Toronto Things To See: A Guide For Tourists
Toronto is a vibrant and exciting city in Ontario, Canada. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and has something for everyone. From historical sites to world-class shopping, there is something for visitors of all ages and interests. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the top things to see and do in Toronto, including popular attractions and tours.
History of Toronto
Toronto has been inhabited since at least 1000 A.D. when the indigenous Huron-Wendat, Petun, and Seneca people lived there. In 1793, it was named the capital of Upper Canada and rapidly grew into a thriving city. By the mid-1800s, Toronto had become one of the biggest and most important cities in what was then British North America.
As Toronto grew, it became a hub for industry, commerce, culture, and arts. The city was home to a booming economy and the headquarters of some of Canada’s most successful companies. In the 1950s and 1960s, Toronto was transformed into a major metropolitan area with an influx of immigrants and new businesses.
Today, Toronto is Canada’s largest city with a population of over 5 million people. It is also one of the country’s most diverse and cosmopolitan cities, with over 50% of its residents identifying as immigrants. With its vibrant culture, bustling economy, and stunning architecture, it’s no wonder why Toronto is one of the most popular destinations for tourists from around the world.
Popular Attractions
Toronto is home to a wide range of attractions for both locals and visitors alike. From art galleries and museums to cultural attractions and outdoor recreation, there’s something for everyone in this great city. Here are some of the top attractions in Toronto:
CN Tower
The CN Tower is an iconic landmark in Toronto that rises 1,815 feet (553 meters) above the city skyline. It has become a symbol of the city and offers stunning views from its observation decks and glass-floor balconies. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower to get a panoramic view of the city or brave the glass floor balcony to get a bird’s eye view below. CN Tower also houses one of the city’s best restaurants, 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower.
Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of Toronto’s oldest and most beloved attractions. It houses over 6 million artifacts from around the world in its galleries dedicated to world culture, natural history, and science. The ROM also hosts a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year, making it a great place for visitors to explore and learn about different cultures and history.
Art Gallery of Ontario
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of North America’s largest art museums with more than 95,000 works from all over the world. The Gallery houses works from renowned Canadian artists such as Emily Carr, Tom Thomson, and Lawren Harris as well as European masters such as Rembrandt and Goya. The AGO also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for art lovers.
Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands are a chain of islands located just off the shore of Lake Ontario in downtown Toronto. The islands are a great spot for picnics and barbecues or just a fun day out in nature. Visitors can take a ferry to Centre Island to explore its beaches, parks, shops, and restaurants or take a stroll on Ward’s Island or Hanlan’s Point for some breathtaking views of the lake and city skyline.
Popular Tours
Toronto has a wide range of tours that cater to everyone’s tastes and interests. Here are two popular tours in Toronto:
Niagara Falls Day Tour
This full day tour takes visitors on an adventure to one of Canada’s most iconic natural wonders – Niagara Falls. The tour begins with a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake where visitors can explore its quaint shops and galleries before making their way to the falls. Guests will have time to take in the majestic views of the falls before heading back for lunch at Queenston Heights restaurant. After lunch, guests will visit Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort before taking a trip on the famous Hornblower Cruise to get a close-up view of the falls. The tour ends with a visit to Niagara Falls Skylon Tower for breathtaking views of the skyline.
Book a Niagara Falls Day Tour here
Toronto City Tour
This full day tour takes guests on an adventure through Toronto’s vibrant downtown core. Guests will begin their tour at Nathan Phillips Square where they will learn about Toronto’s history and culture before making their way down Yonge Street – one of Toronto’s oldest streets lined with shops, galleries and restaurants. The tour then moves on to visit some of Toronto’s famous landmarks such as Casa Loma, Ontario Place, Ripley’s Aquarium, Harbourfront Centre, Rogers Centre, and more. The tour ends with a visit to St Lawrence Market – one of Toronto’s oldest and most beloved markets where visitors can explore its stalls filled with fresh produce, local delicacies, and handcrafted goods.
Conclusion
Toronto is a vibrant city with something for everyone – from art galleries to outdoor recreation – there’s something for everyone in this great city! We hope this guide has given you some ideas on the top attractions and tours in Toronto to make your visit even more enjoyable!
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