In case you are searching for locations to go to in Toronto, we received your again!
Toronto is all about artwork, tradition, multicultural experiences, meals, inexperienced city areas, museums, sports activities, and pleasant locals (like us, eh). So what’s to not love?
As you understand, Highway Journey Ontario is predicated in Toronto and locals (considered one of us born and bred), we’ve put collectively the highest locations to go to in Toronto + hidden gems. A whopping 35+ of the perfect Toronto points of interest to familiarize you with town we name house.
Often, we plan day journeys and weekend getaways from Toronto –– however whether or not you’re a Canadian, an area Torontonian, right here for a sport, a live performance, a present or a vacationer passing by way of, you’ll discover that there’s a lot to find on this metropolis. Oh, and when you’ve explored every part on this checklist, why not contemplate an epic day journey from Toronto?
Toronto Historical past
- Toronto, probably the most densely populated metropolis in Canada and the capital of Ontario, has gained a fame for being the nation’s most famous metropolis. This can be why many people Torontonians consider that Toronto is Canada.
- Regardless of its immense measurement, acclaim, and the sentiment of its residents, Toronto shouldn’t be the capital of Canada – that honour is reserved for Ottawa, the place the nation’s federal authorities is predicated.
- The identify Toronto has an extended historical past, courting again to 1675 when it appeared on maps as a water channel between Lake Simcoe and Couchiching. Over time, the identify made its manner south to a fort on the banks of the Humber River often known as Fort Toronto. This was the primary settlement within the space and in the end lent its identify to the trendy metropolis of Toronto.
- The Mohawk individuals referred to the channel connecting Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching as “Tkaronto,” that means “the place there are bushes standing within the water”. This channel, now often known as “The Narrows,” has been documented since 1615, when Samuel de Champlain recorded it.
- If you wish to sound like an area, don’t pronounce the second “T” like “Turonno”
Getting To Toronto
Airplane
Toronto has two worldwide airports: Toronto Pearson Worldwide and Billy Bishop Toronto Metropolis Airport. Toronto Pearson is Canada’s busiest airport and affords connections to every continent.
The quickest and most budget-friendly manner of travelling from the airport to Toronto is with the UP Categorical (Union-Pearson Categorical), which departs from Terminal 1. Alternatively, you may take a taxi, Uber, or public transportation.
Billy Bishop Toronto Metropolis Airport is minutes from Toronto’s downtown core and positioned on the Toronto Islands. Travellers can take a short ferry or stroll by way of the underground tunnel underneath Lake Ontario. Each Porter Airways and Air Canada supply flights from this airport.
Prepare
You may get to Toronto by prepare from different components of Ontario and neighbouring provinces utilizing GO Transit, VIA Rail, and AMTRAK + VIA Rail if coming from the USA.
Automobile
Driving to Toronto from close by areas is straightforward, with Highways 2, 401, 407, and the Queen Elizabeth Means + Gardner Expressway. Moreover, for those who want to cross the border, Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, and Windsor are the closest factors of entry.
Bus
Located between two Toronto Subway Stations and accessible by way of the underground PATH, the Grey Coach Terminal, now often known as the Toronto Coach Terminal, is town’s central hub for Coach Canada, Greyhound Canada, and Ontario Northland bus traces.
Getting Round Toronto
Full disclosure, it takes an hour to get from Toronto to Toronto by automotive in any path. Our fifth season is building. Driving is a nightmare as nice and needed as building is for a repeatedly rising metropolis. The easiest way to get round Toronto is by strolling, biking, or utilizing the streetcar (tram) and subway (prepare).
Toronto Transit Fee (TTC)
Toronto Transit Fee (TTC) which operates town’s trains, buses and streetcars, affords Day Passes – out there in any respect subway stations. This permits limitless rides on all TTC transit inside 24 hours. This cross is particularly reasonably priced for many who plan to make a number of journeys throughout their keep.
Bike Share
For many who need to discover town in fashion, Bike Share has a number of bike stations scattered across the metropolis so guests can discover town shortly and successfully.
