You haven't truly experienced Toronto unless you've been to 8 of these 14 tourist spots
Toronto is home to some truly iconic places, with the city being able to boast having many of Canada's best and largest tourist attractions.
However, there are some spots you just have to visit to truly experience the city.
From iconic museums to popular parks, these places are must-sees when visiting the 6ix.
How many can you cross off your list? Here are 14 iconic tourist spots in Toronto that are an essential part of any visit to the city.
Royal Ontario Museum
Price: $26 per adult
Address: 100 Queen's Park, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: As Canada's largest and most comprehensive museum, the Royal Ontario Museum is a must-visit tourist attraction in Toronto.
The ROM has year-round exhibits where you can explore the legacy of European style through the ages, view an extensive natural history collection, and walk among dinosaurs that once roamed the Earth.
The museum also has several special exhibitions that should definitely be on your list to see, including the Wildlife Photographer of the Year, an annual nature photography competition where you can see some incredible wildlife images.
The museum also regularly hosts ROM After Dark, where you can experience the museum after hours and enjoy cocktails, live music and more.
CN Tower
Price: $43+ per adult
Address: 301 Front St W, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Have you even experienced Toronto if you haven't been to the top of the CN Tower?
Standing at 1,815 feet, the CN Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere and one of Toronto’s most popular tourist attractions.
It's truly an icon of the city that every visitor and local alike should experience at least once.
You can get tickets for the tower's Main Observation Level, a classic spot to take in views of the city, or the Main Observation Level and Sykpod, which is the highest observation platform in the Western Hemisphere.
If you're brave enough, you can also walk along the edge of the tower on the EdgeWalk.
Be sure to also check out the rotating 360 Restaurant for incredible views and tasty Canadian cuisine.
Ripley's Aquarium
Price: $45 per adult
Address: 288 Bremner Blvd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto is the only location in Canada, and one of only three Ripley's Aquariums in the world, so if you've never been, it's worth a visit.
The aquarium opened in Toronto in 2013 and quickly became an iconic attraction in the city.
Here, you can get an up-close look at marine animals from Canadian waters and beyond like octopuses, fish, sharks, stingrays and more.
The aquarium is also home to one of the world’s most extensive jellyfish exhibits and has touch pools where you can interact with marine life.
For those over the age of 19, the aquarium also hosts Jazz Nights on the second Friday of every month where you can enjoy live music and cocktails as you explore the exhibits.
Canada's Wonderland
Price: $44.99+ per adult
Address: 1 Canada's Wonderland Drive, Vaughan, ON
Why You Need To Go: While not technically in Toronto, it's a classic Toronto experience to hit up Canada's Wonderland for a day spent going on thrilling roller coasters and eating fair food.
Located in Vaughan just under an hour from downtown Toronto, Canada's Wonderland is the country's largest theme park, with more than 200 attractions including 18 roller coasters and a 20-acre waterpark.
The park is home to Canada's tallest and fastest roller coaster, the Leviathan, as well as the world's longest, fastest and tallest dive coaster, the Yukon Striker, and is definitely worth a visit, whether you're into thrills or want to stick to the smaller rides.
Casa Loma
Price: $40 per adult
Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Toronto's only castle, Casa Loma is a majestic spot to visit in any season.
The castle was first built in 1914, and today, is regarded as a treasured heritage landmark. One of the city's top tourist attractions, the castle is a beautiful backdrop for photos and events.
You can take a tour of the castle and estate gardens for $40, and feel as though you've stepped back in time to a period of European elegance and splendour.
The castle also regularly has special events, like its summer series Symphony in the Gardens.
High Park
Price: Free admission
Address: 1873 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you haven't been to High Park, you're missing out on one of the city's nicest green spaces.
The huge urban park, which is the largest in the city, is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle, with a slew of attractions including restaurants, a zoo, picnic areas and lakefront views.
The park is free to enter, and offers trails, an outdoor pool, a playground and lush gardens to explore.
St. Lawrence Market
Price: Free to visit
Address: 92- 95 Front St. E., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This culinary gem in downtown Toronto is an essential part of any experience in the city.
