20 Significant Attractions in Toronto

Explore the diverse capital of Ontario, where iconic skyscrapers stand alongside cozy historic neighborhoods and vibrant ethnic quarters. Immerse yourself in the culture, history, and modern rhythm of Canada's largest city.

City Symbols

CN Tower

The 553-meter CN Tower is Toronto's undisputed symbol and one of the world's tallest structures. Visitors can enjoy panoramic city views at the revolving 360 Restaurant or experience thrills walking on the glass floor at the LookOut level. For the bravest, there's EdgeWalk — a hands-free walk around the tower's exterior at 356 meters high.

At 447 meters, the SkyPod observation deck offers one of the highest viewing experiences in the world. On a clear day, you can even see Niagara Falls. The tower features a modern LED lighting system that creates an impressive light show visible throughout the city every evening.

Hours: Daily from 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM.

Ticket prices:

• Adult ticket — $45 CAD (~$34 USD) online, $47 CAD (~$36 USD) on-site
• Child ticket (3-5 years) — $16 CAD (~$12 USD)

Fun fact: The tower contains a time capsule from 1976, set to be revealed to the public in 2076.

Address: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9.

Nathan Phillips Square

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Toronto's central square, Nathan Phillips Square, is famous for its illuminated "TORONTO" sign. In summer, it hosts concerts and festivals, while in winter, it transforms into a popular ice-skating rink. Nearby stands Toronto's New City Hall with its distinctive modernist architecture, featuring curved towers and futuristic design.

Named after former Toronto mayor Nathan Phillips, the square opened in 1965. Since then, it has been the heart of city life and an important venue for public events. It's also home to the Peace Garden's eternal flame, lit by His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Japan, in 1969.

Open 24/7. Ice skating rink operates from November to March.

Fun fact: There's a three-level underground parking garage beneath the square with 2,087 spaces.

Address: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N1.

Cultural Attractions

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

One of North America's largest museums, the Royal Ontario Museum is renowned for its collections in natural history, world cultures, and art. The dinosaur gallery and unique Chinese art collection are particularly noteworthy.

The museum houses over 13 million artifacts spread across 40 galleries. Among the most popular exhibits are the Egyptian mummy gallery, Canadian and Indigenous art collections, and an extensive mineral and gemstone display.

Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Fridays until 8:30 PM).
Ticket prices:

• Adult ticket — $26 CAD (~$20 USD)
• Child ticket — $18 CAD (~$14 USD)

Fun fact: The museum houses a 4.5-billion-year-old meteorite, older than Earth itself.

Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6.

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of North America's largest art museums. It showcases works by Canadian artists, European masters, and extensive contemporary art exhibits. Founded in 1900, the gallery has over 95,000 artworks in its permanent collection. The building itself is a work of art, partly designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry.

Hours: 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Wednesdays until 9:00 PM).

Ticket prices:

• Adult ticket — $30 CAD (~$22 USD)
• Youth (10-17 years) — $15 CAD (~$11 USD)
• Children under 9 — Free
• Free admission on Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Fun fact: The gallery building incorporates The Grange, the oldest surviving brick house in Toronto.

Address: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4.

Casa Loma

This early 20th-century Gothic Revival castle is a unique blend of history and architecture. Visitors to Casa Loma can explore luxurious rooms, secret passages, and beautiful gardens. The castle's tower offers an impressive view of the city.

Casa Loma features 98 rooms, including a richly decorated Great Hall, a majestic library, and a secret tunnel leading to the stables. The castle's gardens, spanning 5 acres, are particularly noteworthy with fountains, sculptures, and rare plant species.

Hours: Daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Ticket prices:

• Adult ticket — $40 CAD (~$30 USD)
• Child ticket — $25 CAD (~$18 USD)

Fun fact: During World War II, the castle's basement was used for secret sonar development for Allied submarines.

Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8.

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is one of Canada's most prestigious universities and a significant city landmark. Founded in 1827, it's known for its outstanding architecture, blending Victorian and modern styles. The university campus is like a city within a city, with numerous historic buildings, green spaces, and interesting places to visit.

Fun fact: Insulin was discovered in the university's laboratories in 1921.

Address: 27 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1.

