The things to do in Toronto will surprise you as Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world. The cultural and financial capital of Canada is commonly called the heart of the country, the everything of Canada, even little New York City.
Many consider Canada to be an extension of the United States but many don’t realize that Canada has its own culture. Toronto is known as the most multicultural city in the world with roughly 50% of its inhabitants not residing from Canada. Here are the top 5 things to do in Toronto:
Downtown Area
Entrance of St. Lawrence Market
- Distillery District – If the biggest collection of Victorian Industrial Architecture doesn’t impress you go for the art galleries, theaters, boutiques, café’s, and award winning restaurants
- The CN Tower – Towering (literally) at over 1,800 feet you can see incredible views of Toronto from all angles. Don’t forget to visit the 360 degree restaurants and the shops as well! If you stay until the sun goes down you can catch a glimpse of a great sunset.
- Kensington & St Lawrence Market – Cafes, Shops, Food, treats and people watching. Need I say more? St. Lawrence market is closed during Sunday while Sunday’s are the best time to visit Kensington Market.
- Dundas square – The reinvention of Times Square where you can access the world’s largest underground mall, walk along the world’s longest street on Yonge Ave, and get a great people watching experience!
Eating in Darkness at O’noir
Dining
With so many different cultures in the city its one of the few places in the world where you can find authentic food from almost any culture you wish. Whether you want panoramic views at Panorama or experience eating in complete darkness at O’noir. There is a restaurant for everyone in Toronto!
Don’t forget to try Canada’s own Poutine (please read the warning label as you are only allowed 2 servings a year otherwise you are at risk of a heart attack… I kid… I kid, but its seriously greasy)
Masqueraders at Caribana in Toronto
Summer Festivals
- Caribana – The 3rd largest Caribbean festival in the world; masqueraders, reggae, dancing, craziness. See the Caribana page if you don’t believe me. Caribana 2011 will certainly be great fun!
- Canada Day – It would only show respect to celebrate the birth of the world’s 2nd largest country in the country’s largest city
These are just some of the largest festivals. In the summer you can find a festival every weekend. I was fortunate to be able to have the world cup where I spent a lot of time in the Italian part of town.
Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto
Museums & The Arts
- Harbourfront Centre: Not a museum per say, but it’s filled with boutiques and places to see. Also get great views of the new part of Toronto. Many events are held here and you also see the beginning of the longest street in the world: Yonge Street.
- The Royal Ontario Museum: One of the largest museums in North America and it hosts premier exhibits on natural history and anthropology
- Art Gallery of Toronto: This massive art museum hoses over 68,000 works from some of the most popular Canadian artists and masters such as Picasso, Rodin, and Van Gogh. Works dated as far as 1st century AD can be found all the way to the present day as well
- Ontario Science Center – Incredible hands on and interactive exhibits across the museum for world culture and natural history. Its hosts a great rainforest re-creation and after your done sit down for a great IMAX movie experience.
Outdoor activities
The vast country of Canada provides great activities for hiking, camping, wrestling polar bears, and even diving (yes I said diving). In the summer many Canadian’s love to spend their days at the beach on Toronto island parl. Who wouldn’t want to be in the sun after those winters?
Notable Mention: Casa Loma – A castle providing a breathtaking view of Toronto and great history of a part of Canadia. Its in a Gothic Revival syle and located just north in midtown Toronto.
Don’t forget to check out our top 5 section for more things to do in Canada and around the world.
