TORONTO

Toronto is the capital of Ontario in Canada, and is the largest city in the country. It’s home to a population of more than 2 million people, and, as you’d expect, the city boasts plenty to entertain locals and tourists alike.

If you’re looking to visit Toronto for the first time, or perhaps you’re moving to the city for work or education, you might want to know exactly what it has to offer.

This in-depth travel guide from TNT Magazine covers everything you need to know about the city of Toronto, so if you’re interested in where to go while you’re there, read on!

Product Nightclub

If a trip to the city isn’t complete for you without checking out the club scene, you’ll love Product Nightclub. Based on Richmond Street West, this club is located inside a converted abandoned factory, and its colourful art décor is seriously cool. Don’t leave without checking out the chandeliers, fireplace and unique displays of art. Of course, you should also sample a drink and hit the dance floor while you’re at it.

St Lawrence Market

Foodies, this tip is for you – don’t leave St Lawrence Market off your “must visit” list when you had over to Toronto. The market opened back in 1803, and today, you can find it serving up a whole host of fresh and baked goods, as well as clothes, antiques, accessories and much more. The market now consists of three buildings, with more than 100 vendors at a time selling their wares. It’s worth checking out in the daytime, whether you’re looking to sample a local delicacy or nab a bargain deal.

Scotiabank Arena

You’ll want to visit Scotiabank Arena if you have even the slightest bit of interest in ice hockey. As you may well know, Canada is world-renowned for its ice hockey, and it is even the country’s national winter sport. At Scotiabank Arena, you’ll find the likes of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Canada’s NHL-level hockey team. Just make sure to visit between October and April if you want to catch a game.

High Park

Outdoors lovers will appreciate High Park, Toronto’s largest public park. The park offers waterfront spots, picnic areas, places for dog walking and sports, and even a mini zoo. It’s famous for its cherry blossom trees, which tourists from all over the world pay a visit to see in spring. The park also holds various events throughout the year, so chances are, you’ll catch a festival or a show during your visit.

Fort York

There’s more to Toronto than its intercity bars, restaurants and clubs. Right in the heart of Toronto is Fort York, a 43-acre national historic site that’s home to Canada’s biggest collection of original War of 1812 buildings. Fort York is a great place to go to learn all about Canada’s industrial, topographic and rail history. It’s open throughout the year, and offers exhibits, tours, events, kids’ clubs and school programs.

Casa Loma

Casa Loma was the vision of Canadian millionaire Sir Henry Pellatt, who reportedly spent a fortune on getting it built in 1914. Located in midtown Toronto, the castle is now a treasured heritage landmark owned by the City of Toronto. Hundreds of thousands of visitors visit the castle each year to check out its spectacular architecture and gardens. You can book events at the castle, visit for a tour, or just go for a wander around on your own.

Royal Ontario Museum

For some people, a trip to a new location isn’t complete without a dive into the destination’s culture. The Royal Ontario Museum is the perfect place to get your culture fix, as it features exhibitions of art and nature not just from Toronto, but from all over the world. There are 40 different galleries to explore, plus an outdoor space, and, importantly, a place to grab a bite to eat.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

You might not be a fan of the super touristy hotspots, but if you’re happy to get stuck in, you’ll enjoy paying a visit to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. This public aquarium can be found in downtown Toronto, just southeast of the CN Tower, and hosts more than 20,000 aquatic animals (plus a fair few visiting humans). There’s North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel, plus daily dive shows. Tickets do come at a price, so check out the website for more details before your visit.

Toronto Islands

Thought Toronto was all just built-up city life? You’d be wrong – the city actually has a chain of 15 small islands on Lake Ontario, which provide a laid-back, scenic place to hang out away from the hustle and bustle. There’s plenty of parkland to check out, plus Centerville Amusement Park for the kiddies, and several beaches. The easiest way to get to the islands is by ferry or by water taxis. A few private companies also offer fancier boat tours to the islands.

CN Tower

The CN Tower is one of Canada’s most famous landmarks, and you can find it right in the middle of Toronto. At 553 metres high, the tower is one of the highest structures in the world – and, in fact, at one point, it was the highest structure, until the Burj Khalifa in Dubai came along. You can head up to the observation deck to check out the amazing views of the city, or sample some food at the tower’s restaurant, which is 356 metres up from the ground.

Distillery District

Toronto’s Distillery District is another place to check out if you love learning about art and culture (and having a pint or two while you’re at it). The historic district comprises of a number of Victorian buildings, and has the effect of taking tourists back in time when they step into it. You can shop and dine to your heart’s content, visit theatres and art galleries, and get involved in one of the hundreds of events that are hosted at the site every year.

Toronto Zoo

Here’s another option if you’re into the more touristy offerings in Toronto. Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada, and showcases a whole host of animals from the different regions, including Indo-Malaya, Africa, Australasia, and, of course, the Canadian Domain. There’s plenty for all members of the family to see and do, but tickets are on the pricier side. Check out the website for more information. 

Ontario Science Centre

When you’re tired of exploring the city, or the weather takes a turn for the worst, a popular indoor hotspot for visitors is the Ontario Science Centre. The centre opened way back in 1965, and currently has more than 500 interactive experiences in eight exhibit halls to keep you busy. Plus, there’s a dome theatre that shows daily films, and regular live science demonstrations.

Toronto Botanical Gardens

Looking for a true escape from the city? You can’t go wrong with Toronto Botanical Gardens. There are 17 different gardens to explore, which cover nearly four acres of land, as well as outdoor learning opportunities, garden tours, day camps and the occasional special event. The gardens contain more than 4,500 plants altogether, and, even better, they’re currently undergoing an expansion for its educational offerings.