With a metro population in excess of 5.5 million, Toronto is a big city by any measure and overtook Montreal decades ago to claim top spot in Canada. Thankfully for visitors however, the population is spread out over a massive urban area that comprises a virtual “Megacity”. With most attractions well within short distance of downtown Toronto, the city is a joy to explore. A first-rate public transportation system helps a great deal as well.
A superb four seasons destination, suitable for family fun and romantic escapades alike, Toronto has it all. Here then, are ten of the best, must-see attractions in the city known as “Hogtown”.
Though lacrosse, believe it or not, is the official sport of Canada, hockey is the country’s most famous export and beloved pastime. Toronto is Maple Leafs territory of course and the historic NHL club is well-represented at the beautiful Hockey Hall of Fame. The world class museum however, is all about hockey lore, both in and out of the NHL.
9. The Beaches
One of Toronto’s most prominent neighborhoods, The Beaches provides visitors with a welcome respite from the occasional crush of the downtown core. From funky Queen Street East to Kew Beach on Lake Ontario, a wonderful getaway district.
8. Chinatown
Toronto has a significant Chinese population and while spread out across the Megacity, most notably in the Agincourt, Scarborough area, in addition to Markham and Richmond Hill, the classic, historic Chinatown district is must-see.
7. Toronto Zoo
Only two zoos in the world encompass more land and animals than the remarkable Toronto Zoo. In order to enjoy all that the facility has to offer, book at least a day. The zoo has over 5,000 animals spread out over six different regions.
Though world famous architect Frank Gehry is a Toronto native son, his epic transformation of the Art Gallery of Ontario in 2008 was his inaugural work in Canada. The brilliant museum is one of the best in North America, now even more so thanks to Gehry, and contains close to 70,000 works of art.
5. Casa Loma
The most famous castle in Canada creeps up on drivers abruptly in the uptown district of Toronto. Built between 1911 and 1914 for a wealthy financier, Casa Loma is one of the most popular landmarks in the city and a frequent backdrop in film and television productions.
4. Eaton Centre
While the West Edmonton Mall is Canada’s most famous mall, the Eaton Centre may well be the best. Even if malls are not your idea of tourism fun, this is a central, ideal spot to people gaze and maybe grab a coffee or bite before going out on the town again.
3. Queen’s Park
Without a great park, a city is incomplete. Toronto has a slew of green space but none more beautiful, accessible, landmark-laden and enjoyable than Queen’s Park.
A paramount National Historic Site, Kensington Market is a multi-ethnic enclave in diverse Toronto, flush with cool architecture and great shops, cafés and restaurants. From upscale to bohemian, counterculture to hipster chic, the district has it all. All in all, a terrific place to hang out on a sunny afternoon.
One of the most prolific world culture and natural history museums in the world, the Royal Ontario Museum is a treasure. Next to Queen’s Park in the tony Yorkville district of Toronto, the museum looms over the vital intersection of Bloor Street and Avenue Road. Count on at least a few hours to fully appreciate what the R.O.M. has to offer – namely over 150,000 specimens that span a variety of disciplines.
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