Toronto, Canada's largest city, offers a unique blend of urban excitement, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. As professional tour guides who've explored every corner of this magnificent city, we've compiled our definitive list of Toronto's must-visit attractions. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or an extended stay, these destinations will ensure you experience the very best of what Toronto has to offer.
1. CN Tower
No visit to Toronto is complete without experiencing the iconic CN Tower, a 553-meter telecommunications spire that dominated the city's skyline since 1976. Beyond admiring the tower from below, visitors should ascend to the observation decks for panoramic views of the city, Lake Ontario, and on clear days, even Niagara Falls in the distance.
For thrill-seekers, the EdgeWalk offers an adrenaline-pumping experience—a hands-free walk on a 1.5-meter wide ledge encircling the top of the Tower's main pod, 356 meters above the ground. Inside, the revolving 360 Restaurant combines fine dining with spectacular rotating views of the city.
Address: 37 Bulwer St,, Toronto, ON M5T 1A1
Hours: 9:30 AM - 9:00 PM (varies by season)
Insider Tip: Visit just before sunset to experience both daytime and nighttime views as the city lights come alive.
2. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
The Royal Ontario Museum stands as Canada's largest museum of world cultures and natural history. Its striking crystal addition (The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal) makes it architecturally distinctive and unmissable. Inside, visitors will discover everything from dinosaurs and ancient Egyptian artifacts to Asian art and Canadian heritage.
With over 13 million artifacts spanning art, culture, and natural science across six million years of history, the ROM offers something for every interest. Special exhibitions regularly rotate through, ensuring there's always something new to discover even for repeat visitors.
Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6
Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Closed Mondays)
Insider Tip: Friday Night Live events (seasonal) transform the museum into a vibrant social space with music, food, and drinks.
3. Toronto Islands
A short ferry ride from downtown transports visitors to the Toronto Islands, an oasis of parkland offering stunning city views and a refreshing escape from urban life. This car-free archipelago features sandy beaches, picnic areas, walking trails, a small amusement park for children, and even a clothing-optional beach (Hanlan's Point).
The islands provide outstanding photo opportunities of Toronto's skyline, particularly at sunset. Rent bicycles to explore the interconnected islands efficiently, or canoes and kayaks for a water-based adventure around the islands' shores.
Address: Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 9 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H3
Ferry Hours: Varies seasonally
Insider Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, and bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the many scenic spots.
4. Distillery District
The Distillery District offers a charming blend of Victorian industrial architecture and 21st-century creativity. Once home to the largest distillery in the British Empire, this pedestrian-only village now houses galleries, studios, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants in meticulously preserved heritage buildings.
The cobblestone streets, distinctive red brick buildings, and artistic atmosphere make it perfect for leisurely exploration. Throughout the year, various events animate the district, including a magical Christmas Market during winter months that transforms the area into a festive wonderland.
Address: 55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
Hours: Most shops open 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (restaurants later)
Insider Tip: Don't miss the SOMA Chocolatemaker for artisanal chocolate treats, especially their drinking chocolate.
5. St. Lawrence Market
Dating back to 1803, St. Lawrence Market represents the culinary heart of Toronto. This historic market complex houses over 120 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and prepared foods representing Toronto's multicultural fabric.
The South Market building operates Tuesday through Saturday, featuring food stalls and specialty shops. Don't miss the famous peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery—a Toronto classic. The Saturday Farmers' Market and Sunday Antique Market offer additional treasures in the North Market building.
Address: 93 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C3
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Saturday 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Insider Tip: Visit around lunchtime to sample various prepared foods from different vendors.
6. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Located at the base of the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada immerses visitors in an underwater world featuring over 20,000 aquatic animals. The highlight is the Dangerous Lagoon—a moving walkway that transports visitors through a transparent tunnel surrounded by sharks, sea turtles, and other marine creatures.
Interactive touch pools allow visitors to gently touch stingrays and small sharks, while various exhibits showcase marine ecosystems from around the world. Special events like "Jazz Nights" and "Friday Night Live" offer adults-only evenings with music and drinks in this atmospheric setting.
Address: 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5T 1A1
Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (hours may vary)
Insider Tip: Visit after 6:00 PM for significantly smaller crowds and a more peaceful experience.
7. Casa Loma
Toronto's own castle, Casa Loma, offers a glimpse into early 20th-century luxury and architectural grandeur. Built between 1911 and 1914 by financier Sir Henry Pellatt, this Gothic Revival-style mansion features 98 rooms, secret passages, ornate decorations, and elegant gardens.
Visitors can explore the Great Hall with its soaring 60-foot ceiling, the conservatory with its stained-glass dome, and climb the narrow stairs to the towers for panoramic city views. The castle's fascinating history includes periods as a luxury hotel and a secret research facility during World War II.
Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8
Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Insider Tip: Don't miss the vintage cars in the garage and the beautiful gardens during summer months.
8. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
The Art Gallery of Ontario houses an impressive collection of more than 95,000 works spanning from the first century to the present day. A significant renovation by Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry enhanced the building with stunning architectural elements, including a spiral staircase that seems to float in space.
The gallery's collections include significant Canadian art (especially works by the Group of Seven), European masterpieces, contemporary art, and an extensive photography collection. The Thomson Collection features remarkable European works and an impressive ship model collection that delights visitors of all ages.
Address: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Wednesday 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Insider Tip: Take advantage of free admission on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM.
9. Kensington Market
One of Toronto's most eclectic and vibrant neighborhoods, Kensington Market represents the city's multicultural spirit in its most authentic form. This walkable area features a diverse mix of vintage shops, specialty food stores, international restaurants, cafés, and bars.
The market evolved from a Jewish market in the early 20th century into a mosaic of cultures, with Caribbean, European, Middle Eastern, and Asian influences evident in its shops and eateries. The colorful Victorian houses converted into storefronts create a unique urban landscape that feels distinctly un-corporate and refreshingly local.
Address: Bordered by Spadina Ave, Dundas St W, Bathurst St, and College St
Hours: Most shops open around 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Insider Tip: Visit during Pedestrian Sundays (last Sunday of the month, May to October) when the streets close to vehicles for a festival atmosphere.
10. High Park
Toronto's largest public park offers 399 acres of natural respite from the urban landscape. High Park features sports facilities, cultural events, educational programs, and diverse natural habitats including rare oak savannahs, woodlands, and wetlands.
Families appreciate the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground, zoo, and trackless train, while nature enthusiasts can explore numerous hiking trails. In late April and early May, the park's famous cherry blossoms draw thousands of visitors to admire the pink blooms that originated as a gift from Tokyo in 1959.
Address: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3
Hours: Open 24/7, facilities have varying hours
Insider Tip: Visit Grenadier Pond for peaceful waterside walks and excellent bird watching opportunities.
Planning Your Toronto Visit
When planning your exploration of these attractions, consider investing in a Toronto CityPASS if you intend to visit multiple major sites, as it can offer significant savings. For efficient transportation between attractions, Toronto's public transit system (TTC) provides comprehensive coverage, while walking is ideal for exploring neighborhoods like the Distillery District and Kensington Market.
The best time to visit Toronto is from late spring to early fall when outdoor activities are most enjoyable, though winter offers its own charms with skating rinks, festive markets, and indoor attractions providing respite from the cold.
As local guides, we recommend allocating at least 3-4 days to properly experience these top attractions, though a week would allow for a more leisurely pace and the inclusion of day trips to nearby destinations like Niagara Falls.
We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable Toronto experience. For personalized tours that delve deeper into these attractions and uncover hidden gems beyond the typical tourist path, consider booking one of our expert-guided experiences.