Hockey Hall of Fame

A paradise for hockey fans, the Hockey Hall of Fame offers interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and of course, the legendary Stanley Cup. Visitors can test their skills in a virtual game against professional hockey players. The hall also features a majestic 45-foot stained glass dome, one of the building's most impressive architectural elements.

Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Ticket prices:

• Adult ticket — $25 CAD (~$19 USD)
• Child ticket — $15 CAD (~$11 USD)

Fun fact: The Hall of Fame houses the original Stanley Cup that was once awarded to winners. Now, a replica is used for games.

Address: 30 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1X8.

Districts and Markets

St. Lawrence Market

One of North America's oldest markets, St. Lawrence Market is a food lover's paradise. Here you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods from local farmers and producers. The Saturday farmers' market is especially popular.

The market consists of three main buildings: South Market, housing food stalls and restaurants; North Market, which hosts a farmers' market on Saturdays and a flea market on Sundays; and St. Lawrence Hall, a historic building used for various events. Visitors can not only purchase fresh produce but also sample local delicacies, such as the famous peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery. The market also offers cooking classes and gourmet tours.

Opening hours:

• Tuesday-Thursday: 9:00 AM — 5:00 PM
• Friday: 9:00 AM — 7:00 PM
• Saturday: 5:00 AM — 4:00 PM

Fun fact: The market building previously served as Toronto's City Hall from 1845 to 1899.

Address: Toronto, ON M5E 1C3.

Kensington Market

This vibrant neighborhood is known for its diversity and unique atmosphere. Here you'll find numerous small shops selling secondhand items, as well as cafes and restaurants offering cuisine from around the world. The streets of Kensington Market are adorned with colorful graffiti, giving the area a special character.

Kensington Market is also famous for its many street festivals, including the annual Pedestrian Sunday festival, when the streets fill with street performers, musicians, and vendors. The area is home to many artists and musicians, giving it a distinct creative energy.

Opening hours: Vary by shop and restaurant, most open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Fun fact: This neighborhood was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2006.

Address: 160 Baldwin St, Toronto, ON M5T 3K7.

Distillery District

A former Victorian industrial area turned into a hub for art, culture, and gastronomy. In the Distillery District, you can find unique boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and breweries. The Christmas market in December is especially popular.

The district has preserved its historic architecture, including over 40 Victorian buildings, making it the largest preserved collection of Victorian industrial architecture in North America.

Open for walks 24/7. Shops and restaurants are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Fun fact: During Prohibition in the US, this district was the largest supplier of illegal alcohol to North America.

Address: 55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4.

Entertainment District

The Entertainment District is the center of Toronto's nightlife. This area is full of theaters, nightclubs, restaurants, and concert halls. It's home to notable venues like Roy Thomson Hall, a concert hall with unique acoustics.

The Entertainment District also houses several important cultural institutions, including the Princess of Wales Theatre and the Royal Alexandra Theatre, which host Broadway shows and local theatrical productions. The area is particularly lively during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), when the streets fill with movie stars and film enthusiasts from around the world.

Most venues are open until 2:00 AM.

Fun fact: The district includes "Theatre Row" on King Street West, which has the highest concentration of theaters outside of New York and London.

Address: 119 Spadina Suite 200, Toronto, ON M5H 3G2.

Graffiti Alley

Graffiti Alley, officially known as Rush Lane, is a vibrant and dynamic attraction in Toronto, located in the Fashion District. This narrow alley, nearly a kilometer long, has become an open-air museum where building walls serve as canvases for talented street artists.

The annual Style in Progress festival held in Graffiti Alley is particularly noteworthy. For several days, dozens of artists gather here to create new works and update existing ones, turning the process of creating art into an exciting spectacle for visitors.

Open 24/7.

Fun fact: The total area of painted walls in the alley exceeds 8,000 square meters.

Address: 513 Queen St W., Toronto, ON M5V 2B4.

King Street West

A trendy district known for its designer boutiques, fashionable restaurants, and lively nightlife. It's home to numerous theaters, including TIFF Bell Lightbox — the center of the Toronto International Film Festival, as well as entertainment venues that stay open until 2:00 AM. The area is particularly lively in the evening, and in summer, many restaurants open street terraces, giving the street a European charm.

Fun fact: This street is home to the oldest continuously operating theater in North America — the Royal Alexandra Theatre, opened in 1907.

Address: King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5.