Hop-on-hop-off-bus
An environment friendly and standard option to see lots of the metropolis’s points of interest is on one of many many sightseeing excursions just like the hop-on-hop-off bus tour, which gives vacationers with an affordable and handy manner of visiting Toronto’s hottest points of interest.
Many tour operators supply narrated excursions in languages apart from English, together with Spanish, French, Mandarin, and Japanese, to say a number of.
High Issues to See in Toronto (Day 1)
Earlier than we get began, Toronto is the standard territory of many countries, together with the Mississaugas of the Credit score, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. It’s now house to many various First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Like most of our itineraries, we use the CN Tower as our place to begin. Since Toronto is an enormous metropolis, we’ll logistically divide locations based mostly on their proximity to one another, from the CN Tower, and what you may match inside a day.
1. CN Tower (The most well-liked of all locations to go to in Toronto)
Eager to get a birds-eye view of Toronto? Then head on over to the well-known CN Tower. Standing at 553.3 meters excessive, it’s the tallest free-standing constructing within the Western Hemisphere and the ninth tallest on the earth.
Whereas this Toronto vacationer attraction might be seen from virtually wherever within the downtown space, the perfect view is unquestionably from the Sky Pod. At 447 meters excessive, you’ll have the ability to see so far as Niagara Falls on a transparent day. When you’re searching for a extra death-defying expertise, stroll alongside the 365-meter-high “Edge Stroll.”
After the sightseeing, why not seize a chunk to eat on the 360-degree revolving restaurant?
2. Rogers Centre
Rogers Centre (aka SkyDome, its former identify that almost all of us nonetheless name it) is a multi-purpose stadium house to the Toronto Blue Jays. Opened in 1989, this iconic stadium is the world’s first totally retractable roof stadium and is a logo of Toronto’s sporty facet.
The Rogers Centre has hosted quite a few main occasions, together with the 1993 World Collection and the 2009 World Baseball Basic. Many cultural and musical occasions happen yearly if a sport isn’t on.
3. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
In downtown Toronto, close to the CN Tower, sits the underwater world that’s Ripley’s Aquarium. With over 20 000 marine and freshwater specimens, there is no such thing as a scarcity of mesmerizing water animals to identify.
The underwater tunnel is the proper place to watch these creatures – you’ll really feel as for those who’ve been transported to a wholly totally different world. There are additionally interactive shows, contact tanks and lots of different academic alternatives, making the Ripley Aquarium one of many must-see locations in Toronto for households.
4. Toronto Railway Museum
Toronto Railway Museum is a superb place to find the historical past of Toronto’s railroads and railway business. The museum has two everlasting exhibitions – one is devoted to the Railways of Toronto, and the opposite is to the Working Railway.
It additionally options many attention-grabbing shows, together with a Forties Pullman Station, a railway publish workplace, and collections of artifacts from the times of steam.
5. Steam Whistle Biergärten
Steam Whistle Biergärten, positioned within the historic Roundhouse Park, affords a big selection of Steam Whistle’s craft beer, native spirits and scrumptious eats. The 20,000-square-foot courtyard with an enormous fire and loads of seating is open every day from Could to October and hosts numerous occasions all through the summer season months.
The beer choice consists of house-made lagers, IPAs, ciders and extra. It additionally has a full bar providing wine and cocktails. As well as, there’s a number of meals objects corresponding to wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, salads and extra.
6. Amsterdam Brewhouse
Amsterdam BrewHouse is a superb and standard beer-inspired place to go to in Toronto that’s positioned by the lake and affords gorgeous views of Lake Ontario. Amsterdam Brewhouse has a big selection of craft beers, wines, and spirits and an array of scrumptious meals choices to pair it with.
With as much as 15 totally different beers on faucet, together with some hard-to-find seasonal specialties. Amsterdam Brewhouse has an amazing ambiance and, throughout the summer season, can have lengthy lineups of individuals attempting to get in, making it some of the standard locations to go to in Toronto.
