25 Best Things to Do in Toronto, Canada

© Courtesy of thampapon1 - Fotolia.com

The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America and one of the best things to do in Toronto, Canada. The building’s 583,000 square feet are filled with galleries and other office spaces. The Gallery first opened in 1900 as the Art Museum of Toronto, and in 2008, it underwent significant expansions.

The AGO has a collection of more than 80,000 works dating from 100 A.D. to today. The Canadian collection contains some of the most important works of Canadian artists, including one of the best collections of Inuit art in the world. European masterpieces include works of great artists such as van Dyck, Gainsborough, Rodin, Monet, Degas, Cézanne, van Gogh, Picasso, and Magritte. The AGO also showcases an impressive collection of Contemporary art, and it frequently organizes special exhibitions.

Musée des beaux-arts de l’Ontario, 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Canada, Phone: 416-979-6648

© Courtesy of Sam Spiro - Fotolia.com

Located northeast of downtown Toronto on Lawrence Avenue East, the Toronto Botanical Garden consists of four acres featuring 17 beautiful themed gardens. The mission of the garden is to educate people about plants and the natural world. The garden was formerly known as the Toronto Civic Garden Center, but in 2003 it was designated as a botanical garden.

The Entry Garden, designed by Piet Oudolf of the Netherlands, is a meadow made up of ornamental grasses and perennials. The Woodland Walk is a garden of native perennials, shrubs, and trees that represent the prairie savannah ecosystem of the local region. The garden also offers several children’s programs such as March break camps and summer camps. If you are wondering what to do on a sunny day in Toronto, this is a beautiful place to visit.

777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Toronto, Canada, Phone: 416-397-1340

© Courtesy of jon bilous - Fotolia.com

Located between Parliament Street and Cherry Street, the Distillery Historic District is an entertainment and historic area in the heart of Toronto just a short walk from the central business district. The 13 acres and ten streets of this area are full of art galleries, artisan shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and performance venues all housed in the historic buildings of the former Gooderham and Worts Whiskey Distillery.

With more than 40 heritage buildings, the Distillery District contains the largest collection of Victorian industrial architecture in North America and was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1988. If you are looking for things to do in Toronto today, this is a great place to start exploring. The Distillery District also features Distillery Sunday Market and the Music City Summer Series, both popular events.

© Courtesy of labalajadia - Fotolia.com

The 208-year-old is a must-visit for all food lovers. It serves as the place of work for 120 vendors, artisans, and merchants, many of them from families that have been shopping at the market for generations. The market consists of three main buildings.

South Market hosts more than 120 shops selling fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, baked goods, dairy products, and much more. A gallery that often hosts art exhibitions is located on the second floor. The North Market has been known as Saturday Farmers' Market since 1803, and it is the venue where Ontario farmers bring their fresh produce.

On Sundays, antique dealers flock to North Market to sell their charming and beautiful wares. St. Lawrence Hall, originally built in 1850, houses several retail businesses, city offices, and the Great Hall, a venue often used for weddings and other big events. St. Lawrence Market is a fun, free attraction in Toronto.

92- 95 Front St East, Toronto, Canada, Phone: 416-392-7219

© Courtesy of Monkey Business - Fotolia.com

Located on Don Mills Road northeast of downtown Toronto, the Ontario Science Centre is a science museum that was founded in 1961 and one of the best things to do in Toronto with kids. There are several hundred interactive and passive exhibits that focus on various fields of science such as anatomy, astronomy, and geology, among others.

There is also an area of the museum devoted to teaching visitors how to play music and technology. The museum includes an IMAX theater, a rainforest, and a planetarium. KidSpark is a section of the museum where children aged eight and under can learn through playing. Some of the temporary exhibits include “China: 7,000 Years of Discovery,” “Body Worlds 2,” and “Harry Potter: The Exhibition.”

