Toronto is truly a world-class city, with a vibrant culture, packed with a multitude of must-visit attractions and tourist hot-spots.
But, with so many places to visit and explore in and around the city, which Toronto attractions are the best to see if you have a limited amount of time? And what are the top things to do while in Toronto?
Well, below is a list of 22 must-visit attractions in the Toronto area, perfect for tourists and out-of-towners who want to experience all the city has to offer.
And as a local Torontonian, I’ve included pro-tips such as good-to-knows, best times to visit, money saving tips, and photography suggestions, so you get the best overall experience during your visit (and crush it on Instagram!).
Pro-tip: To help you get into the city and navigate inside, check out How To Get Around Toronto by Public Transit.
1. Niagara Falls
Although not technically in the city, a visit to Toronto wouldn’t be complete without a visit one of its most famous attractions – Niagara Falls.
Only a 90-minute drive from downtown Toronto, this natural wonder is truly awe-inspiring. The roar of the falls and the sheer amount of water plummeting over the edge is incredible to experience in person. And at night, the falls are illuminated with colorful lights that look spectacular.
There are two sections of the falls, both of which are visible from the Canadian side. And, the small town surrounding the falls is filled with other attractions including a water park, casino, museums, and countless restaurants. It makes for a great day trip or even an extended stay.
For a truly unforgettable experience, be sure to take the ‘voyage to the falls’ boat tour. The 15-minute tour takes you right up to the falls and you get to experience a truly panoramic view. But the tour operates seasonally, usually spring through to mid fall, and costs $30 CAD per adult.
Pro-tips:
Good To Knows
Many reputable tour companies offer pick-up and drop-off tours of Niagara Falls. Most basic tours start at around $70 CAD per person. Here are a few good companies to check out (not affiliated):
Best Time to Visit
Niagara Falls is stunning all year-round. However, the spring and summer months are jam packed with tourists. The fall and winter months are significantly less busy. One year I took my cousin to see the falls on Christmas Eve and I could count how people were there on one hand.
Regardless, the earlier you arrive, the better to beat the crowds. There are no gates, so the falls are accessible 24 hours a day.
Money Saving Tips
You can opt to take public transit to see the falls instead of booking with a tour group. The two public options include:
Although Megabus is cheaper, GoTransit runs more often. Both websites include trip planners to help you navigate your way to and from Niagara Falls.
Here are the directions to Niagara Galls from Toronto by GoTransit:
- From Union Station, take the Lakeshore West Go Train towards Aldershot
- Exit at Burlington Go Station
- Get on the “12 – Niagara Falls” Go Bus and take it all the way to the Niagara Falls Bus Terminal
Once at the bus terminal, you can walk or buy a WEGO bus day pass ($9 CAD per adult), and head towards the falls to enjoy!
Photography Tips
The horse-shoe shaped Canadian side of the falls are definitely the better looking of the two sections of the falls. There are plenty of locations along the walk up to the falls to snap an unobstructed view of the falls.
Also drone enthusiasts are reminded that the use of drones is prohibited at Niagara Falls.
2. CN Tower
Over the years, the Toronto skyline has expanded and transformed. But one thing has always remained constant – the CN Tower.
Standing just over 550 meters tall, the CN Tower pierces into the sky, and stands as a beacon for all to marvel.
This engineering wonder is definitely a must-visit attraction, located in the heart of downtown Toronto.
The CN tower is open from 10 am to 8 pm everyday. Visitors are able to ride the elevators up to the observation levels for panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario.
For the ultra brave, you can attempt the EdgeWalk ($254 CAD), a death-defying walk around the OUTSIDE of the CN tower!
Pro-tips:
Good To Knows
Be sure to check the weather before booking your tickets. Low laying clouds can completely obstruct the view.
Also, for a little extra, you can take the additional elevator up to the higher “Skypod” observation level. Personally, I find the regular observation level great, but if you’re visiting only once then you might as well go all out!
