27 Things to Do in Toronto: A Complete Guide to the City’s Must-See Attractions
Toronto is one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world, rich with history, culture, art, and natural beauty. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Canada’s largest city has something for everyone — whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local looking to rediscover your town. From world-famous landmarks like the CN Tower and the Distillery District to hidden gems like High Park and Graffiti Alley, Toronto offers endless opportunities to explore.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve curated a list of the 27 must-visit attractions and activities to experience in Toronto. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history buff, outdoor adventurer, or foodie, there’s something on this list for you.
1. Visit the CN Tower
The CN Tower is undoubtedly the most iconic landmark in Toronto, and for good reason. Standing at 553.3 meters, it was once the tallest free-standing structure in the world and is a symbolic figure of the city’s skyline.
Things to do at CN Tower:
- Glass Floor: Test your nerve with the thrilling experience of walking on glass 1,122 feet above the ground.
- EdgeWalk: Seek adventure? The EdgeWalk is for you. This hands-free walk on the outer edge of the tower is the highest of its kind in the world.
- 360 Restaurant: Indulge in fine dining while witnessing the sweeping panoramic views of the city at the tower’s revolving restaurant.
The CN Tower is open year-round but visiting early in the morning or late in the evening can help avoid larger crowds.
2. Explore Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Located just steps away from the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is a massive 140,000-square-foot space featuring more than 20,000 aquatic animals. It is a must-visit for families, marine life enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the underwater world.
Highlights include:
- The Dangerous Lagoon, where you can walk through an underwater tunnel and marvel at sharks circling above.
- Interactive exhibits like touch tanks where you can get up close with stingrays and horseshoe crabs.
3. Stroll Through the Distillery District
The Distillery District is one of Toronto’s most charming and historic neighborhoods. Known for its cobblestone streets and preserved Victorian-era industrial buildings, this pedestrian-only zone is home to art galleries, boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes.
The area truly comes alive during the Distillery District’s famous Christmas Market, where lights twinkle and festive stalls line the streets. However, the district is bustling year-round with art installations and regular public events.
4. Discover Casa Loma
Toronto’s very own castle, Casa Loma, is a beautifully preserved Gothic Revival mansion initially built in the early 1900s. The castle boasts nearly 100 rooms, extensive gardens, secret passageways, and even a tunnel connecting the mansion to the stables.
Things to check out:
- The hidden tunnel that stretches 800 feet under the road to Casa Loma’s stables.
- The castle gardens: perfect for a leisurely stroll, especially in spring and summer.
- Exhibits: show historical artifacts and rooms preserved in their original splendor.
5. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of the most significant museums in Canada and ranks among the best worldwide. Whether you’re into world cultures or natural history, the museum’s extensive collections, which total over six million items, offer something for everyone.
Don’t miss:
- The famous dinosaur exhibit, featuring reconstructed skeletons and fossils.
- Egyptian artifacts: discover ancient mummies, hieroglyphs, and temple relics.
- Extensive First Nations collections that showcase the country’s Indigenous history and art.
6. Shop at St. Lawrence Market
A century-old institution, the St. Lawrence Market was declared the world’s best food market by National Geographic. Exploring this vibrant space is a sensory overload of fresh produce, artisanal products, and culinary delights.
Must-try delicacies:
- The renowned peameal bacon sandwich, serving as a meaty culinary emblem of Toronto.
- Classic Canadian sweets like butter tarts.
The market is open from Tuesday to Saturday, with expanded hours for the farmers’ market on specific weekends.
7. Enjoy Nature at High Park
Take a break from the city noise at High Park, the largest public park in Toronto, spanning almost 400 acres. High Park offers rolling landscapes, hiking trails, ponds, and even a free zoo.
Top attraction:
- The cherry blossoms in springtime, drawing crowds from all over to witness the short bloom period.
It’s also a great spot for picnics, playgrounds, and making the most of the great outdoors.
8. Take a Trip to Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands are a tranquil escape just a short ferry ride from the bustling downtown area. The islands offer everything from sandy beaches to nature trails and are perfect for a day trip.
Popular activities on the islands:
- Lounge at Centre Island Beach, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
- Visit the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, reputedly haunted and the oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes.
- Rent bikes, paddleboats, or kayaks for exploration.
This is a family-friendly destination offering picnic spots, walkways, and stunning skyline views of Toronto.
9. Wander Around Kensington Market
Kensington Market is Toronto’s bohemian haven, filled to the brim with vibrant street art, eclectic shops, and restaurants serving up international cuisine.
The neighborhood is a throwback to the city’s multicultural history, and its quirky and colorful atmosphere makes for a perfect afternoon of exploration.
10. Marvel at Graffiti Alley
For some of the most Instagram-worthy street art in the city, head to Graffiti Alley, located near Kensington Market and part of Toronto’s Fashion District. This alley is home to some of the most intricate and colorful murals in the city.
