Toronto, the capital city of the Canadian province of Ontario, is Canada's most populous city. It serves as a major hub for business, finance, technology, entertainment, and culture.
Toronto's multicultural population is one of its most defining characteristics, making it one of the most diverse cities in the world.
The city experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by cold winters with occasional snowfall and warm summers. Here is a list of 20 unique and unusual things to do in Toronto.
This is one of the most popular tours in Toronto. The expedition starts at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada early in the morning. Explore Niagara Falls at your speed during the three-hour halt.
It is advised to book ahead to secure a better place since the trip is likely to sell out soon. The tour also covers your round-trip so you need not worry about planning rides.
It is one of Canada's largest and most prestigious museums. Founded in 1914, it began as a small museum with a focus on natural history and world cultures. Over the years, the ROM has grown into a major cultural institution, housing over six million objects.
Its iconic building blends historic and modern architectural styles, including a recent addition known as the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal. Situated in the heart of Toronto, the ROM is easily accessible and is close to other attractions, making it a key stop on any list of things to do Canada, Toronto.
Check the museum’s website for current exhibits and events before your visit. This will help you make the most of your time there.
Known for its eclectic mix of shops and cultural diversity, this place has been a hub for immigrants since the early 20th century. Kensington Market originally served Jewish and later Eastern European communities.
Over time, it evolved into a bohemian district, popular with artists, musicians, and students. Today, it stands as one of the most colorful and unique attractions in Toronto, Canada.
Some small shops and vendors may not accept credit cards, so it’s a good idea to carry some cash. Additionally, the area can be crowded, and parking is limited. Consider using public transport or walking if possible.
One of the top things to do in Toronto, Canada, is visit the CN Tower, a famous landmark in Toronto that was completed in 1976. It was built to improve television and radio signals, but it has since become one of the most iconic attractions in Toronto, Canada.
Standing at 553 meters (1,815 feet) tall, it was the world’s tallest free-standing structure until 2009. The tower offers spectacular views of the city and Lake Ontario from its observation decks.
There are two main observation areas: the LookOut Level and the Glass Floor. The LookOut Level provides a panoramic view of Toronto, while the Glass Floor allows visitors to see the city directly below their feet.
If you're looking for fun things to do in Toronto area, the Toronto Islands are a must-visit spot. They offer a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, with plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy.
The Islands, located just off the coast of downtown Toronto, are a popular destination for both locals and visitors. They consist of a group of small islands and are known for their stunning views of the city skyline, recreational areas, and beaches.
The islands are accessible by ferry from the mainland, with regular trips departing from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. There are also options for water taxis. Or, you can take time to walk or bike around the islands to fully appreciate their beauty and charm.
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada opened its doors to the public in October 2013. Located in downtown Toronto, it is one of the largest and most modern aquariums in Canada.
The aquarium houses over 20,000 marine animals, including sharks, rays, and jellyfish. One of its main attractions is the Shark Tunnel, a 96-meter-long underwater tunnel that allows visitors to walk through a tank filled with various shark species.
When you're exploring the things to do in Canada Toronto, a visit to this place is a must for its stunning underwater exhibits and engaging educational experiences.
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of the largest art museums in North America and a must-visit destination when exploring things to do in Toronto, Canada. The gallery was founded in 1900 and has grown significantly over the years.
The AGO houses over 90,000 works of art, ranging from Canadian and Indigenous art to European masterpieces and contemporary pieces. It includes famous collections of works by the Group of Seven, an iconic group of Canadian landscape painters, as well as pieces by international artists like Rembrandt and Picasso.
The gallery offers free admission on Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., making it a great time to explore if you're on a budget. You can use the audio guide available at the entrance, to get interesting details about the artworks and exhibitions.
Casa Loma is a grand castle in Toronto, built between 1911 and 1914 by Sir Henry Pellatt, a wealthy Canadian financier. Sir Henry envisioned a majestic home that would rival the castles of Europe.
Casa Loma boasts 98 rooms, including a grand ballroom, a library, and an indoor conservatory with a stained glass dome. This place has been the setting for numerous films and TV shows, including "X-Men" and "The Tuxedo."
Visiting this place is one of the many exciting things to do in Toronto. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just looking for a unique experience, Casa Loma offers something for everyone.
Located in the Old Town district, the market dates back to 1803, when it served as a marketplace and meeting space. Over the years, it has evolved into a hub for food lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
The market consists of two main buildings: the South Market and the North Market. The South Market is famous for its diverse range of vendors offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and specialty items.
It's a great place to experience local flavors and unique products. The North Market, traditionally known for its Saturday farmers' market, hosts antique dealers on Sundays. This market is especially lively, with local farmers bringing fresh goods and artisans selling handmade crafts.
Founded by Sonja Bata, the museum opened its doors in 1995. Sonja Bata, who was passionate about collecting shoes from around the world, envisioned a museum that would showcase the cultural and historical significance of footwear.
The museum's collection includes over 13,000 items, ranging from ancient Egyptian sandals to contemporary sneakers.The museum's exhibits cover 4,500 years of history and feature shoes from every continent, illustrating the evolution of footwear design and the materials used.
Allocate at least 1-2 hours to explore the museum's exhibits thoroughly.
