Things to Do in Ontario

Choose from 71 Fun Things to Do in Ontario

Royal Ontario Museum

Established in 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada’s largest museum. Housed inside a heritage-meets-modern building, it boasts a 6-million-strong collection, which focuses on objects relating to world culture and natural history. It includes everything from First Nations’ crest poles to Egyptian mummies to T-rex skeletons.

The Basics

The museum building, which comprises a heritage structure with a modern add-on, is an architectural landmark. See it from the outside during select sightseeing tours and helicopter tours.

Of course, to get a look at the museum’s rich and fascinating collection, it’s necessary to go inside. General admission entrance tickets can be purchased in advance. They provide visitors with access to more than 30 galleries displaying objects from the ROM’s permanent collection. Admission includes free museum tours that focus on highlights of the collection and specific galleries. Tour places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Upgrade to include access to temporary exhibitions taking place in the museum. In the past, temporary exhibitions have focused on the works of glass artist Dale Chihuly and Star Wars-inspired fashions.

Things to Know Before You Go

The ROM is a must-visit for culture vultures and architecture enthusiasts.
Free Wi-Fi is available.
Eat at the on-site café or bring a packed lunch which can be eaten at the Brown Bag lunch room.
Turn your phone to silent or vibrate mode to avoid disturbing other museumgoers.
The ROM is entirely wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The museum is situated in Downtown Toronto, just north of Queen’s Park. The nearest subway stops are St. George station (Line 2 Bloor–Danforth), and Museum Station (Line 1 Yonge–University line). Local buses (numbers 5 and 142) also stop nearby, as do hop-on hop-off tour buses.

When to Get There

The Royal Ontario Museum is busiest during July and August, with weekends being particularly popular. Go early on a Sunday to get in before the crowds.

The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal

The ROM is almost as renowned for being an architectural showstopper as it is for its cultural holdings. As part of a major project in 2007, the museum enlisted architect Daniel Libeskind to add a bold new wing—an aluminum-and-glass structure that juts out from the older century-old facade. The new wing was well-received, quickly cementing the museum as an architectural icon of Toronto.

100 Queen's Park, Bloor-Yorkville, Toronto M5S 2C6, Canada

Varies

From $ 15

Table Rock Welcome Centre

Your visit to the natural wonder that is Niagara Falls begins at the Table Rock Welcome Centre. Here you’ll learn how to make the most of your time at the falls, plus you can buy tickets for some area attractions if you didn’t book a tour in advance. The complex has viewing platforms, restaurants, shops, and attractions.

The Basics

Located on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, Table Rock’s viewing platforms offer arguably the best views of the thundering Horseshoe Falls, other than being in a boat beside them. In the center of the entertainment and retail complex is Niagara’s Fury—a multisensory 4-D experience that re-creates the creation of the falls. The entry to Journey Behind the Falls, which takes you underground and literally behind the falls, is here as well.

Most Niagara Falls tours, whether half-day trips from Niagara Falls itself or full-day excursions from Toronto, stop at Table Rock.

Things to Know Before You Go

Table Rock is an ideal stop for all first-time visitors to Niagara Falls.
In addition to the shops and attractions, Table Rock has restrooms, ATMs, and a currency exchange.
There is a food court for casual dining, and Elements of the Falls is a fine-dining restaurant with great views.
The complex is fully accessible; wheelchair rentals are available at the Welcome Centre in summer.

How to Get There

Table Rock Welcome Centre is next to Horseshoe Falls, on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. If not arriving with a tour, you can take the shuttle from Clifton Hill or park in the paid lot across the street from the complex.

When to Get There

Businesses at Table Rock are open year-round except for Christmas Day. Peak season at Niagara Falls is summer, particularly July and August, when the falls are at their fullest and the weather is typically lovely—yet the attractions are quite crowded. Consider a visit after 5pm, or in spring or autumn when the throngs are thinner; winter is generally quiet and lovely, though very cold.

The Origins of the Table Rock Name

The original Table Rock was a large, flat rock that jutted out over Horseshoe Falls and was used as a viewing platform until the early 1900s. A series of rock slides chipped away at the rock; the biggest of these saw a man and his carriage swept over the falls in 1850—and he lived to tell about it! In 1935 the remainder of the rock shelf was destroyed over safety concerns.

Table Rock Welcome Centre, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada

From $ 110

Quetico Provincial Park

Quetico Provincial Park is famous for its rugged landscapes and exceptional canoeing opportunities. With over 20 miles (35 kilometers) of hiking trails and 1.1 million acres (460,000 hectares) of open space, the wilderness park appeals to both leisurely walkers and experienced hikers in addition to those interested in bird watching, cycling, fishing and swimming. There are also a range of winter sports available in the colder months. Travelers can utilize the camping facilities that range from backcountry options to car camping and roofed accommodation.

