Canada's largest city has a reputation for being uninteresting. But you only have to walk through its streets to see that this is not the case. Toronto has attractions for all tastes, from beaches and viewpoints to museums and historic neighbourhoods. Check out the main tourist attractions in Toronto to start planning what to see and do on your itinerary.
For attractions that charge admission, I've included the official prices and also tips for skipping the queue or visiting with a tour. All the sites are very accessible, thanks to Toronto's efficient public transport. Oh, and if you want to save on transportation, take a good look at where to stay in Toronto and choose neighbourhoods with easy transportation or nearby attractions.
Accommodation is one of the key aspects to consider while vacationing in a city. Toronto offers various options for travelers. If you're looking for a comfortable stay and don't want to worry about commuting, you can find top-rated hotels in Toronto at tophotels.com. If you're planning to roam around the province, looking into hotel deals in Ontario - http://www.ontariocahotel.com/en/ - could save you a significant amount of money on accommodation. It's worth exploring these options, especially if you're on a budget or plan to stay for a more extended period.
1. CN Tower
At 553 metres high, the CN Tower is the tallest building in Canada. The main observation deck is 342 metres. We got there by the panoramic lift, which goes up at a speed of 22 km/h. The view from the Observation Deck is 360 degrees, taking in Lake Ontario, the financial centre, Rogers Centre stadium, the islands and other Toronto landmarks.
Main observation deck ticket price: CAD 38 for adults, CAD 34 for seniors and CAD 28 for children 12 and under. Understand the types of tickets and buy through the official website.
All the details about the visit, possible activities in my tips about the CN Tower.
2. Distillery District
A former whiskey distillery, which occupied the largest set of Victorian-style buildings in North America, has given way to one of Toronto's most interesting shopping and dining areas. The area is home to shops, breweries, cafés and restaurants. It is less than 3 km away from the city centre.
3. Toronto Islands
About 20 minutes by ferry from downtown Toronto, the small archipelago of the Toronto Islands has different attractions. There's the Centreville Amusement Park, the historic and haunted Gibraltar Lighthouse, some beaches, gardens and a bike rental shop. And one of the coolest ways to explore the most of the islands, is precisely by cycling. Not to mention the best view of Toronto from there.
Ticket price: to get there, the cheapest way is to take the ferry at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, for 8 CAD round trip.
Quick cruise: it is possible to take a boat trip that lasts only 1 hour, with a guide explaining the basics about the area.
4. Old City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square
This classic tower in the photo, reminiscent of London's Big Ben, is in the building of Toronto's old city hall. It has been there since 1899 and currently houses the local judiciary. In front of it is the square with the Toronto sign. It is a place just to look at and take beautiful pictures.
Nathan Phillips Square is home to the Toronto sign
Front view of the old city hall
5. Ripleyâs Aquarium of Canada
Opened in 2013, it is the largest aquarium in Canada. It houses more than 15,000 marine animals of 450 species. Particularly, I prefer not to visit aquariums, as I consider it a form of Cruel Tourism. But if you don't care about that, you can combine it with the view of the CN Tower, which is right next door.
Ticket price: 30 to 37 CAD for adults, 20 to 25 CAD for teenagers, 7 to 13 CAD for children and 20 to 25 CAD for seniors. Understand the different types of tickets on the official website.
Or you can spend a little more and buy the skip-the-line ticket on the GetYourGuide website, which is a partner of Buenas Dicas.
6. Scotiabank Arena, the ice hockey stadium
I went to watch a hockey game in Toronto and it was one of the coolest things I did there. A totally different programme than what we are used to. By itself, the stadium is not a tourist spot, so I recommend checking the schedule of games and include a match in your trip. It is right next to Union Station, Toronto's main subway station, so it is very easy to get there.
7. Royal Ontario Museum
With more than 100 years old and a mix of classic and futuristic architecture, this museum is already a tourist attraction. It is not just an art museum. There are more than 6,000 objects related to themes such as universal culture and natural history. Among meteorites, skeletons and replicas of dinosaurs, you can spend hours admiring its collection.
Ticket price: 20 CAD for adults, 17 CAD for seniors and 14 CAD for children (official website).