7. Harbourfront Centre
Harbourfront Centre is a non-profit cultural group and landmark on Toronto’s waterfront based in 1972. The Centre presents over 4,000 occasions year-round with entry to main Canadian and worldwide artists in music, theatre, dance, literature, visible arts, household programming and extra.
With 4 galleries, a craft & design retailer, a public promenade, an outside stage and several other out of doors websites for festivals and particular occasions, there’s a good probability that one thing will likely be taking place throughout your go to.
Issues To See In Toronto | East Of The CN Tower
8. Scotiabank Area
Scotiabank Area, previously often known as the Air Canada Centre, is an indoor area house to the Toronto Raptors (2019 world champions! “WE THE NORTH!”) and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The sector is owned and operated by the Maple Leafs Sports activities and Leisure enterprise division, which additionally owns each groups.
9. Fairmont Royal York
The Fairmont Royal York is a historic, AAA/CAA four-diamond luxurious lodge and is likely one of the metropolis’s iconic landmarks. The lodge has over 1,000 rooms and suites and affords numerous companies and facilities, together with upscale eating, assembly and banquet amenities, a health centre and spa, salon companies, and occasion areas.
10. Hockey Corridor of Fame
Talking of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Canadians love their sport – particularly ice hockey! In case you are a fan of this sport or need to study extra about it, you will need to head to the Hockey Corridor of Fame. This museum holds all sorts of memorabilia – from gamers’ jerseys and kits to the well-known Stanley Cup.
Coming to this museum is likely one of the finest issues to do in Toronto with youngsters. In addition to looking the exhibitions, you may check your ice hockey abilities. This corridor of fame affords interactive video games the place you may shoot pucks at a digital goalie – or try to be the goalie for those who’re up for it. And sure, you may strive these video games out even for those who’re an grownup.
11. Gooderham Constructing (Flatiron Constructing) + Berczy Park
The Gooderham Constructing and Berczy Park are two superior downtown landmarks en path to St. Lawrence Market and The Distillery District. The Gooderham Constructing, generally often known as the Flatiron Constructing, is a notable Victorian Period constructing within the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood that has existed since 1892.
Behind the Flatiron Constructing is Berczy Park, which is on this checklist just because it has the good 2-tiered fountain with canine and cat sculptures.
12. The Cathedral Church of St. James
The Cathedral Church of St. James is the oldest Anglican church in Toronto. Established in 1797, it was the primary Anglican church in Higher Canada and served as the unique seat of the diocese of Toronto.
The constructing is an instance of Gothic Revival structure, constructed from native stone within the 1830s and encompasses a 137-foot-high tower and spire, making it a outstanding landmark within the metropolis.
13. St. Lawrence Market
This public market on the southwest nook of Entrance and Decrease Jarvis Avenue is crammed with distributors. The sights, odor, and grand inside contribute to an enthralling ambiance. If you end up in St Lawrence Market, pattern some scrumptious meals or deal with your self (or a buddy) to a present or two.
This spot is a Toronto must-do, even for those who’re simply visiting Toronto for the weekend.
14. Distillery District
Whether or not you like a craft beer, a glass of wine or good outdated G&T, you’ll discover it on this industrial Toronto neighbourhood. Taking a segway tour is an effective way to discover the realm. However for those who’re planning on sampling some (boozy) items, then a walking tour is likely to be the smarter possibility.
Distillery District is thought for its hip, broody ambiance, which makes it the proper place for a number of occasions. Throughout the hotter months, there’s the Music Metropolis Summer season collection and a weekly Sunday market. In any other case, there’s a number of boutiques, artwork galleries, eating places, and cafes ready to be found.
Toronto Locations To Go to | North Of The CN Tower (Day 2)
King Avenue
From the CN Tower, we head North to King Avenue. Inside the downtown core, King Avenue is a serious cultural and leisure hub (Leisure District). It accommodates many outlets, eating places, bars, golf equipment, dwell theatres, film theatres, live performance halls, the Toronto Worldwide Movie Competition and different companies.
