11 Best Things to Do and See in Toronto
Exploring Toronto on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Toronto, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Toronto. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Ripley’s Aquarium of Toronto
Ripley's Aquarium of Toronto is one of the city's most popular family attractions, offering a fascinating journey into Canada's marine world and beyond. Visitors can explore large tanks filled with tropical fish, rays, sharks, jellyfish, and other aquatic species, presented in immersive and colorful galleries. The route also highlights varied habitats, from coral reefs to cold-water environments, with interactive areas that make the visit both fun and educational. It is an ideal place to observe marine life up close in the heart of Toronto.
2. Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum, in Toronto, is one of Canada’s major museums, known for the richness and diversity of its collections. Visitors can explore natural history exhibits featuring fossils, minerals, dinosaurs, and species from around the world, as well as galleries dedicated to human cultures, archaeology, and fine arts. The museum offers a varied visit, blending science, history, and art, in an impressive setting that appeals to both curious visitors and culture lovers.
3. St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market is one of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks, at once a fresh produce market, a tourist attraction and a historic site. Visitors will find lively stalls offering fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads, pastries and local specialties, all in a friendly, food-loving atmosphere. It is also a popular spot for its artisan shops and ready-to-eat counters, perfect for sampling the city’s culinary diversity. Located in the heart of downtown, it offers a wonderful glimpse into local Toronto life.
4. Nathan Phillips Square
Nathan Phillips Square is the large public square in downtown Toronto, located in front of City Hall. It is a very popular spot where people come to stroll, meet up, and attend a variety of events throughout the year. It is especially known for the iconic Toronto sign, a large open plaza, reflecting pools, and landscaped areas that change with the seasons. The square also offers beautiful views of the modern architecture of City Hall and is a must-see stop for visitors.
5. Casa Loma
Casa Loma is one of Toronto’s most iconic castles, attracting visitors with its impressive architecture, decorated rooms, and spaces that evoke the elegance of a grand historic mansion. Inside, you can explore drawing rooms, corridors, towers, passageways, and gardens with beautiful views over the city. The site also operates as a museum and event venue, allowing visitors to experience both its heritage and its unique atmosphere. It is a popular visit for its spectacular setting and historic character.
6. High Park
High Park is a vast Toronto park where visitors discover a mix of urban and natural landscapes. Wooded trails, meadows, gardens, and open spaces create a setting that feels far from the city’s intensity. It highlights both the site’s ecological diversity and its central role as a major public space. Popular for its varied habitats, scale, and sense of escape, it is one of Toronto’s most beloved parks.
7. The Distillery Historic District
The Distillery Historic District in Toronto is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with a unique charm that blends industrial heritage and contemporary atmosphere. Visitors can discover beautifully restored former brick buildings, now home to boutiques, galleries, cafés, restaurants and cultural spaces. The whole area offers a pleasant stroll through a well-preserved historic setting, with lively streets, terraces and a creative atmosphere. It is a favorite place to wander, shop and enjoy an architectural backdrop emblematic of the city’s industrial past.
8. Harbourfront Centre
Located on Toronto’s waterfront, Harbourfront Centre is a large cultural hub that brings together exhibitions, performances, concerts, and artistic activities in one place. Visitors can discover spaces dedicated to visual arts, live stage performances, and contemporary creativity, along with a varied program that changes throughout the year. Its setting on the shores of Lake Ontario also makes it a pleasant place to stroll, enjoy the terraces, and watch the lively activity on the waterfront. It is a must-visit spot for experiencing the city’s cultural energy.
9. Yonge-Dundas Square
Yonge-Dundas Square is one of the liveliest squares in downtown Toronto, Canada, just steps from Yonge Street and the city’s main shopping streets. It offers a vast urban space surrounded by giant screens, shops, restaurants, and modern buildings, making it a busy spot at any time of day. The square often hosts performances, entertainment, and public gatherings, creating a vibrant and very contemporary atmosphere. It is also a convenient stop to feel the energy of the city center and observe the daily rhythm of Toronto.
10. Ontario Museum of Fine Arts
The Art Gallery of Ontario, in Toronto, is one of Canada’s major art museums. It features a vast collection ranging from Canadian and Indigenous works to European, African and contemporary art, in galleries with varied styles. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions highlighting major artists and movements. For visitors, it is a must-see place to admire paintings, sculptures, drawings and installations, while exploring the richness and diversity of art in all its forms.
11. Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre, in Toronto, is an interactive museum that invites visitors to explore science in a fun and accessible way. It features exhibits on physics, nature, space, the human body, and technology, with plenty of hands-on displays to explore. The venue also offers immersive experiences, demonstrations, and activities designed for families and curious minds of all ages. It is an ideal visit to learn while having fun and better understand the world around us.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
