Toronto's Popular Tourist Sites

Toronto is a fantastic vacation spot. It is a vibrant metropolis, the capital of Ontario, and the largest city in Canada with a low crime rate, reliable public transit infrastructure (making it simple for guests to get from one area to another), variety of tourist attractions, and more which make this city well worth a visit.

Toronto is a moniker that usually encompasses many smaller cities in the area. Due to this, the majority of the city's top attractions are actually not found in Toronto but are located in Markham, Mississauga, Pickering, and Brampton. These cities are also where you can find excellent dining options, a vibrant nightlife, and fantastic shopping districts.

A few classic tourist attractions to look into visiting are:

1. CN Tower
   The CN Tower is one of Toronto's top tourist destinations in the entire world. Until the Burj Khalifa opened, it was the tallest free-standing building. Capture the Toronto sky line with views from the CN Tower in its Sky Pod or eat at the very classy restaurant that rotates and allows you to take in the entire skyline while you dine.
   
   
2. Casa Loma
   Built by wealthy Toronto businessman, Sir Henry Pellatt, in the early 1900s, Casa Loma similar to Hearst Castle in California, represents one man's architectural dream. This 100 room castle is a former private residence located in the center of Toronto with grand gardens, beautiful decor, elegant suites, secret passages, underground tunnels, and more which is all explained in your guided audio tour. You will feel like you stepped out of Toronto and back in time.
   
   
3. Any of the many museums
   Toronto has a museum for everyone from the Museum of Television to the Royal Ontario Museum, Scarborough Historical Museum to the Bata Shoe Museum (it includes shoes owned by Elvis and Queen Victoria).
   
   
4. Toronto Zoo
   over 5,000 animals are kept in one of the top rated zoo's in the world
   
   
5. Explore the Islands
   From downtown you could take a ferry to Center Island, Hanlon's Point, or Ward's Island which each provide their own recreational activities.

Depending on when you are travelling, you might even be able to take advantage of:

1. New City Hall
   Opened in 1965, the public area is used as a skating rink in the winter.
   
   
2. Ontario Place
   Opened in the 1970's with a variety of museums around fake islands built on Lake Ontario, this location is popular in the summer although in 2012 most of the museums were closed and it was turned into a park. However, the west island is under redevelopment with the plans of a water park and massive indoor pool slatted to start being built in 2024.
   
   
3. Kentucky Derby
   If you are interested in horse racing then heading to Woodbine Racetrack during the racing season, especially the Kentucky Derby is well worth a visit.

Your specific vacation schedule and budget will also determine which of the Toronto hotel you choose to stay in Markham, Mississauga, Pickering, or Brampton, with these cities having more reasonably priced accommodation than Downtown Toronto. If are on a budget and want to stay in Downtown Toronto then checkout the various bed & breakfast accommodations close to the Cabbagetown, Greektown, and Chinatown neighbourhoods. If you are looking for upscale then check out the Shangri-La, Fairmont, Ritz Carlton, or Four Seasons.

The inhabitants of Toronto are extraordinarily proud of their city and are pleasant and helpful by nature (except if it is rush hour and they are trying to get to work) so think about making your next trip to Toronto.

Through our affiliation with Viator, a Tripadvisor company, we are able to suggest the following highly rated tours. For more information, click the blue link to visit Viator's website for more information, to check availability and prices, as well as to purchase.

Best of Toronto Morning Tour

Enjoy top Toronto sights during this comprehensive tour with a small group. Travel with no more than 11 guests as you explore landmarks like the sky-high CN Tower before enjoying a scenic harbor cruise with great views of the Toronto skyline. Visits to other Toronto attractions including St. Lawrence Market, Queen's Park and much more as well as round-trip hotel transport, and skip-the-line entrance.

Kensington Market -Toronto's Neighborhood International Food Tour

Taste your way through Kensington Market, home to one of the most diverse food scenes in Toronto. Visitors are often overwhelmed by choice if exploring alone. Instead, join a guide and head straight to the area’s best eateries, where you skip notoriously long lines to sample at least 6 international cuisines—from Tibetan momos to Jamaican patties.

50-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour

Zip through Toronto’s Distillery Historic District on a Segway tour that explores the colorful stories behind the cobblestone streets and 19th-century architecture. Learn to start, steer, and stop a Segway, then follow an expert guide through the heart of the neighborhood. This Toronto Segway tour includes all necessary equipment, and it’s a fun introduction to a revitalized manufacturing district.

Explore and Taste The Junction, Toronto’s Hippest Neighbourhood

This small-group walking and tasting tour of the Junction lets you explore one of Toronto’s most colorful neighborhoods while accompanied by your local guide. Learn about the unique history and people of the area—discover why alcohol was prohibited in the neighborhood until this century and how the area has evolved into a beloved local spot. Relax during the tour with tastings at five distinct restaurants.

7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto

See the city of Toronto and the surrounding region on this brief but stunning helicopter flight. Soar over the largest city in Canada with an exclusive sightseeing tour of Toronto’s downtown skyline and beyond, including the iconic CN Tower, the Canadian National Exhibition grounds, and the beautiful Lake Ontario waterfront. This incredible flight covers almost nine miles and includes one keepsake digital photo (delivered online) plus a printed souvenir picture. A variety of departure times are available throughout the day to fit into almost any schedule.