Best Time to Visit
Money Saving Tips
If you’re planning on visiting a few more attractions in Toronto, I recommend purchasing a Toronto CityPASS. So, for $109 CAD you gain admission to 5 of Toronto’s most popular attractions including:
- CN Tower
- Ripley’s Aquarium
- Casa Loma
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Toronto Zoo OR Ontario Science Center
And the great thing is you have 30 days to visit them all!
Photography Tips
3. Toronto Islands
If you want a quick and easy way to escape the city during your visit, you can head over to the Toronto Islands.
Only a short ferry-ride ($8.20 CAD) from the harbourfront, the collection of islands known as Toronto Island Park is teaming with attractions perfect for kids and adults.
From sandy beaches and a mini amusement park, to a petting zoo and even a frisbee-golf course, the islands have something for everyone.
Concrete pathways zig-zag around the island, and benches and picnic areas are dotted throughout. You can rent bikes or kayaks to explore more of the islands from land or water. Plus, there are many restaurants, shops, and washroom facilities, so you can visit worry free.
Personally, I like going in the morning, laying down a blanket under a tree, and reading a book while enjoying a “tasty” beverage or two.
Pro-tips:
Good To Knows
Information about Toronto Island Park, including amenities and activities can be found online here.
Ferry tickets now need to be purchased online as per new COVID protocols. Ferry capacities are also limited so get there early as it’s fist come, first board!
There is one ferry terminal on the main land and three ferry terminals on the islands. Strollers, bikes, coolers, and dogs are allowed on board!
Best Time to Visit
Toronto Island Park is open all year-round, however during the spring thaw the water level in Lake Ontario is usually higher leading to flooding in parts of the islands. This means that some areas are inaccessible unfortunately.
Money Saving Tips
Photography Tips
4. Graffiti Alley
The street art in Toronto is as diverse and expressive as its people. Street corners, buildings and back-alleys are filled with intricate and unique graffiti by local and international artists.
By far the best place to capture and experience this art form is graffiti alley. Located next to Queen’s Street West [here], this area has a dense concentration of graffiti which is why it attracts so many curious visitors.
Pro-tips:
Best Time to Visit
Although not overrun with people, graffiti alley tends to get fairly busy in the summer, mostly by younger photographers and visitors.
So, to beat the crowd, your best bet is to go early. Arrive before 9 am and you’ll most likely have the entire area for yourself.
Photography Tips
A trip to graffiti alley will definitely step-up your Instagram game. Make sure you snap a photo with the TORONTO sign as well as meander through some of the other nearby streets for more graffiti not regularly captured by most people.
Alternatively, you can try out night photography to get a different perspective. Graffiti alley is fairly safe to visit at night as it’s next to a major street with lots of foot traffic.
5. Nathan Phillips Square
Named after a previous mayor of Toronto, Nathan Phillips square is a multi-use plaza located in front of Toronto City Hall.
Millions of people visit the square throughout the year to enjoy the concerts, art installations, seasonal festivals, and rallies.
The architecture of City Hall makes a wonderful backdrop. The dual buildings are curved and tower above the square.
However, most people who visit tend to enjoy the two main attractions – the illuminated TORONTO sign and the reflecting pool which transforms into a skating rink in the winter!
Pro-tips:
Good To Knows
As I mentioned, during the winter the reflecting pool is turned into an ice rink. The rink gets very busy during the weekends but during the weekdays there are usually only a handful of skaters.
The rink is free to use so you can bring your own skates! But, if you need rentals they cost $10 CAD for adults and $5 CAD for kids under 12 for two hours.
Money Saving Tips
6. Yonge-Dundas Square
Just like a trip to New York would be incomplete without a visit to Times Square, the same can be said for Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto.
Yonge-Dundas Square is usually bustling with street vendors and street performers amusing the crowds. Towering billboards and TV screens canvass the buildings surrounding the square and illuminate the streets at night.
The square is located at the north-east corner of Eaton Center and is flanked by retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses.
When something monumental happens, like when Team Canada wins the gold at the Olympics or the Raptors are crowned NBA world champions, everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) in Toronto seems to flood into Yonge-Dundas Square.
At times it truly feels like the center of the city where locals and visitors celebrate victories and rejoice together so it’s definitely an attraction worth visiting.