Practical Info

Quetico Provincial Park is located right at the border of Ontario and the United States in Atikokan. It can be reached by car from Thunder Bay via ON-130 and the Trans-Canada Highway 1. The main gate and information center is right next to Camp 111 Road. Daily entry fees for vehicles are $11.25.

108 Saturn Avenue, Atikokan, Ontario P0T 1C0, Canada

$11.25

From $ 37

Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery

The unique and organic 34-acre family-owned winery is over 100 years old and is located in the warmest sub-area of the Niagara region. It has been passed down from one generation to the next since David Jackson Lowrey, the current owner’s great grandfather, purchased the property in 1867. The Ravine vintages mostly consist of Chardonnay-based wines, as it is the top growing grape in the region. They also produce award-winning ice wines.

The estate is also home to the 200-year-old Loyalist Georgian Wm. Woodruff House, one of the most architecturally significant ancestral homes of Canada. There is also an organic restaurant with seasonal menus sourced at the on-site farm, where the Lowrey family grows their own produce and raises their own livestock.

Practical Info

Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery is located in St. Davids in Ontario, Canada. It is located 10 kilometers from Niagara Falls and can be reached in just 15 minutes via Queen Elizabeth Way and York Road. It is open daily from 10am to 6pm, aside from December 25-26 and January 1. Tours are offered daily at both 12pm and 4pm. There is a special 60-minute Chardonnay Tour offered at 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays for $10 per person including tastings.

St. Davids, Ontario L0S 1P0, Canada

Wine store: Open daily from 10am to 6pm, aside from December 25-26 and January 1. Winery tours and tastings: Tours are offered daily at both 12pm and 4pm

Tours cost $10 per person including tastings.

From $ 127

Reif Estate Winery

Ewald Reif founded this classic Niagara-on-the-Lake estate in 1977 and the popular winery known for sweet ice wine and bold Cabs opened to the public just five years later. Since then, locals and travelers have been gathering to sip glasses of red and white inside its historic coach house. The Reif Estate’s wines have also received dozens of national and international awards.

Travelers who want to sample the flavors of Reif Estate have a number of options to choose from, but perhaps one of the best experiences is the Annual Harvest BBQ that blends food, drink and fun with the Niagara Wine Festival kick off each September. Tastings are available daily, including a sensory wine option, that includes blind taste testing and optional chocolate pairings. Group options are available for larger parties, too.

Visitors can tour the vineyards on their own, or take a comprehensive tour of multiple estates by bus or bike. Foodies can opt for wine pairings and gourmet meals alongside Niagara-on-the-Lake’s famous wines.

Practical Info

Reif Estates is located at 15608 Niagara Parkway. Wine tastings are available daily from 10am-6pm between April and October and from 10am-5 pm. November through March.

15608 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario ON L0S 1J0, Canada

April-Oct daily 10am-6pm; Nov-Mar daily 10am-5pm

From $ 116

Queen's Quay Terminal

Queen’s Quay Terminal is a residential, entertainment, and shopping center on the harborfront of Toronto, Ontario. Built as a warehouse facility in the 1920s, the terminal was revitalized in the 1980s as a multipurpose complex featuring upscale shops and restaurants. The lakeside setting offers views of the Toronto Islands.

The Basics

Toronto harbor boat tours and cruises typically pass by Queen’s Quay Terminal, offering views of its Art Deco exterior. Guides onboard provide facts and anecdotes about terminal’s history.

Walking tours of Downtown Toronto and the Harbourfront often include a stop at Queen’s Quay Terminal, with other stops typically ranging from the CN Tower to the Distillery District. Other visitors opt for private tours, which allow the flexibility to add Queen’s Quay to your customized itinerary.

Things to Know Before You Go

Queen’s Quay Terminal is a must for history buffs and shoppers.
A variety of food options are available, from takeaway pizza to sit-down dim sum.
The terminal is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Located on the Toronto Harbourfront, Queen’s Quay Terminal is easily accessible using public transit. Streetcars 510 and 509 stop directly in front of the terminal; or, take a 7-minute walk from Union Station on the metro’s 1 line. Toronto Island ferries dock at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, which is a 5-minute walk from Queen’s Quay Terminal.

