Top 20 Attractions in Toronto

Toronto is a large modern metropolis, a busy port on Lake Ontario and an important industrial center of Canada. The city arose on the site of an ancient Indian settlement in the 18th century, the first colonists were the French.

Modern Toronto is a genetic diversity of desperate seekers of a better life: subjects of the British crown, Irish, Italians, Jews, Chinese and Russians. Even in the XX-XXI centuries. the city retained its status as a leading immigration center.

The visiting card of the capital of the province of Ontario is ultra-modern cultural centers, sports arenas and green parks. Slender rows of skyscrapers rise against the backdrop of the blue waters of the bay, snow-white yachts scurry along the coast, and happy Canadians stroll along the well-groomed streets. It is this picture that most clearly characterizes the appearance of Toronto.

What to see and where to go in Toronto?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

CN Tower

A huge TV tower built in the 70s. XX century. For about 30 years, the CN Tower has taken pride of place as the tallest building in the world (the height of the structure is more than 555 meters). The tower is equipped with an observation deck with a glass floor. It was estimated that every year lightning strikes the structure 78 times, but thanks to its strength and reliability, the TV tower withstands the elements.

Casa Loma castle

The original mansion was built in the early 20th century for wealthy businessman Sir G.M. Pellata. After some time, he sold the castle due to the inability to maintain property and pay taxes. Until the 30s. the building was used as a hotel, and then went to the state. The castle has been turned into a tourist attraction. It is occasionally rented out for private events.

Young Street

A street that originates in downtown Toronto and stretches north to the very border with the US state of Minnesota. Before the colonization of America, well-trodden Indian trails ran on the site of Young Street. Nowadays, Young Street is one of the main and busiest streets in Toronto. There are a lot of restaurants, night bars, shops, clubs that are popular with guests of the city.

Distillery District

A trendy area in the city center that was previously home to wineries and breweries. Now in the former industrial buildings of Victorian architecture, modern art galleries, restaurants and concerts are open. Distillery District is considered to be a prestigious and fashionable area where locals and tourists spend their time with pleasure.

city ​​hall building

The new City Hall building was built to replace the old City Hall in 1965. The city authorities announced a worldwide architectural competition, which was won by Finn W. Revell. Thanks to the construction of the Toronto City Hall building, this architect glorified his name throughout the world. The structure consists of two towers of different lengths and a round building in the middle - a hall where the city council meets.

old city hall

Historical building of the late XIX century. After the construction of the new City Hall building, they wanted to demolish the old one, but the townspeople stood up for the architectural monument. Nowadays, the current city court is located on the territory of the old city hall. The ancient architecture of the building is favorably set off by modern buildings located in the vicinity.

Ontario parliament building

The building was erected in 1892 in the "Romanesque Revival" architectural style, which very well reflected the exorbitant territorial ambitions of the British Empire. The Ontario Provincial Parliament sits inside. During the construction, Italian marble and pink brick were used. The interior is moderately luxurious. The galleries are adorned with exquisite woodwork and the windows with fancy stained-glass windows.

Royal Ontario Museum

The museum is located in an unusual and original building of modern architecture. Outwardly, this structure resembles an ordered heap of geometric shapes or a huge crystal with irregular edges. The walls of the museum gleam with a cold sheen of gray metal and glass. The Royal Museum has more than 6 million exhibits: dinosaur bones, art, weapons, clothing, household items and much more.

Art Gallery of Ontario

The gallery is considered one of the largest museums in North America. The collections are housed in 50 halls with a total area of ​​more than 45,000 m². Among the valuable exhibits of the gallery are paintings by Picasso, Degas, Van Gogh, Renoir, Rembrandt, Gauguin, Monet, Rubens. The museum also presents works by famous Canadian painters: D. Wall, D. Altmeid, F. Sullivan and others.

Ontario Science Center

A museum designed to demonstrate and popularize the scientific achievements of mankind. It was founded in 1969. On the territory of the museum you can see with your own eyes the latest developments in the field of physics, astronomy, medicine, biology and other industries. An impressive part of the exposition is devoted to space exploration and related tasks. The museum is aimed at the general public from the youngest to adult visitors.

Gardiner Museum

The exposition was founded in 1984. The museum's collection is entirely devoted to ceramics and the areas associated with this craft. It was based on the private collection of ceramics of the Gardiner spouses. Now in the museum funds there are about 3 thousand exhibits. Here are collected samples of ceramics of ancient Indian tribes, the Renaissance, Japanese and Chinese porcelain, English dishes and much more.

Bath Shoe Museum

The collection of the museum is assembled by the founder of the Bata shoe company and his wife. It all started with a few samples of shoes that Sonya Bata brought back from various trips. At the moment, the exposition occupies three floors of a separate building. More than 12 thousand samples from all over the world are collected here. There are even completely "fossil" pairs from Ancient Egypt, antique sandals and medieval boots.

Hockey Hall of Fame

As you know, Canada occupies a leading position in world hockey, this sport is literally worshiped here. The Hockey Hall of Fame is an exposition dedicated to the development and formation of Canadian hockey. Here you can learn about the history of the NHL, get acquainted with the biographies of great players, look at hockey uniforms and equipment of teams from different countries.

Rogers Center

Multifunctional entertainment center, which includes a sports stadium, shopping galleries, cafeterias and concert venues. It was erected in 1989. The sports arena of the Rogers Center can accommodate up to 50,000 spectators. The building is equipped with a convenient retractable roof, which allows you to hold football or basketball matches in all weather conditions.

Eaton Center

Shopping and office center located in the heart of Toronto. In fact, it was invented by Timothy Eaton, who founded the largest trading network in Canada in the 19th century. At first it was a small family shop, which gradually grew into a large mall. The Eaton Center houses boutiques and showrooms of many Canadian and American brands.

St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence is one of Canada's largest markets and one of the top 10 best markets in the world (according to some sources). Here they sell natural and fresh products of excellent quality, produced in the province of Ontario. You can buy pastries, homemade cheese, meat and other farm products at the market. The market has been operating since the beginning of the 19th century.

Fort York

The historic city fort, on the territory of which buildings of the early 19th century have been preserved - witnesses of the battles between the British Empire and colonies thirsting for independence. Military parades are held here, timed to coincide with the national holidays of Canada. Fort York also hosts a beer festival every year. The historical exposition is located in the former military barracks.

Toronto Zoo

Locals consider their zoo to be the best in North America (according to them, all the best is in Toronto). The city zoo can really boast of its size and species diversity. The whole territory is divided into thematic zones, each of which has its own microclimate. Among the interesting pavilions are Mayan Ruins, African Savannah, Australian and American pavilions.

high park

City park, a place of recreation with excellent infrastructure for visitors. The territory has its own zoo, playgrounds, walking paths, flowering gardens, various cultural objects. The park is located in a picturesque hilly area, dotted with hollows and small lakes. On weekends, visitors have picnics on the lawns, sports enthusiasts can play tennis or go jogging.

Lake Ontario

A body of water that is part of the famous Great Lakes system. On its banks there are such cities as Toronto, Rochester (USA), Hamilton, Kingston. From the language of the Indians of the Huron tribe, the name "Ontario" can be translated as "shining waters." The lake is the smallest in area among all the North American Great Lakes, it is suitable for active navigation. The Niagara River flows into Ontario.