The St. Lawrence Market is a marketplace filled with organic groceries, restaurant stalls and antique dealers where you can walk, shop, and eat your way around.
The historic building is home to more than 100 vendors selling baked goods, fresh produce, and unique dishes, and was named the world’s best food market by National Geographic.
Yonge-Dundas Square
Price: Free to visit
Address: 1 Dundas St. E., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Called "Toronto's Times Square," by some, Yonge-Dundas is one of Canada's busiest intersections, with shops, restaurants, street performers and more on its corners.
The square is an open space and occasional event venue, known to host concerts and pop-up events.
There's tons to do and see here, from dining on the rooftop patios overlooking the square to checking out the Eaton Centre, one of Canada's largest shopping malls.
Toronto Zoo
Price: $25+ per adult
Address: 2000 Meadowvale Rd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Canada's largest zoo is a must-visit to get up close with tons of wildlife.
Located in the beautiful Rouge Valley, the zoo is home to hundreds of species, divided into seven zoogeographic regions including Indo-Malaya, Africa, the Americas, Australasia, Eurasia, Canadian Domain and the Tundra Trek.
There's so much to do here that make the cost of admission worth it, including animal encounters, restaurants, special events and programming and more.
Toronto Islands
Price: Free to visit
Address: 9 Queens Quay W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: There's so many things to do on the Toronto Islands that make them a must-do part of any Toronto experience.
The Toronto Islands are made up of 15 small islands on Lake Ontario, just minutes from the mainland.
The most popular islands are Centre Island, Ward Island, and Hanlan's Point. Though linked together, each promises a different experience.
For instance, on Centre Island, you'll find a beach with a long pier that goes out into the water, as well as a children's amusement park; on Ward's Island, you'll find restaurants, a nice beach, and a disc golf course; and on Hanlan's Point, you'll find Ontario's only clothing-optional beach as well as a lighthouse some say is haunted.
The islands can be reached by ferry or water taxi from Queens Quay.
Distillery District
Price: Free to visit
Address: 55 Mill St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Toronto's historic Distillery District is an arts and culture hub that is absolutely worth a visit.
Featuring restored Victorian industrial architecture, cobblestone streets and charming boutiques, the area is an otherworldly spot on the outskirts of the downtown core.
Here, you'll find theatres and art galleries, public art, more than 40 boutiques and one-of-a-kind shops, and a number of coffee shops and restaurants nestled in picturesque corners just waiting to be explored.
Toronto Harbourfront
Price: Free to visit
Address: 235 Queens Quay W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Toronto's Harbourfront is a beautiful waterfront area with plenty to see and do.
There's Sugar Beach, home of the iconic pink umbrellas, and the Power Plant, a free-admission contemporary art gallery. You can also visit the Music Garden, whose design was influenced by a piece of music by the composer Bach.
A number of festivals take place in the area over the summer, including the annual Toronto Waterfront Festival. But even just on a regular weekend, you can't go wrong with a day spent strolling by the water and grabbing a BeaverTail or some ice cream.
Art Gallery of Ontario
Price: $30 for single-day admission
Address: 317 Dundas St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America, with a collection of more than 120,000 works of art including contemporary work and significant art by Indigenous and Canadian artists and European masterpieces.
The gallery is home to European, Canadian and other classic works set in the beautiful building. It also regularly hosts special and unique exhibitions and has an espresso bar and bistro onsite where you can grab a bite.
The art gallery is free for those 25 years old and under. Older visitors can get an AGO pass for just $35 that gets them unlimited access for a year.
Nathan Phillips Square
Price: Free to visit
Address: 100 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Can you even say you've been to Toronto if you don't have a photo at Nathan Phillips Square?
The square is an active space located near the Queen West neighbourhood. It's where you'll find the iconic Toronto sign, and acts as a host for a variety of community and special events.
Over the summer, the square will be hosting events like farmers markets, food festivals, art fairs and more that make it a must-see spot.
Happy exploring!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
