Toronto is a dynamic, vibrant city with an impressive mix of world-class museums, great shopping, a smorgasbord of dining options and plenty of summer and winter outdoor activities.
The city also offers numerous ethnic enclaves, landmarks and cultural sites to explore. Some of the best are listed below, so you should add them to your itinerary when you visit.
CN Tower
The CN Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks across Canada, and it’s also one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. It was completed in 1976, and it’s known for its distinctive shape.
The tower is a concrete communications and observation tower in downtown Toronto, Canada. It’s 1,815 feet (555.3 meters) tall and was ranked among the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1995.
The tower is a great place to see the city’s skyline, but it can get busy, especially during peak seasons. That’s why you should consider a Toronto CityPass ticket, which gives you access to all of the top attractions and skips the lines.
Toronto Island
Toronto Island is a beautiful, car-free oasis just minutes from downtown. Ferries take you across Lake Ontario to this green paradise, where you can bike around, visit an amusement park, sun yourself on a nude beach, eat delicious food, and more!
Centre Island offers the most attractions, including expansive picnic areas, beaches, sporting rentals and the Centreville Amusement Park. It’s also home to the Franklin Children’s Garden, which has several interactive features for young visitors.
The Art Gallery of Ontario
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of Canada’s leading art galleries. It holds a collection of over 95,000 works, which spans from classical to modern art.
This museum features works of European and Canadian art, as well as Indigenous and African art. It also has a collection of photographs and archival materials.
The AGO’s permanent collection features paintings by renowned masters such as Rembrandt, Hals, Poussin, Chardin, Delacroix, Renoir and Picasso. It also has a sculpture centre with works by Rodin, Degas and Matisse.
The Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre is one of Canada’s most famous cultural landmarks. Established in 1969, it’s a pioneer in its hands-on approach to science.
Featuring hundreds of interactive exhibits, it’s an immersive experience for all ages. Guests can explore geology, nature, astronomical science, music, technology, human anatomy and more.
Built down the side of a wooded ravine formed by the Don River, the buildings at the Science Centre are Brutalist in style, with three main structures interlinked by bridges and escalators. There are resplendent outdoor exhibits like Forest Lane, which showcases a 464-year-old Eastern White Pine tree with unique ring markers that indicate world events throughout its lifespan.
Roger’s Center
Roger’s Center is a stadium that hosts many different types of events, including concerts, sporting matches and conventions. It’s a popular attraction in Toronto and one of the most vibrant entertainment centres in the world.
It is also home to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team and the Toronto Argonauts football team. It is the first stadium in North America to have a fully retractable roof.
It is an architectural feat and a model for future domed stadiums being built around the world. It is an iconic site for sports and music in Toronto and has been a destination for over 50 million visitors since its opening in 1989.
The Aga Khan Museum
The Aga Khan Museum is a fascinating cultural hub that celebrates the arts of Islamic civilization. Its incredible collection features works spanning three continents and over a thousand years of history.
It was opened in 2014 by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and is the first museum dedicated to Islamic art in North America. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Fumihiko Maki, the complex also includes Toronto’s Ismaili Centre and a landscaped park.
The museum’s collection is complemented by educational programs and performing arts events. The permanent and temporary exhibitions showcase the artistic achievements of Muslim cultures, while illuminating connections between eras.
Harbourfront
The Harbourfront is a cultural hub and district downtown that is home to hundreds of restaurants, bars, clubs, and cafes. It also hosts thousands of events each year.
In the middle of the Harbourfront is Harborfront Centre, a thriving 4-hectare complex of galleries, theaters, and other attractions that educate and entertain Toronto’s residents and tourists. It also features the well-respected Craft & Design Studios and a 1300-seat Concert Stage.
The Harbourfront’s waterfront parklands and trails are perfect for a stroll or bike ride. In summer, families and daytrippers can enjoy ferries to the Toronto Islands across the lake.