Pro-tips:
Good To Knows
It’s best to visit Yonge-Dundas Square on foot. Parking is extremely limited on side streets and tends to fill up fast.
So, if you’re traveling from far, your best bet is taking the subway (Line 1) and exit at Dundas Station.
Best Time To Visit
Photography Tips
To best capture Yonge-Dundas Square I highly recommend using a wide angle lens. A wide angle lens will let you photograph as much scenery as possible. Trust me, it’s a 360-degree experience!
7. Toronto Eaton Center
Although not as gargantuan as West Edmonton Mall or the Mall of America, the Toronto Eaton Center is a mecca for downtown shoppers looking to indulge in some shop therapy.
Open from 11 am to 7 pm, and 6 pm on Sundays, patrons can visit over 250 retailers, restaurants and service providers.
During the holiday season, the Eaton Center is packed with holiday shoppers but the vibe is usually festive and cheerful.
The mall’s architecture is spectacular. The all-glass ceiling and over-sized geese hanging from the roof is a sight to see. And, during Christmas, the mall is transformed into a winter wonderland. There is a massive 100-foot tall Christmas tree, gigantic illuminated reindeer, plus so much more Christmas décor.
Pro-tips:
Best Time To Visit
As I mentioned, winter is my favorite time to visit. However, the weekends during the winter season are intense. There are hoards of people which can make it seem a bit claustrophobic.
Throughout the year, weekdays are less busy so try to go during the week if you can.
Photography Tips
The best vantage point to see and capture the glass ceiling and geese is definitely from the south end of the mall (Queen Street entrance).
I find the vantage point from level 3 is the best!
8. Queens Quay / Harbourfront
Toronto is situated on the north end of Lake Ontario, the smallest of the 5 great lakes in North America.
The Toronto waterfront area is extensive and dotted with boardwalks, alcoves, and green spaces for visitors and locals to enjoy.
The “Queens Quay” and “Harbourfront” areas along the waterfront have lots of restaurants, shops and activities for kids and adults including kayaking, harbour tours, and festivals throughout the year.
You can rent and ride bikes along the dedicated bike path, take a stroll along the water’s edge, or find a shaded spot under a weeping willow tree during the summer. But my favorite activity is to watch the sunrise over the lake.
Pro-tips:
Best Time To Visit
There are a lot of water taxis located along the waterfront offering to take patrons across to the Toronto Islands. Water taxis are slightly more expensive than the main ferry, but they are a lot more convenient and quicker.
For the rowdier crowd, there are a number of “party boats” that operate throughout the year if you’re into drinking and dancing on the water with the Toronto skyline as the backdrop.
As for washrooms, there are two public washrooms on the street (located here and here) as well as a public washroom located in the Harbourfront center [map].
Photography Tips
A hidden gem along the waterfront is the Toronto Music Garden [map]. The garden is host to free concerts and performances during the summer months.
The well-manicured garden and unique landscaping including the terraced steps and wrought-iron gazebo are the perfect backdrop for inspired photos, especially with the CN tower in the background.
Engagement and wedding photographers frequent this spot, mostly during the fall for the spectacular array of colors.
9. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
The Royal Ontario Museum or ROM is home to one of the largest collection of archeological artifacts and historical items in Canada.
From towering dinosaur skeletons to relics from ancient Egypt, patrons are fully immersed in natural history items and collections acquired from all over the world.
In addition to its permanent collection, the ROM hosts a variety of special events and limited time exhibits throughout the years, so there’s always something new and exciting to see.
Every corner of the ROM is filled with unique and diverse items, it’s such a treat to explore for the young and old.
Pro-tips:
Good To Knows
The ROM spans across 4 levels, so you can get lost quite easily. For those looking to explore on their own, here is a map guide of the ROM. There are also free described audio tours that you can download or listen to online. And, there are daily tours of the museum which are free with admission!
Backpacks are not permitted in the galleries, so the ROM offers a coat-check where you can leave larger items.
Generally, photography inside the ROM is allowed, however there may be some exceptions depending on the exhibit.
Best Time To Visit
Money Saving Tips
Canadian college and university students have free admission on Wednesdays (book online at info@rom.on.ca).
