Top 15 Unique Things to do in Toronto – Places, Activities and Attractions

Looking for things to do in Toronto, Ontario, Canada? Let’s cut right to the chase here. The largest city in Canada has become one of the biggest travel destinations in all of North America.

There are so many things to do in Toronto it can be challenging to know where to start. Being one of the most multi-culturally diverse cities, there is something for everyone. Both citizens and visitors also experienced Toronto as a tourist center. It is the largest city in Canada and the most exciting.

If you are visiting Toronto, our comprehensive Toronto guide will help you find the best places to visit in Toronto for first-time visitors and return. Read on.

Where is Toronto Located?

Toronto is located in Ontario, Canada. Toronto, the capital of the province of Ontario, is a major Canadian city along Lake Ontario’s northwestern shore. It’s a dynamic metropolis with a core of soaring skyscrapers, all dwarfed by the iconic, free-standing CN Tower.

What is the population of Toronto?

The population of Toronto is approximately 2,794,356. It is the most populous city in Canada and North America’s fourth most populous city. It is an international center of business, finance, arts, and culture and is recognized as one of the world’s most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities.

How to get to Toronto

There are different ways to get to Toronto; these include:-

Traveling By Air

Toronto is served by two airports that connect you around the globe. Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada’s principal airport, with over 60 airlines operating from its grounds.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (formerly Toronto City Centre Airport) is Toronto’s secondary, urban airport. It is located on Toronto Island, minutes from the downtown core, with links to the city by a short ferry ride or pedestrian tunnel, and is served by both Porter Airlines and Air Canada. (in addition to its connections between Montreal and Toronto Pearson International airport).

Traveling By Rail

VIA Rail and AMTRAK bring visitors into the heart of the city each day. Toronto’s Union Station is centrally located downtown and connects to the subway by an underground tunnel.

Public Transportation

Toronto has easy-to-navigate subways, buses, and streetcars, operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). When using the TTC, a single fare will take you anywhere in the city on a one-way trip. You can freely transfer between subways, streetcars, and buses, but make sure you obtain a transfer when you pay your fare. On buses and streetcars, exact change is required.

GO Transit is Ontario’s inter-regional bus and train service. It links Toronto with outlying areas of Greater Toronto and beyond. GO Trains and buses depart from Toronto’s Union Station regularly throughout the day.

Neighboring cities near Toronto

There are neighboring cities you can visit when touring around the city of Toronto; these cities include

• Ottawa
• Detroit
• Hamilton
• Brampton
• Mississauga

Things to do in Toronto

No matter what time of the year you visit the city of Toronto in Ontario, Canada, you can expect to see something unique when you are in Toronto. This article contains the top 15 amazing things to do in Toronto, Canada.

#1. Royal Ontario Museum

If you want to dive into the past in Toronto, you should visit the Royal Ontario Museum. This is one of the best things to do in Toronto for those interested in different aspects of history, science, and art.

You can see why the Royal Ontario Museum is such a beloved institution with millions of items in more than three dozen galleries. At the Royal Ontario Museum, you can see historic and prehistoric things.

You can see pieces from first-century Japan as well as dinosaur bones. This gives visitors an excellent glimpse into the past, even before humans were around.

#2. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Having an aquatic experience can be one of the best parts of your trip to Toronto, Canada. Ripley’s Aquarium is one of many Toronto attractions you want to take advantage of. Those who love seeing and learning about fish and other water-loving species have to come here.

At Ripley’s Aquarium, which opened in 2013, there are hundreds of different species for you to marvel at. You can also come for special events such as Friday Night Jazz. You’ll be swimming in possibilities when you come to Ripley’s Aquarium.

Ripley’s Aquarium is one of the best places for fun when you’re in Toronto, especially if you’re with your family.

#3. The Art Gallery of Ontario

You must visit at least one art gallery in a city like Toronto, Canada. A perfect example of this is the art gallery of Ontario. You can feast on some of the finest art you’ve ever seen when you’re here.

