TOP 8 ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT IN TORONTO

Toronto, Canada is a vibrant and diverse city with a wide range of attractions to explore. Here are the top 10 attractions to visit in Toronto.

Toronto CityPass

If you are going to visit the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, Toronto Zoo, Ontario Science Centre, and City Cruises Toronto, I would suggest buying a Toronto CityPass, which grants you access to the CN Tower plus 4 more attractions from the attractions I just mentioned. The CityPass costs $78.12 per person if you buy now online. 

CN Tower 

One of the most iconic landmarks in Toronto, the CN Tower offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck. It stands at a height of 553.3 meters, making it one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world and you can also experience the EdgeWalk, where you walk around the tower's edge at a height of 356 meters. The tower was originally built in 1976 by the Canadian National Railway (CNR) as a communication tower for television and radio broadcasting. Above the LookOut Level, there is another observation deck called the SkyPod. It is located at a height of 447 meters and is one of the highest observation decks in the world that is open to the public. To reach the top of the CN Tower, visitors can take one of the tower's glass-fronted elevators, which travel at a speed of 22 km/h (15 mph); the ride to the LookOut Level takes approximately 58 seconds. If you have extra time to spare, grab dinner at the CN Tower's "360 Restaurant", which completes rotation every 72 minutes. Diners can enjoy a meal while enjoying breathtaking views of the city. The CN Tower has become an iconic symbol of Toronto and Canada. Cost for Timed General Admission + Timed SkyPod costs $53.00 per adult; guests will need to select the number of tickets and then the date/time. Most people prefer to visit CN Tower themselves but you can also visit CN Tower as part of this Tiqets tour I found, which is a Guided tour Scenic Toronto Night Tour with CN Tower Admission.  The tour takes 4 hours and costs $89.43, and also included stops at the distillery district. 

The Royal Ontario Museum 

The ROM is Canada's largest museum of world cultures and natural history and is also one of the largest museums in North America and is recognized for its diverse collection of art, culture, and natural history. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, artworks, and exhibits spanning various time periods and cultures. The museum was established in 1912 and has since grown to encompass a wide range of disciplines, including anthropology, paleontology, archaeology, geology, and fine arts. The ROM is housed in a distinctive building complex that combines heritage architecture with contemporary design. The museum's collection comprises over six million objects and specimens, covering a span of more than 4.5 billion years of history. It includes artifacts from different cultures, fossils, minerals, textiles, fine art, and more. One of the highlights of the ROM is its dinosaur exhibits. The museum has an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, including a complete skeleton of a Barosaurus and a Triceratops. Visitors can also see the renowned Gordo, a 90-foot-long blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling. The ROM is known for its extensive collection of cultural artifacts, including objects from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It also showcases indigenous art and artifacts from various First Nations in Canada. The museum offers a range of engaging exhibitions and galleries that cover a wide array of topics. Some notable exhibitions have focused on topics such as biodiversity, Chinese history and culture, wildlife photography, and more. The Royal Ontario Museum is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. General Admission to the Museum is $26.00. 3rd Tuesday Nights Free. Join us in the evening (4:30pm - 8:30pm) on the third Tuesday of every month when ROM opens its doors, galleries, and exhibitions to the public free of charge. If you don't want to pay $26 for General Admission, consider buying ROM Admission from Viator, which costs only $19.91. 

Toronto Islands

Located just off the downtown core, the Toronto Islands are a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Enjoy beautiful beaches, picnic areas, bike rentals, and stunning views of the skyline. The Toronto Islands are made up of a series of interconnected islands and are composed of three major islands: Ward's Island, Centre Island, and Hanlan's Point. There are also several smaller islands and islets within the group. The islands are accessible by ferry, which departs from the Toronto Ferry Docks at the foot of Bay Street. The ferry ride takes approximately 10 minutes to reach the islands; single-ride tickets cost $9.11 per adult (20-64). The total land area of the Toronto Islands is about 570 acres, Centre Island is the largest of the three major islands, followed by Hanlan's Point and Ward's Island. The Toronto Islands are home to numerous parks, beaches, picnic areas, and recreational facilities. Some popular attractions include Centreville Amusement Park, Franklin Children's Garden, Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, and the William Meany Maze. The islands are known for their beautiful sandy beaches, including Hanlan's Point Beach, Centre Island Beach, Ward's Island Beach, and Gibraltar Point Beach. Hanlan's Point Beach is the only officially recognized clothing-optional beach in Toronto. The Toronto Islands are a popular destination for outdoor activities such as biking, jogging, picnicking, and kayaking. The islands also host numerous events throughout the year, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and the annual Toronto Island Dragon Boat Race. Another great way to explore the Toronto Islands is by biking, for example, there is this very interesting Viator tour, Toronto Islands Morning Bike Tour which costs $82.21; the tour includes bike and helmet rentals. 

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Another great attraction to visit is Ripley's Aquarium of Canada. Toronto's Ripley's Aquarium is the largest and most well-known aquarium, situated at the base of the CN Tower and covers an area of over 135,000 square feet. Explore the underwater world at Ripley's Aquarium, featuring a mesmerizing array of marine life. The aquarium is home to over 20,000 marine animals representing more than 450 species. It showcases a diverse range of aquatic life, including fish, sharks, rays, jellyfish, sea turtles, seahorses, and more. There are both marine and freshwater exhibits, providing a comprehensive experience of different aquatic ecosystems.  One of the main attractions at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is the mesmerizing underwater tunnel. Known as the "Dangerous Lagoon," it allows visitors to walk through a transparent tunnel with a moving sidewalk while surrounded by a wide variety of marine life. Sharks, sawfish, and other creatures swim overhead, providing an immersive experience. The aquarium offers touch tanks where visitors can interact with certain marine animals, such as stingrays and horseshoe crabs, under the guidance of knowledgeable staff. It provides an opportunity to learn about these creatures up close. The Discovery Center is an interactive area where visitors can engage in educational activities, interactive displays, and hands-on exhibits. It offers insights into the marine environment, conservation efforts, and the importance of preserving our oceans. Admissions for the Aquarium are $44 per adult.