15. Roy Thomson Corridor
Roy Thomson Corridor is house to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and hosts many different performances and particular occasions all year long. The acoustics and structure of the corridor have made it a well-liked venue for each classical and standard music acts, in addition to comedy and stage performances.
Canadian architect Arthur Erickson designed the constructing, which may seat 2 630 and was accomplished in 1982.
16. Princess of Wales Theatre
The historic Princess of Wales Theatre is a 1,000-seat theatre inbuilt 1893 and is the oldest in Canada. Canadian impresario George William Ross initially owned the constructing, however Mirvish Productions owns it.
Though the theatre was initially constructed as a vaudeville home –– The sort of mild leisure was standard from the mid-Nineties to the early Nineteen Thirties and comprised a variety of performers, together with magicians, acrobats, comedians, educated animals, jugglers, singers, and dancers, every act lasting for roughly 10-Quarter-hour)
It has since hosted quite a few theatrical productions, live shows and occasions and is likely one of the most famous theatres within the metropolis.
17. TIFF Bell Lightbox
TIFF Bell Lightbox is an leisure venue, the headquarters of the Toronto Worldwide Movie Competition, and a multi-screen cinema complicated with 5 screens. It opened on September 12, 2010, because the everlasting house of the Toronto Worldwide Movie Competition.
When the TIFF isn’t taking on Toronto in September, The TIFF Bell Lightbox additionally options common movie screenings, lectures, discussions, festivals, workshops, and year-round installations.
The complicated consists of two eating places, a lounge, galleries, a present store, and studying and rental areas.
Queen Avenue
As we proceed north, we hit Queen Avenue on the centre of the Trend District. It is likely one of the busiest streets within the downtown space, lined with an eclectic mixture of shops, from high-end style boutiques, thrift outlets, bars and eating places.
18. Campbell Home Museum
Campbell Home Museum homes numerous artifacts referring to Sir William Campbell’s and his household’s lives. The museum shouldn’t be solely an exquisite historic landmark with a grandiose Georgian-style house; it was inbuilt 1822 by William Campbell, considered one of Toronto’s foremost architects and builders.
The museum affords quite a lot of excursions, the place you may discover the home and find out about its historical past. As well as, many occasions and packages are held all year long that gives academic and interactive actions.
Additionally it is rumoured that the home may additionally be haunted.
19. Osgoode Corridor
Osgoode Corridor is an iconic constructing within the coronary heart of Toronto inbuilt 1829. The primary Legislation Society of Higher Canada initially occupied it, however in the present day it serves as a historic landmark and museum.
The constructing is Neo-Classical structure, with two giant towers on both facet of the primary entrance. The constructing’s facade is adorned with a number of sculptural particulars, such because the determine of Girl Justice above the doorway and the grand pillars that flank the entranceway.
Guests are welcomed with an imposing grand staircase main as much as the primary entrance.
20. Toronto Metropolis Corridor + Toronto Signal + Nathan Phillips Sq.
When you ever questioned the place to seek out that multi-coloured ‘Toronto’ signal you’ve seen on social media? Nicely, Nathan Phillips Sq. is the place you’ll discover it! However that’s not the one purpose to go to Toronto’s city plaza.
This sq. hosts a number of occasions all year long, corresponding to a New 12 months’s Eve occasion and the Cavalcade of Lights Competition. Situated within the heart, you’ll discover a sizable, man-made pond (in the summertime) that doubles as an ice skating rink within the winter months.
21. Toronto Previous Metropolis Corridor
Toronto Previous Metropolis Corridor is an architectural landmark constructed from 1889 to 1899 and was as soon as the house of town’s municipal authorities for practically a century. The constructing is considered one of Canada’s most outstanding examples of Richardsonian Romanesque structure and is a Nationwide Historic.
22. Eaton Centre
The Eaton Centre is town’s solely mega procuring vacation spot. With 230 nationwide and worldwide retailers, it affords buyers an abundance of procuring alternatives and leisure choices. As well as, the Eaton Centre caters to its guests with numerous eating picks.
