Explore Toronto: The 10 Best Things to See and Do

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and is a vibrant and diverse metropolis with something for everyone. Boasting a variety of attractions, activities, and landmarks, Toronto is a hot spot for visitors both from Canada and abroad. Whether you’re a fan of the arts, an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or a culture-lover, there’s something for everyone in Toronto. From the iconic CN Tower to the bustling Distillery District and the multicultural nightlife of Little Italy, here are 10 of the best things to see and do when you visit Toronto.

1. CN Tower

Standing at a height of 553 meters, the CN Tower is an iconic landmark of Toronto and offers stunning views of the city skyline. Built in 1976, the CN Tower is a communications and observation tower that features two observation decks and a rotating restaurant. From the observation decks, you’ll be able to see up to 160 km away on a clear day. The CN Tower also offers a variety of interactive activities such as EdgeWalk, a hands-free walk around the circumference of the tower’s main pod and the Glass Floor, which allows you to stand on a glass floor 103 stories above the ground.

Book your CN Tower experience here.

2. Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of the world’s leading museums of natural history and culture. Located in downtown Toronto, the museum features more than 6 million artifacts and specimens in its collections. The museum has something for everyone, from dinosaur fossils to an Egyptian mummies to contemporary art galleries. In addition to the permanent galleries and special exhibitions, the museum also offers interactive programs, lectures, and workshops for visitors of all ages.

Book your Royal Ontario Museum experience here.

3. Distillery District

The Distillery District is one of Toronto’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Located in downtown Toronto, the Distillery District is home to cobblestone streets lined with boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, bars, and cafes. The neighbourhood is also home to unique galleries such as the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery and the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of festivals and events throughout the year such as the Toronto Light Festival or the annual doors open Toronto event.

Book your Distillery District experience here.

4. High Park

High Park is Toronto’s largest public park and is located on the city’s west end. The park is home to a variety of attractions including gardens, playgrounds, sports fields, woodlands, picnic areas, and ponds. The park is also home to the High Park Zoo with bison, deer, llamas, peacocks, and other animals. In addition to the park’s attractions, visitors can also enjoy seasonal festivals throughout the year such as Winter Festival in December or Spring Festival in May.

Book your High Park experience here.

5. Little Italy

Little Italy is one of Toronto’s most vibrant neighbourhoods with its bustling cafes and restaurants, unique boutiques and galleries, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Home to several popular Italian festivals throughout the year such as Carnevale or La Festa Italiana and home to two Italian street festivals in June and August, Little Italy is a great place to explore Italian culture. Visitors can also explore a variety of Italian restaurants serving up classic dishes such as pizza, pasta, gelato, and more.

Book your Little Italy experience here.

6. St Lawrence Market

South St Lawrence Market is one of Toronto’s most iconic public markets. Located in downtown Toronto, St Lawrence Market offers a variety of fresh local produce, artisanal goods, cheese shops, bakeries, butchers, seafood mongers, and more. The market is also home to several popular food vendors offering unique dishes such as Dutch pancakes or Mac’n Cheese Poutine. In addition to shopping for groceries, visitors can also enjoy guided tours of the market or attend one of several cooking classes held throughout the year.

Book your St Lawrence Market experience here.

7. Canada’s Wonderland

Canada’s Wonderland is an amusement park located just outside of Toronto in Vaughan, Ontario. Featuring more than 200 rides including roller coasters and water slides as well as live shows and family-friendly attractions such as Splash Works waterpark and Planet Snoopy kids areas, Canada’s Wonderland is a great way to spend a day with family or friends. Visitors can also enjoy several seasonal events such as Halloween Haunt or WinterFest throughout the year.

Book your Canada’s Wonderland experience here.

8. Art Gallery of Ontario

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of Canada’s largest art galleries featuring more than 95,000 works of art from around the world including Canadian artworks from the past two centuries as well as a major collection of European art from the Renaissance period to contemporary works by some of today’s most renowned artists. The gallery also offers educational programs for adults and children as well as special exhibitions throughout the year such as “Heroes: A Celebration of Canadian Creativity” in July 2018 or “Picasso: Man and Beast” in May 2019.

Book your Art Gallery of Ontario experience here.

9. Ripley’s Aquarium

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is an interactive aquarium located downtown Toronto at the base of the CN Tower. The aquarium features more than 20,000 aquatic animals from around the world including sharks, jellyfish, stingrays, sea turtles, sea horses, seahorses and more. Visitors can experience hands-on activities such as touching sharks or swimming with rays as well as interactive exhibits such as Dangerous Lagoon or Discovery Centre where you can learn about aquatic life from around the world.

Book your Ripley’s Aquarium experience here.

10. Kensington Market

Kensington Market is one of Toronto’s oldest and most vibrant neighbourhoods with its colourful streets lined with independent shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as unique street art and murals throughout the area. Located just west of downtown Toronto, Kensington Market is known for its diverse array of cultures including Latin American, Caribbean and East Asian communities that offer a variety of unique cuisine and cultural experiences such as live music on Augusta Street or open-air markets on Sundays throughout the summer months.

Book your Kensington Market experience here.

From iconic landmarks like the CN Tower to vibrant neighbourhoods like Little Italy or Kensington Market to family-friendly attractions like Canada’s Wonderland or Ripley’s Aquarium; whatever your interests may be there’s something for everyone in Toronto! With its diverse cultures, vibrant nightlife scene and numerous attractions, Toronto is sure to be an unforgettable experience for all visitors!