Places to Visit in Toronto

Toronto is one of Canada’s most dynamic cities, with something for everyone. Located on the shore of Lake Ontario in the province of Ontario, the city is known for its world-class museums, vibrant theatre district, and diverse range of attractions. The city also boasts a thriving music scene, a variety of international cuisines, and some of the best shopping in the country. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a few weeks, here are some of the must-see attractions in Toronto.

History of Toronto

The city of Toronto has an interesting history that dates back to the mid-1600s. The city was founded by French explorer Etienne Brule in 1750 and was originally named Fort York. During the War of 1812, the British forces took control of the city and renamed it Toronto. Over the next two centuries, Toronto grew into a bustling city with a diverse population and culture. Today, Toronto is Canada’s largest city and is home to over 2.7 million people, making it one of the most diverse cities in North America.

Famous Sights and Attractions

Toronto is a city full of exciting attractions, from bustling shopping districts to world-class museums. Here are some of the top attractions to explore while you’re in Toronto:

CN Tower

No trip to Toronto is complete without a visit to the iconic CN Tower. Standing at 553 meters tall, the CN Tower is one of the tallest free-standing structures in the world and offers spectacular views of the city skyline. Visitors can take a ride up to the top to enjoy breathtaking views, or take a walk on the glass floor to get an even closer look at the city below.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

The Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is home to over 20,000 aquatic animals from around the world. From jellyfish to seahorses, visitors can explore an underwater world and get up close with sea creatures like stingrays and sharks. The aquarium also features interactive displays and touch tanks, where visitors can learn about the fascinating creatures that live beneath the sea.

Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum is one of Toronto’s most popular attractions. The museum houses over six million artifacts from around the world, including art, artifacts, and natural history specimens. From dinosaur fossils to ancient manuscripts, visitors can explore an eclectic mix of exhibits and learn about cultures from around the world.

Distillery District

The Distillery District is one of Toronto’s most unique attractions. The district was once home to Gooderham & Worts Distillery and is now a vibrant pedestrian-only village filled with boutique shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can explore shops selling everything from vintage clothing to handcrafted jewelry, or enjoy a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants located within this charming district.

Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands are a chain of small islands located off the coast of downtown Toronto. Visitors can take a ferry to explore the islands’ sandy beaches and lush parklands, or take a stroll along the boardwalk for stunning views of the city skyline. The islands are also home to Centre Island, which features a variety of attractions including an amusement park and mini golf course.

Popular Activities

In addition to its many attractions and sights, Toronto is also home to a variety of activities that visitors can enjoy during their stay in the city. Here are some of the most popular activities in Toronto:

Shopping

Toronto is home to some of the best shopping in Canada. From bustling outdoor markets to luxury shopping malls, shoppers can find everything from designer clothing to unique local finds. The city also boasts a variety of neighbourhoods with unique shopping districts, such as Chinatown and Kensington Market.

Nightlife

Toronto’s nightlife scene is one of the most vibrant in Canada. Whether you’re looking for an intimate jazz club or a buzzing dance club, there’s something for everyone in Toronto after dark. The city also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as Musicfest and Winterfest, which attract visitors from around the world.

Eat Like A Local

Toronto’s diverse population means that visitors can enjoy a variety of international cuisines from all around the world. From dim sum in Chinatown to poutine in Little Italy, foodies can explore some of Toronto’s most iconic dishes while getting a taste of local culture.

Outdoor Adventures

Toronto is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Visitors can explore an array of outdoor activities ranging from kayaking on Lake Ontario to biking along one of the city’s many trails. The city also boasts a number of parks and green spaces including High Park and Riverdale Farm, making it easy to get out in nature while exploring the city.

Popular Tours

While visiting Toronto, there are two popular tours that visitors should consider taking:

Niagara Falls Day Tour

One popular tour for visitors to Toronto is a day trip to Niagara Falls. This tour takes visitors on a full-day journey through Niagara wine country and along the picturesque Niagara River until they reach the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls. Visitors will have plenty of time to explore the falls and learn more about this natural wonder before heading back to Toronto in the evening. Book a Niagara Falls Day Tour here.

Toronto City Sightseeing Tour

For those looking for a more comprehensive tour of Toronto, there’s no better option than a city sightseeing tour. This tour takes visitors through some of Toronto’s most iconic neighbourhoods such as Chinatown and Kensington Market while providing insights into some of its most fascinating cultural attractions along the way. Visitors will also get an up-close look at some of the city’s most famous landmarks such as the CN Tower and Royal Ontario Museum before ending their day with a visit to one of Toronto’s many cultural districts. Book a Toronto City Sightseeing Tour here.

Whether you’re visiting for just a few days or for an extended stay, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Toronto. From iconic attractions such as the CN Tower to popular activities like exploring local cuisine or shopping at one of the city’s many districts, Toronto has something for everyone. So gather your friends or family and come explore this vibrant Canadian city!