PRESTO card holders or GoTransit users (public transit system in Toronto) receive a 20% discount on admissions and special exhibitions. Book and save by calling the contact center at 1-416-586-8000.
10. Toronto Professional Teams
Most, if not all, major North American cities usually have a least one professional sports team.
Well, Toronto is no different. In fact, there are a whopping 4 professional sports teams so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- The Toronto Raptors (basketball)
- Toronto Maple Leafs (hockey)
- Toronto Blue Jays (baseball)
- Toronto Football Club (soccer)
So, grab a beer and a foot-long and spend the afternoon or evening cheering on the home team. The stadiums are usually packed with enthusiastic fans, and win or lose you’re guaranteed to leave smiling!
Pro-tips:
Best Time To Visit
The fact that Toronto has 4 teams means you can enjoys watching sports pretty much all year-round. Below is a list of the regular season window for each professional Toronto team:
- Toronto Raptors – October to April
- Toronto Maple Leafs – October to April
- Toronto Blue Jays – March to September
- Toronto Football Club – March to October
Money Saving Tips
Toronto sports teams are world renowned, therefore attending games can be a bit pricey depending on the sport.
Soccer and baseball games in Toronto are definitely less expensive, ranging from $10 to $40 CAD.
Basketball tickets will set you back between $100 to $150 CAD.
Hockey games in Toronto are the most expensive to attend (and are the highest in the NHL), typically average $370 CAD. It’s definitely a sport for deep pockets.
11. Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
The Canadian National Exhibition, or CNE as it’s widely known, is an end of summer tradition in Toronto. Essentially it’s a massive fair with various forms of entertainment, food, shopping, rides, games, and so much more.
Visitors from all across southern Ontario flock to the fair grounds over the 18 days leading up to and including Labour Day. Personally, I love watching the Super Dogs, street performers, and trying my hand at various mid-way games.
For food lovers, the CNE is also the perfect place to indulge in your wildest desires. From classic funnel cake and corn dogs, to deep fried butter and donut burgers, there’s something for every palate.
The CNE is definitely a must-visit summer attraction in Toronto. It’s perfect for families and friends, young and old!
Pro-tips:
Good To Knows
The CNE is located at Exhibition Place. I highly recommend taking public transit to get there, either by street car or GoTrain (Exhibition Station).
Money Saving Tips
General admission tickets are $20 at the gate. However, if you buy them online [www.theex.com] they cost $16 CAD per ticket. There is a $3 CAD service fee per transaction, so if you buy more than one ticket you already save! Ride passes are also discounted online.
To save more on the price of admission, visit after 5 pm. General admission tickets are only $9 CAD.
12. Casa Loma
If you’ve always wanted to visit a castle but just haven’t had the time to visit Europe, you’re in luck!
Situated on top of a hill overlooking downtown, Casa Loma is an ultra unique part of the city. It’s a medieval-looking mansion smack-dab in the middle of midtown Toronto. Now, it’s been turned into a museum and time capsule of sorts.
Walk through the 98 rooms including a 10,000 book library, and the beautiful gardens overflowing with flowers and sculptures.
This historic landmark is a must-visit attraction for the inquisitive!
Pro-tips:
Good To Knows
Casa Loma is open 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Wednesday to Sunday and is closed Monday and Tuesday.
For an additional one-of-a-kind experience, Casa Loma also hosts “escape rooms” [https://escapecasaloma.com].
13. Ripley’s Aquarium
From sea turtles to sand sharks, sawfish to starfish, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is a truly wondrous place to visit any time of the year.
Centrally located in downtown Toronto next to the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium is a massive complex filled with all sorts of sea creatures both small and large.
Open from 10 am to 8 pm, visitors can literally walk through the underwater world of sting rays, moray eels, and jellyfish, and peer into their aquatic lives.
The “interactive zone” is tailor-made for curious kids and adults eager to get hands-on with wildlife. If fact, there’s so much to see and learn at Ripley’s Aquarium, I’ve gone 5 times and I still want to go back!
Pro-tips:
Good To Knows
I highly recommend booking tickets online. To limit the number of guests arriving all at once, the aquarium has implemented a timed ticket system. To reserve your entry time, select a specific time slot when purchasing tickets online.