770 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada, Phone: 416-696-1000

© Courtesy of mukhin_mikhail - Fotolia.com

Toronto is a big city that has a lot to offer. The best way to get to know Toronto is with the help of a very good friend who happens to live there, but that’s not an option for everyone. For those people, the next best thing is Toronto Greeters. The greeters are locals who love and know their city and are willing to give you a few hours of their time to share that love with you.

Call them about a week before your visit and explain what you are most interested in doing, the amount of time you have, and any other preferences. You will be matched with the perfect greeter, who will take you to the city’s hidden spots and unknown nooks and crannies either on foot or by public transit. You will see the most interesting architecture and the best shopping destinations, along with arts, culture, cuisine, festivals, markets, and much more.

Since the multicultural residents of Toronto speak more than 180 languages, it is very likely that you can find a greeter who speaks your mother tongue. All greeters are volunteers and the tours are free of charge.

Phone within Toronto city limits: 311, Phone outside city limits: 416-392-CITY (2489)

© Courtesy of vdvtut - Fotolia.com

Exploring Toronto with the Culinary Adventure Company is an experience like no other. On these tours professional chefs, food executives, and restaurant owners will guide you and show you the best places to eat in Toronto, some of which remain undiscovered by people who have lived in the city their whole lives.

The tours take advantage of Toronto’s unique cultural diversity, and you will explore one of Toronto’s eleven ethnic neighborhoods. There, you will have the chance to meet chefs, bakers, cake makers, and food growers, and you can sample all of their delicious products.

If eating delectable treats is not enough of an adventure for you, join one of the Company’s Culinary Adventures such as Canoe Paddle combined with a five-course Gourmet outdoor Picnic, forage for wild mushrooms, or visit wine makers at their vineyards. You can also take cooking classes and learn how to make cheese, chuck oysters, or learn the art of barbecuing. You can enjoy these great tours alone or with the whole family, kids included.

877-317-4870 or 647-955-8357

© Courtesy of dbrnjhrj - Fotolia.com

Both tourists and locals love spending a nice, relaxing summer day on Toronto Island. To get there, you start with a ferry ride from Bay Street, a pleasant trip that allows you to take in the magnificent view of the city.

If you are travelling with kids, go straight to Centreville, Toronto's most popular kids’ amusement park. You can also go swimming at the spacious beach that stretches along the entire main island. You can rent kayaks and hop from one island to the next via picturesque canals.

Exploring the island by bike is particularly exciting as there is an extensive network of bike trails and bridges, and if you didn’t bring a bike, you can always rent one. There is even a petting zoo you can visit at Far Enough Farm if the kids get restless, or you could find a shady, secluded area and simply relax.

There is usually some kind of festival going on at the island, so be sure to check one out if you have the chance.

© Courtesy of Javen - Fotolia.com

Casa Loma in Toronto will surprise you; it’s an authentic, majestic Gothic Revival castle in the middle of a modern city. Canadian financier Henry Pellatt had a dream of owning a castle, a dream he fulfilled with the construction of Casa Loma, which is today a popular tourist attraction.

Take a tour of this castle and explore its unique and intricate details. Casa Loma has all the features you would expect from a castle: secret passageways, tall towers with a fabulous view of the city, sweeping staircases, an 800-foot long tunnel, large stables, and five acres of wonderfully maintained gardens. The castle can even be rented for special events – it is a very popular wedding venue.

1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, Canada, Phone: 416-923-1171

© Courtesy of jhve photo - Fotolia.com

The Toronto Zoo is located on the outskirts of the city in Rouge Valley on Meadowvale Road and is a popular family attraction in Toronto. With 710 acres of space, it is one of the world’s largest zoos and a popular attraction in Canada.

The zoo serves as the home of about 5,000 animals from more than 500 species. There are almost six miles of trails for walking between the diverse habitats featured at the zoo. Tropical animals live in climate-controlled indoor habitats, while native and cold climate animals live mostly outdoors.

