Toronto, Canada's largest city and the capital of Ontario, stands as a vibrant metropolis that perfectly blends urban sophistication with multicultural charm. As one of the most diverse cities in the world, Toronto offers visitors an incredible array of experiences—from iconic landmarks and world-class museums to eclectic neighborhoods and culinary adventures. Here's our guide to the top 10 attractions you simply can't miss when visiting the "Six."

1. CN Tower

No visit to Toronto is complete without experiencing its most recognizable landmark. Standing at 553 meters (1,815 feet), the CN Tower dominated the city's skyline for over three decades as the world's tallest freestanding structure until 2007.

For the ultimate experience, take the glass elevator to the LookOut Level at 346 meters, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario. For the truly adventurous, the EdgeWalk allows you to walk hands-free around the outside of the tower's main pod while harnessed to a safety rail—the world's highest full-circle hands-free walk.

Don't Miss: The Glass Floor, where you can stand 342 meters above the ground on 2.5 inches of solid glass, and the SkyPod observation level, one of the highest public observation decks in the world.

Insider Tip: Visit just before sunset to experience the city in daylight, during sunset, and illuminated at night—all in one visit. Make dinner reservations at the revolving 360 Restaurant for fine dining with rotating views (and your elevator ride is included with your meal).

2. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

Housing over six million artifacts, the Royal Ontario Museum is Canada's largest museum of natural history and world cultures. The building itself is an architectural marvel, with the modern, angular Michael Lee-Chin Crystal contrasting dramatically with the original early 20th-century structure.

Inside, you'll find exhibits ranging from dinosaurs and ancient Egyptian mummies to Chinese temple art and Indigenous Canadian artifacts. The museum's biodiversity galleries feature thousands of specimens from around the world, while the gems and minerals exhibition showcases some of the finest examples from Earth's geological history.

Don't Miss: The Bat Cave, a recreated habitat featuring lifelike models of 20 bat species and authentic sounds recorded in Jamaica's St. Clair Cave.

Insider Tip: Visit on the third Monday evening of the month when the museum offers discounted admission. Download the ROM app for self-guided tours that match your personal interests.

3. Distillery District

This pedestrian-only neighborhood represents one of the best-preserved collections of Victorian industrial architecture in North America. Once home to the Gooderham and Worts Distillery (at one point the largest distillery in the world), the area has been transformed into a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and gastronomy.

Wander the cobblestone streets lined with independent boutiques, art galleries, performance spaces, restaurants, and cafés. Street performers and ever-changing public art installations add to the dynamic atmosphere, while the district's historic buildings provide a captivating backdrop.

Don't Miss: The Toronto Christmas Market (if visiting during the holiday season), widely regarded as one of the best in North America, and the many artisan shops featuring Canadian-made products.

Insider Tip: Join a guided walking tour to learn about the district's fascinating history, including its role during prohibition and tales of the workers who once operated the massive distillery complex.

4. Toronto Islands

Just a short ferry ride from downtown, the Toronto Islands offer a peaceful retreat from urban life. This car-free archipelago provides the perfect vantage point for skyline photos and features sandy beaches, picnic areas, walking and cycling paths, boat rentals, and even a small amusement park.

Centre Island is the largest and most visited, with attractions suitable for families. Ward's Island and Algonquin Island feature charming cottage communities with gardens and car-free lanes. Hanlan's Point offers a more secluded experience and is home to Toronto's only clothing-optional beach.

Don't Miss: Centreville Amusement Park (if visiting with children), the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse (the oldest existing lighthouse on the Great Lakes), and the stunning skyline views from the western shore of the islands.

Insider Tip: Ferries can have long queues on summer weekends. Consider a weekday visit or take a water taxi for faster access. Bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the many designated areas.

5. St. Lawrence Market

Named the world's best food market by National Geographic, St. Lawrence Market has been a Toronto institution since 1803. The market complex consists of three buildings: the South Market, with over 120 specialty vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods; the North Market, hosting the Saturday Farmers' Market and Sunday Antique Market; and St. Lawrence Hall, a historic event venue.

The market is not just a place to shop, but a cultural experience where you can sample Toronto's culinary diversity and interact with local producers. Food demonstrations and cooking classes are regularly held in the Market Kitchen.

Don't Miss: The iconic peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery—a Toronto classic featuring Canadian bacon (rolled in cornmeal) on a fresh bun.

Insider Tip: Visit on a weekday morning for a less crowded experience. Saturday mornings offer the most vibrant atmosphere with the Farmers' Market in full swing, but expect crowds.

6. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

The Art Gallery of Ontario houses a collection of more than 90,000 works spanning from the first century to the present day. The building itself is a work of art, having undergone a dramatic renovation by Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry in 2008, featuring a stunning façade of glass and Douglas fir and an iconic spiral staircase.

The gallery's collection includes significant works of Canadian art (particularly the Group of Seven), European masterpieces, contemporary installations, and an extensive collection of Inuit art. The Thomson Collection features rare and exquisite works of Canadian art, ship models, and European art objects.

Don't Miss: The Henry Moore Sculpture Centre, featuring the largest public collection of works by the British sculptor, and the Canadian collection with works by Emily Carr, Tom Thomson, and the Group of Seven.

Insider Tip: Admission is free for visitors 25 and under, and everyone can visit for free on Wednesday evenings from 6-9 PM. The gallery's restaurant, AGO Bistro, offers excellent seasonal menus inspired by the exhibitions.

7. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Located at the base of the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada immerses visitors in a world of aquatic wonder with over 20,000 marine animals. The highlight is the Dangerous Lagoon, a moving walkway that transports visitors through a 96-meter underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, sea turtles, and sawfish.

Other popular exhibits include the mesmerizing jellyfish gallery, a touch pool where visitors can interact with stingrays and bamboo sharks, and the enormous Pacific Kelp exhibit showcasing the diverse ecosystem of Canada's west coast.

Don't Miss: The daily dive shows where marine biologists feed the animals and answer questions, and the hypnotic jellyfish tanks with their changing colored lights.

Insider Tip: Visit during weekday evenings (after 6 PM) for smaller crowds and a more relaxed experience. The aquarium often hosts special events like Friday Night Jazz with live music and a cash bar.

8. Casa Loma

This Gothic Revival castle, perched on a hill overlooking the city, seems transported from a European fairy tale. Built between 1911 and 1914 as the residence of financier Sir Henry Pellatt, Casa Loma features lavish interiors, secret passages, an 800-foot tunnel, towers, stables, and beautiful gardens.

A self-guided audio tour takes visitors through the castle's 98 rooms, including the Great Hall with its 60-foot ceiling, the conservatory with its stained glass dome, luxurious suites, and servants' quarters. The property offers an immersive glimpse into early 20th-century luxury and the life of one of Toronto's most prominent historical figures.

Don't Miss: The spectacular views of the Toronto skyline from the towers, the vintage car collection in the stables, and the seasonal gardens which are especially beautiful in spring and summer.

Insider Tip: Visit during October when the castle transforms for Halloween events, or during the Christmas season when holiday decorations add to the magical atmosphere. The castle's BlueBlood Steakhouse offers fine dining in a uniquely grand setting.

9. Kensington Market

This eclectic, multicultural neighborhood is the antithesis of corporate Toronto. A designated National Historic Site, Kensington Market evolved from a Jewish market in the early 20th century into one of the city's most diverse and vibrant communities.

Wander through the colorful streets filled with vintage shops, independent grocers, international food vendors, cafés, restaurants, and street art. The market reflects Toronto's cultural mosaic, with businesses representing culinary traditions from the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia.

Don't Miss: Pedestrian Sundays in summer and fall when the streets close to vehicles and transform into a pedestrian paradise with food vendors, live music, and street performances.

Insider Tip: Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Chinatown for an expanded cultural experience. For a unique dining adventure, try the international food stalls at Seven Lives (tacos), Otto's Berlin Döner (German street food), or Rasta Pasta (Caribbean-Italian fusion).

10. Hockey Hall of Fame

Ice hockey is more than just a sport in Canada—it's a cultural institution. The Hockey Hall of Fame celebrates this integral part of Canadian identity with interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and tributes to the game's greatest players.

Located in a historic bank building in downtown Toronto, the museum houses the Stanley Cup (when not being paraded by championship teams) and features exhibits covering the history of the sport from its origins to the present day. Interactive experiences allow visitors to test their shooting skills against simulated NHL goalies or call the play-by-play of famous hockey moments.

Don't Miss: The opportunity to take a photo with the Stanley Cup in the bank vault, and the NHL Zone featuring memorabilia from all current teams.

Insider Tip: Visit on weekday afternoons for the least crowded experience. Hockey fans should check the schedule of special events, which often include appearances by NHL legends.

Beyond the Top 10: Hidden Gems

While the attractions above deserve their fame, Toronto offers countless other experiences worth exploring:

  • Graffiti Alley: A vibrant showcase of street art stretching for several blocks parallel to Queen Street West.
  • Evergreen Brick Works: A former industrial site transformed into an environmental center with farmers' markets, hiking trails, and sustainable design features.
  • Allan Gardens Conservatory: A historic botanical garden featuring six greenhouses with exotic plants from around the world.
  • Bata Shoe Museum: A unique collection exploring the history of footwear across cultures and through the ages.
  • High Park: Toronto's largest public park, featuring hiking trails, gardens, a zoo, and spectacular cherry blossoms in spring.

Getting Around Toronto

Toronto offers excellent public transportation through the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), which operates subway lines, streetcars, and buses. The PATH system—an underground pedestrian network connecting major downtown buildings—provides a climate-controlled way to navigate the city core, especially useful during winter months.

For exploring multiple attractions, consider the Toronto CityPASS, which offers significant savings on combined admission to top sites including the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, Ripley's Aquarium, and either the Toronto Zoo or the Ontario Science Centre.

When to Visit

Toronto is a year-round destination, though summer (June-August) offers the most pleasant weather for exploring outdoor attractions like the Toronto Islands. Fall (September-October) brings beautiful foliage and comfortable temperatures, while winter (December-February) transforms the city with seasonal events, holiday markets, and ice skating rinks. Spring (April-May) sees the city's many parks and gardens come alive with color.

Final Thoughts

Toronto's blend of cosmopolitan energy, cultural diversity, and Canadian hospitality makes it one of North America's most engaging urban destinations. Beyond its iconic attractions, the city's true character emerges through its neighborhoods, each with a distinct personality shaped by waves of immigration and creative enterprise.

Whether you're captivated by urban architecture, cultural experiences, culinary adventures, or simply the energy of a great city, Toronto offers endless opportunities for discovery. As locals like to say, "The Six" has something for everyone—you just need to know where to look.