I've lived in Toronto and the GTA for 30 years — here are the spots you should actually visit
One of them might surprise you!
The T.Rex at the ROM. Right: A ride at the CNE with the CN Tower in the background.
The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
Other than a brief stint of living in Montreal while I was doing my undergrad, I've spent most of my life living in Toronto and the surrounding suburbs.
I've done the touristy stuff, dined at some of the restaurants that celebs love and done just about everything in between during the 30-something years I've lived in the area, so I've got the lowdown on what attractions in the city are actually worth visiting.
If you're new to the city or just a local looking to explore, here are the attractions and spots in Toronto you should try out!
The Canadian National Exhibition
Price: From $22.12+
Address: 210 Princes' Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
Why You Should Go: The Canadian National Exhibition, also known as The Ex, runs for a few weeks in August and September and it's a cornucopia of rides, attractions, shopping, food, competitions and exhibits to take in.
From ketchup and mustard ice cream to fried potato tornados, The Ex is always serving up new and innovative food choices for those looking for something new, and it's generally a pretty iconic way to celebrate the end of the summer season.
"Although the CNE has changed significantly over the years, it continues to be one of Ontario’s great annual traditions and an event that offers substantial entertainment value for money," says the event.
"Taking place over the 18 days leading up to and including Labour Day, it is affectionately embraced as an end-of-summer ritual by more than 1.6 million visitors annually, visitors who reflect the rich diversity of Toronto and the region."
The Roy Thomson Hall
Price: Prices vary by show
Address: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 2H5
Why You Should Go: Of all the music venues in Toronto (and there are quite a few of them), the Roy Thomson Hall is the best, in my opinion, which may surprise some as there are more popular places to go to for concerts. It's in a fairly accessible, central part of the city, the seats are comfortable, the inside of the hall itself is stunning and there's a truly impressive amount of talent that performs there.
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir are two regular acts, and they have events coming up in 2024 like an evening with Yo-Yo Ma and National Geographic Live.
Budweiser Stage
Price: Prices vary by show
Address: 909 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON M6K 3L3
Why You Should Go: While I do prefer the Roy Thomson Hall in general, there's no denying that rocking out on the lawn at Budweiser Stage is a hot summer vibe.
The amphitheatre is mostly uncovered which makes for a dreamy ambience as you watch the sunset while watching your favourite band, and although it leaves you open to the possibility of rain, it's all part of the experience — but if you prefer, there are seats that are protected by the ceiling overhang. It's also easily accessible by GO Train, which is ideal for those coming in from the suburbs.
In the next few months, big names like Sarah Maclachlan, Maroon 5, Santana, Orville Peck, Alanis Morisette and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers will all be performing at the venue.
The Royal Ontario Musueum
Price: Prices vary, but admission is free from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month when they open their doors, galleries, and exhibitions up to the public
Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6
Why You Should Go: The Royal Ontario Museum is a wonder of the city, albeit housed in an ugly building that juts out onto Bloor and Avenue. I've been to the ROM dozens of times, and on every visit, I find something I've never seen before and learn something cool.
Some of my favourite exhibits are the Gallery of Birds, Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity, James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs and Teck Suite of Galleries: Earth's Treasures, each of which you could easily spend over an hour perusing.
"Among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America, Canada’s largest and most comprehensive museum is home to a world-class collection of 18 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens, featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces," says the museum.
If you do go on a day where you have to pay to enter, it's well worth the price of admission for the sheer amount of content you can consume, in my opinion!
The CN Tower
Price: $43.00+ for adults
Address: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9
Why You Should Go: Unlike some Toronto attractions that are a little underwhelming, going up the CN Tower is just as magical as you'd hope it to be and it's such an iconic thing to do while you're in the city.
As locals, it's likely not a spot that many of us go to as it seems super touristy, but it's actually really nice to experience it as a Torontonian as it shows a view of the city you likely haven't seen before.
It's also lowkey quite romantic - if you're struggling to think up ideas for your next date night, it might be a nice suggestion as you two grab a drink, hold hands, look out at the city and share memories and experiences of things you've done together in the city.
Wonderland
Price: $43.99+ for adults
Address: Vaughan, ON L6A 1S6
And lastly, if you're again looking for bang for your buck, Canada's Wonderland provides a full day's worth of entertainment for around $45.00 for adults, which is a pretty good price for all of those rides.
If you're looking for exciting rollercoasters, classics like Behemoth, Mighty Canadian Minebuster and The Bat will make your stomach drop, or if you're looking for something a little more easy going, you can always enjoy the Carousel, the bumper cars and more easy-going rides.
These prices are confirmed at the time of publishing, but they can change at any time. Taxes and fees may not be included.
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.