When to visit Toronto
Toronto is a year-round city, but the best time to visit is in the summer. Temperatures range from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the city’s parks, lakes, and outdoor activities are all open for exploration. Spring and fall are equally enjoyable times to visit Toronto; the city’s atmosphere is slightly calmer and quieter. Wintertime in Toronto can bring cold temperatures and snowfall, but the season is perfect for winter sports.
Things to see and do in Toronto
Popular tourist attractions in Toronto
CN Tower
The 553-meter-high CN Tower, one of Toronto’s top attractions, is a feat of engineering that defies gravity. Visitors to CN Tower can enjoy panoramic vistas of the city and Niagara Falls from the SkyPod, the tower’s highest point. For a more exciting venture, walk on the Glass Floor, 342 meters above ground, or embark on an unforgettable adventure on the EdgeWalk, an outer ring walk complete with safety ropes. The ideal way to celebrate these thrilling activities is by dining at the 360 Restaurant on the tower’s rotating platform, which offers a bird’s-eye view of Toronto’s stunning skyline.
Kensington Market
Diverse and multicultural, Kensington Market is one of Toronto’s most vibrant neighborhoods, a hub of international cuisine, unique shops, and street art. The rhythms of street musicians and the murals created by local artists bring the neighborhood to life. The area is closed to vehicle traffic on certain dates, ensuring a safe and pleasant environment. Many visitors consider Kensington Market one of the best places in Toronto.
Niagara Falls
About 90 minutes’ drive from Toronto is Niagara Falls, one of the world’s most famous waterfalls — and one of the best day trips out of Toronto! Located on the border between the United States and Canada, Niagara Falls flows at an average rate of 3,160 tons of water per second. Boat tours are a superb way to get a closer look at this iconic attraction; the Falls are especially gorgeous at sunset, when the sun’s reflections transform the waterfall into a veritable rainbow of colors. Niagara Falls is one of Toronto’s most beautiful natural attractions.
The Eaton Centre
Eaton Centre, Toronto’s most popular shopping mall, attracts both retail and architecture enthusiasts. Featuring dozens of stores, many of which are luxury brands, and all-glass ceilings, Eaton Centre is a top landmark in Toronto. Eaton Centre also houses the iconic artwork Flight Stop, a permanent sculptural installation depicting Canadian geese in flight. With its downtown location, the Eaton Centre provides entertainment, relaxation, and shopping.
Historical places to visit in Toronto
Fort York
Built in 1793, Fort York served as a key defense point during the War of 1812. Now one of Toronto’s famous spots and a must-see historical attraction preserved as an archeological park, this Canadian National Historic Site offers visitors an immersive experience of the military structures, historic weapons, and defense systems of the time by means of exhibits, events, and performances. Fort York is an excellent location for exploring Toronto’s military history.
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), one of Canada’s largest and most impressive museums, is distinguished by its Daniel Libeskind-designed crystal annex, which exemplifies the ideal balance of modern and historical architecture. The natural history galleries house dinosaur fossils and sea creatures, while the cultural galleries contain ancient Egyptian artifacts and Asian art, as well as extensive collections of art and objects related to Canada’s First Nations. Temporary exhibitions are held throughout the year, bringing a new discovery with each visit. Considered one of the best museums in the world by many history and art buffs, the ROM is certainly a top attraction in Toronto.
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), one of Toronto’s cultural treasures, is another top landmark in Toronto, standing out as a masterful combination of architecture, art, and Frank Gehry’s modern design. The AGO’s collections include works by the Group of Seven painters, who depict the natural beauty of Canada, along with classic and contemporary works by artists such as Van Gogh and Monet, Andy Warhol and Yayoi Kusama. Thanks to its interactive spaces, the AGO provides visitors of all ages with an unforgettable art-filled experience.
Dining in Toronto
Canoe
Following our list of places to visit in Toronto, let’s check out the food experiences in Toronto. Canoe, in Toronto’s Financial District near the CN Tower, is an exclusive restaurant serving Canadian cuisine with a modern twist, offering a menu that complements traditional Canadian flavors with seasonal produce. Canoe’s elegant presentations, quality service, and stylish atmosphere make it an ideal venue for special events, whether a romantic dinner or a business meeting.
Byblos
Byblos, one of Toronto’s most popular Middle Eastern restaurants, presents a range of sophisticated regional dishes, including mezze with olive oil, plates seasoned with fresh spices, and meats cooked in a wood-fired oven. Byblos is considered one of Toronto’s best restaurants, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for those who enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine.
Pai
Pai is one of Toronto’s most well-known Thai restaurants, serving well-known Thai dishes like pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, and Massaman curry. The restaurant’s intimate and welcoming atmosphere is ideal for a variety of dining experiences, from a quick lunch to a long dinner. Pai, with several locations in Toronto, is a must-visit for those interested in Thai cuisine.
Urban transportation in Toronto
Toronto’s well-developed public transportation network provides tourists with simple and convenient ways to navigate the city. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates subway, tram, and bus lines to almost everywhere in the city. The three active subway lines are fast and comfortable, while Toronto’s iconic red trams offer a nostalgic accent. Visitors can purchase daily tickets for TTC use. In addition, the city has bicycle lanes and a widely used shared bicycle system, offering an environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
