The Ultimate Guide to Toronto: Top Attractions

Toronto is a vibrant and exciting city located on the shore of Lake Ontario in the province of Ontario, Canada. The city is known for its diverse culture, diverse cuisine, and lively nightlife. It is also home to some of Canada’s most iconic attractions, such as the CN Tower, the Toronto Zoo, the Distillery District, and more. Toronto is one of Canada’s largest cities, with a population of over 2.7 million people. With its many attractions, it is no wonder that Toronto is one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations.

A Brief History of Toronto

Toronto was originally founded by the British in 1793 as the Town of York. The city was officially renamed in 1834, in honor of the British general, John Graves Simcoe, who had founded and served as the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada. Since then, the city has grown to become one of Canada’s largest cities and a major center of commerce and culture.

As the capital of Ontario, Toronto has become a major financial hub for the province and for Canada as a whole. The city is home to a large number of banks and other financial institutions, as well as some of the country’s most prominent companies, such as Hudson’s Bay Company, Royal Bank of Canada, and Bank of Montreal. Toronto is also home to some of Canada’s top universities, including the University of Toronto, Ryerson University, and York University.

Things to Do in Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for culture, entertainment, or outdoor activities, you’ll find it in Toronto. Here are just a few of the many attractions that you can enjoy while in Toronto.

CN Tower

The CN Tower is one of Toronto’s most recognizable landmarks and a must-see attraction. Standing at 553 meters (1,815 feet), the tower offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck and its revolving restaurant. From here, you can also see Lake Ontario and the islands off the coast. The CN Tower is also home to EdgeWalk, a thrilling hands-free walk around the outside edge of the tower.

The Distillery District

The Distillery District is a historic neighborhood located in downtown Toronto that is home to a number of art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. The district is pedestrian-only and is filled with cobblestoned streets lined with Victorian-era buildings. It is also home to many festivals throughout the year, such as the Christmas Market in December and the Jazz Festival in June.

Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum is one of the largest museums in North America and home to more than six million works from around the world. The museum houses artifacts from natural history, world cultures, science & technology, and much more. The museum also hosts special exhibitions throughout the year that explore specific topics or cultures in greater detail.

Art Gallery of Ontario

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of the largest art museums in North America. It is home to a large collection of artwork from around the world, including European Old Masters, Canadian contemporary artworks, and a significant collection of Inuit art. The AGO also hosts a number of special exhibitions throughout the year and has an interactive space for children called Walk All Ways.

Toronto Zoo

The Toronto Zoo is located on the outskirts of the city and is home to more than 5,000 animals from around the world. Visitors can explore seven different zoogeographic regions and learn about animal conservation efforts at the zoo. The zoo also offers special programs for children such as animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours.

Kensington Market

Kensington Market is one of Toronto’s most vibrant neighborhoods and a great place to explore for an afternoon. The area is filled with colorful shops selling vintage clothing, antiques, secondhand goods, and more. The area is also home to a variety of restaurants serving up diverse cuisine from all over the world.

Experience Toronto with Tours

If you’re looking to experience all that Toronto has to offer, there are a number of guided tours available that will give you an up close and personal look at the city. Here are two popular tours that we recommend:

Toronto City Tour

This 3-hour tour will take you on a journey through some of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks and attractions. You’ll visit the iconic CN Tower, take in views of the city from City Hall’s observation deck, explore the Distillery District, and much more. Your knowledgeable guide will tell you stories about Toronto’s history and share interesting facts about its culture and people. Book a Toronto City Tour here.

Toronto Food Tour

This 3-hour tour allows you to experience Toronto’s eclectic culinary scene. You’ll visit some of the city’s best restaurants and sample some of its most beloved dishes. Your knowledgeable guide will tell you stories about the city’s diverse cuisine and give you insight into its cultural influences on food. Book a Toronto Food Tour here.

Conclusion

Toronto is an exciting city with an abundance of attractions and activities to enjoy. From iconic landmarks such as the CN Tower to hidden gems like Kensington Market, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. For those looking for an up close and personal look at all that Toronto has to offer, there are a number of guided tours available that will give you an unforgettable experience. No matter what your interests are, Toronto has something for everyone.