When to Get There

Queen’s Quay Terminal is open year-round, but it’s busiest from May to September. Crowds swell when there’s something going on at the adjacent Harbourfront Centre, which hosts events throughout the summer, from a vegetarian food market to an African arts festival.

Waterfront Trail

Lake Ontario’s Waterfront Trail is a series of interconnected paths used for walking, running, and biking that extend from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Brockville. The trail passes directly in front of Queen’s Quay Terminal, where you can board ferries to the Toronto Islands. After your Queen’s Quay Terminal visit, take advantage of the Bike Share Toronto dock, across the street, and explore the trail, which offers panoramic waterfront views.

207 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario M5J 1A7, Canada

From $ 55

Rideau Canal

Built between 1826 and 1832 to offer secure passage for British ships from Montreal, the Rideau Canal—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is an engineering masterpiece. It extends for 126 miles (202 kilometers) between Ottawa and Kingston. Ottawa’s most visited stretch lures boaters, cyclists, and strollers in summer, and ice skaters in winter.

The Basics

Ottawa visitors will almost certainly encounter the Rideau Canal at some point during their trip, as the waterway cuts right through the heart of Canada’s capital city and is visible from Parliament Hill. Bike tours of the city often follow the Rideau Canal Pathways, which extend along both sides of the canal, and many walking tours include a visit to the canal’s edge. You can also embark on Rideau Canal sightseeing cruises, or join a kayak or canoe excursion. In winter, rent skates and glide around the vast, well-maintained Rideau Canal Skateway, formed by a cordoned-off part of the canal.

Things to Know Before You Go

Bike and boat tours on the canal run from May through October.
If you’re going in winter, bundle up, as temperatures frequently drop below freezing.
Fishing is allowed on some parts of the waterway, including Dow’s Lake. An Ontario fishing permit and outdoors card are required.

How to Get There

If you’re staying in downtown Ottawa, the best way to reach the canal is on foot. From Ottawa’s main train station, ride the 61 bus. Alternatively, a taxi from the station will take 15 to 20 minutes.

When to Get There

Ottawa’s peak visiting periods are January, February, and June to August. Even during its busiest times, the canal rarely feels crowded. If you want to see it at its most peaceful, go early in the morning.

Rideau Canal Skateway

Every winter, a 4.8-mile (7.8-kilometer) stretch of the frozen Rideau Canal transforms into an open-air ice-skating rink. Designated the world’s largest naturally frozen skate rink by the Guinness World Records, the hugely popular Rideau Canal Skateway attracts an average of 20,000 visitors per day. The skating season’s length and dates vary according to weather conditions, but typically the rink is open from January to the end of February or early March. You can rent skates from canal-side huts, some of which also sell hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and BeaverTails, a fried-dough pastry topped with cinnamon and sugar.

Rideau Canal, Ottawa K1N 8S7, Canada

Free

From $ 18

Rogers Centre

At the base of the CN Tower is sports and entertainment venue, The Rogers Centre (formerly known as the Skydome). Since the name change in 2006, the Centre welcomes over 3.5 million visitors a year.

The Rogers Centre is the home of the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club, World Series Champions in 1992 and 1993, and the Toronto Argonauts Football Team, who last won the Grey Cup in 2004. It is known as having the world’s first fully retractable roof. The roof opens and closes in 20 minutes and is a fun feature while being at a game or event.

The Rogers Centre is the ideal venue for a big stadium concert; some of the biggest names in the business have entertained the masses from The Rolling Stones to Bon Jovi.

To learn more about the Rogers Centre, you can experience a one hour fully guided behind-the-scenes tour. Highlights include a visit to different levels, a press box and a luxury suite among other stops.

Practical Info

From Union Station, the Skywalk enables you to get to the Rogers Centre without having to walk outside. Box Office hours Monday to Friday are from 10am-7pm (and 5pm on the weekends). Across the street, make sure to check out the Steamwhistle Brewery for a cold brew before or after your experience.

1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON, Canada

Varies

From $ 16

Skylon Tower

Perched on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, the lofty Skylon Tower is famous for its bird’s-eye views. Boasting a panoramic observation platform, ambient dining, movies, shopping, and activities for the whole family, this 775-foot (236-meter) tower offers an entire day’s worth of entertainment.

The Basics

Begin your experience with a ride in one of the tower’s glass elevators, and speed up to the outer observation deck to take in the views. Head inside to dine in style at the upscale Revolving Dining Room restaurant or grab a bite at the family-friendly Summit Suite Buffet dining room. You can also catch the Legends of Niagara Falls 4D movie, peruse the shopping concourse, or stop by the Family Fun Center for games, rides, and fast food. Combine your visit with a ride on the famed Maid of the Mist boat to get up close and personal with the thundering Niagara Falls, or take a half-day tour to also see attractions such as the Floral Clock, Whirlpool Rapids, and Goat Island. For a special treat, take a helicopter tour of Niagara Falls that includes lunch at Skylon Tower afterwards.

