21 Incredible Things To Do In Toronto
By: Meg Cossmann - Staff Writer
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
21 Incredible Things To Do In Toronto
A list of everything from arts and culture to unique attractions you need to do in Toronto at least once, whether you're a tourist or a local!
As the biggest and most diverse city in Canada , Toronto is full of world-class attractions to keep you entertained all year long. From catching a sports game or your favourite musician’s tour to exploring historic museums, manicured gardens, or sandy beaches, the possibilities are endless!
Whether it’s a blustery cold winter’s day or a scorching August afternoon, there’s sure to be something exciting going on in the city.
Here’s some of the best things to do in Toronto everyone should experience at least once!
1. Visit the top of the CN Tower
by ventdusud via Shutterstock
The city’s most recognizable structure is a must-see at least once, standing at 553.3 metres (1815.4 feet) tall. Take a glass elevator ride up to the top, where you’ll be treated with panoramic views from the main observation level . You can go even higher to the Skypod, which is the tallest observation platform in the Western Hemisphere at 447 meters (1,465 feet) up! For the thrill-seekers, consider booking the EdgeWalk experience, where you can walk 116 storeys above the city with nothing but a harness securing you. If you get hungry, book a meal at the award-winning 360 Restaurant , which serves Canadiana-inspired cuisine with stunning city views completing a full rotation every 72 minutes.
2. Take a food tour through St. Lawrence Market
by Rolf_52 via Shutterstock
The St. Lawrence Market is Toronto’s iconic downtown destination for fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and so much more . Once named the world’s best food market by National Geographic, you’ll find over 120 vendors at this historic institution which has been around since 1803. It also regularly hosts cooking classes at The Market Kitchen, as well as farmers’ markets on Saturdays in the newly reopened St. Lawrence Market North building – luckily it’s also indoors, so you can visit all year round!
3. Expand your knowledge at the Royal Ontario Museum
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The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is home to 13 million artifacts across 40 galleries, and is one of the largest, most comprehensive museums in the whole country . Established in 1912, you can explore everything from natural history to fine arts and design under the same roof. The museum also brings in rotating exhibits, so there’s always something new for you to see.
4. Check out the Hockey Hall of Fame
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Hockey is the most popular sport in Canada , so naturally, there is an entire museum dedicated to it in Toronto! The Hockey Hall of Fame was established in 1943, and you can see a vast collection of hockey memorabilia, jerseys, and the Stanley Cup in all its glory . There’s also a gift shop where you can pick up some authentic NHL and Hall of Fame merch or gifts.
5. See the latest exhibits at the Art Gallery of Ontario
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With over 90,000 works in its encyclopedic collection, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of North America’s largest art galleries . Established in 1900, one of its most notable collections is art pieces by the iconic Group of Seven, as well as Canadian and Indigenous art. For those on a budget, visit on a Wednesday night between 6 – 9 p.m. for free admission .
6. Explore the Distillery District
by The Distillery District
Toronto’s bustling Distillery District was once home to the largest distillery in the world, but now is a huge dining, shopping, and cultural hub featuring cobblestone streets, art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. With its Victorian-era charm, it also hosts major events throughout the year , like the Distillery Winter Village around Christmastime and the Lavazza IncluCity Festival in the summer.
7. Attend a Candlelight Concert
Candlelight at the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto
Attending a Candlelight concert is one of the most magical experiences you can have in Toronto. These intimate performances bring the music of legendary composers and contemporary artists to life in breathtaking venues like the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto . Surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight, you can enjoy everything from classical masterpieces to modern hits by artists like Taylor Swift. Whether you’re a longtime music lover or just looking for a unique night out, a Candlelight concert is an unforgettable way to connect with music in the heart of the city .
8. See a game or show at Rogers Centre
by MLB
Ranked the best city for sports and music fans in North America , catching a baseball game or concert at the Rogers Centre is a must. Home to the Toronto Blue Jays, the dome’s roof retracts during the summer months for an epic game experience. The stadium also hosts the biggest music stars in the world for their tour stops in the city!
9. Shop in Kensington Market
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Known for its artsy vibes, thrift stores, and unique eateries, Kensington Market is one of the most eclectic neighbourhoods in Toronto , and the perfect way to spend an afternoon exploring. Also a foodie paradise, you’ll find an incredibly diverse selection of cuisines to choose from, ranging from Montreal bagels to authentic Ethiopian food.
10. Wander around at Casa Loma
by Ken Felepchuk via Shutterstock
One of Toronto’s most enchanting attractions, Casa Loma, is open daily with year-round cultural events tailored to the season. Take a self-guided tour of the property, which you can wander its manicured gardens, secret passageways, tunnels, and towers. During the summers, Casa Loma hosts a multitude of outdoor concerts like ‘ Symphony in the Gardens’ and ‘ Soul in the City.’ Halloween sees the interactive theatre performance, ‘Legends of Horror,’ and Christmas brings ‘Christmas at the Castle’ filled with dazzling lights.
11. Take a daytrip to the Toronto Islands
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Escape from the city with a short ferry ride over to the Toronto Islands , comprised of a year-round residential neighborhood, Centreville Amusement Park, a public marina, and several public beaches . The islands are a popular destination for visitors to Toronto and locals alike where you can kayak, paddle board, bike, or swim at the beach .
