When visiting Toronto, there are several things you should see. These include the CN Tower, Harbourfront Centre, Rogers Centre, High Park, Art Gallery of Ontario, and Casa Loma.
1) The CN Tower:
It can be seen from a long way away. You have to pay for admission to access the observation deck on top, but it’s worth the money as you will get an amazing view over the city.
2) Harbourfront Centre:
This center provides high-quality shows and performances all year round. They are known for hosting some big shows such as Snowboard Canada Games 2012. If you love live music this is the perfect place to visit.
3) Rogers Sportsnet:
Located at Yonge and Gerrard this sports network has many interesting features. One of these is going behind the scenes with the Jays and other hockey teams.
4) Hockey Hall Of Fame:
A huge step back from modern-day living but still well worth seeing if you’re a hockey fan. There you’ll find the best collection of hockey memorabilia around.
5) Science World:
This science museum offers lots of hands-on activities that children will enjoy.
6) Distillery District:
Here you can learn about the history of whiskey making while tasting delicious Canadian whiskeys.
7) Old City Hall:
This old building was originally built in 1829 so it gives you a good idea of what older architecture is like. In 1988 it caught fire and had to close its doors only to re-open them twenty years later. Today, it houses several shops, galleries, and even a library.
8) Eaton Centre:
This huge mall in downtown Toronto is great for window shopping or simply people-watching.
9) Casa Loma:
This historic mansion once belonged to Edward VII who loved to go ice skating there. Nowadays, it houses a restaurant called Evelyn’s Kitchen where you can have tea here, courtesy of their teas.
10) Chinatown:
Despite its unassuming name, Toronto’s Chinese community is among the largest outside of Asia. You don’t need to visit any museums here because everything is available in English and Chinese language signs posted around the area.
11) Dundas Square:
Located between Spadina Rd. and Parliament St., this square is a great starting point for exploring the downtown core.
12) Trinity Bellwoods Park:
This park located near Bloor Street is popular with both locals and visitors alike. The highlight of this park is the “Bellwood Farm” which hosts a large variety of animals including horses, goats, cows, and chickens.
13) Centennial College:
This college located near Lake Ontario is a great resource for those looking for arts courses. The campus itself is beautiful and full of art facilities.
14) Christie Pits:
These saltwater pits are the third largest man-made structure in the western hemisphere. Open to the public, the pits contain numerous trails through grassy areas until you reach a small island where you can enjoy a barbecue lunch under the sun.
15) St Lawrence Market:
Just along from Christie Pits, this market is one of Toronto’s most famous landmarks. The food court here is great for grabbing a bite to eat before visiting other attractions.
16) Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO):
One of the city’s most impressive art galleries, the AGO contains thousands of works of art by more than two thousand artists.
17) Royal Ontario Museum (ROM):
The ROM is home to over eight million exhibits featuring over five thousand fossils in addition to extensive land and sea life collections. Its grounds feature various gardens and monuments like the Shrine of the Declaration of Independence.
18) Gardiner Museum:
This museum in the heart of the financial district is dedicated to preserving the culture of Toronto. Exhibitions showcase the best in contemporary art while the permanent collection features pieces dating back as far as 1500.
19) Harbourfront Center:
This waterfront complex encompasses several restaurants, cafes, and shops. The complex also features an exhibition space that highlights local artists working today. The harborfront makes for a picturesque view of Toronto.
20) Princess Margaret Rose Garden:
Close to the CN Tower, this garden is one of the world’s first vertical gardens designed by Dr. Peter Pearce. The walls of this garden are covered in roses representing each province in Canada.
21) Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada:
One of the country’s biggest aquariums, Ripley’s features over seven hundred different aquatic species within a gigantic, underwater tank.
22) Rogers Centre/SkyDome:
Home to the Blue Jays, this stadium was built in 1989 and features 33,000 seats on three sides of the field and floor-to-ceiling windows for a unique panoramic view of the action.
23) Casa Loma:
This historic building is one of Toronto’s best buildings from the golden age of architecture. Casa Loma was constructed in 1913 for $ 2 million. Today it houses numerous events across the year.
24) Distillery District:
This former whiskey-distilling village now attracts tourists due to its galleries, antique stores, and boutiques.
Conclusion
Toronto is a truly diverse and exciting place to explore. From Canadian football fields to ancient ruins, here’s my guide to some of the top tourist sites you must visit when in town!