If it’s your first visit to Toronto, you gotta play tourist and hit up all these not-to-miss spots.
I love Toronto! It may not be the most exciting city in the world, but it’s an amazing place to live, and a great place to visit too. Whenever I show someone around my city, I take them to some hidden gems, but I also make sure to take them to these must-see places.
CN Tower
Nearest subway stop: Union
The CN Tower is probably the most touristy thing you can do in Toronto. Still, I recommend you do it! Whether you’re on a romantic holiday, a family with young kids, or a thrill seeker, the CN Tower has something for everyone!
Live life on the edge (pun absolutely intended) and book yourself in for an EdgeWalk: a walk along an outdoor platform that’s 356 metres high. There’s no railing, which means you can stand with your toes (or your entire body) dangling off the edge of the platform. A ticket to the EdgeWalk, gets you access to the entire tower.
Just how scary is the EdgeWalk? Read about my experience here.
If you’d rather stay indoors, make a reservation at the 360 Restaurant. The food is nice. The view is verrrrry nice! Try to snag a reservation just before sunset so you can see the view of the city in daylight and also as it gets dark. A reservation at the 360 Restaurant allows you to skip the line and get access to the entire tower (not including the EdgeWalk).
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Nearest subway stop: Union
If a stroll through this amazing aquarium isn’t enough for you on its own, there are plenty of special events you can catch for an extra special experience. Early birds can drop in for a morning yoga class; thrill seekers can book a Discovery Dive for the opportunity to dive in the shark-filled Dangerous Lagoon; Friday Nights Jazz is the perfect way to wind down after a day of urban exploring; and – my favourite of them all – a sleepover is the coolest and most exclusive way to experience the aquarium after closing time.
There’s a discounted ticket available if you visit both the CN Tower and the Aquarium.
St. Lawrence Market
Nearest subway stop: Union
Continue your lesson in history over lunch as you browse through hundreds of specialty vendors at Toronto’s historic St. Lawrence Market. In the South Market you’ll find fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, grains, baked goods and dairy products, and unique non-food items. On Saturdays, the North Market comes alive with a Farmer’s Market, a St. Lawrence Market tradition that dates back to 1803. You can also indulge in on site cooking classes and food tours. Check the St. Lawrence Market events page for details.
Just across the street, the Sunday Antique Market is the best place in Toronto to hunt for treasures.
Toronto Island
Nearest subway stop: Union
The best view of Toronto is from its island, and it only takes you 15 minutes on a ferry to get there. Toronto Island actually consists of a series of smaller islands interconnected with bridges and paths. The entire area spans about 5 kilometres in length and is covered with beautiful green areas, and flanked by beaches. Rent a bike, canoe or kayak, or explore it on foot. The Island is a great place for some quiet time away from the city.
The Distillery District
Nearest subway stop: Union
Perhaps the most picturesque spot in the city, the Distillery District is a cosy cobblestoned place consisting of restored Victorian Industrial buildings that have been turned into one-of-a-kind stores, art galleries, design studios, restaurants and cafes. Come for the photo ops, stay for a meal. At night, the Distillery District is even more romantic as the light from the streetlamps bathes the entire area in a golden hue.
Casa Loma
Nearest subway stop: Dupont
Toronto’s castle on a hill is well worth an afternoon’s perusal. A guided tour will immerse you in the tragic tale of the former owner of the castle, Sir Henry Pellatt, who was inspired by European art and architecture. The building pays homage to classic medieval castles, complete with soaring towers, secret passageways, rich furnishings and beautiful gardens.
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Nearest subway stop: Museum
Canada’s largest museum is home to a vast collection of art, culture and natural exhibits from around the world. The building is a head-turning fusion of old and new architectural styles. Some hate it, some love it.
Tickets to the ROM are discounted on Friday nights from 4:30-8:30, however in the fall months, ROM Friday Night Live turns the museum into a nightclub with a DJ, live indie artists food and drink. Who wouldn’t want to boogie with dinosaur skeletons?
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Nearest subway stop: St. Patrick
Toronto’s museum of fine art is the place to immerse yourself in signature Canadian art including a substantial collection of works by the Group of Seven, as well as art from around the world, most notably a masterpiece by Peter Paul Rubens.
With a recent re-design by world-renowned architect, Frank Gehry, the building of the AGO is as interesting as its exhibits. It’s worth checking out the gift shop as well because they have some pretty neat items for sale.
Admission to the AGO is free on Wednesday nights from 6-8:30. On the first Thursday of every month, the AGO turns into a nightclub after closing time with a DJ, live music and special performances.
High Park
Nearest subway stop: High Park
Toronto’s largest public park is a place where you’ll find tourists and locals enjoying the outdoors during the warmer months. Take in the beautiful waterfront view as you walk the trail along Grenadier Pond, spot the infamous Capybaras at the High Park zoo, catch an evening performance at the amphitheatre, and be sure to visit in the spring to see hundreds of Sakura cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Scarborough Bluffs
Nearest GO train stop: Scarborough
Located just outside the city centre, the bluffs stretch along 15 kilometres of Lake Ontario shoreline. These cliff-like natural structures make for a dramatic backdrop at some of Toronto’s best sandy beaches. There are 11 different parks along the Scarborough Bluffs, each with their own distinct features.
Day trip to Niagara Falls
This world-famous natural wonder is just over an hour’s drive from Toronto making it the perfect day trip. Whether you rent a car and drive, hop on a train, or take one of the many pre-packaged tours, there’s plenty to see at Niagara Falls to fill a day and even an entire weekend.
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