Toronto has no shortage of attractions. It is the largest city in Canada and the country's cultural, financial and entertainment capital. In a country dominated by rugged wilderness and untouched nature, it stands out Toronto stands out as a beacon of culture and urbanity. The city is more developed than Vancouver and more cosmopolitan than the true capital Ottawa, but also has European accents.
So there is plenty to see in Canada's largest metropolis - there are dozens of museums, sights and attractions. If you plan to visit Toronto's main attractions, it's best to buy a CityPASS. This will get you big discounts on admission to top attractions like the CN Tower and the Toronto Zoo. Want to visit this dynamic city during your holiday in Canada? Here are the 15 best sights in Toronto!
CN Tower
The gigantic CN Tower on the edge of Lake Ontario is the city's most iconic symbol. At 351 metres tall, it is one of the tallest towers in the world. Visitors without vertigo can take a glass lift to the main section on the 114th floor.
Bata Shoe Museum
The Bata Shoe Museum is the largest shoe museum in the world, with 13,000 types of footwear. The collection ranges from Elvis Presley's loafers and Queen Victoria's ballroom slippers to Native Americans' beaded shoes and Lady Diana's heels.
Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of Canada's largest museums and a must-see for lovers of natural science, history and world cultures. Through over 6 million objects, you can discover the whole world, from dinosaur bones and Roman sculptures to art from Chinese temples and objects from Canada's original inhabitants. In some 30 rooms, you will find mysterious mummies and glittering gemstones. One of the highlights is The Light of the Desert, the world's largest gemstone of 900 carats made of the translucent and difficult to work cerussite. The diamond was found in the desert of Namibia.
There is so much to see that it is advisable to prepare the visit a little - otherwise you will wander around longer than necessary. The museum opened to the public back in 1914, and in 2007 the old building was joined by a modern glass wing with sharp corners designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. Open every day, the Royal Ontario Museum is located in the northern part of the University of Toronto campus. Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Canada. Website: www.rom.on.ca
Casa Loma
Do you love castles? Then you should definitely visit Casa Loma, a gigantic castle that evokes the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. It was built early last century by Sir Henry Pellatt (1859-1939), an eccentric Canadian multimillionaire who made his fortune by generating electricity from Niagara Falls. ► Read more about Casa Loma here
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
One of the most fun attractions for children is Ripley's Aquarium of Canada. This is Canada's largest indoor aquarium with as many as 20,000 marine animals of 450 different species. In the various pools, you can see sharks, stingrays, sawfish, giant lobsters and horseshoe crabs, among others. The aquarium has the world's largest collection of jellyfish and the longest underwater tunnel in North America, surrounded by 5.7 million litres of water. Hop on a treadmill for a ride along the Dangerous Lagoon and visit one of the daily dive shows. Address: 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada. Website: www.ripleyaquariums.com
Art Gallery of Ontario
Art lovers should definitely visit the Art Gallery of Ontario, one of the largest art museums in North America. AGO, as the museum is also called, has an extensive collection of as many as 95,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings and photographs from around the world.
Naturally, there are many Canadian artworks on display, including works by indigenous peoples of North America. But you can also find art from Africa, Australia and Europe. The museum features Impressionists like Van Gogh, Monet, Degas and Gauguin, as well as works by old Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Frans Hals. The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and has some pleasant cafés for a coffee. The museum is closed on Mondays. Address: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4, Canada. Website: www.ago.ca
St Lawrence Market
For tasting delicacies, visit St. Lawrence Market, an icon in downtown Toronto for more than 200 years. It is a culinary hotspot where 120 market vendors sell all kinds of local delicacies, fresh produce, flowers, and trinkets. Leading National Geographic magazine has already named St Lawrence Market as one of the best food markets in the world. While visiting St. Lawrence Market, consider staying in the heart of downtown Toronto at the Gabby'S Place Downtown Core Apartment. This comfortable accommodation is conveniently located, offering excellent access not only to the market but also to other key locations around the city.
The market is housed in a brick complex of three buildings, which also houses restaurants and exhibitions. Every Saturday, farmers from the area gather at sunrise in the North Market building to sell meat, cheese, fish, wines and other local produce, as they have been doing since 1803. Looking for antiques and memorabilia from days gone by? Every Sunday, the building is home to a flea market. Address: 93 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C3, Canada. Website: www.stlawrencemarket.com
Exploring Ontario Accomodation
Planning a trip to Ontario, Canada? This diverse province offers an array of accommodations catering to every traveler's preferences. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast seeking thrilling experiences or a budget-conscious traveler looking for cozy and affordable stays, Ontario has something for everyone. For a comprehensive look at accommodation options, you can check out a myriad of Ontario hotels and choose one that suits your unique needs here - http://www.ontariocahotel.com/en/ .
The Charm of Ontario Hostels
For those looking to explore Ontario on a budget and connect with fellow travelers, Ontario hostels are an excellent choice. These charming and budget-friendly accommodations provide a comfortable base for your adventures. They also offer a unique opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and share stories and experiences, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Indulge in Luxury: Luxury Adventure Cn Tower
If you're seeking a more luxurious experience in Ontario, why not consider a stay near the iconic Luxury Adventure Cn Tower? These luxury hotels offer unparalleled comfort, breathtaking views, and convenient access to some of Ontario's most iconic attractions. After a day of exploring, unwind in style, savor gourmet cuisine, and pamper yourself with top-notch amenities.