Chinatown

Chinatown is a true immersion in Asian culture. The streets are filled with signs in Chinese, the air is filled with the aromas of exotic spices, and sidewalks are packed with stalls selling fruits and vegetables. Here you'll find many authentic restaurants offering Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisine, as well as shops selling everything from traditional medicines to modern electronics.

Opening hours: Most shops and restaurants are open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Fun fact: Toronto has not one, but six Chinatown districts scattered throughout the city.

Addresses:

• Old Chinatown (Downtown): Spadina Ave & Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4
• East Chinatown: Gerrard St E & Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2A6
• Chinatown North (Scarborough): 3280 Midland Ave, Scarborough, ON M1V 3Z9
• Mississauga Chinatown: 888 Dundas St E, Mississauga, ON L4Y 4G6
• Markham Chinatown: 8339 Kennedy Rd, Markham, ON L3R 1J5
• Pacific Mall (Chinatown in Markham): 4300 Steeles Ave E, Markham, ON L3R 0Y5

Natural Attractions

Toronto Islands

A group of small islands in Lake Ontario connected by pedestrian bridges. Here you can enjoy beaches, rent a bike, visit the Toronto Islands amusement park, or simply admire the city skyline.

The archipelago consists of 15 small islands, each with its unique character. Centre Island is the most popular among tourists, home to the Centreville amusement park. Ward's Island houses a small community of residents, creating a cozy village atmosphere.

The islands also offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities: kayaking, paddleboarding, picnicking on the grass, and playing disc golf.

Ferries run every 15-30 minutes.

Round-trip ticket cost is about $9 CAD (~$6.50 USD).

Fun fact: The islands weren't always islands — they separated from the mainland after a severe storm in 1858.

Address: St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands, ON.

High Park

Toronto's largest park, High Park, offers a variety of attractions: a zoo, sports fields, swimming ponds, and scenic trails. In spring, the park becomes a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. Visitors can enjoy historical landmarks such as the Colborne Lodge museum or participate in seasonal events, including summer Shakespeare performances and winter activities.

Open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Admission is free.

Fun fact: The park is home to the "Wonder Oak," over 350 years old, considered the oldest tree in Toronto.

Address: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3.

City Infrastructure

Yonge-Dundas Square

The bustling Yonge-Dundas Square is often compared to Times Square in New York. It hosts concerts, festivals, and public events. The square is surrounded by bright billboards and popular stores. In summer, interactive fountains are popular among children.

Open 24/7.

Fun fact: The square is equipped with an underground rainwater collection system used for watering plants and cleaning sidewalks.

Address: 1 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5B 2R8.

Scotiabank Arena

The Scotiabank Arena is home to the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team and the Toronto Raptors basketball team. Besides sporting events, it hosts major concerts and shows. Notable features include Legends Row — a hall of fame with bronze statues of legendary Toronto Maple Leafs players, and Real Sports Bar & Grill — one of North America's largest sports bars located near the arena.

Operating hours depend on events. Arena capacity is 19,000 people.

Fun fact: During the arena's construction, remains of an early 19th-century British warship were discovered.

Address: 40 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5J 2X2.

Toronto PATH

Toronto's underground city is the world's largest underground pedestrian system. PATH connects major downtown attractions and shopping centers, allowing comfortable movement in any weather. Various artworks can be seen throughout the PATH system.

Open 24/7.

Fun fact: If all PATH corridors were laid out in a single line, they would stretch from Toronto to Windsor (about 370 km).

Addresses:

• North entrance: Atrium on Bay, 595 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5G 2C2;
  South entrance: Waterpark Place, 88 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2N8.

Rogers Centre

When Rogers Centre opened in 1989, it was the world's first stadium with a fully retractable roof. Today, it's a multi-purpose stadium, home to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team, and a venue for concerts and other large-scale events.

Operating hours depend on event schedules. Stadium capacity is over 50,000 spectators.

Fun fact: The stadium's roof weighs 11,000 tons, but it only takes four 74 kW electric motors to open it.

Address: 1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON M5V 1J1.

Toronto is not just a metropolis with skyscrapers; it's a city that offers an incredible variety of experiences. It combines culture, nature, and urban dynamics, creating a special atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Whether you're attracted to museums, parks, markets, or cultural centers, this city can surprise and inspire you. In Toronto, there's always room for new discoveries and unforgettable moments.