The Art of Gallery of Ontario has been around for more than a century. This time has been used well, as this gallery’s curators have brought fantastic pieces that go back thousands of years. You don’t have to be an art collector to know about the greatness of some artists showcased here, such as Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet. Going to the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the top things to do in Toronto.

#4. CN Tower

When people think of Toronto, they tend to think of the CN Tower. This has become not only one of the most iconic monuments of Canada but of North America. It’s an architectural genius that only improves when you step inside and make your way up to the top. At the CN Tower, you can see the city like never before.

Given that it’s more than 1,800 feet high, CN Tower can be a severe rush to experience. But, as you gaze down upon Toronto, you can think about all the other visitors who’ve done the same since this tower’s opening in 1976.

#5. Niagara Falls

Even if you’ve already seen Niagara Falls from the U.S. side, it’s still great to experience from Toronto. The sensations of the falls are magnificent to share in terms of sound, sight, and feeling.

Being in Canada gives you exceptional exposure to Niagara Falls. Of the three falls along the Niagara River, Canada hosts significant portions of the biggest, Horseshoe Falls. You can go on a boat tour to get even closer. It is worth a warning that you might get pretty wet. But this is definitely what to do if you’re interested in waterfalls. Coming to Niagara Falls is a huge part of visiting Toronto.

#6. Botanical Garden

You don’t have to be a florist or botanist to see that plants are beautiful. Toronto Botanical Garden is one of the most excellent places in Toronto, Canada. You can see all kinds of unique plants and enjoy a supremely well-cared-for environment for them to flourish.

Toronto Botanical Garden was opened more than 60 years ago. It contains 17 different gardens so you can see a lot of plant life. You can see perennials, hedges, fruit trees, and more. So if you’re looking for fun and peace of mind, you should come to Toronto Botanical Garden.

#7. Casa Loma

Castles are some of the most incredible tourist attractions you can ever visit. However, Toronto, Canada, has an amazing one in the form of Casa Loma. With its Gothic Revival architecture and rich history, Casa Loma continues to be one of the best parts of Toronto.

Casa Loma, which first opened as a residence in 1914, has been a museum since 1937. There are plenty of things to see at Casa Loma, including stables and gardens. The entire complex is amazing to navigate through. You might feel you’ve gone at least a century into the past. But if you’re looking for unique things in Toronto, you should come to Casa Loma.

#8. The Second City Toronto

Comedy aficionados know how big “Second City” in Toronto is. Mike Myers and Gilda Radner’s likes grew to fame with Second City Toronto’s help. However, one of the most fun things in Toronto is coming to a show and getting ready to laugh your head off.

Like its sister venues in Hollywood and Chicago, Second City Toronto is all about piling on the laughs in the highest dose possible. Shows like “Take Me Out to the Improv” have people in the aisles with laughter. Being able to laugh is one of the greatest feelings, and Second City Toronto provides you with laughter to a very high degree.

#9. Center Island

Although you might not think of islands when you think of Toronto, the city lays claim to 13. Surrounded by the waters of Lake Ontario, these are all worth visiting. However, if you’re looking for the most worthwhile island experience, you should go to Center Island.

At Center Island, you can find fun at just about any corner. You can enjoy a beach day there, picnic, or explore the gardens, including Franklin’s Children’s Garden. Center Island brings in all sorts of visitors and helps to make your Toronto, Canada, experience even more fun.

#10. Bata Shoe Museum

If you’re in Toronto and love shopping, you must come to Yorkville for a shopping spree of a lifetime. While you’re there, you also need to check out Bata Shoe Museum. Those things you wear on your feet every day have a lot of history behind them.

Throughout the ages, cultures have worn shoes for different purposes. Bata Shoe Museum shows how Asian and indigenous American cultures have handled their respective weather and terrain conditions through shoes. Exhibitions of influential people’s footwear show how much shoes can help complete a person’s look. Bata Shoe Museum is one of the coolest Toronto attractions for those who love fashion.