Smart tip: the skip-the-line ticket is the same price on the GetYourGuide website.
8. Where to stay
Discover Opulence: 5-Star Hotels in Ontario
When you seek the epitome of luxury and refinement during your stay in Ontario, 5-star hotels are a natural choice. Ontario boasts a selection of upscale accommodations that provide an unparalleled level of elegance, comfort, and impeccable service, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every guest.
For the ultimate indulgence, consider staying at one of the prestigious 5-star hotels in Ontario. These hotels redefine sophistication, offering a harmonious blend of world-class amenities, impeccable design, and a commitment to exceeding your expectations.
A Boutique Retreat: Isabella Hotel And Suites Toronto
Among the remarkable options, the Isabella Hotel And Suites Toronto shines as a standout boutique destination. This elegant hotel combines the charm of a boutique experience with the lavishness of a 5-star establishment. You'll find meticulously designed suites, personalized service, and a range of amenities that cater to both leisure and business travelers.
Additionally, if you are looking to amplify your relaxing experience while in Ontario, you might want to consider staying at a hotel that also provides spa facilities. Toronto Spa Hotels offer a vast range of wellness services, allowing guests to unwind and rejuvenate during their stay. With a selection of therapeutic treatments, you can indulge in a spa retreat while also enjoying the comfort of your 5-star accommodation.
Staying at a 5-star hotel in Ontario ensures not only proximity to the province's attractions but also immersing yourself in a world of luxury that perfectly complements Ontario's unique allure. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, choosing a 5-star hotel such as Isabella Hotel And Suites Toronto or a spa hotel ensures an exceptional and memorable stay.
9. Casa Loma
Have you ever thought about visiting a castle in Canada? With 98 rooms, Casa Loma is a medieval-style mansion built from 1911 to 1914 to be the home of financier Henry Pellatt. It was considered the largest residence in North America. Today it is a tourist attraction in Toronto, where period relics such as furniture, antique electronics, crockery, tapestries and decorative objects are on display. A journey through time.
Ticket price: 32 CAD for adults, 27 CAD for seniors and teenagers and 22 CAD for children(official website).
For those who like comfort and a tour guide, the ticket is included in this City Tour in Toronto.
10. Yonge-Dundas Square
The crowd takes over this intersection of two important avenues in Toronto. The high concentration of people, the vocation for public events and the large screens and colourful signs make the place known as The Times-Square of Toronto, in reference to New York. Once in Toronto, you'll naturally pass by here, as it's in a strategic location in the centre.
11. Toronto's beaches
Believe me, there are beaches in Toronto. On the shores of Lake Ontario and with temperatures above 20°C in summer, it's perfectly possible to enjoy this unexpected side of Canada's largest city. Some beaches are close to the centre, such as Woodbine Beach and the Toronto Islands beaches.
12. St Lawrence Market, the best public market in Toronto
For those who like to eat well and without spending too much, there is no better place to visit in Toronto. St Lawrence Market is the most touristy of the city's public markets and holds relics of Canadian cuisine, such as the Peamel Bacon sandwich. It is strategically located in the centre and combines with several other attractions along the way.
13. Rogers Centre, the baseball stadium
With a capacity of up to 53,000 people, it is the home stadium of the Toronto Blue Jays, one of Canada's top baseball teams. Multi-purpose, it also hosts "normal" football and Canadian football (American football type) matches. If you're planning to attend a baseball game, even if you don't understand anything, just to get in the mood, research the dates of the games and put the stadium on your itinerary. Or just see it from the top of the CN Tower. If you're lucky, there might even be a game going on down there.
14. Niagara Falls
Just 130 kilometres away from Toronto, a day trip to Niagara Falls is essential. Especially if you're a fan of the legendary Woodpecker at the Falls episode. In addition, of course, to all the beauty of the most voluminous waterfall in North America, on the border between the United States and Canada, and a multitude of activities, such as:
Helicopter flight over the falls
Giant wheel of the falls
Boat trip on the falls
How to get to Niagara: although the journey by car or bus is theoretically faster, with about 1h30 of duration in times of lesser flow of vehicles, I recommend going by train to avoid heavy traffic and ensure that you will get there in less than 3 hours.