High Park is Toronto's largest public park, covering 400 acres. It has a rich history, dating back to 1836, when it was originally part of a land grant given to John Howard, the city's first surveyor.
Howard later donated the land to the city, stipulating that it be kept as a public park for the people to enjoy. The park is known for its beautiful landscapes, including gardens, trails, and natural areas that showcase the region's native plant and animal life.
It also features recreational facilities like playgrounds, sports fields, a zoo, and an outdoor pool. One of the park's highlights is the cherry blossom trees, which bloom each spring and attract visitors for their stunning display.
Originally opened in 1920 as the Pantages Theatre, it was one of the most luxurious vaudeville and movie houses in the city. Over the years, the theatre has undergone several name changes and renovations, reflecting its evolving role in Toronto's cultural landscape.
In 2001, it was renamed the Ed Mirvish Theatre in honor of Ed Mirvish, a prominent Toronto businessman and philanthropist known for his contributions to the arts community.
The theatre is renowned for its stunning architecture, which includes an elegant neoclassical façade and an opulent interior with intricate plasterwork and a grand chandelier. It seats over 2,000 people and is known for hosting a wide range of performances, including musicals, plays, and concerts.
The Ontario Science Centre was established as part of the centennial celebrations of Canada in 1967, though it officially opened two years later. It was one of the first science museums in the world to include interactive exhibits, which allow visitors to engage directly with the displays.
The centre features over 500 interactive exhibits covering a wide range of scientific topics, from biology and physics to space and the environment. Allocate at least half a day to explore the exhibits thoroughly, as there is much to see and do.
The PATH is a vast underground pedestrian walkway network in Toronto, Canada, connecting over 75 buildings and covering approximately 30 kilometers.
Established in the 1900s, it was initially created to provide a sheltered route for commuters and shoppers to navigate the downtown area, especially during harsh weather conditions. Over the years, it has expanded and now features a variety of shops, services, and eateries, making it an essential part of Toronto's infrastructure.
It is one of the largest underground shopping complexes in the world and is used by over 200,000 commuters and visitors daily, especially during Toronto's cold winters.
This alley became popular in the early 2000s as artists began using its walls to showcase their work. Over the years, it has evolved into a major attraction, reflecting Toronto’s diverse culture and artistic spirit. The alley is a testament to the city’s embrace of urban art and self-expression.
Graffiti Alley runs from Spadina Avenue to Portland Street, stretching behind Queen Street West. The alley features a wide range of street art styles, from intricate murals to bold graffiti tags, often changing as new pieces are added.
The alley is a great place for photos, so don’t forget your camera or smartphone.
Sugar Beach is a charming urban beach located along Toronto's waterfront. It was opened in 2010 as part of a redevelopment project to enhance the city's waterfront area.
The park's design was inspired by the playful and vibrant atmosphere of a traditional beach, featuring bright pink umbrellas and white sand. It’s named "Sugar Beach" to evoke a sweet, relaxing beach experience in the city.
The beach is situated at the corner of Lower Jarvis Street and Queens Quay East, right by the waterfront. It has comfortable seating areas with colorful umbrellas, a children's playground, and beautiful views of Lake Ontario.
The Hockey Hall of Fame, located in Toronto, Canada, is a museum dedicated to the history of ice hockey. It was founded in 1943, but the main building opened in 1993 in downtown Toronto.
The museum celebrates the sport's history and honors players, coaches, and other contributors who have made significant impacts on the game. Inside the Hall of Fame, visitors can see displays of famous hockey memorabilia, including jerseys, trophies, and equipment from legendary players.
One of the most notable exhibits is the Stanley Cup, which is the championship trophy awarded annually to the NHL champion. There are also interactive exhibits where you can test your own hockey skills and experience what it's like to be a professional player.
This place was originally a brick factory, operating from 1889 to 1984. The factory produced bricks used in many buildings across Toronto, helping to shape the city's landscape.
After closing, the site was transformed into a green space and community center by Evergreen, a non-profit organization focused on environmental projects. Today, Evergreen Brick Works is a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
It features beautiful gardens, nature trails, and historic buildings. The site hosts farmers' markets where you can buy fresh, local produce. There are also workshops and events on topics like gardening and sustainability.
The Toronto Botanical Garden was established in 1958 and is located in the northern part of Toronto. It started as a small garden and has grown into a large and diverse botanical space. The garden was created to promote the enjoyment and understanding of plants and to provide a beautiful, green space for the community.
The garden features over 17 themed gardens, including a butterfly garden, a woodland garden, and a Japanese garden. Each area showcases different types of plants and gardening styles.
Check the garden’s website before you go to find out about any special events or programs happening on the day of your visit.
Officially opened in 2001, this garden is designed to mirror the movements of Bach’s First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello. The layout includes six distinct “sections,” each representing a different movement of the music.
It features pathways, a variety of plants, and artistic sculptures. The design includes a “musical walk” where visitors can experience the garden’s connection to music through the arrangement of plants and paths.
It is situated along the Toronto waterfront, providing lovely views of Lake Ontario. Visit during the warmer months (May to September) when the garden is in full bloom and you can enjoy outdoor concerts and events.