St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market is one of the oldest and most renowned food markets in North America; it's a food lovers' paradise. Explore fresh produce, artisanal goods, and delicious international cuisine.

The Market has a rich history dating back to 1803 when the first market building was established on the site. It has been a central hub for food and commerce in Toronto for over two centuries. It consists of three main buildings: the South Market, the North Market, and St. Lawrence Hall. Each building serves a different purpose and offers a unique experience. The South Market, also known as the St. Lawrence Market South, is the main building of the complex. It houses over 120 specialty vendors offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, seafood, baked goods, cheeses, spices, and more. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking high-quality food products. The North Market, also called the St. Lawrence Market North, is located just across the street from the South Market. It primarily operates on weekends and hosts various farmer's markets, antique markets, arts and crafts fairs, and other events. It offers a range of unique goods, including fresh produce, artisanal products, crafts, and collectibles. St. Lawrence Hall is an elegant, historic building adjacent to the market buildings. Built in 1850, it served as a public meeting hall and event space. Today, it continues to host events, including weddings, conferences, and exhibitions. In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, the St. Lawrence Market was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1988. It is considered an important architectural landmark in Toronto. 

The Distillery District

The Distillery District is an internationally acclaimed village of brick-lined streets and dozens of vibrantly restored Victorian Industrial buildings. The district has a well-preserved industrial heritage site that was once home to the Gooderham and Worts Distillery, one of the largest distilleries in the world during the 19th century.  It operated from 1832 to 1990 and produced whiskey and other spirits. The Distillery District is known for its vibrant art scene. The district is home to numerous art galleries, studios, and exhibition spaces that showcase a variety of artwork, including contemporary art, photography, sculpture, and more. It provides a platform for local and international artists to showcase their talent. There is also a wide range of dining options, including restaurants, cafés, and bars. Visitors can enjoy a diverse culinary experience, ranging from casual cafes to fine dining establishments, and sample a variety of cuisines.The Distillery District hosts a variety of festivals, events, and cultural activities throughout the year. These events include art exhibitions, music concerts, theater performances, food festivals, and holiday-themed celebrations. The annual Toronto Christmas Market, held during the holiday season, is particularly popular. It’s one of Ontario’s hottest tourist attractions and home to live theatres, galleries, fashion, design, and jewelry boutiques, unique cafes, and award-winning restaurants. It’s all completely closed to traffic and just a few minutes walk from downtown Toronto. Visitors can explore the district on guided Segway tours. These tours provide an exciting and unique way to navigate the area while learning about its history, architecture, and cultural importance.

Casa Loma

Explore the majestic Casa Loma, a Gothic Revival-style castle with beautiful gardens. The castle offers guided tours, showcasing its luxurious interiors, secret passages, and stunning views of the city. Casa Loma was the former residence of Sir Henry Pellatt, a prominent Canadian financier and industrialist. Pellatt commissioned the construction of Casa Loma in 1911 as his dream home. The mansion was intended to be a symbol of his wealth and success. Casa Loma is an expansive estate covering approximately 64,700 square feet. It boasts three floors with over 98 rooms, including luxurious living spaces, secret passages, an elegant ballroom, a conservatory, stables, and more. The interiors of Casa Loma are opulently decorated, featuring intricate woodwork, ornate ceilings, stained glass windows, and elegant furnishings. Visitors can explore various rooms, including the library, study, billiards room, and Pellatt's private suite. Casa Loma is surrounded by beautiful gardens and grounds. The outdoor areas feature manicured lawns, fountains, sculptures, and a stunning view of the city skyline. There are also walkways, terraces, and a glass-enclosed conservatory filled with exotic plants. In 1933, Casa Loma was opened to the public and has since become a popular tourist attraction in Toronto. Visitors can take self-guided tours of the mansion, exploring its grand rooms, exhibitions, and historical displays. Admission to Casa Loma is  $30 per adult. Instead of struggling to hear your guide on a large group tour, go at your own pace on a self-guided audio tour like this Casa Loma: Uncover the stories behind the regal facades on an audio walking tour from Viator at only $5.20 per person. 

Toronto Zoo

Located in Scarborough, the Toronto Zoo is home to over 5,000 animals from around the world. It's divided into several themed areas, providing an educational and fun experience for all ages. The Toronto Zoo covers an expansive area of approximately 710 acres. It is divided into several regions representing different geographical areas, such as the Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Tundra Trek, Australasia, and the Canadian Domain. The Toronto Zoo is home to over 5,000 animals representing more than 450 species from around the world. These include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Visitors can encounter animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, gorillas, polar bears, penguins, kangaroos, and many others. The Toronto Zoo has a strong focus on conservation and education. It participates in various conservation programs, captive breeding initiatives, and research projects aimed at preserving endangered species and their habitats. The zoo also provides educational programs, exhibits, and interactive experiences to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability. The Toronto Zoo has received recognition and awards for its efforts in animal welfare, conservation, and visitor experience. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, indicating adherence to high standards of animal care and management. The Tundra Trek is one of the popular exhibits at the Toronto Zoo, featuring animals adapted to cold climates. It is home to polar bears, Arctic wolves, reindeer, snowy owls, and other species. The zoo has been actively involved in polar bear conservation efforts. Admission to the Toronto Zoo costs $31.20 per adult. 

Closing

With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant neighborhoods, and numerous entertainment options, Toronto has something to offer for every visitor. Make sure you visit these 8 places the next time you visit Toronto.