It’s not hard to fall in love with Toronto. Canada's largest city blends diverse, cosmopolitan culture with the natural beauty of Lake Ontario. No matter your passion, the city has plenty to offer and may even spark some new interests. The only challenge is figuring out the best places to go in Toronto.
Between the landmarks, outdoor activities, museums, and other attractions, there’s a potentially overwhelming number of options for your itinerary. Not to worry, though — we’ve got you covered. As you explore the city, here are the places in Toronto you don't want to miss.
Where Are the Best Places To Go in Toronto, Canada?
Get ready for an adventure that blends science, history, art, and fun for all ages. This itinerary is also for all seasons, as its attractions are open year-round. Whether you hit Toronto during its peak tourist months or choose a vacation full of winter fun, these are the places to visit in Toronto.
Visit a Piece of History at the Century-Old Casa Loma
Journey back to the turn of the century with the Edwardian splendor of Casa Loma. Sir Henry Pellatt’s dream castle combines the modern energy of the early 1900s with nostalgia for a lost medieval world.
Visitors can tour the perfectly preserved rooms, walk around the beautiful gardens, and learn from the castle’s exhibits. Permanent features include an 800-ft tunnel devoted to photographs of Toronto’s darkest moments and a museum dedicated to the Queen’s Own Rifles, Canada's oldest infantry regiment.
Check out the antique car display or one of the rotating exhibits devoted to Canadian art, history, and pop culture. Or extend your trip to the past with a casual meal al fresco in the Casa Loma gardens or fine dining in the Blueblood Steakhouse.
See Incredible Views of the City at the 1,815-Foot CN Tower
One of the best places to go in Toronto is the architectural icon most identified with the city. It’s also the only site where you can take in the whole city at once — the CN Tower with its two observation decks.
Walk around the main level to see out over the city in all directions. Not high enough? Add on an elevator trip up to SkyPod, the highest observation platform in the Western Hemisphere. And the truly daring can book an EdgeWalk to accompany their visit. You’ll walk the perimeter of a platform 116 stories above Toronto, secured only by a harness.
While you’re in the downtown city center, pair your visit to the tower with a walk along the harborfront or check out the shopping at the famous St. Lawrence Market.
Tour the Royal Ontario Museum, Canada’s Largest Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum is even more impressive inside than out, but you’ll want to take a picture in front of its beautiful and bizarre Crystal entrance.
Plan your route through one of the most popular places to visit in Toronto. Its permanent galleries include displays dedicated to natural history and arts and culture. There are also hands-on zones for kids and playful adults.
You can easily spend hours taking in all that the museum has to offer, but here are a few permanent highlights:
- James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs. Don’t forget to visit Gordo, the famous Barosaurus skeleton.
- Gallery of Chinese Architecture. This art gallery boasts the largest collection of Chinese architectural artifacts outside China.
- Daphne Cockwell Gallery dedicated to First People’s art and culture. Learn about the history and culture of indigenous Canadians.
There are also galleries dedicated to all areas of world culture and life sciences. Plus, you can check out the museum’s current exhibitions, a continually changing line-up of attractions.
Attend Ripley’s Aquarium, the Best Attraction for Families
Looking for photo-worthy places to help you remember your trip? There’s no shortage of vibrant streets and interesting sights as you walk about town or ferry out to Toronto Island.
Or you can let the life and color of the sea be your backdrop at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. Canada's largest indoor aquarium boasts nine massive galleries and an interactive discovery center.
The longest moving sidewalk in North America will take you through the Dangerous Lagoon, an underwater gallery. The adventure continues with opportunities to learn about Canada’s native waters, enjoy the colors of the coral reefs, and even gently touch stingrays in the Shoreline Gallery.
Participate in an Interactive Exhibit at the Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre is one of Toronto's best places to visit, even if you’re not usually a science fan.
There are more than 500 exhibits at this interactive museum, plus live demonstrations and traveling displays. You can engage with controversial theories or stroll through the Cohon Family Nature Escape or Forest Lane.
You can also explore human ingenuity in the classic Science Arcade, natural wonders in The Living Earth, and the limits of the human body in The AstraZeneca Human Edge. Or sit back and relax by watching a movie at the IMAX theater or staring up at the stars in Canada’s only public planetarium.
If only science were always this much fun.
Take a Casual Stroll Through the Toronto Zoo
In addition to almost three million people, Toronto’s population includes more than five thousand animals at the Toronto Zoo.
You’ll find incredible exhibits dedicated to different regions of the world. Don’t miss the zoo’s Tundra Trek. Its five-acre polar bear habitat lets you spy on the majestic creatures both above and below the water.
There are also fun rides around the park, though be aware that some are only open seasonally. If it’s a particularly hot day, check out Splash Island for a chance to cool down.
Save on the Admission Price of Activities With a Ticket Package
Savvy travelers don’t just want to visit Toronto's best places to go. They also want to save money that can be better spent on souvenirs and Toronto food.
Get CityPASS® tickets for Toronto and receive admission to:
This ticket package comes at a significant discount on regular box office prices.
Save money and embrace convenience with CityPASS® tickets. You have a lot to enjoy in Toronto. We thought we’d make this part as inexpensive and easy as possible.
Toronto Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in Toronto, we recommend finding lodging near Toronto's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Booking.com