Toronto is the largest metropolis in Canada and brimming with several exciting things to do. The capital of Ontario has maintained a fine balance between it’s rich heritage sites and contemporary culture. Whether it is the imposing CN Tower, Canada’s world-class museums and heritage sites, vibrant art galleries, or its buzzing markets, the city offers diverse entertainment, shopping, dining options, spa wellness centers to its visitors. The spectacular natural wonder, Niagara Falls is also situated at approximately an hour’s drive from Toronto city. dining With all these smorgasbord of activities, there is never a dull moment in this city. Let’s check out the incredible things you can do in Toronto.
1. Toronto Islands
The beautiful islands near Toronto are just a ferry ride away from the city. Break away from the shackles of a busy and bustling city life and rejuvenate your senses by visiting these splendid islands. Set on a 900-acre floating sandbag, the Toronto islands is the largest car-free network in North America. Give yourself the perfect break from your busy schedules and experience the scenic landscapes on the Toronto Islands.
2. St. Lawrence Market
Placed in the old town of Toronto, the St. Lawrence Market is one of the oldest market still surviving with a history dating back to the 17th century. The market offers an assortment of authentic Canadian food, which are definitely going to refresh your taste buds. Some of the must-try traditional Canadian food during Canada holidays are chili salt tofu, roast cauliflower, khao soi, susur’s signature Singaporean-style slaw, cote de boeuf, margherita D.O.P, pit master platter, blue & brie fondue, bestellen burger, paella del carmen, spaghetti all amatriciana, etc.
3. CN Tower
The striking CN Tower adorns the dazzling skyline of the city of Toronto. This staggering 553.33-meter high tower is the tallest tower in the world after the Tokyo Skytree and the Canton Tower. Built of concrete and steel, the elevators in the towers run on a speed of up to 15 miles per hour. You can enjoy spellbinding views 360 degree views of the city from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of the LookOut level. If you are looking for a little more adventure, sign up for an Edge Walk, a hands-free walk on a ledge around the building.
4. Distillery District
Once home to the largest distillery in the world, the year 1990 to 2001 saw the Distillery District transform into the no. 1 film location in Canada and is termed as a big player in the film world even today. The vibrant neighborhood is a designated National Historic Site and one of the top tourist income generators of the city. It is dotted with restaurants, nightclubs, cafes, boutiques, and art galleries, and is one of the must-see Toronto attractions.
5. Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum
You cannot complete your trip to Toronto or Canada without visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum. This is a museum and a hall of fame built in the year 1943 and is exclusively dedicated to the history of ice hockey. If you are a sports fanatic, then this is paradise for you. Get deep insight into the rich history of the National Hockey League (NHL) and its trophies, which includes the popular Stanley cup.
6. Royal Ontario Museum
The largest museum in Canada is dedicated to the excellence of art, natural history, and world culture. The museum came into life in the year 1912 and has a grand vintage collection of six million objects, which highlights the wonderful culture, and rich history of Canada. Popularly known as the ROM, the museum conducts scientific and academic research in partnerships with several prominent institutions and governments making it one of the leading knowledge creators and communicators in the world.
7. Toronto Zoo
An instant hit with kids and many adults, the Toronto Zoo is one of the popular zoos in Ontario, which is home to more than 500 species of animals. Spread over a large area of 710 acres, the spectacular Toronto Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world. Set in the year 1974, the Toronto Zoo attracts an average 1.3 million tourists in a year.The zoo is divided into different zones including Africa, Indo-Pacific, America, Indo-Malaya, and Tundra Trek, and is an excellent place to see animals in their natural habitat.
8. Casa Loma
A lifelong dream of Sir Henry Pellatt, a former soldier that turned into reality at a whopping cost of $3,500,000. The Casa Loma is a beautiful grand castle overlooking the city of Toronto. Due to its high maintenance cost, the castle had to be handed over to the government. The castle has featured in many popular Hollywood films like the X-men, Chicago, The Tuxedo, The Pacifier, and much more.
Some of the other popular castles in Canada that you must visit are:
- Dundurn Castle (Hamilton, Ontario): A neoclassical mansion built in the 1830s for a politician and businessman.
- Craigdarroch Castle (Victoria, British Columbia): A Victorian-era Scottish Baronial mansion constructed in the 1890s for a coal tycoon and his family.
- Place Viger (Montreal, Quebec): A former hotel and railway station from the 1890s, initially built in the Châteauesque style.
- Banff Springs Hotel (Banff, Alberta): A luxury resort hotel built in the 1880s in the Châteauesque style, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains.
- Rideau Hall (Ottawa, Ontario): The official residence of the Governor General of Canada, built in the 1830s in the Georgian style.
- Castle Kilbride (Wilmot, Ontario): A historic house museum from the 1870s in the Italianate style, featuring elaborate murals and stencils.
- Château Lake Louise (Alberta): A grand hotel on the shores of Lake Louise, built in the 1890s in the Châteauesque style, known for winter sports and scenic views.
- The Empress (Victoria, British Columbia): A landmark hotel constructed in the 1900s in the Edwardian Château style, famous for its afternoon tea service and gardens.
- Willistead Manor (Windsor, Ontario): A Tudor-Jacobean mansion built in the 1900s for the son of a whisky magnate, now a cultural center and event venue.
- Hatley Park Castle (Colwood, British Columbia): A National Historic Site built in the 1900s in the Scottish Baronial style, now part of the Royal Roads University campus.
9. Harbourfront Centre
Set on the banks of Lake Ontario on the Toronto’s waterfront, the Harbourfront Centre has transformed itself from a derelict shipping terminal into one of the top tourist’s attractions in the city. This not-for-profit cultural organization organizes events and activities that enlighten, educate and provides a sneak peek into the rich history of Toronto.
10. Kensington Market
A former Jewish neighborhood, the market is very popular for its vibrant and electric environment. This is one of the prime tourist destinations for immigrants living in the city. This has led to a cultural mosaic, a great spot for having delicious Canadian food, and browsing through its vintage shops, art stores, and much more.
11. Food and Dining
There are more than 8,000 restaurants ranging from fine dining to local eateries in the city of Toronto. It is on top of the list of food lovers due to the diverse cuisine available at their disposal. It is a perfect place to sample not only Canadian food but also cuisines from all over the world.
The best restaurants in Canada showcase the incredible diversity and locally-sourced ingredients that Canadian cuisine has to offer diners from coast to coast looking for a world-class culinary experience. Vancouver’s fine dining restaurants serve regional innovative cuisine with fresh BC ingredients like L’Abattoir and St Lawrence.
In Winnipeg, Deer + Almond crafts creative prairie fare at its airy location. Celebrated Toronto chef Grant van Gameren has opened several hot spots specializing in Canadian flavors. Montreal classics Toqué! and Europea are still excelling after decades.
Toronto has gained intense popularity due to the diverse population and culture. The city is a dynamic metropolis, which is home to many majestic skyscrapers, lush green spaces, well-maintained sports facilities, and a grand zoo. Come, visit Toronto today, and get an authentic taste of the traditional Canadian culture.
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