12. Stroll through High Park
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High Park is the largest public park in Toronto , boasting hiking trails, sports facilities, a dog park, zoo, playgrounds, and so much more! Spanning 161 hectares (400 acres), it’s a popular destination particularly in the fall and spring seasons for leaf-peeping and cherry blossom viewing . Grab a coffee from a nearby cafe and stroll through the sprawling oasis.
13. Find a peaceful escape at the Allan Gardens Conservatory
by AnjelikaGr via Shutterstock
Home to a series of connected Victorian-era greenhouses , Allan Gardens Conservatory sits at the heart of Toronto providing a place of respite from the downtown bustle. Open 365 days a year , you can wander through the various greenhouses holding various types of plants and flowers, including a tropical house, orchid house, temperate house, arid house, and even a children’s conservatory. The gardens also host seasonal floral shows.
14. See underwater life at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
by Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Home to over 20,000 animals , Ripley’s Aquarium is one of the largest in the entire country. You can learn about rays, sea turtles, jellyfish and beyond, walk through a mesmerizing tunnel surrounded by sharks, interact with the animals, and so much more. The aquarium also hosts a number of exciting events throughout the year , like their romantic Valentine’s Dinner “under the sea” , paint and jazz nights.
15. Watch a flick at TIFF Lightbox
by Erman Gunes via Shutterstock
One of the most popular cinemas in Toronto is TIFF Lightbox , a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to highlighting the best of international and Canadian cinema. They’ve always got an exciting program of films to choose from, so head to their calendar to learn more about their curated selection.
16. Get a dose of adrenaline at Canada’s Wonderland
by Canada’s Wonderland
The largest theme park in Canada is found just north of the city at Canada’s Wonderland , which is home to over 200 attractions including including 18 roller coasters, two children’s areas, and Splash Works , its 20-acre water park. It also hosts a spooky Halloween Haunt every fall, as well as WinterFest , a winter wonderland suited for all ages.
17. Take a photo tour through Graffiti Alley
by Erman Gunes via Shutterstock
Graffiti Alley , located in the Fashion District near Queen Street West, spans three city blocks. Known for its vibrant street art, it was once an unsanctioned graffiti hotspot . Advocacy efforts led to its 2011 designation as an area of municipal significance, inspiring the creation of the StreetARToronto (StART) program to support public art. Today, it’s a popular site for photoshoots, festivals, and murals by notable artists .
18. Get a pic with the Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square
by Jon Bilous via Shutterstock
Snap a pic with the huge Toronto sign found at Nathan Phillips Square , the city’s urban plaza just outside Toronto City Hall. At night, the sign lights up, making for a perfect photo op against the city backdrop. If you visit in the winter, the square transforms into a skating rink , and you can rent skates right onsite.
19. Have a night out on King West
by Lavelle
Toronto’s King Street West is lined with trendy bars, music venues, and stylish restaurants , and is the city’s most popular nightlife destination. Whether you’re looking to dance or enjoy a delicious meal, this street has it all.
20. Snap a skyline photo from Polson Pier
by Andrew Bondarchuk via Shutterstock
For one of the best skyline views of Toronto , head to Polson Pier , located in the industrial Port Lands area of the city along the waterfront. Here, you’ll also find Rebel , an expansive concert hall and nightclub that hosts a range of events throughout the year.
21. Hike the Scarborough Bluffs
by kmorfe via Shutterstock
The Scarborough Bluffs , also known by locals as “the Bluffs,” are striking white cliffs rising 91 metres and stretching 15 km along Lake Ontario, just 30 minutes from downtown Toronto . You’ll feel like you’ve been transported worlds away from the city with its breathtaking views, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. Explore one of the scenic hiking trails above the cliffs, or sunbathe at Bluffer’s Park Beach below.
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Why didn't I think of posting this on Discovery Group before? Nobody on NT could possibly know Toronto better than I do. Although I've done most of the things on the list, there is one I would have loved to do but it was too recently created - that aquarium. I would love to have watched a shark swimming over my head.
There are a lot of great things that were not on the list such as:
Watch a play in the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre which is also on King Street West, for some years my office was just around the corner.
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Toronto Zoo - authentic habitats for more than 5000 animals in a 700 acre park.
Enjoy a Chinese meal in Chinatown, just around the corner from Kensington Market.
Or some great moussaka like I ate last itme i was in Toronto in a Greektown restaurant.
Or Little Italy during the madhouse of a street festival for the very best gelato ice cream.
The Ontario Science Centre. My ex-wife used to work there. I met Hurricane Carter there, bought his book that he signed for my son.
looks great.
Ever been there?
Wish I had more time to spend there when I took this photo. Canadians are so nice.
That's a great skyline photo.
How did you leave out the R.O.M.?
Number 3 on the article list. It makes me think of Jean Reno's remark about the glass pyramid in front of the Louvre, in the movie The Da Vinci Code: "A scar on the face of Paris."
Oooops!
I'd like to add to the list (on behalf of Tim Lee) with an old and popular restaurant known as "The Senator," which opened in 1929.
Although it's in a fairly central location (Victoria Street) I don't remember the restaurant at all.