10 Best Places to Visit in Toronto, Canada

Toronto is both the capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada, so there’s plenty to do. With a vibrant nightlife and an exciting blend of tourist attractions, you’ll find many prime locations within walking distance from each other. While there are of course plenty of different options, here are ten of our favorite places to visit in Toronto.

CN Tower

The CN Tower is one of Toronto’s most famous landmarks. Towering 553 meters above the city, you can’t miss it. At the time of its reveal in 1976 it was once the tallest freestanding structure in the world, but it’s now content to host various restaurants and observation areas. The Sky Pod, one such viewing area, sits 447 meters above the city, and on clear days you can see as far as Niagara Falls and New York State. At 351 meters sits the 360 Restaurant, boasting fine dining and some of the best views in Toronto.

High Park

If it’s natural beauty you’re looking for, look no further than High Park. Featuring 165 acres of sunken gardens, ponds, streams, and hanging gardens, you can easily spend an afternoon enjoying your surroundings. There are pools for swimming and wading, as well as playgrounds, picnic areas, and a scenic train tour. Also, if you come during July or August you can catch the Canadian Stage Company’s annual Shakespeare in the Park performance.

Distillery District

A restored historic site turned into a shopping and entertainment district, the Distillery District has plenty to do. Galleries, studios, restaurants, and boutiques all call the district home. Trendy and charming, the Distillery District is a blend of historic nostalgia and contemporary style.

City Hall

If you’re an architecture fan, check out City Hall. Built in 1965, it’s two high-rise blocks, 20 and 27 stories high and arc-shaped, wrapped around a lower central building. You’ll have to see it for yourself. You’ll also find the bronze sculpture ‘The Archer’ out front, as well as a manmade pond that becomes a skating rink in the winter.

Second City

Second City Toronto is a great place for laughs, as well as an important part of Western comedic history. This is where SCTV was born, the sketch show that brought us John Candy, Catherine O’Hara, Rick Moranis, Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Harold Ramis, and more. Check out a show if you can: who knows, maybe you’ll witness a performance by a future star or starlet?

Harbourfront Centre

If you travel along the banks of Lake Ontario you’ll inevitably find yourself at Harbourfront Centre, a 10-acre attraction that used to be a shopping terminal. With a number of theaters and art galleries, as well as restaurants and parks, you’ll find plenty of atmosphere. Check out the Toronto Music Garden, a small park partially designed by renowned cellist Yo Yo Ma. Summertime visitors can also visit Sugar Beach, which, believe it or not, was once a parking lot.

Casa Loma

Who doesn’t love a good castle? Casa Loma is the closest thing to a medieval castle you’ll find in Canada, and it does not disappoint. Once home to an eccentric Canadian multi-millionaire, it’s now a museum featuring nearly 100 rooms. You’ll find elaborately decorated suites, towers, secret passages, and an 800-foot tunnel. The five acres of estate gardens are worth a stroll, as well.

Entertainment District

If it’s a bustling nightlife you’re looking for, head over to the Entertainment District at dusk. With over 30,000 clubbers on any given Saturday night, you’ll be a part of one of the world’s most concentrated party scenes. With a wide range of packed clubs and restaurants, you’ll be free to dance the night away with plenty of company. Or, if dancing isn’t your thing, you can visit one of the many major theater productions performed in the district.

The Royal Ontario Museum

Also known as the ROM, this is one of Canada’s premier museums. With an international reputation and an incredible collection of pieces from around the world, this is sure to please any museum fans in your midst. It’s also interesting to look at: a recent expansion saw a modern wing, complete with glass and sharp angles, added to the older, more traditional building.

Toronto Islands

A short ferry voyage from Queen’s Quay Terminal will take you to the Toronto Islands, a lovely way to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto. A host of marinas make for plenty of rowing and sailing options, while others opt for swimming or watersports. One of the islands, Centre Island, is home to the Centreville Amusement Park, a great place for the kids. You’ll also find a variety of open-air events if you visit during the summer.

From cultural activities and fine dining with captivating views Toronto is a must-see city in Canada.

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