Toronto

Best time to go to Toronto

The best time of the year to visit Toronto is from late April through May, and from mid-September through mid-October. During these times, you'll have a good chance for pleasant weather, and tourist crowds will be few while the sidewalks will come to life with patio eateries, cultural events, and pedestrian markets.

Top 5 Attractions

As the largest city in Canada, it's no surprise that Toronto is a favourite destination about both national and international travellers. Throughout the city proper and the Greater Toronto Area, visitors on holiday will find a plethora of activities, attractions and events to keep them occupied throughout their stay.

5) Hockey Hall of Fame

Sports lovers, especially those who appreciate hockey, can't miss this next must-see: the Hockey Hall of Fame. With more the 60,000 square feet, there's tons to do and see here. You'll find an amazing collection of hockey artifacts from around the world as well as 15 exhibits covering everything from the history of hockey through present day. One of the most popular is the Be a Player exhibit where you can try your luck taking shots against a computerized goalkeeper. See a replica of an NHL dressing room, larger-than-life statues and see the actual Stanley Cup. In the state-of-the-art TSN Theatre you can watch the original 3-D film, "Stanley's Game Seven," which tells the story of the the pursuit of the iconic trophy the Stanley Cup.

Address: 30 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1X8, Canada
Website: hhof.com
Phone: +1 416-360-7765
Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm ; Saturday 9:30 am - 6:00 am; Sunday 10:30 am - 6:00 pm

4) Casa Loma

Step back in time and marvel at one of Canada's most stunning castles. The Gothic Revival-style estate dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, and you can explore the suites decorated in the period style, secret passages, stables, towers and give acres of stunning gardens. Casa Loma was originally built by Sir Henry Pellatt, a successful Canadian businessman who founded the Toronto Electric Light Company in 1883. On the main floor you'll find the great hall, library, conservatory, billiard room and Sir Henry's study with mahogany panels concealing a secret door on either side of the fireplace. The second floor features Sir Henry's suite, Lady Pellatt's suite decorated in her favourite colour of Wedgwood blue and the Windsor Room. The castle also features a third floor, lower level and the surrounding grounds. Take a self-guided tour of this elegant and amazing home, or if your group has 10 or more, you can opt for one of the guided tours.

Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8, Canada
Website: casaloma.org
Phone: +1 416-923-1171
Hours: Monday - Sunday 9:30 am - 5:00 am

3) Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto

Continue the art tour with a visit to the famous Art Gallery of Toronto, a must-see during your holiday. With more than 80,000 masterpieces here from the first century through the present day, you'll find quite a unique collection of paintings, photographs, sculptures and other works from Canada and around the world. In the Thomson Collection you'll see works of European art from the Italian Renaissance through the mid-1900s centering around Peter Paul Rubens' Baroque painting "Massacre of the Innocents." Other pieces include Medieval enamel and ivory works, Medieval and Renaissance diptychs, prayer beads and rosaries, goldsmith pieces, Egyptian antiquities, Chinese snuff bottles and more. The Canadian Collection features art from around the country with an emphasis on Toronto and Ontario. It holds one of the world's most important collections of Inuit art as well as new works expressing the current state of affairs in the far north of the country.

Address: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4, Canada
Website: ago.net
Phone: +1 416-979-6648
Hours: Monday - Closed; Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 am - 5:30 pm except Wednesday gallery closes at 8:30 pm

2) Distillery District

The Distillery District is one of Toronto's coolest and most interesting areas filled with exciting attractions and a fascinating history. Currently, you'll find some of the hottest boutiques, cafes, artisan shops, art galleries, award-winning restaurants and performance venues here, so you can tell there's plenty to keep you busy. It's a pedestrian-only village featuring more than 70 cultural and retail establishments housed in stunning red brick, Victorian-era buildings of the Gooderham & Worts whiskey distillery. Back in 1871, this area produced almost half of the province's total spirits, but today it's one of Toronto's hippest neighbourhoods, perfect for artistic types and lovers of culture. If you're a fan of live productions, check out the performance venues like the George Brown College School of the Performing Arts, the Soulpepper Theatre Company and the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Art aficionados can take themselves on a gallery tour in the Distillery District, perusing works at such places as Arta Gallery, Corkin Gallery, Eskimo Art Gallery, Pikto, the Deaf Culture Centre and more. The Distillery District is the perfect place for some retail therapy and picking up souvenirs to remember your trip to Toronto. There are a variety of shops lining the streets here where you can find goods like artisan teas, vintage pieces, jewellery, shoes, chocolate and sweets and so much more. All that exploring is sure to work up your appetite, and luckily the Distillery District is home to some of Toronto's best restaurants. For a quick pick-me-up, stop into Balzac's Coffee for something with caffeine, or if you want something sweet on a warm day try Greg's Ice Cream. If you're in the mood for a full meal at a sit-down eatery, try Tappo Restaurant and Wine Bar.

