Toronto is the capital of Ontario and Canada's largest city, home to about 2.8 million people on the north shore of Lake Ontario. This guide covers the CN Tower, museums, neighbourhood food, transit and practical costs for visitors.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Toronto.
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1
CN Tower
553-metre communications tower with an observation level, glass floor and the EdgeWalk outdoor walk.
Tip: Buy timed tickets online in advance to avoid the longest ticket-office queues. · Check visibility before going; fog and low cloud can hide the views entirely. · Arrive at opening or about an hour before sunset for lighter crowds and good light. · The SkyPod and EdgeWalk are separate upgrades and need their own booking. · Walk from Union Station via the SkyWalk to stay indoors in rain or winter.
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2
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Large aquarium with a 96-metre moving walkway through a shark tunnel, a touch pool and jellyfish galleries.
Tip: Buy timed tickets online; they are cheaper than walk-up pricing and avoid sell-outs. · Arrive at opening on a weekday to have the tunnel largely to yourselves. · Check the daily schedule for diver shows and animal talks on arrival. · Flash photography is not permitted; raise the camera ISO instead. · Combination passes with the CN Tower can reduce the total cost. · Allow two to three hours and plan for lines at peak holiday times.
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3
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Canada's largest museum of world cultures and natural history, with dinosaur, Egyptian and First Peoples galleries inside the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal.
Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid school groups and weekend crowds. · Pick two or three galleries rather than trying to see the whole museum in one day. · Buy tickets online and check whether special exhibitions cost extra. · Museum station on Line 1 exits into the building, useful in winter. · The museum is closed on Mondays. · Look for discounted late-opening evenings advertised on the ROM website.
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4
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Gallery with more than 120,000 works, including Canadian and Indigenous art and a Frank Gehry-designed addition.
Tip: Arrive shortly after opening on a weekday for the quietest galleries. · Bring photo ID to claim free admission if aged 25 or under. · Check whether a feature exhibition needs a separate ticket before buying. · The gallery is closed on Mondays; confirm hours online. · Pair the visit with Grange Park and Baldwin Street for lunch.
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5
Casa Loma
Gothic Revival castle completed in 1914 for financier Sir Henry Pellatt, with towers, secret passages and gardens.
Tip: Buy tickets online, which is usually cheaper than at the door. · Take the audio guide to learn about Pellatt and the castle's construction. · Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the busiest tour times. · Allow time for the stables and gardens, which many visitors skip. · Expect a short uphill walk from Dupont station; wear sturdy shoes for the tower stairs.
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6
Hockey Hall of Fame
Museum housing the Stanley Cup, player memorabilia and interactive hockey games in a former Bank of Montreal building.
Tip: Visit on a weekday afternoon to avoid weekend and holiday crowds. · Enter through the PATH connection from Union Station in cold weather. · Allow about two hours; devoted fans often stay longer. · Check online for combination tickets and seasonal hours. · Try the interactive games early, before queues build at peak times.
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7
Distillery Historic District
Victorian industrial district of former Gooderham and Worts distillery buildings with galleries, cafes and restaurants.
Tip: Visit on a weekday morning for the best photographs without crowds. · Check the event calendar, since festivals can close or crowd the lanes. · Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven cobblestones. · Expect large crowds and possible entry controls during the Christmas Market. · Walking in is free; budget separately for meals, tours and exhibits.
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8
St. Lawrence Market
Historic food market with more than 100 vendors, known for peameal bacon sandwiches and the Saturday farmers' market.
Tip: Arrive early on Saturday for the best selection, before lines grow. · The South Market is closed Sunday and Monday. · Weekday mornings are calmer for browsing. · Bring a reusable bag for produce and cheese purchases. · Ask stallholders before taking close-up photographs of their products. · Pair the visit with the nearby Distillery District or Hockey Hall of Fame.
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9
Kensington Market
National Historic Site of Canada with vintage shops, produce stalls, cafes and street art in former Victorian rowhouses.
Tip: Visit on Pedestrian Sunday (May to October) for the liveliest atmosphere. · Carry some cash, as a few small vendors do not accept cards. · Weekday mornings are calmer for browsing and photos. · Combine with Chinatown and Graffiti Alley on foot. · Use the 505 Dundas or 510 Spadina streetcar rather than driving. · Parking is scarce, so public transit is easier.
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10
Toronto Islands
Car-free island chain with beaches, bike paths, an amusement park for children and skyline views.
Tip: Take an early ferry on summer weekends to avoid long lines. · Check the seasonal ferry timetable before planning the return. · Rent a bike on the islands to cover the distances easily. · Bring food and water, since options are limited. · Choose the ferry destination (Centre, Ward's or Hanlan's) before boarding. · Allow extra time for the return queue on hot days.
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmark
Aquarium
Museum
Castle
Historic-District
Market
Neighbourhood
Park
Nature
Historic-Site
Street-Art
Cinema
Cultural-Centre
Zoo
Historic-House
Living-History
Stadium
Garden
Beach
Shopping
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Currency
- Canadian dollar (CAD); card and tap payment widely accepted
- Getting Around
- TTC subway, streetcars and buses; UP Express train runs from Pearson Airport to Union Station in about 25 minutes (about CAD $12-13, approx US$9)
- Transit Info
- ttc.ca, PRESTO card at prestocard.ca, trip planning on Google Maps or the Transit app
- Emergency
- 911 for police, fire and ambulance; Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000
- Tourist Information
- Destination Toronto, destinationtoronto.com
- Accessibility
- TTC subway stations are increasingly accessible; check ttc.ca for elevator status
- Best Season
- June to September for waterfront and islands; late April to early May for cherry blossoms; December for holiday markets
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Buy CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium and Casa Loma tickets online in advance; same-day prices are usually higher.
The CityPASS Toronto bundle can save money if visiting the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, Casa Loma and the ROM or Zoo; confirm the current price at citypass.com/toronto.
Many museums are closed on Mondays; check hours before planning a Monday itinerary.
Pay TTC fares with a PRESTO card or tap-to-pay; a single adult fare is CAD $3.30 (approx US$2.40) with free transfers for two hours.
The ROM has reported free evening admission on the third Tuesday of each month; confirm on rom.on.ca.
Toronto Islands ferries get long queues on summer weekends; go before 10:00 AM.
All prices are given in CAD with approximate USD at CAD 1 = US$0.73; 13% HST is often added at checkout.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ontario Science Centre open?
The original Don Mills building closed in June 2024. An interim science centre at Harbourfront was reported open from summer 2026, and a permanent new building at Ontario Place is planned for 2029.
How much is the CN Tower?
Timed general admission is about CAD $45-47 (approx US$33-34); packages including The Top or EdgeWalk cost more.
What is the cheapest way to see Toronto?
Walk St. Lawrence Market, Kensington Market, the Distillery District, High Park and the Toronto Islands waterfront; most are free to enter.
How do I get to the Toronto Islands?
Take the ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at 9 Queens Quay W; the round trip is about CAD $9-10 (approx US$7).
Can Niagara Falls be a day trip from Toronto?
Yes. Niagara Falls is about 130 km away, reachable by GO Transit bus or train in roughly 1.5-2 hours.