Explore Toronto in One Day – A Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Toronto is one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in North America. Located on the shore of Lake Ontario, it is one of Canada’s largest cities and its capital. With a population of over 2.8 million people, Toronto is home to a variety of different cultures, ethnicities and nationalities. The city has become a thriving hub of culture and business, with a host of attractions and activities to explore. From world-class museums to buzzing nightlife, Toronto has something for everyone.

A Brief History of Toronto

Toronto was originally inhabited by the first nations of Canada, the Iroquois. The first European settlement in the area was Fort Rouille, established in 1750 by the French. The city was later taken over by the British, who renamed the area York in 1793. In 1834, York was incorporated as the City of Toronto and became the capital of the Province of Canada. For the rest of the 19th century and into the early 20th century, Toronto was an important hub for manufacturing and industry. In 1998, Toronto amalgamated with five surrounding cities and boroughs to become what is now known as the City of Toronto.

What to See and Do in Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant and exciting city that offers visitors a wide range of activities and attractions to explore. From world-class museums to buzzing nightlife, there’s something for everyone in Toronto. Here are some of the top attractions that should not be missed on a one day trip to Toronto:

CN Tower

The iconic CN Tower is one of Toronto’s most recognizable landmarks, standing at 553 metres high. Visitors can take an elevator to the top to enjoy breathtaking views of the city and lake below. The tower also has a revolving restaurant and glass floor observation deck, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.

Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of the largest museums in North America and home to over 6 million artifacts that span a variety of different cultures and eras. The museum houses permanent collections such as Ancient Roman artifacts, Egyptian mummies, and dinosaur fossils. The ROM also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, making it a great place to explore Toronto’s past and present.

Ripley’s Aquarium

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Ripley’s Aquarium is home to over 16,000 aquatic animals from around the world. Visitors can explore underwater tunnels filled with colourful sea life, touch tanks where you can get up close and personal with the animals, and a variety of interactive activities. The aquarium also hosts special events throughout the year, making it a great spot for both adults and children alike.

Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands are a chain of small islands located just off the shore of downtown Toronto. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with beautiful beaches, parkland, and plenty of outdoor activities such as swimming, kayaking, biking, fishing, and more. The Islands are connected to the mainland by ferry and are a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Popular Tours in Toronto

In addition to exploring Toronto’s iconic attractions on your own, there are also a number of popular tours that provide an in-depth exploration of the city. Here are two popular tours you should consider when visiting Toronto:

City Tour with Harbour Cruise

This tour provides a comprehensive exploration of downtown Toronto and its most iconic attractions, including the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium, and more. The tour also includes a harbour cruise that takes you around Lake Ontario to take in the sights from the water. You’ll learn about the city’s history and culture from an expert guide as you cruise around the lake. Book a City Tour with Harbour Cruise here.

Hop On Hop Off Tour

This tour allows visitors to explore downtown Toronto at their own pace with a 24-hour ticket on an open-air double decker bus. The bus takes visitors around to all of Toronto’s top attractions including the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium, and more. The tour also includes audio commentary in multiple languages so you can learn about each attraction along the way. Book a Hop On Hop Off Tour here.

Conclusion

Toronto is an exciting city with plenty to explore in one day. From iconic attractions like the CN Tower to buzzing nightlife spots, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Be sure to check out popular tours such as City Tour with Harbour Cruise and Hop On Hop Off Tour to get an in-depth exploration of all that Toronto has to offer. With all these activities on offer, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this beautiful Canadian city!