Money Saving Tips
You can save up to $8 CAD per ticket if you visit after 5 pm. Regular and “after dark” ticket prices are listed below:
- Adult (14 and up) = $44 or $36 CAD
- Youth (6 to 13) = $30 or $24 CAD
- Child (3 to 5) = $15 or $9 CAD
- Seniors (65 and up) = $30 or $24 CAD
Photography Tips
Only hand-held cameras and equipment are permitted inside – the use of tripods are not allowed.
For the best pictures do not use flash. The light bounces off the acrylic glass tanks and obscures the image quality.
If you only have a smartphone, I would highly recommend getting a phone stabilizer like the DJI Osmo Mobile [link to Amazon]. It makes your videos look amazing, especially is such a unique place like Ripley’s Aquarium!
Finally, no visit to the is complete without a #SharkSelfie. The best place to get one is when you walk through the tank tunnel!
14. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
From European masterpieces to distinguished Canadian artists, the Art Gallery of Ontario or AGO is home to close to 100,000 works of art from across the globe.
The vast collection includes paintings, sculptures, and immersive installations that stimulates the mind and inspires the soul.
Although the AGO is mostly geared towards a mature crowd, kids are definitely encouraged to visit.
Similar to Ripley’s Aquarium, it’s highly recommended that tickets are purchased online prior to visiting since time-specific entries are only permitted.
Pro-tips:
Photography Tips
Photography is permitted at the AGO for personal use only, except where indicated. However, selfie sticks are not permitted at the AGO.
The AGO facility itself is truly a masterpiece. Be sure to capture the spiraling staircases, floor to ceiling glass, and exposed architecture of this unique building.
15. Distillery District
Definitely a must-visit Toronto attraction, the historic Distillery District is step back in time to the Victorian industrial era.
The cobblestone streets are lined with art galleries, specialty shops, and a variety of unique bars and restaurants.
Once the home to a large whiskey production facility, the distillery district is now a pedestrian-only area teaming with live entertainment, year-round festivals, and distinctive dining and shopping experiences.
The area is transformed in December and hosts the popular Toronto Christmas Market. From BeaverTails and hot cocoa, to hand-crafted ornaments and clothes, Torontonians flock to the Distillery District to celebrate the festive season together!
Pro-tips:
Good To Knows
Best Time To Visit
Winter is by far the best time to visit the Distillery District. The combination of snow, festive decorations, and glow of the lights make you feel so warm and fuzzy. Or maybe it’s the mulled wine!
Photography Tips
16. High Park
Just like Central Park in New York or Stanley Park in Vancouver, High Park is an expansive urban green space nestled in Toronto that can be enjoyed by everyone all year-round.
The 399-acre park includes both manicured gardens, playgrounds, sports facilities, dog-friendly walking trails, and large tracts of natural forest.
During the spring, thousands of people flock to the High Park to see the cherry blossoms.
A personal favourite of mine, during the summer months the amphitheatre plays host to live renditions of “Shakespeare in the Park”. You can bring your own snacks and drinks and be entertained as you watch a Midsummer Nights Dream under the stars!
Also hidden within High Park is a mini zoo which is home to a variety of exotic animals including bison, capybara, emu and many more!
Truly there’s something for everyone at High Park, making it the perfect place to visit while in Toronto.
Pro-tips:
Good To Knows
Best Time To Visit
High Park transforms throughout the year, but the best times to visit would definitely be early spring (to see all the trees and flowers blossoming) and autumn (to see the fall colors).
The Sakura (cherry blossoms) trees bloom typically between late April to early May.
17. St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market is truly a historic landmark in Toronto. First established in 1803, St. Lawrence Market is a mecca for shoppers looking for fresh seafood and specialty spices, to the best coffee and pastries.
Food lovers will rejoice at the sheer number and variety of delicacies available – there’s just so much to choose from!
The market is very much like a bazaar, bustling with patrons and filled with a variety of vendors – clothes, souvenirs, flowers, beauty products, pretty much everything!