There are seven geographical areas: the Americas, Indo-Malaya, Africa, Eurasia, Australasia, the Canadian Domain, and the Tundra. Some of the must-see attractions include the giant pandas Da Mao and Er Shun and the polar bears habitat where you can see polar bears moving about on land and under water.

Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto, Canada, Phone: 416-392-5929

© Javen/stock.adobe.com

The Nathan Phillips Square is a bustling public landmark in Toronto that is named after the city’s former mayor, Nathan Phillips, who held office from 1955 to 1962. Situated at the intersection of Bay Street and Queen Street West, this urban plaza sees well over 1.5 million visitors every year as it frequently hosts popular and iconic local events like the Cavalcade of Lights, and Remembrance Day Celebrations, and public holiday festivities. Throughout the year, visitors can also participate in parades, public gatherings, and concerts. When winter hits, the square’s fountain is converted into a fantastic outdoor skating rink for the enjoyment of all. Those exploring the city will find that Nathan Phillips Square is a great jump-off point with tons of attractions nearby like the Eaton Shopping Centre, City Hall, and Dundas Square. From Nathan Phillips Square, people can also head to Hero Certified Burgers for a delicious meal, or walk around Yonge Street.

100 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2N1, Canada, Phone: 416-932-2489

© Elmwood Spa

Modern urban life can be stressful, and every now and then we need to escape the demands of work, family, or social obligations and unwind. Fortunately, you don’t need to go far to get some much needed nurturing and renewal. Visit Elmwood Spa, a peaceful oasis located in a refined historic building in downtown Toronto.

Elmwood Spa has been pampering busy Torontonians for almost 30 years, and it has developed a reputation for its excellent facilities and qualified staff. Among the most popular offerings are the Retreats.

You can choose a half-day or full-day retreat and indulge yourself with treatments such as oxygen facials, massages, ElmLine, manicures, and pedicures along with a gourmet lunch at the spa Terrace Restaurant. Go with a good friend or with your partner for the Couples Retreat.

18 Elm Street, Toronto, Canada, Phone: 416-977-6751

© Courtesy of Sam Spiro - Fotolia.com

Exploring Toronto by bike is a great way to see city’s hidden treasures and to really get a feel for the place and all its thrilling sights and sounds. With Toronto Bicycle Tours, you can easily get to know Toronto effortlessly from one of their comfortable bikes.

In the company of one of their experienced and knowledgeable guides, you will get to visit Toronto’s ethnic neighborhoods and lush parks, learn about its culture, history, and people, and, of course, taste the delicious food the city has to offer. The pace is easy and the tours are suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

A good bicycle, helmet, snacks, and water are included. If you feel adventurous, you can rent one of their bikes and tour on your own.

275 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Canada, Phone: 416-477-2184

© Courtesy of diegograndi - Fotolia.com

Traipsing through the urban jungle of Toronto can be just as adventurous as exploring any other type of wilderness, especially when you explore the city with comedian and tour guide Jason Kucherawy and his merry friends of Toronto Urban Adventures.

On this tour, you will go to the exciting and unique places locals love. You will visit Chinatown, one of the largest in the world, with its characteristic colors, enticing smells, and impactful flavors. You’ll take an exciting trip through 100-years old Kensington Market and visit the Distillery district, along with some very good pubs where you will learn, hands on, all about local beer and breweries.

You can also see where pigs fry in Toronto and taste the best bacon, chops, sausages, and hams and talk to several butchers passionate about their work. All tours are on foot and last from two to four hours.

25 Cole St, Unit 615, Toronto, Canada, Phone: 647-230-7891

© Auberge du Pommier

Auberge du Pommier is one of North York's most acclaimed French restaurants, known as an icon of Toronto fine dining since its opening in 1987. The restaurant, which is the crown jewel of the city's Oliver and Bonacini dining group, serves up traditional French fare with North American twists in a beautiful dining room space created from remnants of two 19th-century woodcutters' cottages. Lush floral terraces and cozy wood-burning fireplaces create a romantic ambiance, making the restaurant a great choice for special date nights. Elevated fare served up at lunch and dinner includes traditional classics such as cote de boeuf, lamb saddle agneau, duck breast canard, and phyllo-baked brie rôti. Full tasting menus explore seafood, meat, vegetable, and dessert courses, available with fine wine pairings from the restaurant's immense wine list.