#11. St. Lawrence Market

At St. Lawrence Market in Toronto, Canada, you can see more than 100 vendors in a place with more than two centuries of history. You’ll be able to keep yourself very occupied, given how many excellent stands there are. St. Lawrence Market is one of the top markets in North America. If you’re even a little hungry, you need to come here and decide what will best satisfy your cravings.

#12. Hockey Hall of Fame

Even if you cannot attend the hockey championship, you can still see the Stanley Cup trophy in Toronto, Canada. One of the most fun activities is to come to the Hockey Hall of Fame, which houses this sought-after trophy. This is also a great place to learn about hockey and some of the greats behind the sport.

Some players who’ve been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame since its founding in 1943 include Gordie Howe, Wayne Gretzky, and Igor Larionov. You can also see classic hockey memorabilia and a film at the TSN Theatre. Hockey is one of the most exciting sports, and this museum shows why it’s so beloved, especially in Toronto.

#13. West Queen West

West Queen West is a neighborhood that has redefined trendy when it comes to Toronto. In this section of the city, you can feel like you’re experiencing luxury at a new level.

If you do things right, you should come home with stories of unforgettable meals and purchases that you have to show off immediately. Some of the restaurants at West Queen West can seem humble, but the flavors are simply mind-blowing. You need to check out eateries like Oyster Bar, Poutini’s House of Poutine, and Ravi Soups.

#14. Ontario Science Center

One of the most excellent parts of Toronto is the Ontario Science Center. Located near downtown Toronto, this museum has been an integral part of the city when it comes to explaining the wonders of science to children. A family day at the Ontario Science Center can be your children’s gateway into fascinating subjects.

Some of the best parts of the Ontario Science Center, which opened in 1961, are its planetarium, the AstraZeneca Human Edge, climbing wall, and more, and the rainforest recreation of The Living Earth. Even adult visitors can have their minds opened up during their time here.

#15. Visit the Zoo

While the animals of the Toronto Zoo aren’t all native to Canada, they are all given a desirable living situation thanks to all the care they’re given. One of the top things to do in Toronto is to come to the zoo. Some of the fantastic creatures you can see at the Toronto Zoo include lions, rhinos, and pythons.

There are animals from all continents, including North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. You can see what goes into the best conservation efforts when you’re here. The unique species and excellent customer experience help to make the Toronto Zoo one of the top parts of any visit.

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Best time to visit Toronto

The best time to visit Toronto is during summer and spring, from June to mid-September, and from February to May. This is because the temperature ranges from 15 °C to 23 °C in summer and from -2 °C to 16 °C in spring.

The weather during these months is great for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Toronto sees the highest number of travelers during summer due to summer school breaks.

Months of May to June, just before the rains arrive, are ideal for all outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, biking, and city touring. Toronto’s weather in winter is cold, but some city-based activities can be done, although many attractions are closed.

Where to stay in Toronto?

For visitors interested in sightseeing, dining, nightlife, and visiting cultural attractions, the best place to stay in Toronto is downtown, in the vibrant city center. This is where you’ll find the major attractions like the CN Tower, Scotiabank Arena, museums, great shopping, restaurants, theaters, and concert venues.

Many of the hotels, especially in the area right downtown, are connected to the underground PATH system. This is an extensive network of underground walkways full of great retail shops with the bonus of sheltering you from Toronto’s winter weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Toronto known for?

Toronto is known for its multiculturalism, sports, and unique landmarks like the CN Tower. In addition, this bustling city features various cuisines, architectural mixtures, and a long history. Toronto is also home to one of the world’s largest film festivals, the Toronto International Film Festival.

Where is Toronto located?

Toronto is located in Ontario, Canada.

Is Toronto a good place to live?

It is a great place to live, work, and raise a family with its robust education system, cultural and recreational attractions, the dynamic business community, and abundance of exciting, vibrant neighborhoods.

Conclusion

Visiting Toronto, Ontario, is something you must do if you want to see one of the most unique cities in Canada. This city awaits your presence and wants to show you all it’s got.