Plan your visit to Toronto now! Discover the vibrant city of Toronto! Explore world-class attractions, diverse neighborhoods, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural experiences. From the CN Tower and Casa Loma to a shopping spree at the Eaton Centre, Toronto has one-of-a-kind landmarks that will captivate visitors. And sports fans will love catching a Maple Leafs hockey game, Raptors basketball game or Blue Jays baseball match.
The entertainment scene is also booming in Toronto with fashion shows, gigs and the newly popular style of storytelling performance.
1. Great Food
There’s more to Canada’s political capital than poutine and peameal bacon (a local favorite). A visit to Toronto’s Byward Market reveals a progressive food scene, led by game-changing restaurateurs who source from the city’s 1,000 farms. The menus include a range of global cuisine, from French to Japanese to Mexican and Italian, but there are also plenty of Canadian classics. For something sweet, look no further than the oh-so-scrumptious BeaverTails—deep-fried pastries covered in powdered sugar, cinnamon or whipped cream.
The city is a cultural mecca, with vibrant neighborhoods and a plethora of attractions. In Chinatown you’ll find authentic cuisine and traditional Chinese culture, while Little Italy offers a taste of the homeland. The cosmopolitan atmosphere is reflected in the city’s museums and galleries, with a special highlight being the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), one of the largest museums in the world. It celebrates rich cultures, natural history and fascinating art. You could easily spend half a day here!
If you want to learn more about the Canadian culinary scene, sign up for a cooking class. A chef will guide you through the elements of the region’s dishes and show you how to make some of its most popular foods. Or if you’d prefer to explore the city’s esteemed eateries and hidden gems, join a top-rated tour.
Toronto’s parks and attractions offer a mix of nature and entertainment. High Park is the city’s largest park, and its cherry blossom display in spring is breathtaking. Then there’s the CN Tower, which is not only a visual spectacle but also has revolving restaurant and glass floor observation deck. Other great attractions are Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and the historical St Lawrence Market.
2. Great Attractions
There are plenty of things to see and do in Toronto, from impressive sky scrapers and historic buildings to beautiful parks and green spaces. You can also find a variety of cultural experiences in the city’s many neighbourhoods, such as Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown and Little Portugal.
One of the top attractions in Toronto is the CN Tower, which offers breathtaking views of the city from its glass floor and revolving restaurant. Alternatively, you can take part in one of the many tours at the tower, which give you a unique view of the city from the ground or from above.
Another great attraction is the Royal Ontario Museum, which has an eclectic collection of artifacts from all over the world. The building itself is spectacular too, with enormous totem poles in the stairwells and a rotunda dome that showcases a stunning mosaic of world cultures.
You can also learn more about the history of hockey in Canada at the Hockey Hall of Fame, which has tons of cool memorabilia and NHL trophies. If you’re a sports fan, there’s no better way to experience Toronto than by attending a game at one of the city’s major stadiums. The Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Raptors and the Toronto Maple Leafs all play at various venues throughout the year.
Finally, you can visit Toronto’s enchanting Distillery District, which is one of the city’s most popular attractions for history buffs. Explore the cobblestone streets and old buildings of this pedestrian-only area, which is home to numerous restaurants and art galleries. There’s even a church in the area, which is designed to resemble Rome’s Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls and is full of religious artwork.
3. Great Shopping
The best shopping in Toronto isn’t found in upscale malls but rather in the city’s many unique neighbourhoods. Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown and other vibrant neighbourhoods offer a range of cultural experiences, quaint shops and restaurants serving up traditional dishes from different regions of Canada.
Historic St Lawrence Market is a foodie’s dream with artisan cheeses, fresh seafood and artisan bread. The market also houses specialty retail stores and weekly markets.
The city’s Distillery District is a trendy area of arts, entertainment and dining, centered around an old whiskey distillery. It’s where locals go to eat, shop and socialize. Visit Milky’s, a cafe that serves plant-based baked goods and brews craft coffee; White Lily Diner is an all-day spot serving comfort food with ingredients from its own farm; Easy Tiger Goods is a sunny boutique offering cute made-in-Toronto ceramics; and Etc Home is a chic shop selling embroidered tote bags and hand-crocheted coasters.
If you’re an art lover, a visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario is essential. The museum holds over 90,000 works and is one of the most distinguished galleries in North America. The infamous Yonge-Dundas Square is another major attraction that’s electric, lively and entertaining. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat, people watch or catch a Maple Leafs game.
Tickets to a Maple Leafs game can be hard to get and expensive, but the Hockey Hall of Fame is an excellent alternative where you can see the most important NHL trophies. Alternatively, you could try to score some tickets to an AHL Toronto Marlies game and experience the atmosphere at the arena. There are plenty of events and activities happening all year round.
4. Great Nightlife
When the sun goes down, Toronto awakens and the city is a bustling metropolis of energetic streets and music venues. From hidden gems with surprising culinary offerings to iconic venues pulsing with eclectic beats, there’s something for everyone here!
The city’s best bars and clubs are located in the Entertainment District, a popular neighbourhood for young professionals that combines the excitement of a party scene with a plethora of pubs and cafes. The area also houses some of the best local theatre and music venues.
If you want to get your dance on, visit one of the city’s epic clubs such as Rebel, which consistently brings in huge artists like Drake and Khalid. The massive club has tons of room to dance and offers a wide selection of bottle service options.
Alternatively, head to Finn’s of Temple Bar for free oysters on Friday and cheap $5 burgers on Tuesday, which attracts crowds who enjoy the hearty food and live music. This Irish-inspired establishment is popular among locals and is a great place to mingle with other travellers.
Another fun thing to do is visit some of the city’s museums and other attractions after dark. The famous Casa Loma is open every day, allowing you to tour the Gothic-style mansion that features period rooms and a 240-metre long underground tunnel. The Hockey Hall of Fame is another must-see, letting you walk through more than a century of history and displays of famous inducted players.
Toronto is a diverse and multicultural city that is home to people from over 200 different ethnic backgrounds. The city’s rich heritage is celebrated through a variety of festivals and celebrations throughout the year. The city’s many diverse communities, including Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown and others, all come together to celebrate their culture in a unique and exciting way.
5. Great Entertainment
Whether you’re travelling with a group of friends or colleagues, you’ll find plenty to do in Toronto. It’s no wonder that this cultural hub has been recognized as one of North America’s top destinations. The city’s inspired activities leave visitors with unforgettable experiences and fond memories.
Embrace Hollywood’s glitz and glamour at a local film festival, or visit the National Film Preservation Centre for a behind-the-scenes look at the production process. For a different kind of art, stroll through Queen Street West’s famous Graffiti Alley or head to Parkdale for a taste of the city’s deep artistic roots and intriguing street art.
The CN Tower is the most recognizable landmark on the city’s skyline, and its high observation deck offers incredible views of the city and surrounding region. You can also discover the history of the region and its people at the Royal Ontario Museum, with exhibits ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to dinosaur fossils.
There are many great family-friendly things to do in Toronto, including exploring scenic trails, having a picnic in beautiful parks, and spending time with animals at the zoo. In spring, the cherry blossom trees come into full bloom, transforming the city with their vibrant colors.
Sporty travellers can cheer on their favourite team at a Maple Leafs game, or experience a behind-the-scenes look with a stadium tour. Fans of the ice should check out the Hockey Hall of Fame, which features major NHL trophies and interactive games.
There’s nothing that bonds a team like karaoke, and this is especially true when it’s done as a group activity. Join in on the fun and sing the greatest hits at a local karaoke bar, or get everyone involved by choosing ensemble songs to form a chorus.
