Toronto, Ontario — Things to Do
Sightseeing in Toronto
Toronto has got a great mix of world-class attractions, seductive natural scenery, charming neighborhoods and the world's highest tower from which to see it all. Its historic districts, such as the Distillery area, have been impeccably preserved while remaining vibrant centers of city life. Toronto so full of things to see and do that you'll never get to everything, but there is guaranteed to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Toronto has a range of fantastic museums, including the Royal Ontario Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art, the Canadian Air and Space Museum, the Ontario Science Center, and the Hockey Hall of Fame. There are also numerous art galleries like the OCAD Professional Gallery, the Art Gallery of Toronto, and the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art.
There are also many distinct neighborhoods to enjoy, like Toronto's huge Chinatown, which is home to the city's 350,000 Chinese-Canadian residents; Little Italy; the lively Art and Design District; Leslieville with its antique and vintage shops; and the funky West Queen West with boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. The Toronto Islands and harbor front areas are perfect places to relax without having to travel far from the city.
No visit to Toronto is complete without a trip up the CN Tower, which dominates the city's skyline and provides spectacular panoramic views of the city.
You can save money on many of Toronto's attractions by buying a Toronto CityPass, which has discounted tickets to places like the Ontario Science Center, the CN Tower, and the Toronto Zoo. The CityPass is available online or at various museums and attractions in the city. You can also get more out of various site around Toronto by looking for signs that have a green ear logo and phone number underneath, which are part of the Murmur Toronto program. Dialling the number will let you listen to a recording with interesting facts about whatever site you're currently looking at.
Shopping in Toronto
Welcome to Canada's shopping capital! Toronto's shopping experience is like no other, combining the best of international brands with incredible local talent.
The most famous arcade is the Eaton Center, which has everything under one roof including brand name stores, restaurants and various entertainment options. It's fun, but hardly an experience worth traveling all the way to Toronto to have. Vaughan Mills is another outlet option, but you are far better off seeking out some of the local stores that are unique to the city. If you like haute couture look out for Canadian labels such as Lida Baday, Ross Mayer, Crystal Siemens and Linda Lundstrom.
St Lawrence Market has an amazing array of local arts and crafts, plus excellent food to keep up your energy levels. Kensington Market is the place to go for vintage clothing and other eccentric paraphernalia; and the Heritage Antique Market has an amazing selection of vintage items if you can catch it while you're in town.
Queen St West is an essential stroll for the serious shopper. You'll find the best that young and trendy Toronto has to offer. Past Bathurst St you'll come across small, independent art galleries where discerning buyers can pick up a souvenir that just may grow in value! Yorkville, along Bloor Street, is the most exclusive shopping district, home to the boutiques and jewellers originating in Milan, Paris and London.
Hunting for souvenirs? Toronto does suggest some obvious choices like maple syrup, and gifts emblazoned with Mounties or maple leafs, while an alternate choice would be native American art, dream catchers or moccasins.
Shops in Toronto tend to open at about 10am, and close at 6pm Monday to Wednesday, 8 or 9pm Thursday and Friday, and 6pm on Saturday. Nearly all stores will accept all major credit cards.
Toronto Nightlife
Toronto has a very trendy nightlife offering bars, lounges, clubs and live music venues. The city's multicultural and cosmopolitan vibe extends into its nightlife, with a variety of entertainment options in various areas of the city. Toronto nightlife is buzzing on weekends, but the city is big and energetic enough that you'll find a party any night of the week if you know where to look.
Provincial law requires venues to serve food as well as alcohol, so many pubs and bars in Toronto are as much restaurants as they are party spots. Little Italy has a number of trattorias that double as bars, while Greektown has its own ethnic flair and party atmosphere. Bars and pubs close around 2am. Dance clubs stay open till dawn, but with late-night buses picking up after-hours commuters when the subway shuts down. Clubs come and go fairly quickly in Toronto, so check out local nightlife guides like the free weekly 'Now' for the hottest spots.
The legal drinking age in Ontario is 19, which is well below the 21 year old limit in the neighboring USA, but is strictly enforced at most venues. Dress codes tend to be relaxed, but many will refuse entry for people wearing blue jeans or trainers.
Attractions for Kids
Boasting a multitude of attractions and activities, kids on vacation in Toronto will be kept busy for days on end. With great outdoor and indoor opportunities, Toronto is a family holiday paradise with wonderful activities and sights lurking round every corner.
Featuring the largest selection of roller coasters in North America, a great day out for the kids is Paramount Canada's Wonderland, a bit out of town but worth the trip. Ontario Place has the largest outdoor soft play area in Canada, while the CN Tower is a slightly different, yet equally thrilling attraction. When the sun is shining, head out for the day to High Park and explore all that this enormous park has to offer, including the Toronto Zoo, or take a trip out to Center Island which features the fantastic Centerville Amusement Park. The Ontario Science Center is also a great place for the kid to enjoy as well.