23. Yonge-Dundas Sq.
Yonge-Dundas Sq. is an iconic landmark in Toronto, akin to the enduring Occasions Sq. in New York Metropolis –– however on a smaller scale. The world is at all times bustling with vacationers and locals, having fun with the open area and eclectic ambiance. The vivid LCDs illuminate the sq. and seize the electrifying vitality of downtown Toronto.
24. Artwork Gallery of Ontario
Calling all artwork lovers. The Artwork Gallery of Ontario (AGO for brief) and its 95 000 artwork piece collections are calling your identify! From modern artwork to Renaissance masterpieces, you’ll get to admire numerous artworks from throughout the globe.
If you’re not ambling by way of the galleries, you may partake in one of many attention-grabbing workshops and seize a chunk to eat on the AGO Bistro.
25. Graffiti Alley
This can be a Toronto must-see for vacationers and locals alike. Operating parallel to Queens Avenue West and Richmond Avenue West lies an alleyway with a kaleidoscope of colors. That is the place to go if you wish to see a extra different facet of the artwork scene!
26. Kensington Market
Mixed in with Chinatown, Kensington Market is a historic, bustling, eclectic and diverse community home to immigrants and locals for more than 100 years. The area is full of colourful shops, cafes, restaurants, and markets of all kinds, making it one of the city’s most vibrant and interesting places to explore.
This is one of our favourite spots in the city and a great place to find unique original items, whether new or used and grab a bite or a beer at Kensington Brewery.
Toronto Attractions | Further North Of The CN Tower (Day 3)
27. University of Toronto Campus
If you want a Harry Potter-type experience, start the day at the University of Toronto Campus.
In 1827, King’s College was established, making it the first university of higher learning in Upper Canada. The University of Toronto is home to twelve distinct colleges, with two satellite campuses in Scarborough and Mississauga.
28. Royal Ontario Museum
At first glance, the Royal Ontario Museum presents a contradictory sight. Jutting out from the building’s midsection is the museum’s most recent addition – an architectural masterpiece resembling a crystalline structure made of glass and aluminum. On either side stands the original museum’s walls which were done in Italianate and Neo-Romanesque architecture.
Once you step through the front doors, you’ll be transported into a natural history, art and culture world. Ever seen an Egyptian sarcophagus or a real-life meteorite collection? You can see that and so much more at this must-see attraction in Toronto.
29. Yorkville
Recently named one of the hippest and most vibrant neighbourhoods in Toronto, Yorkville is known as a quiet, posh residential area which has evolved into one of Toronto’s trendiest hotspots. From high-end boutiques to outdoor art and trendy cafes and eateries.
One of the most popular and iconic spots in Yorkville is the Mink Mile. This stretch of Bloor Street is lined with some of the most luxurious stores in Toronto, such as Coach, Burberry, and Harry Rosen.
30. Bata Shoe Museum
At the Bata Shoe Museum, you can explore their unique collection of more than 13,000 shoes and footwear-related artifacts. The museum is home to some of the world’s oldest and most unusual footwear.
From ancient Egyptian sandals to modern high-heeled stilettos, you can learn about the history of shoe making and its social importance. With interactive displays to guided tours with experienced curators, this is a great stop for shoe and fashion enthusiasts.
31. Casa Loma (One of the top Toronto Attractions)
Ever dreamed of building your own ostentatious, medieval-style castle? Perhaps you won’t get to do it in this lifetime, but you can certainly imagine what it would be like during a tour of Casa Loma.
This 98-bedroom castle was built in the early 1900s for Sir Henry Pellatt, a Canadian multi-millionaire. If you’re not exploring the key passageways, towers and adorned suites, you may stroll concerning the sprawling 5-acre backyard.
Locations To Go In Toronto | East Of The CN Tower
32. Fort York Nationwide Historic Web site
Fort York Nationwide Historic Web site is house to the nation’s largest assortment of unique Conflict of 1812 buildings. It was established as way back as 1793 to guard the harbour from an American invasion.
