As the most multicultural city in Canada, Toronto is deserving of its reputation. This vibrant urban sprawl, which is situated on the northwest shore of Lake Ontario, is well known for its varied neighborhoods, world-class museums with amazing art collections, quaint little businesses, and one of the best culinary scenes in the area, which features everything from fine dining to food markets. At the rooftop pubs and secret speakeasies, locals and tourists mix as the sun sets. Hiking enthusiasts have easy access to nature because of the surrounding islands and verdant parks, which provide beautiful day outings.
Local experts have selected these activities as the finest things to do in Toronto.
1. Take in the city from CN Tower
The Toronto skyline against a cloud-filled blue sky. features several notable structures and was taken from the west of the CN Tower.
Once the tallest building in the world, the CN Tower is arguably the most recognizable landmark in the city. It still towers over the city, even though it is no longer the title holder. The views from the top are so stunning that they extend to Niagara Falls on a clear day. It is brightly lit at night with multicolored lights.
2. Explore St. Lawrence Market
With over 80 exhibitors, St. Lawrence Market is the biggest and oldest food market in Toronto, having opened its doors in 1803. The historian and tour guide Bruce Bell describes it as “very multicultural and reflects the city’s diverse population with many delicious dishes to try.” “The world-famous peameal bacon sandwich” is his recommendation.
3. Examine the Distillery District
The Distillery District was home to a sizable whiskey distillery from 1837 to 1990. It’s currently one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods. The Four Seasons Hotel Toronto’s chef concierge, Harry Hollywood, says, “The cobblestone streets are lined with hip cafés, restaurants, bars, and boutiques.” “In December, it also holds a holiday market and a festive winter village.
4. View the schedule for the Harbourfront Center
Throughout the year, the non-profit Harbourfront Centre hosts a variety of public cultural events, ranging from modern art exhibitions to international literary festivals, as part of a large citywide rehabilitation effort that began in the early 1970s. All year long, the Harbourfront Center also offers classes and seminars in everything from jewelry making to glassblowing.
5. Walk through Kensington Market on a Sunday
According to Hollywood, Kensington Market is more accurately described as a neighborhood than a market. “It’s a vibrant, multicultural center that combines a variety of cultures and culinary traditions, ranging from Vietnamese and Middle Eastern to Mexican and Caribbean.” The area becomes a pedestrian-only zone on certain Sundays.
6. Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is pleased to present a diverse range of artistic abilities, featuring works by notable British sculptor Henry Moore, Indigenous Canadian artists, and Vincent van Gogh. In addition, it organizes international exhibitions, offers educational seminars and activities, and actively participates in the neighborhood.
7. Take a tour of Casa Loma
An eastward perspective of Toronto’s Casa Loma, with the castle’s stone walls in the foreground. Constructed in 1914 by Sir Henry Pellatt, Casa Loma, Toronto’s historic hilltop castle, features stunning gardens, Gothic Revival architecture, and expansive city views. It serves as a museum in addition to being a well-liked setting for movies and events. It’s probably best known as Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Children from the X-Men movie.
8. Take in a show at the Toronto Music Garden
The Toronto Music Garden, a picturesque green area with lush meadows, draped trees, and views of the waterfront, was created in partnership with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. On pleasant days, locals and guests can enjoy summer concerts and spontaneous performances in this lovely setting. You can still have a lovely stroll there even in the absence of live music.
9. Wander around the Royal Ontario Museum
The vast array of artwork, cultural artifacts, and natural history specimens at Canada’s largest museum, the Royal Ontario Museum, attracts over a million people annually. Take advantage of one of the museum’s tours to learn more; one such tour examines the issue of climate change through the objects and artwork shown across the galleries.
10. Swing by Queen Street West
A center of hip galleries, quirky shops, cafés, and street art can be found along Queen Street West, a significant east-west thoroughfare. According to Bell, Toronto is “kind of like Brooklyn’s answer”—it’s incredibly cool, active, and has an independent vibe.