Pro-tips:
Good To Knows
Best Time To Visit
Because the St. Lawrence Market is all indoors, you can visit any time of the year, rain or shine!
18. Queen Street West
To see the latest trends in fashion, food, and design, take a stroll along Queen Street West.
From local bars and restaurants, to one-of-a-kind antique stores and tattoo parlors, Queen West as it’s also know as is home to an eclectic mix of shops and eateries.
The famous Graffiti alley is also found along Queen West.
From hippies to hipsters, the diversity along Queen West is something you must experience, especially during patio season in summer!
Pro-tips:
Good To Knows
Queen Street West runs from Roncesvalles Avenue to Victoria Avenue. However, the section of with the most concentration of shops is between University Avenue to Dufferin Street, approximately 4 km long.
The street car (501) runs constantly along Queen Street, which makes seeing it end-to-end a bit easier.
19. Bloor Street (Yorkville)
The Yorkville region in Toronto is synonymous with high-class, glamour, and posh. Not everyone lives it, but it’s somewhere you can go to experience it, even partially. And within Yorkville there’s Bloor Street.
Between Yonge Street and University Avenue along Bloor Street, you’ll find high-end boutique shops like Burberry, Louis Vuitton, and Prada, to name a few.
So, just like Los Angeles has Rodeo Drive, Toronto has Bloor Street. And who knows, maybe you’ll rub shoulders with a celebrity while you’re there.
Pro-tips:
Good To Knows
Bloor Street is positioned parallel and along Line 2 of the subway so it’s very accessible from downtown Toronto.
The Royal Ontario Museum is located nearby on Bloor Street next to University Avenue.
20. Entertainment District (King Street)
From historic theatres and concert halls, to an endless amount of bars and clubs, there’s no questioning how the entertainment district in Toronto got its name.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the streets are crawling with revellers looking to let loose, drink and dance the night away.
But if drinking and dancing isn’t your thing, there are also a number of plays and concerts to be seen. Both the Royal Alexandria and Princess of Whales theatres showcase world-renowned plays such as the Lion King and The Book of Mormon!
The highlight for me is that in September the entertainment district hosts the world famous Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Celebrities, influences, and idolizers flock to TIFF to talk all things cinema for two whole weeks!
So, no matter the time of the year, the Entertainment district will not disappoint making it a must-visit attraction in Toronto.
Pro-tips:
Best Time To Visit
21. Gooderham Building (Flatiron Building)
Another beautiful example of the unique and historic architecture dotted around Toronto, the historic Gooderham Building is definitely a must-see attraction.
The red-brick exterior and triangular shape of the building is why it’s more commonly referred to as the flatiron building.
It’s located only a short walk from Union Station in downtown Toronto at the corner of Front and Church Street. It’s also located only a stone’s throw from St. Lawrence Market.
Pro-tips:
Photography Tips
When viewed from the east looking westward, the juxtaposition of the Gooderham building with the skyscrapers of the financial district in the background makes for a marvelous contrasting photo.
22. Roy Thomson Hall
One of the most unique buildings in the city, Roy Thomson Hall is an architectural gem. The curved cylindrical shape and all-glass exterior makes for an elegant backdrop with the CN Tower located near by. It’s so beautiful my wife and I actually had part of our wedding photographs taken in front of it!
Roy Thomson Hall plays host to concerts and speakers throughout the year. From National Geographic Live! to Star Wars in Concert, Roy Thompson Hall is the perfect venue for pure auditory nirvana.
Both the visually stunning design and opportunity for fantastic music make Roy Thomson Hall a definitely must-visit attraction in Toronto, which is conveniently located in the heart of downtown.
Pro-tips:
Good To Knows
Check the Roy Thomson Hall events and tickets webpage to see what’s playing beforehand. You might score seats to a great artist or concert that’s playing!
Money Saving Tips
During the summer months, Roy Thomson Hall hosts free concerts in the evenings on its lower level patio. You can enjoy a drink while listening to jazz music in the warm summer breeze.
Photography Tips
The best photo spot of Roy Thomson Hall is from the North West corner of Simcoe and King Street. The Hall is perfectly framed with the CN Tower rising above it in the background.
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