Things to do in Toronto

The good news is that Toronto has enough amazing attractions for three cities of its size. The bad news is that no matter how long you stay, you won’t have enough time to see them all. Many of the best attractions take a whole day to really appreciate and most of them are scattered all over the city and surrounding areas. Pick a handful of your favourites and bring a good pair of walking shoes, because Toronto is best experienced on foot.

Black Creek Pioneer Village

To get a taste of what pioneer life was like in the 1800s, visit this fully-restored and working village, which dates back to 1860. You can observe the authentically dressed villagers going about their daily lives and doing their chores such as spinning, sewing, sheep-shearing and threshing. Visitors can wander around this lovely village’s 30 restored buildings and stop by the working mill, shop in the general store and even enjoy the villagers’ cooking. It’s a fantastic way to experience Canadian frontier life, and special events are held throughout the year. Phone: +1 416 736 1733.

CN Tower

Toronto’s signature landmark can be seen from almost anywhere in the city and offers the best views around. This is the world’s tallest freestanding structure at 553m. Glass-walled elevators blast visitors up to LookOut Level in just 58 seconds. From here, you can walk down one level and experience the Glass Floor, which extends outwards from the tower, providing a stomach-dropping view straight down to the street. It’s not free to go up to the lookout, but it’s definitely worth the admission price. Phone: +1 416 868 6937.

Harbourfront Centre

This 96-acre strip of land along the waterfront is one of the most popular spots in the city for locals and visitors alike. It’s the perfect place to stroll around, ride a bicycle, have a picnic, gallery-hop, shop and even go sailing. There are several artistic venues here such as the contemporary art gallery Power Plant, the Du Maurier Theatre Centre and the Craft Studio, where you can watch artisans blow glass, throw pots and make prints. Another relaxing feature of the complex is the Artists’ Gardens; over two dozen beautiful outdoor gardens, designed by local landscape architects. The Harbourfront amazingly holds over 4,000 events at its facilities each year. Phone: +1 416 973 4000.

Hockey Hall of Fame

Any ice hockey fan will want to pay this shrine a visit. The artefacts assembled here are fascinating, from the original Stanley Cup to dozens of pieces of equipment used by the sport’s greatest players from over the years. Photographs of memorable moments and star players line the walls, and for some active fun, you can try out the interactive puck-shooting and goal-keeping displays. Phone: +1 416 360 7765.

Kensington Market

This market, and its street, is the most colourful and exciting market in Toronto. Portuguese, Italian, Caribbean and other accents ring out in the air selling all kinds of exotic, edible goodies and other items. Kensington Avenue itself is a mecca for vintage clothing shoppers, with dozens of shops fully-stocked with trash and treasures.

Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA)

If you have any interest in seeing what contemporary Canadian artists are up to, then this is the place. Its respectable collection includes works by Stephen Andrews, Micah Lexier, Roland Poulin and many others. Among the most interesting works are the contemporary pieces by Canada’s Native Indian artists. Phone: +1 416 395 7430.

Ontario Science Centre

The theme here is hands-on interactive science fun. Everywhere you turn, there is something to touch, crank, push or pull with surprising results. Children will especially enjoy this place, but it’s also smart enough to interest adults. There are over 800 interactive exhibits in 10 halls including the ever-popular laser demonstrations, metal casting display and high-voltage electricity experience which will stand your hair on end. Another highlight is the Omnimax Theatre, a 24m dome-shaped screen that creates some impressive visuals. Phone: +1 416 696 3127.

Paramount Canadas Wonderland

This 300 acre theme park, located about 30 minutes drive north of the city, is Canada’s answer to Disneyland. The park features over 140 attractions, which include 60 rides and live entertainment shows. A big highlight is the Splash Works water park, which has a massive wave pool and over a dozen water rides including speed slides and tube rides. A visit here is the best way to beat the summer heat in Toronto. Phone: +1 905 832 7000.

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

Canada’s largest museum has over six million objects in its collection. Having just undergone a massive renovation project, the ROM has opened up six new galleries and revamped its existing facilities. Among the many excellent, world-class exhibitions is the Ancient Egypt Gallery, which contains several mummies, and the hands-on Biodiversity Gallery, a real child-pleaser. Phone: +1 416 586 8000.

The Toronto Zoo
Toronto’s zoo covers more than 700 acres of well-developed, natural parkland. Over 5,000 different species of animals from all over the globe and an extensive botanical collection make up the population of the zoo. One of the more popular attractions is the African Savanna project, which features an authentic market bazaar and safari where visitors can get up close and personal with all the superstars of the African bush. Gorilla Rainforest is another favourite area, and over 10kms of walkways provide easy access to all sections of the zoo. Phone: +1 416 392 5900.