Things to Know Before You Go

Bring a camera to capture Skylon Tower’s stunning views.
If you plan to visit from the US, you’ll need your passport to cross the US–Canada border.
The observation deck is free for diners at both of the tower's restaurants.
Reserve your restaurant table ahead of time to ensure that space is available.
The open-air observation deck is not wheelchair accessible; discounted tickets are available for wheelchair and scooter users.

How to Get There

Skylon Tower is located on Robinson Street, roughly two minutes by road from the city center of Niagara Falls, Ontario. Bus transportation is available in the city. The nearest airport is Buffalo Niagara International Airport, 45 minutes away by road.

When to Get There

Because Skylon Tower is an indoor attraction, it’s a popular place to visit at any time of year. Summer is busiest time to visit; make sure to book in advance if you plan to visit in June, July, or August. Nighttime visitors can see Niagara Falls illuminated with colored lights, while those who arrive on summer nights can see fireworks shows light up the sky several times per week.

Views from the Skylon Tower Observation Deck

The Skylon Tower observation deck offers a panoramic view of both Canada and the US. Visitors can gaze out over mighty Niagara Falls, the Great Gorge, Niagara’s wine country, Toronto, and Buffalo, New York. City skylines, thundering waterfalls, and country vistas await those who ride to the top.

5200 Robinson St, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 2A3, Canada

Daily 9am - 10pm

From $ 11

Rideau Hall

Rideau Hall is the residence of the Governor General of Canada, and because of the country’s status as a member of the Commonwealth, is also where the monarch stays when visiting Ottawa. Rideau Hall was built in 1838 by the lumber baron Thomas MacKay and eventually became the official residence for the Canadian head of state in 1867. Most of the 175 rooms in the federal heritage building are used for state business, formal ceremonies and functions, with only a small space being dedicated to living quarters.

The grounds are just as historical as the stately mansion and represent Canada’s character and cultural diversity to the core. During the summer months the hourly changing of guard ceremony can be observed at the main gate. A characteristically colorful totem pole with a thunderbird gracing the top and a fisherman holding a salmon stands in the garden as a gift from the Kwakwaka´wakw people in the Pacific Northwest. The estate also houses an Inukshuk, an impressive Inuit stone marker originating in the Arctic, that is supposed to guide travellers and mark important spots. It is the work of Kananginak Pootoogook, a well-known Inuk sculptor from Nunavut, and was added in 1997. Among the beautiful gardens made up of flowerbeds, rose gardens and lawns, over 10,000 trees can be found, many of which have been planted by foreign dignitaries. Try to find the Red Oak planted by Jacqueline Kennedy, Nelson Mandela’s Sugar Maple or the Canadian Hemlock chosen by William and Kate to symbolize their love and marriage. If you visit in winter, make sure to not forget your skates, as an outdoor skating rink is accessible to the public on weekends.

Practical Info

Rideau Hall is located just outside of downtown Ottawa and if you plan to get there by public transport, take bus number 9 to Government House. If you are arriving by car, you will find parking available along the streets of the surrounding neighborhood. The state rooms can be visited on free 45 minute tours, some of which need reservations ahead of time. The grounds are open daily from 8am to one hour before sunset and the visitor center is staffed from May to October.

1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Canada

From $ 84

Toronto Harbor

The Toronto Harbour comprises of a few areas. Running east to west from Jarvis, just south of Queens Quay to lower- Spadina along and south of of Queens Quay is the downtown Harbourfront area. The focal point of the Harbour also known as The Harbourfront is where the Harbourfront Centre, Power Plant art gallery and Queens Quay Terminal are located. At Bay and Queens Quay, the walkway to the ferries ($7 per adult each way) to access the Toronto Islands.

The Harbourfront has transformed over the years due to the proliferation of condo developments and a new population that never existed. It is now become more of a destination due to its revitalization. You can picnic, rent a boat or take a tour over to the Toronto Islands or simply walk along the boardwalk. Key spots to picnic other than the islands are on the man-made beaches, mainly Sugar Beach (named after the Redpath Sugar Factory nearby) and the HtO Park, on Queens Quay near Rees Street, known for their pink and yellow umbrellas, respectively. You can get your picnic supplies at supermarkets Loblaws (at Jarvis St.) or at Sobeys (at York St.). Alternative dining options are plenty due to the number of sprawling patios with a lakefront view including The Watermark and the newly opened Amsterdam Brewery. Toronto’s food truck scene has also made wave for vendors to open in the newly opened Ontario and Canada Squares (appropriately opened on Canada Day, 2013).

