Top 10 things to do in Toronto

Toronto is truly an exceptional city, filled with unique experiences, and so to help you make the most of your time there, here is our pick of the Top Ten things to do in Toronto, counting down from Number Ten.
 
#10

Shopping

We’re not only talking about the world-class shopping malls that make Toronto a great city for some retail therapy, there are also some distinctive neighbourhoods and markets that will give you a real flavour of the city.  The Old Town, situated within Queen, Church, Parliament, Jarvis and Front Streets, here you will find Toronto’s original merchant neighbourhood displayed in the architecture. Nowadays home to independent boutiques and charming art galleries, you can then wander onto Queen Street West to enjoy the captivating street art in Graffiti Alley. Bloor-Yorkville Village is very much the district for luxe shopping, with high-end boutiques and MICHELEN-rated restaurants. Finally, the Eaton Centre is where you will find over 300 stores and restaurants  which cater for all, including Canadian favourites MAC, Lululemon and Arc’teryx.

 
#9

Steam Whistle Brewery

You’re on holiday after all, so it makes sense to include a fun beer experience. The Steam Whistle Brewery is based in a designated National Historic Site that was once home to the Canadian Pacific Railway steam locomotive repair facility, so you’ll also learn some Toronto history! You should book one of their entertaining tours, on which you’ll get a taster, then take time out on the patio to sample a few more beers and perhaps a bite to eat.

 
#8

Kensington Market

This is much more than just another place to buy fruit and vegetables, Kensington Market is a way of life and if you’re wishing to discover the very essence of Toronto’s diverse ethnic spirit then look no further than this downtown neighbourhood. The market community is fiercely proud of its independent counterculture status and you’ll instantly understand what it is to be a local if you fancy popping into any one of the cafes and boutique stores that have been in residence for generations. No matter what you fancy: browsing for bargains, people watching or discovering a genuine piece of Toronto’s heritage, Kensington Market is a great place to spend a Sunday morning.

 
#7

Art Gallery of Ontario

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of the biggest art galleries in North America, featuring 95,000 works. This gallery has everything from collections of Canadian Indigenous artwork to the work of the iconic Group of Seven, who drew inspiration from Northern Ontario’s rugged landscape. Insider tip….   Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 9pm you can visit free of charge if you pre-book your tickets online.

#6

Entertainment District

Toronto's Entertainment District is one of the most concentrated party scenes in the world, so if you’re looking for a lively Friday or Saturday night, then this is the place to be. Throw some shapes at The Fifth Social Club, try your hand at mini-golf at the Par-Tee Putt or show off your bowling skills at The Ballroom. You can take in a show at one of several theatres such as the Princess of Wales and Royal Alexandra, or sample one of the many excellent restaurants from affordable-eats at The Khao San Road to a more refined experience at the acclaimed Kojin, or a tasty tour of the Mediterranean at Byblos.

#5

Royal Ontario Museum

With an unparalleled collection of cultural and historical items, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is the crown jewel of Toronto museums. Peruse the permanent collection of 3,000 minerals and gems, extraordinary fossils, Roman antiquities and Indigenous art, plus rotating exhibits on everything from the Japanese-Canadian experience through history to mummy portraits that are some of the earliest-known fine arts portraits in the world.

#4

Distillery District

Formerly the home of the largest distillery in the world, this is now a bustling pedestrianised neighbourhood, with some of the best pubs in the city. But there are more than just local watering holes – you’ll find trendy shops, art galleries, fabulous restaurants and lively patios for an al fresco cocktail. Throughout the year, the Distillery District is host to a rich collection of world-class events, including art exhibitions, live music events and the Summer Market, which takes place every weekend during the summer months.The architecture is Victorian industrial complete with cobbled walkways and old  buildings, making it a lovely place to stroll. If you’re here in winter, it really is a must-visit as it hosts the annual Distillery Winter Village.
 

#3

Hockey Hall of Fame

As you’ll probably gather after just a few moments in the city, ice hockey and Toronto go together like maple syrup and pancake stacks but if you really want to get to the root of this all-time Canadian obsession then a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame is an obvious place to start. Located on Yonge Street, in the downtown district, you’ll be treated to 15 separate areas dedicated to the sport with more pucks, sticks and battered face masks than you’ll know what to do with. From legends of the game such as Wayne Gretsky and Mario Lemieux to some of the fiercest rivalries on the planet, this is where you'll learn all about Canada's favourite pastime.

#2

CN Tower

This colossal structure is the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere and has become an iconic image of not only Toronto but of Canada too. Standing at almost 2,000 feet tall there’s no escaping its distinctive looking spiky features and if you fancy viewing the city from the main pod then prepare for a jaw-dropping photo opportunity. Of course, if you want to take it just that little bit further then perhaps you’ll be more inclined to take on the EdgeWalk, the world's highest full circle hands-free walk and the first of its kind in North America? A slightly more relaxing way to experience the view would be from 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower. Fully revamped in the last few years, this venue offers delicious Canadian flavours from coast to coast with a commitment to sustainable food practices. And whilst you enjoy your lunch and dinner, you will experience a full rotation giving you a panoramic view of the city in 72 minutes.

 
#1

Toronto Island Park

If you’ve made the journey to the top of the CN Tower then you’ll no doubt have been attracted to the islands of the bay which lie to the west of Lake Ontario and are easily accessible from the city’s waterfront terminal. These car-free pockets of natural beauty are fantastic for exploring and getting out of the city with plenty of beaches, woodlands and lakeside trails to keep you happy and relaxed before you return to the mainland. Insiders tip….. rent a bicycle or a canoe and spend the day cruising from one island to the next.