Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Toronto

Toronto, Canada's largest city, is a vibrant metropolis that offers something for everyone. As a cultural experience coordinator who's spent years introducing visitors to this dynamic city, I'm excited to share my insider's guide to the top 10 attractions that showcase Toronto's diversity, creativity, and energy. Whether you're planning a first visit or seeking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, this guide will help you experience the best of the city like a local.

1. CN Tower: Toronto's Iconic Landmark

Standing at 553 meters (1,815 feet), the CN Tower dominates Toronto's skyline and offers the most spectacular views of the city. While it's undeniably a tourist attraction, even locals recommend visiting at least once for the breathtaking panorama.

What to Experience:

• The Glass Floor on the main observation level, where you can stand 342 meters above the ground
• The SkyPod, one of the highest observation platforms in the world at 447 meters
• EdgeWalk, for the truly adventurous – a hands-free walk on a 1.5-meter ledge encircling the tower's main pod (weather permitting)
• 360 Restaurant, a revolving dining experience with spectacular views

2. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

Canada's largest museum of art, culture, and natural history offers an incredible diversity of exhibitions and artifacts. The ROM's striking architecture – a blend of a historic heritage building with the modern Crystal designed by Daniel Libeskind – is worth seeing on its own.

Highlights Include:

• The dinosaur gallery featuring complete skeletons of T. Rex and Barosaurus
• The Gallery of Chinese Architecture with its impressive temple sculptures
• The bat cave, a recreated habitat featuring Egypt's St. Clair Cave
• Extensive Indigenous collections that showcase Canada's First Nations cultures

3. Distillery District

This pedestrian-only village of brick-lined streets and Victorian industrial buildings once housed the Gooderham and Worts Distillery. Today, it's one of Toronto's most distinctive neighborhoods, filled with independent boutiques, galleries, restaurants, cafés, and theaters.

Don't Miss:

• The numerous art galleries and studios featuring local artists
• SOMA Chocolatemaker for artisanal chocolate creations
• The stunning architecture and charming courtyards with public art installations
• The Toronto Christmas Market (mid-November to late December), one of the city's most magical winter experiences

4. St. Lawrence Market

Named the world's best food market by National Geographic, St. Lawrence Market has been a Toronto institution since 1803. The market complex consists of three buildings: the South Market (the main food hall), the North Market (hosting a farmers' market on Saturdays and antique dealers on Sundays), and St. Lawrence Hall.

Culinary Highlights:

• Carousel Bakery's world-famous peameal bacon sandwich – a Toronto classic
• Freshly made pasta from Pasta Mia
• Cheese selections from Olympic Cheese Mart
• Artisanal mustards at Kozlik's Canadian Mustard

5. Toronto Islands

Just a short ferry ride from downtown, the Toronto Islands offer a peaceful escape from the urban hustle. This car-free paradise consists of a chain of small islands interconnected by pathways and bridges, featuring beaches, parks, gardens, and stunning views of the city skyline.

Key Attractions:

• Centre Island, with its family-friendly Centreville Amusement Park
• Ward's Island, home to a charming residential community
• Hanlan's Point Beach, including a clothing-optional section
• Rental facilities for bikes, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards
• Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, the oldest existing lighthouse on the Great Lakes

6. Kensington Market

This vibrant, multicultural neighborhood is a Toronto treasure, showcasing the city's diversity through food, art, and culture. Unlike conventional markets, Kensington is an entire district of narrow streets lined with Victorian houses converted into shops, cafés, bakeries, and restaurants representing cuisines from around the world.

Experiences to Enjoy:

• International food shops and restaurants offering everything from Jamaican patties to Mexican tacos and Tibetan momos
• Vintage clothing stores and independent fashion boutiques
• Pedestrian Sundays (last Sunday of each month, May-October) when the streets are closed to traffic for music, art, and performances
• Colorful street art and murals throughout the neighborhood

7. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

The AGO houses an impressive collection of more than 90,000 works of art, from European masterpieces to contemporary installations and an extensive collection of Canadian art, including works by the Group of Seven. The gallery's architecture, renovated by Frank Gehry in 2008, is itself a work of art with its dramatic spiral staircase and expansive spaces.

Must-See Collections:

• The Thomson Collection of Canadian Art featuring works by Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven
• The African and Oceanic Art collection
• Contemporary Indigenous art
• European collection including works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Picasso
• Henry Moore Sculpture Centre

8. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Located at the base of the CN Tower, this world-class aquarium features 5.7 million liters of water and over 20,000 aquatic animals. It's a fascinating underwater journey through North American freshwater habitats, Pacific and Atlantic environments, and tropical reefs.

Highlights Include:

• Dangerous Lagoon, a moving sidewalk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, sea turtles, and sawfish
• Ray Bay, where you can touch stingrays as they glide by
• The mesmerizing jellyfish gallery with its changing colored lights
• Planet Jellies, showcasing five species of these mesmerizing creatures
• The Discovery Centre, an interactive area perfect for children

9. Casa Loma

This Gothic Revival style mansion and garden was built between 1911 and 1914 as a residence for financier Sir Henry Pellatt. Today, it stands as a museum and landmark that offers a glimpse into early 20th-century luxury living, complete with decorated suites, secret passages, an 800-foot tunnel, towers, stables, and beautiful gardens.

What to Explore:

• The Great Hall with its soaring 60-foot ceiling and impressive oak paneling
• Sir Henry's Suite and Lady Pellatt's Suite, showcasing period furnishings
• The 800-foot tunnel connecting the mansion to the stables
• The Scottish Tower with panoramic views of the Toronto skyline
• Seasonal events like haunted houses for Halloween and a Christmas experience in winter

10. Yorkville

Once the heart of Toronto's 1960s counterculture scene, Yorkville has transformed into the city's most upscale shopping district. This elegant neighborhood features designer boutiques, art galleries, luxury hotels, and some of Toronto's finest restaurants. Even if shopping isn't on your agenda, Yorkville's charming streets and hidden courtyards make for a delightful afternoon of exploration.

Highlights Include:

• Bloor Street's "Mink Mile," home to luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, and Holt Renfrew
• The Royal Ontario Museum, located at the edge of Yorkville
• Charming Victorian-era architecture mixed with modern luxury condos
• Yorkville Park, a small but beautifully designed urban space featuring a massive 650-ton rock from the Canadian Shield
• Some of Toronto's best people-watching, especially during the Toronto International Film Festival in September