Toronto
Canada
Attractions & Events in Toronto
Discover the top attractions, events, and festivals in Toronto, Canada
Top Attractions
Art Gallery of Ontario
One of North America's largest art museums, featuring Canadian, Indigenous, and international collections.
Tips: Free admission on Wednesdays from 6-9 PM; guided tours available.
Casa Loma
Majestic Gothic Revival-style mansion with decorated suites, secret passages, and beautiful gardens.
Tips: Audio guides are available; visit in December for holiday-themed events.
CN Tower
Iconic 553-meter tall communications and observation tower offering panoramic views of Toronto and the surrounding area.
Tips: Buy tickets online to skip the lines; the EdgeWalk is available for thrill-seekers.
Distillery District
Pedestrian-only historic district known for its Victorian-era buildings, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and breweries.
Tips: Great for walking tours and photography; visit during festivals for special events.
Harbourfront Centre
Cultural complex on Lake Ontario offering art exhibitions, performances, festivals, and waterfront activities.
Tips: Check the schedule for seasonal festivals; enjoy lakeside dining and boat tours.
High Park
The city's largest public park featuring walking trails, gardens, a zoo, and cherry blossoms in spring.
Tips: Visit in late April or early May for cherry blossoms; picnic areas and playgrounds are family-friendly.
Hockey Hall of Fame
Museum dedicated to the history of ice hockey, with exhibits, memorabilia, and interactive games.
Tips: A must-see for sports fans; allow 2-3 hours for a full visit.
Kensington Market
Eclectic neighborhood known for its independent shops, vintage stores, street art, and multicultural eateries.
Tips: Ideal for exploring on foot; visit on Pedestrian Sundays (last Sunday of the month, May–October) when streets are closed to cars.
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
A family-friendly aquarium with over 20,000 aquatic animals and an underwater tunnel with moving walkway.
Tips: Best visited early in the day to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
Royal Ontario Museum
Canada's largest museum of world cultures and natural history, featuring extensive exhibits on art, archaeology, and paleontology.
Tips: Visit on a weekday morning for fewer crowds; free admission on the third Monday of each month from 5:30-8:30 PM.
St. Lawrence Market
Historic market with dozens of vendors selling fresh produce, specialty foods, and local delicacies.
Tips: Try the famous peameal bacon sandwich; best visited on Saturday mornings.
The Entertainment District
Vibrant area packed with theaters, nightclubs, bars, and live music venues.
Tips: Ideal for nightlife; catch a Broadway-style show or comedy performance.
Toronto Islands
A group of small islands in Lake Ontario offering beaches, picnic areas, bike rentals, and skyline views.
Tips: Take the ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal; pack a picnic and rent a bike for easy exploration.
Toronto Zoo
Expansive zoo with over 5,000 animals representing more than 450 species from around the world.
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes; some pavilions are indoors, making it suitable for all weather.
Yonge-Dundas Square
Lively public square known for its digital billboards, free events, and proximity to shopping and theaters.
Tips: Check the event calendar for concerts and festivals; great for people-watching.
Events & Festivals
Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
Canada's largest annual fair featuring carnival rides, live music, parades, and a variety of food vendors.
When: August
Tips: Visit on weekdays to avoid larger crowds. Don't miss the Canadian International Air Show during the final weekend.
Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana)
A vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture with a colorful street parade, music, dance, and culinary delights.
When: August
Tips: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the Grand Parade. Be prepared for large crowds and lively festivities.
VELD Music Festival
Canada's largest electronic dance music festival featuring top international DJs and artists.
When: August
Tips: Stay hydrated and wear comfortable clothing. Public transportation is recommended due to limited parking.
Summerlicious
A culinary event offering prix fixe menus at some of Toronto's top restaurants, allowing diners to explore the city's diverse food scene.
When: July
Tips: Make reservations early, as popular restaurants fill up quickly. It's a great opportunity to try new cuisines at a fixed price.
Toronto Fringe Festival
An unjuried theater festival featuring over 100 performances across various genres, including comedy, drama, and musicals.
When: July
Tips: Purchase tickets in advance for popular shows. Explore different venues to experience a variety of performances.
Luminato Festival
An annual arts festival transforming theaters, parks, and public spaces into venues for art, music, theater, and dance.
When: June
Tips: Check the schedule for free outdoor performances. Some events may require tickets, so plan ahead.
Toronto Jazz Festival
A 10-day event featuring a blend of jazz styles with performances across various venues in the city.
When: June
Tips: Many performances are free; however, some require tickets. Check the official schedule for details.
Cavalcade of Lights
An annual event marking the start of the holiday season with fireworks, live entertainment, and the lighting of Toronto's official Christmas tree.
When: November
Tips: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. Dress warmly and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Nuit Blanche
An overnight contemporary art festival showcasing installations and performances throughout the city.
When: October
Tips: Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, as the event involves a lot of walking. Plan your route in advance to see key installations.
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
One of the world's most prestigious film festivals, showcasing a diverse selection of films from around the globe.
When: September
Tips: Book tickets early, as popular screenings sell out quickly. Explore various venues across the city hosting different films.