Toronto Todo: A Comprehensive Guide for Your First Visit

Toronto is one of the most vibrant cities in North America and is known for its diverse culture and unique attractions. Located on the northwest side of Lake Ontario, Toronto is the capital of the province of Ontario and Canada’s largest city. With a population of over 2.7 million people, Toronto is a bustling metropolis with a rich history, exciting nightlife, and countless attractions to keep visitors busy. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, Toronto offers something for everyone and is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

History of Toronto

Toronto has played an important role in the history of Canada since its founding by the British in 1793 as the capital of Upper Canada. Toronto was a hub for trade, transportation, and industry in the 19th century and remained a major economic center throughout the 20th century. As the city grew, so did its cultural diversity, with immigrants from all over the world coming to Toronto in search of opportunity and a better life. This diversity is reflected in the city’s many festivals, art galleries, and cultural events.

Things to See and Do in Toronto

With its diverse culture, unique attractions, and vibrant nightlife, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Toronto. From art galleries to music festivals, here are some of the best activities to enjoy while visiting Toronto.

CN Tower

The iconic CN Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Toronto. Standing at a height of 1,815 feet (553 meters), it is the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere. From the observation level at the top of the tower, you can enjoy spectacular views of the city and beyond. The CN Tower also features a glass-floored observation deck where you can look down at the city below.

Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum is one of the largest museums in Canada and houses more than six million artifacts. It is home to a wide range of exhibits ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to natural history specimens. The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and family-friendly activities.

Art Gallery of Ontario

The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest galleries in Canada and features a wide range of artwork from around the world. The gallery houses over 95,000 works from Canadian, European, African, Oceanic, and Asian cultures. It also hosts special exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing works from renowned artists such as Picasso and Monet.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is one of the largest aquariums in North America and features over 16,000 aquatic animals from around the world. From sharks to sea turtles, visitors can explore 12 different galleries filled with interactive exhibits and touch tanks where you can get up close and personal with some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures.

Distillery District

The Distillery District is a historic neighborhood located east of downtown Toronto. Once home to Gooderham & Worts Distillery, it has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub with art galleries, restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and more. The district hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, including Winter Festival, Outdoor Art Show, Toronto Light Fest, and more.

Kensington Market

Kensington Market is a vibrant neighborhood in downtown Toronto that is home to an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, shops, galleries, and more. The market is known for its diverse selection of food from around the world as well as its vibrant street art scene. Whether you’re looking for vintage clothing or a quick bite to eat, Kensington Market has something for everyone.

Popular Tours in Toronto

Toronto offers a variety of tours that will give visitors an inside look at the city and its many attractions. Here are two popular tours that are sure to be unforgettable experiences:

Toronto City Tour

A great way to explore Toronto is to take a guided tour of the city. This tour will take you through some of Toronto’s most iconic sights including the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, Kensington Market, and more. You’ll also get to explore some lesser-known gems like Chinatown and Little India before stopping at one of Toronto’s many waterfront parks for incredible views of Lake Ontario. The tour can be booked here.

Brewery Tour

Toronto is home to some of Canada’s best craft breweries and this tour will take you to three of them. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how beer is made as well as samples from each brewery along with a selection of snacks. The tour also includes visits to local breweries that specialize in small batch brews like sour beers and stouts as well as larger craft breweries that are known for their IPAs and lagers. You can book this tour here.

Whether you’re looking for culture or nightlife, Toronto has something for everyone. Take some time to explore this vibrant city and discover what makes it unique.