as a vaudeville home –– This kind of gentle leisure was well-liked from the mid-Eighteen Nineties to the early Nineteen Thirties and comprised a variety of performers, together with magicians, acrobats, comedians, skilled animals, jugglers, singers, and dancers, every act lasting for about 10-Quarter-hour)
It has since hosted quite a few theatrical productions, concert events and occasions and is likely one of the most famed theatres within the metropolis.
17. TIFF Bell Lightbox
TIFF Bell Lightbox is an leisure venue, the headquarters of the Toronto Worldwide Movie Pageant, and a multi-screen cinema advanced with 5 screens. It opened on September 12, 2010, because the everlasting residence of the Toronto Worldwide Movie Pageant.
When the TIFF isn’t taking on Toronto in September, The TIFF Bell Lightbox additionally options common movie screenings, lectures, discussions, festivals, workshops, and year-round installations.
The advanced contains two eating places, a lounge, galleries, a present store, and studying and rental areas.
Queen Avenue
As we proceed north, we hit Queen Avenue on the centre of the Trend District. It is likely one of the busiest streets within the downtown space, lined with an eclectic mixture of shops, from high-end vogue boutiques, thrift outlets, bars and eating places.
18. Campbell Home Museum
Campbell Home Museum homes numerous artifacts referring to Sir William Campbell’s and his household’s lives. The museum isn’t solely a gorgeous historic landmark with a grandiose Georgian-style residence; it was inbuilt 1822 by William Campbell, one among Toronto’s foremost architects and builders.
The museum provides quite a lot of excursions, the place you’ll be able to discover the home and study its historical past. As well as, many occasions and applications are held all year long that gives instructional and interactive actions.
It’s also rumoured that the home may additionally be haunted.
19. Osgoode Corridor
Osgoode Corridor is an iconic constructing within the coronary heart of Toronto inbuilt 1829. The primary Legislation Society of Higher Canada initially occupied it, however in the present day it serves as a historic landmark and museum.
The constructing is Neo-Classical structure, with two giant towers on both facet of the principle entrance. The constructing’s facade is adorned with a number of sculptural particulars, such because the determine of Girl Justice above the doorway and the grand pillars that flank the entranceway.
Guests are welcomed with an impressive grand staircase main as much as the principle entrance.
20. Toronto Metropolis Corridor + Toronto Signal + Nathan Phillips Sq.
When you ever puzzled the place to search out that multi-coloured ‘Toronto’ signal you’ve seen on social media? Effectively, Nathan Phillips Sq. is the place you’ll discover it! However that’s not the one cause to go to Toronto’s city plaza.
This sq. hosts a number of occasions all year long, resembling a New 12 months’s Eve occasion and the Cavalcade of Lights Pageant. Positioned within the heart, you’ll discover a sizable, man-made pond (in the summertime) that doubles as an ice skating rink within the winter months.
21. Toronto Previous Metropolis Corridor
Toronto Previous Metropolis Corridor is an architectural landmark constructed from 1889 to 1899 and was as soon as the house of town’s municipal authorities for practically a century. The constructing is one among Canada’s most distinguished examples of Richardsonian Romanesque structure and is a Nationwide Historic.
22. Eaton Centre
The Eaton Centre is town’s solely mega procuring vacation spot. With 230 nationwide and worldwide retailers, it provides buyers an abundance of procuring alternatives and leisure choices. As well as, the Eaton Centre caters to its guests with numerous eating alternatives.
23. Yonge-Dundas Sq.
Yonge-Dundas Sq. is an iconic landmark in Toronto, similar to the long-lasting Occasions Sq. in New York Metropolis –– however on a smaller scale. The world is all the time bustling with vacationers and locals, having fun with the open house and eclectic ambiance. The vivid LCDs illuminate the sq. and seize the electrifying power of downtown Toronto.
24. Artwork Gallery of Ontario
Calling all artwork lovers. The Artwork Gallery of Ontario (AGO for brief) and its 95 000 artwork piece collections are calling your identify! From up to date artwork to Renaissance masterpieces, you’ll get to admire numerous artworks from throughout the globe.
Whenever you’re not ambling by means of the galleries, you’ll be able to partake in one of many attention-grabbing workshops and seize a chunk to eat on the AGO Bistro.
25. Graffiti Alley
It is a Toronto must-see for vacationers and locals alike. Working parallel to Queens Avenue West and Richmond Avenue West lies an alleyway with a kaleidoscope of colors. That is the place to go if you wish to see a extra various facet of the artwork scene!
26. Kensington Market
Mixed in with Chinatown, Kensington Market is a historic, bustling, eclectic and diverse community home to immigrants and locals for more than 100 years. The area is full of colourful shops, cafes, restaurants, and markets of all kinds, making it one of the city’s most vibrant and interesting places to explore.
This is one of our favourite spots in the city and a great place to find unique original items, whether new or used and grab a bite or a beer at Kensington Brewery.
Toronto Attractions | Further North Of The CN Tower (Day 3)
27. University of Toronto Campus
If you want a Harry Potter-type experience, start the day at the University of Toronto Campus.
In 1827, King’s College was established, making it the first university of higher learning in Upper Canada. The University of Toronto is home to twelve distinct colleges, with two satellite campuses in Scarborough and Mississauga.
28. Royal Ontario Museum
At first glance, the Royal Ontario Museum presents a contradictory sight. Jutting out from the building’s midsection is the museum’s most recent addition – an architectural masterpiece resembling a crystalline structure made of glass and aluminum. On either side stands the original museum’s walls which were done in Italianate and Neo-Romanesque architecture.
Once you step through the front doors, you’ll be transported into a natural history, art and culture world. Ever seen an Egyptian sarcophagus or a real-life meteorite collection? You can see that and so much more at this must-see attraction in Toronto.