The fort is open to the general public seven days per week and affords quite a lot of actions, together with guided excursions, academic packages and interactive reveals. Throughout the summer season months, common re-enactments of battles happen in and across the fort, permitting guests to expertise a bit of historical past first-hand.
33. BMO Discipline
BMO Discipline, positioned at Exhibition Place in Toronto, is house to the Toronto Soccer Membership (Toronto FC) and the Toronto Argonauts (CFL). With 30,000 individuals, the sphere can host different large-scale occasions, corresponding to out of doors live shows.
34. The Exhibition Place, aka The Ex
The Ex is an age-old summertime attraction in Toronto and is the biggest truthful in all of Canada. it covers 200 acres of land with over 800 exhibitions and video games, together with bowling, bumper automobiles, carnival rides, video arcades, and a lot extra
Additionally they have basic truthful meals like cotton sweet, candied apples, popcorn, and excessive meals objects corresponding to fried crickets or hotdog-flavoured ice cream.
The place To Go In Toronto | South Of The CN Tower
35. Toronto Islands
The place to go in Toronto? Nicely, all it’s important to do is look out on the small cluster of islands off the shore of downtown Toronto. This small archipelago is considered one of North America’s largest city car-free communities (effectively, moreover the handful of service autos).
There are many issues to do whereas visiting the Toronto Islands, corresponding to rowing, crusing, biking and strolling. Throughout the summer season, the Toronto Islands host many out of doors occasions like music festivals. There’s additionally the Centreville Amusement Park for those who’re searching for some exhilarating enjoyable.
Whilst you can simply tour the islands by yourself, taking a guided bike or boat tour of the Toronto harbour and several other islands is an effective way to make sure you don’t miss out on something. If you’re on any islands, look again on the mainland – on clear days, you’ll get pleasure from a surprising view of the Toronto skyline.
Extra Time In Toronto, Extra Toronto Sights (Day 4 and Past)
36. Allan Gardens – Toronto Botanical Backyard
With virtually 4 acres of land and 17 gardens the scale of cities, there’s loads to be seen. There are additionally quite a few trails to meander alongside – you may simply spend a whole day amongst the flowers.
The Toronto Botanical Backyard is run by a non-profit group that goals to coach and encourage guests by way of its splendidly designed backyard areas. You must pop into the seasonal cafe for a candy deal with if you’re not admiring the flowers.
37. Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre is likely one of the must-do Toronto actions – it’s effervescent with curiosity, inspiration and creativity. Be ready; lots is happening at this Toronto attraction.
You’ll have the ability to work together with reveals, get hands-on with science experiments or observe a dwell presentation. In case your child needs to turn out to be an astronaut or scientist sooner or later, ship them on over to the spectacular KidSpark – a spot of enjoyable and studying.
Over and above this, there are a number of out of doors shows too! You’ll by no means have a boring second at this attraction.
38. Rouge Nationwide City Park
This can be a good spot to go in Toronto if you wish to escape town bustle. With no entrance charges and solely an hour’s drive sitting between you and this Toronto must-see, what’s stopping you from having fun with this tranquil spot?
This city nationwide park boasts an array of animal species and terrains. You possibly can sunbathe on the seashores of Lake Ontario, paddle alongside the river, or discover the dense forests. Different actions embrace tenting, mountaineering alongside the paths, fishing within the marshland and studying about a few of Canada’s oldest recognized indigenous websites.
When you’re seeking to get additional away from town, contemplate heading additional north, the place you may hike in Huntsville or spend the weekend tenting.
The place To Keep In Toronto + Map
Remaining Ideas: High Toronto Locations to Go to
On the subject of prime locations to go to, you may see why Toronto must be prime of the checklist. This metropolis is actually incredible and has one thing for everybody – whether or not you’re a foodie, sports activities fanatic or artwork lover. We is likely to be a tad biased, however we really need you to like our metropolis as a lot as we do.
If you understand of every other hidden gems in Toronto and suppose they need to be included on this checklist, drop a remark under – We’d love to listen to from you!