There are plenty of photo opportunities and landmarks including the “Light Showers” waterfall installation at the Sherbourne Common urban park; the eco-friendly building housing the media company, Corus; the Simcoe wavedeck; the installations at Canada and Ontario Square; and the Toronto Music Garden, inspired by cellist Yo Yo Ma, where you can watch free concerts.

Practical Info

Due to the revitalization of Queens Quay to be completed by 2015, construction from York to Spadina has affected streetcar service from Union Station. It is best to walk from Union Station over to Bay or York and south to Queens Quay if you are going to the central part of Harbourfront. The Harbourfront is best explored by foot or on bike; there are a number of Bixi bike stations available in the area and throughout downtown.

Queens Quay at York St., Toronto, ON, Canada

Open 24 Hours

From $ 16

St. Lawrence Market

A foodie paradise, this long-running farmers market occupies the historic South Market House building, which previously served as Toronto’s city hall and jail. Since 1803, residents and visitors have come here to meet, eat, and shop for food items ranging from Prince Edward Island oysters to peameal bacon to Montreal-style bagels.

The Basics

St. Lawrence Market is heaven for hungry travelers, with many visitors stopping by during food tours of Toronto. It’s also a common stop on beer tours and walking tours around Old Town Toronto, as well as on haunted tours, thanks to reports of ghost sightings in and around the market area.

In addition to the 50 or so food vendors on the lower level, the market also features the Market Gallery on the second floor. Set within the former council chamber, the gallery displays temporary exhibits covering local history and culture. The nearby North Market hosts a farmers market on Saturdays, beginning at 5am, and an antiques market on Sundays.

Things to Know Before You Go

St. Lawrence Market is a must-visit for foodies.
Bring cash as some vendors don’t accept debit or credit cards.
The market is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The nearest subway stop to the St. Lawrence Market is Union Station, which is about a 10-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can take the King streetcar. Get off at Jarvis and walk one block to the south.

When to Get There

St. Lawrence Market is open Tuesday to Saturday. On Saturdays, particularly during the summer, the market is usually thronged, especially at lunchtime and during the afternoon. Arrive early in the day to beat the crowds. During the lead-up to Christmas, the market offers an assortment of festive specialties.

What to Eat at St. Lawrence Market

While there is no shortage of good food at St. Lawrence Market, there are some only-in-Canada specialties that locals and visitors rave about. The Carousel Bakery, for example, sells the popular peameal bacon sandwich, which consists simply of a kaiser roll, topped with peameal bacon and mustard. St. Urbain Bagels, meanwhile, are credited with introducing Montreal-style bagels to Toronto. The bagels here are dipped in honey water before being cooked over a wood fire.

92 Front Street East, Old York, Toronto M5E 1C4, Canada

Free

From $ 19

Royal Canadian Mint

Housed in a castle-like structure, Canada’s original mint no longer produces currency for circulation—that now happens at Winnipeg’s Royal Canadian Mint. However the Ottawa facility is still functioning, churning out special-edition collector coins and precious metal bullion. Tours of the facility reveal the processes of coin-making.

The Basics

With its towers, turrets, and crenellations, Ottawa’s Royal Canadian Mint looks a little like a fortress. And indeed, security is tight. Visitors can access the mint only as part of a guided tour, which lasts 45 minutes and focuses on the minting process. Tour guides explain how the coins are made and show participants examples of commemorative coins. During weekday tours, you can watch workers craft coins.

Some city tours of Ottawa, including day tours from Montreal, include a stop at the Royal Canadian Mint and other Ottawa highlights such as Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of History, and Rideau Hall.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Royal Mint is a must-see for history buffs.
Guided tours are given in English and French.
The mint facility is accessible to wheelchair users.
Browse the gift shop, where you can purchase collectible coins.

How to Get There

The Royal Canadian Mint is located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River, near the National Gallery of Canada. If you’re in Ottawa, the best way to get here is on foot, as parking can be scarce. Walking, Parliament Hill is about a 15-minute away, while ByWard Market is fewer than 10.

When to Get There

The best time to take a tour is during the week, when the facility is in use. Tour prices are discounted on weekends and during holidays, as the factory floor is not in operation at these times.

