Attractions around Toronto
The top rated things to do and attractions to see in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
There are a million and one things to do in Toronto. Of course there is no “best” thing to do in Toronto, it’s all about your interests and willingness to explore.
CN Tower
Take a trip to the top of the world. The CN Tower is Toronto and Canada’s most recognizable and celebrated icon. At over 550 meters (1800 feet), it’s one of the tallest free-standing structures in the world. Each year, around 2 million people take the elevator ride to the top of the tower to hang out at the top of the world and take in the breath-taking view. Built in 1976, the CN Tower seems to inspire a sense of pride and inspiration for Canadians and definitely a sense of awe for tourists. Once you’re at the top, see if you can muster up the courage to walk across the see-through glass floor.
The revolving restaurant at the top of the CN Tower is a nice way to spend a couple of hours. On a clear day, the view is nothing short of spectacular. The floor in the 360 degree Restaurant rotates once every 72 minutes allowing everyone a complete and unobstructed view of the city below. Along with the view they also offer an internationally recognized wine cellar of nearly 500 choice labels. Art work throughout is created by local artists.
The CN Tower is located on Front Street which is located in the heart of downtown and the entertainment district. Located on the north shore of Lake Ontario, the CN Tower is easily accessible from Union Station as well as many major streets and highways. Visit the CN Tower Website
Toronto Islands
Just a short ferry ride across the harbour from the city, you’ll find over 600 acres of parkland waiting to be discovered. The Toronto Islands are a 150-year-old community made up of 262 homes, 650 people, dogs, cats, gardens and protected parks.
Walking trails, picnic areas with fire pits, supervised swimming beaches, bicycle and boat rentals, tennis, volleyball and much more await you. Prefer to kick back Island-style? Pull up a piece of beach and simply take a day off from the big city to relax and recharge. Visit the Toronto Islands website
A Castle in the City
Well, it seems that a lot of historic towns have an old mansion or castle tucked in their back pocket, usually attached with an intriguing story to two. Toronto is no exception, and tucked away in the corner of a downtown neighbourhood is the very unique Casa Loma, dripping with old world charm.
You’ll appreciate the atmosphere and grandeur of Casa Loma. Take a walk along the winding paths through the beautiful gardens surrounding the mansion. Rekindle your sense of wonder when you step back in time at Toronto’s most romantic historic mansion. Explore elegantly decorated suites, secret passageways, stately towers, an 800 foot underground tunnel linking to luxurious stables and beautiful 5 acre estate gardens. A self-guided audio tour, available in 8 languages, is included with admission. Visit the Casa Loma website
Shoes Shoes and more Shoes
Who would think of visiting a shoe museum when in Toronto? You’d be surprised how much fun 10,000 shoes can be. Not only for people with a foot fetish, the Bata Shoe Museum is a fun and different stop on the Toronto Tourist trail.
Housed in a unique building made of limestone and glass, the museum has a massive collection of shoes that spans 4,500 years. The collection includes exotic Egyptian sandals, Chinese bound foot shoes, and celebrity footwear including Elton John’s platforms and Picasso’s lovely pony boots.
Toronto’s Bata Shoe Museum is a great place to bring the kids, who always seem to have a grand time. There is a puppet theatre, arts and crafts, and lots and lots of shoes to try on. Near the University of Toronto, the shoe museum is easy to get to by public transportation. Visit the Bata Shoe Museum website
Cruising Toronto
Enjoy a one-hour sightseeing cruise through Toronto's scenic harbourfront and island parklands.
Experience a narrated tour aboard one of our classic vessels. See Toronto's breathtaking skyline and take in the sights and sounds of the Toronto Islands, Island Airport, Harbourfront, CN Tower, Skydome, Air Canada Centre and the fabled Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. There several operators offering different Boats and types of Cruises. Visit the Cruising Toronto website
Hippo Rides
Run wild on this land and water journey through the city. Take a unique and exciting city tour of downtown Toronto on the Hippo Amphibus. The vehicle drives both on land and straight into the water for a fun-filled voyage through the Toronto waterfront. The tour also includes some of the city's major landmarks and tour escorts offer information about the history of Toronto and its landmarks. Sites on the Tour include; Union Station, Hockey Hall of Fame, Eaton Centre, Nathan Phillips Square, Old Fort York, Ontario Place, Roger’s Centre (Skydome), and the CN Tower.
The combined tour takes about 90 minutes and your marine licensed captain will guide you through the narrated tour. Visit the Hippo Tours website