Toronto, being the largest city in Ontario, embodies the essence of the province's diversity and charm. Its bustling downtown area, thriving arts scene, and cultural landmarks make it a must-visit when in Ontario. If you're planning to spend some time in the city, be sure to take a look at the Top Rated Hotels in Toronto at tophotels.com. These high-rated accommodations guarantee a superior stay, enhancing your overall travel experience.
Toronto Zoo
Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada and the third largest in the world. Spread over an enormous terrain, you'll find more than 5,000 animals here, from lions and tigers to orang-utans and Indian rhinos. The zoo is divided into seven sections, each representing a geographical part of the world, such as Africa, Asia and Canada (with grizzly bears and pumas). There are also all kinds of attractions, from an outdoor swimming pool to a ropes course that you can negotiate just like a gorilla. Address: 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5K7, Canada. Website: www.torontozoo.com
Yonge-Dundas Square
When you end up in Yonge-Dundas Square at night, you almost think you've arrived at Times Square. With its flashing neon signs, fountains, crowds of pedestrians, live entertainment and fast-food joints, Canada's busiest intersection looks a lot like the liveliest square in New York.
Dundas Square, as it is usually called, is the beating heart of Toronto. This is where residents meet to shop or go out. As many as 100,000 people cross the street here every day! Nearby, you'll find restaurants and theatres, and only a few metres away you'll be at the Toronto Eaton Centre. This is one of the largest malls in North America, with over 230 shops and eateries. In summer, a stage in the square hosts concerts. Website: www.ydsquare.ca
Ontario Science Centre
Science suddenly becomes fun at the Ontario Science Centre, which opened its doors just after the moon landing in 1969. The science museum interactively introduces you to the latest engineering gadgets and developments in physics, biology, space travel and meteorology.
Visit the planetarium or indoor rainforest, see a real meteorite from the planet Mars and find out how frogs fire their deadly poison darts. With experiments, demonstrations and brain training, you won't have to get bored in this museum's three buildings, which are connected by escalators and bridges. The Ontario Science Centre is located about 10 kilometres northeast of the city centre. Address: 770 Don Mills Rd., North York, ON M3C 1T3, Canada. Website: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
Distillery Historic District
The Distillery Historic District is one of Toronto's oldest neighbourhoods, with cobbled pedestrian streets and beautifully restored Victorian-era brick warehouses. In the early 19th century, this was an industrial area and home to the Gooderham & Worts Distillery, the largest whisky distillery in the British Empire.
Now it has been transformed into a trendy area with galleries, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and craft brewers. It hosts art exhibitions and festivals, and in winter it is cosy with the Toronto Christmas Market. You can leisurely stroll around this neighbourhood, which almost feels European. You can even go for a ghost tour, as locals and tourists alike are said to have seen ghosts and ghouls here. Website: www.thedistillerydistrict.com
Toronto Islands
Need a break from Toronto's city bustle? Take a ferry to the Toronto Islands, a cluster of 15 small islands in Lake Ontario. They're just off the coast, so during the short 10-minute boat ride you'll immediately have a fantastic view of the Toronto skyline (good for your Instagram likes ???? ). Once on the islands, you can cycle, hike, kayak, row, sail or swim at one of the beaches. Don't bother with cars as they are not allowed here.
The largest Centre Island is home to Centreville Amusement Park(www.centreisland.ca), a nostalgic 1900s-style amusement park with children's rides like a carousel, cable car and train. Or play an 18-hole round of 'disc golf', which does require you to bring your own disc or Frisbee. One of the attractions on the islands is the Gibraltar Point lighthouse. Built in 1809, the tower is one of the city's oldest structures. Ferries leave from Queen's Quay Terminal and tickets can be bought online(www.toronto.ca).
Kensington Market
The more alternative and rugged side of Toronto can be seen in Kensington Market, which is not really a 'market' by the way. It is the city's most multicultural neighbourhood with a laid-back bohemian vibe. It used to be known as the Jewish Quarter because many Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe settled here. Two synagogues remain from that period.
Today, this is the best place to experience Toronto's cultural melting pot, with vintage clothing shops, colourful street art, avant-garde galleries and Jamaican and Tibetan eateries. On a typical summer day, the smell of incense floats through the air and you can enjoy street musicians.
High Park
High Park is the perfect place to relax for a while when running down all the sights has exhausted you. Toronto's largest city park is a peaceful green oasis with picnic areas, playgrounds, sports facilities, beautifully maintained gardens, ponds and walking paths.
Especially in spring, all Toronto residents seem to flock to the park when the cherry blossom blooms for about 10 weeks, heralding the arrival of warmer weather. In summer, all sorts of festivals take place and in winter you may be able to skate on the lake, Grenadier Pond. Are you in Toronto with the kids? Then pay a free visit to the High Park Zoo in the park, Canada's oldest zoo founded in 1893. It is small zoo with capybaras, emus, llamas, yaks and a few other exotic species. Website: www.toronto.ca
Aga Khan Museum
A welcome addition to Toronto's attractions is the Aga Khan Museum, the first museum of Islamic art in North America. You'll see more than 1,000 rare objects from Muslim civilisations around the world, from Iran and North Africa to Spain and China. The collection includes exquisite Koranic manuscripts, ceramics, textiles and scientific instruments. The collection was set up by imam and business tycoon Aga Khan IV, who is among the richest people in the world. The museum is in a crisp white building on a hill, with views of the Toronto skyline in the distance. Address: 77 Wynford Dr, North York, ON M3C 1K1, Canada. Website: www.agakhanmuseum.org