The Mint’s Precious Creations

Among the unique creations to have been issued by the mint are the medals from the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The wavy surface of these medals was inspired by the Vancouver-Whistler area’s mountains-meet-ocean landscape. They also feature First Nations symbols of orcas and ravens.

320 Sussex Dr, Ottawa K1A 0G8, Canada

Open daily

From $ 107

Toronto Chinatown

Located in the heart of downtown and a hub for the city’s Chinese-Canadian community, Chinatown is a bustling neighborhood lined with an appealing range of small businesses. Visitors and Toronto residents flock here to dine at the area’s popular eateries and shop for produce and imported specialty items at corner grocers.

The Basics

Chinatown is within walking distance of Toronto’s downtown landmarks. As such, walking tours often include a stop here for a historical overview of Chinese immigration to Toronto. Private tours offer the option to add Chinatown to a fully customized itinerary. For an experience that focuses solely on the area's gourmet eateries, food tours visit hidden gems and establishments loved by locals, from Cantonese bakeries to Hong Kong–style dim sum restaurants.

Things to Know Before You Go

Chinatown is a must for foodies.
When possible, book reservations in advance to avoid the notoriously long lines at restaurants in the area.
Bring cash: Some Chinatown businesses do not take credit cards.
The time limit for street parking is three hours unless specified otherwise.

How to Get There

Chinatown is located in Downtown Toronto and is easily accessible using the city’s comprehensive transit system. To reach Chinatown, take streetcar 510 to Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street West or streetcar 501 to Queen Street West and Spadina Avenue. Bus 505 stops at Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street West, the closest stop to Chinatown.

When to Get There

Chinatown is busiest during typical lunch and dinner hours—go during these peaks to get a feel for the neighborhood’s atmosphere. To beat the crowds and enjoy a quieter experience, stroll through just as the shops open, around 9am–10am. A Chinese New Year festival (February) and a summer Chinatown Festival are held annually, offering a range of food vendors, cultural performances, and public-art displays.

Dim Sum with a View

Located on the fifth floor of the Dragon City Shopping Mall, in the heart of Chinatown, Sky Dragon is a hidden gem with a cityscape view. The dim sum restaurant, open daily, uses Hong Kong–style cart service to offer guests steamed treats. While you dine, look out onto Spadina Avenue and beyond for city views rarely seen by visitors.

Chinatown, Toronto, ON, Canada

From $ 28

Toronto Financial District

Toronto’s Financial District has been the heart of Canada's finance industry since a mass relocation of global bank headquarters from Montreal in the 1960s. Situated in historic Old Toronto, the area hosts an impressively dense collection of skyscrapers and architectural gems, from First Canadian Place to Scotia Plaza.

The Basics

One of Toronto’s busiest neighborhoods, the Financial District is a stop on most hop-on hop-off bus tours, a convenient way for visitors to explore without the hassle of navigating on their own. Others opt for private tours, including a walk through Downtown and Old Toronto in the day’s customized itinerary. A private guide provides context about historic landmarks that visitors often miss when exploring alone, from the Flatiron Building to the Fairmont Hotel.

What to Know Before You Go

As home to three of Canada’s tallest skyscrapers and a variety of historic 19th-century buildings, Financial District is a must-visit for architecture buffs.
Don’t forget comfortable shoes, as the area’s best explored on foot.
There’s a 3-hour time limit for parking in the area unless otherwise specified.

How to Get There

Situated in the heart of Old Town Toronto, the Financial District is easily accessible using the city’s comprehensive public transit system. Take the metro’s 1 line or street car 509 to Union Station, or take bus 6 or streetcar 504 to Bay Street and King Street. Alternatively, the area has a number of bike-share docks, which can be easily located on the Bike Share Toronto website.

When to Get There

As a major hub for banks, law firms, and insurance companies, the Financial District is buzzing during weekday business hours. For a quiet visit, explore in the evenings or on weekends. Summer farmers markets are held at various locations in the Financial District, including Scotia Plaza, Brookfield Place, and Royal Bank Plaza. In addition, a range of restaurants in the area offer prix-fixe menus during Summerlicious restaurant week every July.

PATH

Toronto’s PATH holds the title of the largest underground shopping network in the world. At 4 million square feet (371,600 square meters), PATH connects public transit stops, shopping centers, and office buildings in the core of Downtown Toronto. A visit to the Financial District offers an opportunity to explore the tunnels, which are lined with shops and cafes hidden beneath the city.