4150 Yonge St, North York, ON M2P 2C6, Canada, Phone: 416-222-2220

© Courtesy of Andrea - Fotolia.com

The Princess of Wales Theatre is the newest addition to the Mirvish family of theatres in Toronto’s entertainment district. It is a 2000-seat playhouse located only a block away from the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre. The theatre is the first privately owned Canadian theatre to open since 1907.

The Princess of Wales Theatre first opened its doors in 1993 with the production of the popular musical Miss Saigon. Designed by the architect Peter Smith, the theatre artfully combines refined comfort for 2000 spectators, a modern stage with a fly tower, and the traditional elegance of a nineteenth century theatre. Many visitors admire the lovely theatre’s many art features, which include murals, sculptures, and even the elegant flooring, as much as current productions such as Motown the Musical.

300 King Street West, Toronto, Canada, Phone: 416-872-1212, 461-3333

© Courtesy of ironstuffy - Fotolia.com

Located on Yonge Street in Old Toronto, the Hockey Hall of Fame is a museum dedicated to the history of ice hockey. The museum was established in 1943 and was originally located in Kingston, Ontario. In 1993, it moved to its current location, the former Bank of Montreal building in Toronto.

The museum contains numerous exhibits featuring hockey teams and individual players, hockey memorabilia, and National Hockey League records and trophies, including the famous Stanley Cup. The exhibit tour takes visitors to areas of the museum such as the Canadiens Dressing Room, the TSN Theatre, the Upper Deck Collectors’ Corner, and many more. The Hockey Hall of Fame is open every day.

30 Yonge Street, Toronto, Canada, Phone: 416-360-7765

© Ostap Senyuk/stock.adobe.com

June Croken has made a name for herself for her artistic approach to hair design, blending her own experience as a graphic artist with her innate ability to cut and style hair to the highest possible standard. She can totally transform her clients, all from the comfort and coziness of Queen Street studio. June Croken offers an extensive array of hair style, cutting, and hair design services including the standard June Haircut, which includes a full consultation session, a hair tutorial, and a tailored cut just for you over the course of a full hour. Cuts are also available for teens and kids. To enjoy June's services for yourself, you can visit the studio at 313 Queen Street W (Suite 201), Toronto, ON M5V 2A4, junecroken.com.

© Courtesy of bakerjarvis - Fotolia.com

EdgeWalk at the CN Tower is an adventure walk around the outside of 360 Restaurant, the roof restaurant of Toronto’s CN (Canadian National) Tower. At an altitude of 1,168 feet (356 meters), the EdgeWalk is an extreme outdoor urban activity. The walk lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, but the total experience lasts one and a half hours.

The EdgeWalk provides a special Walk Suit that visitors wear over the top of their clothes. Depending on the weather, hats, gloves, and jackets are also provided. The walk begins at “base camp” on the ground level of the tower then continues to the EdgeWalk entrance. The outside walk begins and ends on the south side of the restaurant roof.

290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON, Phone: 416-601-3833

© Riverdale Farm

Want to get an authentic taste of farm life in Toronto? Head over to the downtown neighborhood of Cabbagetown to visit the Riverdale Farm, a rustic 7.5-acre property that remains a working farm until today. With over three kilometers of trails to be explored, Riverdale Farm allows guests to venture out into the farm grounds at their pacing and leisure to see different attractions and to meet the farm’s livestock residents. Riverdale Farm is home to many attractions like the Simpson House, a Victorian-style farmhouse that is a perfect replica of the original Francey farmhouse, the Donnybrook Ruins, which used to be a two-story building, and the Francy Barn which was built in 1958. Visitors can also learn the ins and outs of farm life whether it’s how to raise livestock, learning farm work firsthand, or learning the crafts that are essential to farm life.

