Toronto city view

Top 10 things to do in Toronto

Discover Canada’s most populace city.

January 2023
Toronto offers history, culture, spectacular scenery and a death-defying experience.

Canada’s largest city Toronto is the capital of Ontario and welcomes some 40 million visitors each year. From the highest vantage point on the CN Tower to underground shopping malls, Toronto offers an endless choice of alternatives for travelers. So, whether you’re into history, art, culture sport or nature, Toronto’s got you covered.

Here’s our Top 10 things to do while you’re in Toronto

CN Tower

An ever-popular attraction

CN Tower

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290 Bremner Blvd
Toronto
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An unmistakable fixture of the Toronto skyline, the world-famous 553m-high CN Tower has been an ever-popular attraction ever since it first opened in 1976. Take in the 360° views from the observation deck or have a meal at the 360 Restaurant. And, for the adventurous types, there is the EdgeWalk where you can walk hands-free (but with a safety harness) on a ledge around the Tower’s pod 356m up from the ground – not for the faint hearted!

Niagara Falls

A magnificent must-do

Niagara Falls

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Niagara Falls
Ontario
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Under two hours’ drive from central Toronto, the magnificent Niagara Falls is a must-do for those visiting Toronto. It’s actually a group of three giant waterfalls, the largest of which is the Horseshoe Falls that sits on the border between Canada and the US and has a 50m-plus vertical drop. Bonus tip: Rather than visiting the more touristy center by the Falls, head to Niagara on the Lake, with its charming historic town center and a great place for wine tasting.

Art Gallery of Ontario

The largest museum in Canada

Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto

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317 Dundas St W
Toronto
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More popularly known as the AGO, this outstanding cultural establishment was opened back in 1900 and, with some 100,000 artefacts in its permanent collection, it is one of the largest museums in Canada. A great place to learn about Canada’s history and its indigenous culture.

The Distillery Historic District
Photo: iStock

Wander around the quaint streets

The Distillery Historic District

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19 Trinity St
Toronto
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A quaint area studded with 19th century buildings centered around the former whiskey distillery after which it is named, this is a lovely place to while away a few hours in. Located near the harbor, it’s perfect to just wander around the pedestrianized streets taking in the one-of-a-kind shops, galleries and eateries. If you’re lucky, there may be a festival going on there during your stay.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

A perfect family excursion

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

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288 Bremner Blvd
Toronto
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Just a minute’s walk from the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium is one of Toronto’s newer top attractions and a perfect excursion for the whole family. Particular highlights in this water wonder world are a spectacular underwater glass tunnel where all kinds of marine life serenely saunter over your head and the playful, beautifully lit jellyfish display.

Royal Ontario Museum

For the history buffs

Royal Ontario Museum

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100 Queens Park
Toronto
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Toronto is full of fine museums. History buffs will love the Royal Ontario Museum, (often referred to as ROM) Toronto’s natural history museum. You could spend days here and still not get to see all its six million-plus treasures. Its 40 galleries cover everything from dinosaurs, ancient Egypt and China to the early Europeans and indigenous Canadians.

Hockey Hall of Fame
Photo: iStock

A must for all hockey fans

Hockey Hall of Fame

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30 Yonge St
Toronto
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More than a sport, ice hockey is almost part of the DNA of Canadians, none more so than in Toronto where the Toronto Maple Leafs’ motif is a ubiquitous sight throughout the city. If you’re not lucky enough to catch a game live while you’re in Toronto, the next best thing is the Hockey Hall of Fame. On display is the Stanley Cup, won by the local team 13 times, although not since 1967, and you can try out your skills with an interactive exhibit.

Toronto Island Park
Photo: Destination Toronto

Relax at Toronto Islands

Toronto Island Park

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9 Queens Quay W
Toronto
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If you feel in need of a break from the busy city, take a 13-minute ferry ride over to the Toronto Island Park, also known as Toronto Islands. Boats to the Island leave from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay St. and Queen's Quay. There are 15 islands in all to choose from, but the three most popular are Wards Island, Centre Island and Hanlan's Point. Sunbathe on the beaches, paddle board or kayak through the canals that link the various or simply relax and enjoy the fresh Lake Ontario air.

St. Lawrence Market
Photo: Destination Toronto

Step into Toronto's gastronomic world

St. Lawrence Market

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93 Front St East
Toronto
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A trip to a market is always worthwhile in a new city, and Toronto offers something for everyone in that respect. Over 200 years old, St. Lawrence Market is a Toronto institution. Its three different sections house over 100 vendors, it remains one of the bustling culinary hotspots of Toronto. Not just a place for foodies though, you’ll come across a flower market, antiques and much, much more. The markets are open Tuesday-Saturday.

Ontario Science Centre
Photo: Destination Toronto

Interactive experiences for all ages

Ontario Science Centre

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770 Don Mills Road
Toronto
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One of Canada’s most well-visited attractions, the Ontario Science Centre is a perfect excursion for all ages. The museum offers frequently rotating temporary exhibitions along with its permanent features that include some 500 interactive exhibits, including a real-life rain forest, the stunning Space Hall and Ontario’s only IMAX® Dome theatre.

Text by Geoff Mortimore