Toronto Financial District, Toronto, Canada

From $ 65

Ripley's Aquarium Of Canada

In downtown Toronto, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada houses approximately 16,000 water-bound species from across the world. The displays are arranged by region, and visitors can explore the tropical Rainbow Reef, check out the Dangerous Lagoon shark tank, and learn more about the marine life found in the waters around Canada.

The Basics

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada houses both marine and freshwater species. It’s organized into nine galleries, each focused on a different type of marine habitat. The walk-through shark tank is one of the most popular, along with the jellyfish gallery where visitors can see the alien-like creatures in all their glory. For a close encounter, head to the Discovery Center, where you can interact with horseshoe crabs and board the research submarine for views of the shark tank.

Things to Know Before You Go

Ripley’s aquarium is ideal for families with children.
Save time by booking skip-the-line tickets in advance. Note that admission is reduced after 7pm.
There are a café and souvenir shop on-site.
The aquarium is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

The aquarium is located at 288 Bremner Boulevard, close to the CN Tower and Rogers Centre in downtown Toronto. It’s walking distance from many major downtown locations, and there is paid parking nearby. The closest subway stations are Union and St. Andrews; the nearest streetcar stop is John Street.

When to Get There

The aquarium is open 9am to 11pm, with occasional early closures (check online for the current schedule), 365 days a year. The aquarium is busiest early- to mid-afternoon, so plan your visit outside of these times for a quieter experience.

Visit the CN Tower

When the CN Tower was built in 1976, it was the tallest freestanding structure in the world. Although other buildings have dwarfed it since, a trip to the top is a classic Toronto activity and offers panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario. Ride to the top in a glass-fronted elevator and test your nerve by walking over the clear glass floor with all of Toronto beneath you.

288 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M5V 3L9, Canada

Varies

From $ 19

Scotiabank Arena (Air Canada Centre)

The Scotiabank Arena (formerly the Air Canada Centre) is Toronto’s major concert and professional sports venue. The facility clocks in at 650,000 square feet (60,387 square meters) and seats nearly 20,000 event-goers. The adjacent Maple Leaf Square hosts a variety of shops and restaurants, plus a hotel and condominiums.

The Basics

Scotiabank Arena is home turf for the Toronto Maple Leafs (National Hockey League), the Toronto Raptors (National Basketball Association), and the Toronto Rock (National Lacrosse League). It is also one of the country’s premier concert venues, playing host to some of the biggest names in music. It is virtually unheard of for a major Canadian tour not to include at least one—and sometimes three or four—shows at Scotiabank Arena.

Tours of downtown Toronto, including the hop-on hop-off bus, typically feature a stop at the arena, which has been touted as one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Things to Know Before You Go

To gain access to the building, you must have an event ticket. There are no public tours.
Anything you bring into the building is subject to inspection. Backpacks, large bags or purses, weapons, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited.
The arena is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

During events, most people arrive at the Scotiabank Arena on foot from the adjacent Union Station, the closest train and subway stop. Parking is available at paid lots in the area, and there is underground parking at the arena. Taxis and ride-shares are also readily available in the Toronto core.

When to Get There

Events are held at Scotiabank Arena numerous nights a week year-round. Depending on the popularity of the event, you may need to purchase tickets up to several months in advance.

From Air Canada Centre to Scotiabank Arena

From when it was built in 1999 until the summer of 2018, Scotiabank Arena was known as the Air Canada Centre (ACC)—a name many locals still use, despite the renaming of the facility. The naming rights agreement was reportedly one of the richest sponsorship deals in North American sports history.

40 Bay St, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Varies

From $ 33

Sugar Beach

A small recreation area in Toronto on the shore of Lake Ontario, Sugar Beach is not the place for a dip as swimming is prohibited. Its sandy shores are just fine for relaxing on a sunny day under the shade of a pink patio umbrella. Visitors have views of cargo ships and the Redpath Sugar Refinery, which inspired the name.

The Basics

Muskoka (Adirondack) chairs and umbrellas available for public use are scattered across the white sand of Sugar Beach. Though you can’t swim in the water, the beach is a nice place to relax on a sunny day. There is also a splash pad with fountains that allow children and adults to cool off in the spray. The beach, created by the city of Toronto in 2010, is a popular spot for sunbathers and families.

Things to Know Before You Go

This is a fun family destination and a great spot for enjoying down time during a busy activity-filled Toronto itinerary.
Swimming is not allowed at Sugar Beach.
Be sure to bring sunscreen and a towel to lay on.
The Sugar Beach promenade and plaza are both wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Sugar Beach is located on Queens Quay, just south of Lower Jarvis Street on the eastern edge of Jarvis Slip. You can drive there from Gardiner Expressway. Take the Lower Jarvis Street exit to Queens Quay. Parking is available at the beach. You can take the bus to the Dockside Drive at Queens Quay East stop.