Part of Toronto’s street culture, it’s a must-see for photographers and art lovers alike.
11. Explore the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
One of the largest art galleries in North America, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) features impressive collections, from Canadian and Indigenous art to renowned European masterpieces.
Special attention should be paid to the Group of Seven pieces, widely regarded as national treasures for their depictions of Canadian landscapes.
12. Experience the Hockey Hall of Fame
Canada’s favorite sport, hockey, is celebrated at its highest level in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Explore interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and the glorious Stanley Cup itself.
Test your skills with the many interactive games, including shooting and goalie challenges.
13. Visit the Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada and home to some 5,000 animals, including elephants, polar bears, and tigers. It’s divided into geographical zones showcasing animals from different parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
A day at the zoo promises educational exhibits, such as the Tundra Trek, where you’ll find polar bears frolicking.
14. Check Out Yonge-Dundas Square
Comparable to New York’s Times Square, Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square is a centralized hub of constant activity. The square often hosts free events, concerts, and performances, making it a vibrant gathering place for both locals and tourists.
The LED billboards may feel familiar to visitors accustomed to bustling city centers around the world.
15. Relax at Woodbine Beach
If you’re visiting in the summer, nothing beats a day at Woodbine Beach, located along Toronto’s expansive waterfront. The beach offers sandy shores, swimming, and over 90 beach volleyball courts.
Nearby, the Martin Goodman Trail caters to cyclists and runners, offering scenic views along the lakeshore.
16. Visit Fort York National Historic Site
Step into Toronto’s past by visiting the Fort York National Historic Site, a collection of preserved military buildings that played a central role in the War of 1812.
An interactive museum showcases artifacts and features guided tours to deep dive into Toronto’s military history.
17. Explore Little Italy
Toronto’s historic Little Italy is known for its bustling street life, Italian restaurants, and old-world cafes. Grab an espresso at a sidewalk café, stroll down College Street, and head to a cozy eatery for some of the best Italian cuisine in Toronto.
18. Discover Little Canada
For something truly unique, Little Canada is an amazing miniature world replicating famous Canada landmarks. Spanning the country from Toronto to the Rockies, these meticulously created models capture the spirit of the Great White North in incredible detail.
19. Take a Tall Ship Boat Cruise
Explore Toronto’s famous waterfront from the deck of an authentic tall ship. A variety of private companies offer Lake Ontario cruises with amazing views of the city’s skyline. Perfect for warm-weather afternoons, some cruises even offer themed tours or nighttime adventures.
20. Visit Evergreen Brick Works
Nestled in the Don Valley, the Evergreen Brick Works offers an urban escape with lush flora, hiking trails, and a weekly farmers’ market. Seasonal events, environmental programs, and workshops are often held here, making it a great spot for eco-conscious visitors.
21. Paddleboard or Kayak at Ontario Place
Ontario Place offers a chance to hop in a kayak or paddleboard and explore Toronto’s waterfront. It’s an ideal way to enjoy the city’s natural beauty in the summer months. Don’t forget to bring your camera for some stellar views of the Toronto Islands and downtown skyline.
22. Walk Through Allan Gardens Conservatory
Open year-round, the Allan Gardens Conservatory is one of Toronto’s oldest and most beloved indoor botanical gardens. Its several Victorian-style greenhouses are packed with tropical and temperate plants from around the world, perfect for a relaxing walk any season of the year.
23. Explore Old Toronto (Historic Walking Tour)
Take a historic walking tour of Old Toronto, where you can visit iconic buildings like St. Lawrence Hall and the quaint Gooderham Building (Flatiron). Many tours provide fascinating insights into Toronto’s development from a colonial outpost to a modern metropolis.
24. Visit Toronto Botanical Garden
Garden lovers will be enchanted by the Toronto Botanical Garden. This beautifully landscaped public space emphasizes sustainability, horticulture, and the environment. Look out for educational programs, workshops, and walking tours for visitors wanting to dive deeper into the world of plant science.
25. Experience Nuit Blanche (Art Festival)
Nuit Blanche is an annual event that transforms Toronto into a sprawling, nighttime art gallery. The all-night affair fills the streets with incredible contemporary art installations and performances that draw crowds from across the city.
26. Check Out The Path (Underground Shopping)
Escape Toronto’s harsh winter by exploring The Path, an underground pedestrian walkway spanning over 30 kilometers. Connecting hundreds of stores, eateries, and office spaces, it’s the largest underground shopping complex in the world.
27. Visit The Ontario Science Centre
Perfect for a family-friendly adventure, the Ontario Science Centre offers an array of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities designed to ignite curiosity about the natural world. Popular exhibits include the planetarium and a dedicated kids-only discovery area.
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