Address: 55 Mill Street, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada
Website: thedistillerydistrict.com
Phone: +1 416-364-1177

The Distillery District is one of Toronto's coolest and most interesting areas filled with exciting attractions and a fascinating history. Currently, you'll find some of the hottest boutiques, cafes, artisan shops, art galleries, award-winning restaurants and performance venues here, so you can tell there's plenty to keep you busy. It's a pedestrian-only village featuring more than 70 cultural and retail establishments housed in stunning red brick, Victorian-era buildings of the Gooderham & Worts whiskey distillery. Back in 1871, this area produced almost half of the province's total spirits, but today it's one of Toronto's hippest neighbourhoods, perfect for artistic types and lovers of culture.

If you're a fan of live productions, check out the performance venues like the George Brown College School of the Performing Arts, the Soulpepper Theatre Company and the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Art aficionados can take themselves on a gallery tour in the Distillery District, perusing works at such places as Arta Gallery, Corkin Gallery, Eskimo Art Gallery, Pikto, the Deaf Culture Centre and more.

The Distillery District is the perfect place for some retail therapy and picking up souvenirs to remember your trip to Toronto. There are a variety of shops lining the streets here where you can find goods like artisan teas, vintage pieces, jewellery, shoes, chocolate and sweets and so much more. All that exploring is sure to work up your appetite, and luckily the Distillery District is home to some of Toronto's best restaurants.

For a quick pick-me-up, stop into Balzac's Coffee for something with caffeine, or if you want something sweet on a warm day try Greg's Ice Cream. If you're in the mood for a full meal at a sit-down eatery, try Tappo Restaurant and Wine Bar.

Address: 55 Mill Street, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada
Website: thedistillerydistrict.com
Phone: +1 416-364-1177

1) CN tower

One of Toronto's most iconic attractions, especially for you daredevils, is the CN Tower. It stands at 553 metres tall and is an engineering wonder housing top-notch dining and entertainment possibilities. Not only can you get unbeatable views of the city, but there's a 3-D theatre, shopping and more. In fact, in 1995 the CN Tower was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers in addition to the Golden Gate Bridge, the Panama Canal, the Empire State Building and more. The tower opened in October 1796 and from then until 2010 it was the world's tallest tower, building and freestanding structure. Now sees more than one million visitors each year. You won't want to miss a visit to the lookout. At 346 metres up, you'll be treated to amazing bird's eye views of the whole city as far as the eye can see. Don't forget your camera so you can captures the impressive panoramic scenery from above Toronto. Then head one level down, if you dare, to the glass floor where you can test your nerve staring straight down 1,122 feet. It's specifically designed for fun, so it's perfectly safe. It can withstand the weight of 14 hippos! Continue your adventure on the outdoor SkyTerrace where you can actually step outside on the tower and feel the breeze at 342 metres above the ground. For true adrenaline junkies, nothing will be more thrilling at CN Tower than the EdgeWalk - the world's highest full circle, hands-free walk along five 1.5 metres of ledge circling the tower's main pod at 356 metres above the ground. You'll be attached to an overhead safety rail via a trolley and harness system as you stroll along defying gravity and enjoying breathtaking views of Lake Ontario. After all the excitement, be sure to dine at 360, the restaurant in CN Tower. It's known for it's delectable food options as well as a revolving view of Toronto 351 metres below.

Address: 301 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2T6, Canada
Website: cntower.ca
Phone: +1 416-868-6937
Hours: Monday - Sunday 9:00 am – 10:00 pm