29. Yorkville
Recently named one of the hippest and most vibrant neighbourhoods in Toronto, Yorkville is known as a quiet, posh residential area which has evolved into one of Toronto’s trendiest hotspots. From high-end boutiques to outdoor art and trendy cafes and eateries.
One of the most popular and iconic spots in Yorkville is the Mink Mile. This stretch of Bloor Street is lined with some of the most luxurious stores in Toronto, such as Coach, Burberry, and Harry Rosen.
30. Bata Shoe Museum
At the Bata Shoe Museum, you can explore their unique collection of more than 13,000 shoes and footwear-related artifacts. The museum is home to some of the world’s oldest and most unusual footwear.
From ancient Egyptian sandals to modern high-heeled stilettos, you can learn about the history of shoe making and its social importance. With interactive displays to guided tours with experienced curators, this is a great stop for shoe and fashion enthusiasts.
31. Casa Loma (One of the top Toronto Attractions)
Ever dreamed of building your own ostentatious, medieval-style castle? Perhaps you won’t get to do it in this lifetime, but you can certainly imagine what it would be like during a tour of Casa Loma.
This 98-bedroom castle was built in the early 1900s for Sir Henry Pellatt, a Canadian multi-millionaire. Whenever you’re not exploring the key passageways, towers and adorned suites, you’ll be able to stroll in regards to the sprawling 5-acre backyard.
Locations To Go In Toronto | East Of The CN Tower
32. Fort York Nationwide Historic Website
Fort York Nationwide Historic Website is residence to the nation’s largest assortment of unique Warfare of 1812 buildings. It was established as way back as 1793 to guard the harbour from an American invasion.
The fort is open to the general public seven days every week and provides quite a lot of actions, together with guided excursions, instructional applications and interactive displays. Throughout the summer season months, common re-enactments of battles happen in and across the fort, permitting guests to expertise a chunk of historical past first-hand.
33. BMO Subject
BMO Subject, situated at Exhibition Place in Toronto, is residence to the Toronto Soccer Membership (Toronto FC) and the Toronto Argonauts (CFL). With 30,000 folks, the sector can host different large-scale occasions, resembling out of doors concert events.
34. The Exhibition Place, aka The Ex
The Ex is an age-old summertime attraction in Toronto and is the biggest honest in all of Canada. it covers 200 acres of land with over 800 exhibitions and video games, together with bowling, bumper vehicles, carnival rides, video arcades, and a lot extra
Additionally they have traditional honest meals like cotton sweet, candied apples, popcorn, and excessive meals objects resembling fried crickets or hotdog-flavoured ice cream.
The place To Go In Toronto | South Of The CN Tower
35. Toronto Islands
The place to go in Toronto? Effectively, all you need to do is look out on the small cluster of islands off the shore of downtown Toronto. This small archipelago is one among North America’s largest city car-free communities (effectively, in addition to the handful of service automobiles).
There are many issues to do whereas visiting the Toronto Islands, resembling rowing, crusing, biking and strolling. Throughout the summer season, the Toronto Islands host many out of doors occasions like music festivals. There’s additionally the Centreville Amusement Park if you happen to’re in search of some exhilarating enjoyable.
When you can simply tour the islands by yourself, taking a guided bike or boat tour of the Toronto harbour and several other islands is a good way to make sure you don’t miss out on something. Whenever you’re on any islands, look again on the mainland – on clear days, you’ll take pleasure in a shocking view of the Toronto skyline.
Extra Time In Toronto, Extra Toronto Sights (Day 4 and Past)
36. Allan Gardens – Toronto Botanical Backyard
With nearly 4 acres of land and 17 gardens the scale of cities, there’s loads to be seen. There are additionally quite a few trails to meander alongside – you could possibly simply spend a whole day amongst the flowers.
The Toronto Botanical Backyard is run by a non-profit group that goals to teach and encourage guests by means of its splendidly designed backyard areas. It’s best to pop into the seasonal cafe for a candy deal with once you’re not admiring the flowers.
37. Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre is likely one of the must-do Toronto actions – it’s effervescent with curiosity, inspiration and creativity. Be ready; quite a bit is happening at this Toronto attraction.
You’ll be capable of work together with displays, get hands-on with science experiments or observe a stay presentation. In case your child desires to develop into an astronaut or scientist at some point, ship them on over to the spectacular KidSpark – a spot of enjoyable and studying.
Over and above this, there are a number of out of doors shows too! You’ll by no means have a boring second at this attraction.
38. Rouge Nationwide City Park
It is a excellent place to go in Toronto if you wish to escape town bustle. With no entrance charges and solely an hour’s drive sitting between you and this Toronto must-see, what’s stopping you from having fun with this tranquil spot?
This city nationwide park boasts an array of animal species and terrains. You may sunbathe on the seashores of Lake Ontario, paddle alongside the river, or discover the dense forests. Different actions embody tenting, mountain climbing alongside the paths, fishing within the marshland and studying about a few of Canada’s oldest recognized indigenous websites.
When you’re trying to get additional away from town, contemplate heading additional north, the place you’ll be able to hike in Huntsville or spend the weekend tenting.
The place To Keep In Toronto + Map
Closing Ideas: Prime Toronto Locations to Go to
On the subject of prime locations to go to, you’ll be able to see why Toronto must be prime of the checklist. This metropolis is really implausible and has one thing for everybody – whether or not you’re a foodie, sports activities fanatic or artwork lover. We could be a tad biased, however we actually need you to like our metropolis as a lot as we do.
If you recognize of every other hidden gems in Toronto and assume they need to be included on this checklist, drop a remark under – We’d love to listen to from you!
