Things to Do in Toronto
Toronto is one of those places where there’s just so much to see and do. You could be right in the middle of the bustling streets of Chinatown one moment and be relaxing among the breathtaking natural beauty of High Park the next. Toronto is so unique as an international city because of the fact that a tour of the city doesn’t revolve around some “must see” buildings or historical sites. In order to explore Toronto, one needs to understand the city for all its diversity, its distinct neighborhoods, beautiful waterfront, friendly locals and amazing culture. Choosing a list of things to do in Toronto can be a daunting task. There’s just so much on offer. To help you out, we have compiled a list of some of the most popular tourist attractions in Toronto.
The CN Tower
The CN Tower is actually a huge skyscraper located right in the middle of the city. It rises to a height of 1815 feet and is believed to be one of the tallest free standing structures in the world. The CN Tower is believed to be extremely popular among tourists because of its breathtaking views and its 1122 foot observation deck that features transparent floors.
A Day Trip to the Niagara Falls
The world famous Niagara Falls can be seen from the US as well as Canada. It is worth your while to take a day out to explore the Canadian side of the Niagara Falls because of the simple reason that the views from the Canadian side are known to be much better. Head out to Niagara on the Lake, a beautiful town that features some exciting shops and cafes for the ultimate day trip.
Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands require a short ferry ride from the harborfront. These car-free islands offer tourists with a much needed respite from the cement and concrete jungle and offer them with pollution free and beautiful surroundings. Picnics, sunbathing on the beach and riding a bicycle are some of the best things to do in Toronto Islands.
Casa Loma
Casa Loma, affectionately know as the “House on the Hill”, is one of the most interesting destinations in Toronto. It was constructed for Sir Henry Pellatt, an early 20th century businessman. The Casa Loma is quite similar to the Hearst Castle in California. It enjoys a beautiful location that overlooks the city and offers tourists with a wealth of antiques and relics. The Casa Loma was also featured in the movie Chicago.
St. Lawrence Market
The St. Lawrence Market has been the meeting place for locals for more than two centuries. This ancient market is home to more than 50 specialty food stalls including pasta makers, fishmongers, bakers, cheese vendors and butchers. Art enthusiasts can explore the Market Gallery to check out beautiful historical relics, photographs, paintings and ancient documents.
Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum is believed to be one of the most popular museums in Canada. It boasts of a beautiful glass exterior that most tourists have come to love or hate. The museum offers 40 sprawling art galleries, natural science exhibits and archaeological wonders and a trip to the museum is believed to be highly entertaining and a lot of fun. Some of the most popular exhibits at the Royal Ontario Museum include one of the finest collections of Chinese artifacts and a unique totem pole that rises to a height of 6 stories.
Queen Street West
Queen Street West is the ultimate place to be for anyone interested in shopping. The area is full of specialty stores, designer outlets, world famous brands, cafes, record shops, galleries, bars, restaurants and bookstores.
Hockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame is a “must see” for all hockey fans. It is an outstanding facility that entertains kids and adults alike. There is a replica of the NHL dressing room, a fascinating trophy room, a Broadcasr Pod that lets you relive some of the most famous hockey games and a gift shop.
Eaton Centre
The Eaton Centre is another popular shopping destination in the city. It is home to brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton and it ensures that there is something ideal for all sorts of budgets. One of the most unique parts of the Eaton Centre is that the budget stores are located on the lower levels and as you go to the upper levels of the mall, the stores keep getting more expensive and exclusive.
The Art Gallery of Ontario
The Art Gallery of Ontario is home to more than 40000 artworks and is famous as the 10th largest art gallery in North America. The gallery itself was designed and constructed by the one and only Frank Gehry and its artworks date all the way back to 100 AD. The Art Gallery of Ontario not only documents Canadian art, but it also features some of the most famous masterworks from all over the world.
High Park
High Park offers its visitors with magnificent natural beauty and all sorts of outdoor recreational activities such as baseball, hiking trails, a beautiful greenhouse and ice skating. The Cherry Blossoms located in the High Park are particularly famous during the Spring Season. Other popular attractions include the Kids Park and a mini zoo. The various parks and gardens located in the High Park are known to be well maintained, particularly around the lake. The toy train present in the park is another highlight for the children visiting the park.
Chinatown
The Toronto Chinatown is considered to be the second largest Chinatown in North America. It is an ideal place to check out unique household items, clothing, jewelry and trinkets. And no matter which Chinatown you go to, you can always expect delicious food and hundreds of restaurants that serve authentic Vietnamese, Chinese and other Asian cuisines.
Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo is believed to be the best zoo in Canada. It is home to more than 5000 animals and is considered to be extremely popular among kids. The most famous exhibit at the zoo is its award winning Gorilla Rainforest, home to the Western Lowland Gorillas. The zoo also features six indoor pavilions and a number of endangered species such as snow leopards, Siberian tigers and Prewalski’s foals.