201 Winchester Street, Toronto, Ontario M4X 1B8, Canada, Phone: 416-392-6794

© Courtesy of Al Troin - Fotolia.com

Black Creek Pioneer Village is an open-air heritage museum that is located northwest of downtown Toronto on Murray Ross Parkway west of York University. The Village overlooks Black Creek, which flows into the Humber River. The Village, which first opened in 1960, recreates life in 19th century Ontario and offers visitors a glimpse into the past.

There are more than forty 19th century buildings all decorated in the style of the 1860s and arranged with pieces of period furniture. The buildings include houses, a one-room schoolhouse, a church, and a general store, among other features. The Village also features visiting artisans as well as historical re-enactments, and it can be rented for special events. Black Creek Pioneer Village is open every day from May 1 to December 23.

1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto, Canada, Phone: 416-736-1733

© Courtesy of hedge1 - Fotolia.com

Tasty Tours is a walking tour that focuses on sweets such as chocolates, backed goods like cupcakes and pastries, and other tasty treats. Guides lead tours around various Toronto neighborhoods where visitors sample sweets made at establishments like bakeries and chocolatiers.

In addition to the tastings, tour guides will include interesting information about the history of sweets. Several guided tours are available, including the Trinity Bellwoods Chocolate Tour, which includes tastings at five stores in the neighborhood between Queen West and Dundas West. The two-hour guided Kensington Market Sweets Tour takes guests to sweets stores in the market where they learn about the history of sweets and are able to taste samples.

© Midfield

Midfield is a sophisticated wine bar and tavern within Toronto's Little Portugal neighborhood, helmed by restaurateur Giuseppe Anile and executive chef Mark Redman. The cozy European-inspired restaurant offers more than 50 fine international red, white, sparkling, and dessert wines available by the glass, with more than 300 sold to diners by the bottle. Constantly-changing dinner menu selections highlight gourmet land, sea, and vegetarian fare, prepared with fresh, natural ingredients such as wild Atlantic halibut, acorn squash, rutabagas, and unusual types of mushrooms. Light bar bites include oysters on the half shell, charcuterie boards, and French fries with house-made ketchup.

1434 Dundas St West, Toronto, ON, M6J 1Y7, Phone: 647-345-7005

© Courtesy of Olesia Bilkei - Fotolia.com

At least once in a lifetime everyone should abandon reason, leave behind everything orderly, join the motley pirate crew and sail the seven seas in search of adventure. You can get the craving for the romance of pirate life out of your system and get your kids the best adventure of their lives by joining the Live A Pirate's Life adventure that sails on the 45-foot ship island Rogue from Centre Island in Toronto.

All passengers or “pirates in training” are encouraged to come dressed in their best pirate costumes. Once on the ship, they will get their gruesome tattoos (washable, of course), a quick training on the pirate life and then sail into the sunset in search of adventure and sunken treasures. The adventure lasts about an hour and half and is suitable for kids of all ages and parents too. Pirate Life is huge hit for birthday parties. The only problem is: how will you ever top that?

585 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5V 3G3, 416-476-3836

© Courtesy of studio laska - Fotolia.com

Located west of downtown Toronto on Bloor Street West, High Park is a municipal park that consists of 400 acres of mixed natural and recreational areas. Opened in 1876, High Park features gardens, playgrounds, and a zoo, as well as cultural, educational, and sporting facilities.

Situated just north of Lake Ontario, about one third of High Park has been kept in its natural state to serve as an example of the rare local oak savannah ecosystem. Within the park are two ravines, many walking trails, several ponds (including a spring-fed pond), picnic areas, and much more. Popular events such as “Shakespeare in the Park” also take place in High Park.