When to Get There

Toronto enjoys the most beautiful sunny days in the summer months of June, July, and August. However, on summer weekends at Sugar Beach, you may face crowds jockeying for a chair or a spot underneath one of the umbrellas. If you can go on a weekday, your chance of finding a good spot is better.

This Beach Rocks

One of the key features of Sugar Beach is the oversized granite rocks lining the perimeter of the beach and in the plaza next to Corus Quay. The rocks were brought from a quarry in northern Quebec and were painted with candy stripes to give the park a playful, whimsical feel, complementing the bright pink umbrellas and white beach chairs.

Sugar Beach, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

From $ 22

Queen Victoria Park

Queen Victoria Park offers a quiet respite from the bustle of Niagara Falls. Take in stunning views of Horseshoe Falls and spend some time strolling among the plants and flowers that grow throughout the park. The colorful gardens and manicured lawns offer both relaxing picnic spots and great photo ops of the falls.

The Basics

Signs posted throughout Queen Victoria Park help visitors identify the flora growing, and benches and groomed pathways allow for an easy meander through the flowers. Many Niagara Falls tours, including those from the American side of Niagara Falls and full-day trips from Toronto, stop at Queen Victoria Park. A helicopter tour is a neat way to get a look at the park’s artistic landscape architecture from above.

Things to Know Before You Go

Nature lovers, gardeners, and those looking for a break from the tourist hustle will love a visit to Queen Victoria Park.
The open spaces are ideal for letting your kids run around.
The park is public and free to visit.
Queen Victoria Park has groomed trails and is fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

Queen Victoria Park is located off the Niagara Parkway on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, not far from the Skylon Tower and Table Rock Welcome Centre, which are also popular stops for tours of the area. Paid parking is available across the street from Table Rock.

When to Get There

Queen Victoria Park is open year-round; hours vary seasonally. Summer (particularly July and August) is the busiest and most popular time at Niagara Falls. To avoid crowds, early morning and after 5pm are the best times to visit. In spring and fall the gardens are beautiful and less crowded. Winter brings light displays and ice-covered tree branches, but make sure you dress for the cold.

A Four-Season Attraction

At Queen Victoria Park, each season offers something new and another reason to visit. In spring, 500,000 daffodils bloom and dazzle with their yellow petals. Summer is prime time with a mix of roses, peonies, and assorted perennials. Autumn showcases leafy kale and stately chrysanthemums, while winter offers a whole new experience of branches encased in ice from the mist from the falls.

Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L0S 1J0, Canada

From $ 110

Toronto Eaton Centre

Known as a landmark as well as one of Canada’s most well-known retail centres--with over 200 shops-- it’s hard to miss the Eaton Centre in the heart of Toronto’s downtown core, stretching over two city blocks. Named after the now-defunct Eaton’s department store chain led by Timothy Eaton, the retailer filed for bankruptcy in 1999; Sears acquired all assets, though the Centre still retains its name.

Architecturally, the Centre is known for its flock of Canadian geese, designed by artist Michael Snow, suspended from the centre of a glass-galleria. During the holiday season, a massive Christmas Tree towers in the centre of the mall -- the swarovski crystal decorations have been popular with visitors and shutterbugs.

The mall has 7 different restaurants and a modern food court --renovated in 2011--appealing to all tastes. The mall is still undergoing renovations near the Queen entrance yet the Centre remains one of Toronto’s biggest tourist attractions, drawing 50 million visitors a year.

Practical Info

There are two main entrances to the mall, both at Yonge: the Queen Street entrance from the South (Subway stop: Queen) and the Dundas Street entrance from the North (Subway stop: Dundas). If you are walking, you can enter near the middle of the mall at Shuter and Yonge. The main food court is at the Dundas entrance; across the street is Dundas Square (for entertainment) and a movie theatre/restaurants, located on the north-east side of Yonge & Dundas. There are also more shops in the vicinity of Yonge and Dundas, including The World’s Biggest Bookstore (now Indigo) on Edward Street. The Bay department store is across the street from the mall on Queen Street. Steps west from the Queen street side is City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square. Also nearby are entertainment venues, Massey Hall and Elgin/Winter Garden Theatre. Mall hours are extended during the winter holiday season.

220 Yonge St, Toronto, ON, Canada

Mon-Fri: 10am-9pm; Sat 9:30am-7pm; Sun: 11am-6pm

From $ 33