Sightseeing Guide To Toronto
The capital of Ontario, Toronto, is also the country's largest city. This means that there are many things to see and do without the worry about becoming bored. It does not matter if you are visiting Toronto just for the weekend or a weeklong vacation, you will have many sightseeing opportunities available to you. Some of these sightseeing locations in the city include everything from museums to parks and sports centers to art galleries.
Here are some of the best sightseeing locations in Toronto that you are not going to want to miss when visiting:
Art Gallery Of Ontario
Located on the west side of the city center in Toronto is the Art Gallery of Ontario. This art gallery features a whole series of temporary exhibitions that are set up throughout the year in a modern setting. Some highlights in the gallery include Canadian, African, Oceanic and European art collections. Must-see exhibits at the Art Gallery of Ontario include The Idea of North: The Paintings of Lawren Harris, Thomas Ruff: Object Relations, Song Dong’s Communal Courtyard and The Kids Gallery Pets and Me: Explore, Imagine and Create.
The Art Gallery of Ontario is located at 317 Dundas Street West in Toronto. For more information call (877) 225-4246. Hours of operation are on Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. The Gallery is closed on Mondays.
Casa Loma
You will feel like you have entered a medieval time when you visit Casa Loma. This building is reminiscent of an ancient castle and was constructed for Sir Henry Pellatt, who was an eccentric multimillionaire. The castle almost has 100 rooms, three dozen of which are bathrooms. This castle/house is now a museum offering a place for visitors to go back in time as they explore decorated suites, discover secret passages and climb the towers. There are also stables and five acres of estate gardens to explore on the grounds of Casa Loma.
Casa Loma is located at 1 Austin Terrace in Toronto. For more information call (416) 923-1171. Casa Loma is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., with the last admission allowed at 4:30 p.m.
CN Tower
The CN Tower is the city's most famous landmark. This attractions stands 553-meters over the city and is one of the must-see attractions mostly because of the view. You can see this tower from just about anywhere in Toronto and from the highest viewing point, the Sky Pod, you will have a breathtaking view of the Downtown area and the surrounding area from 447 meters above the city.
When the CN Tower was built, between 1972 and 1976, it was the tallest structure is the world. It may no longer be the tallest structure, but it still offers some of the best views you will find in Ontario. Other viewing points found at the CN Tower include the LookOut, Glass Floor and Outdoor Sky Terrace. If you want a little bit more of a thrill while at the tower, go out on the Edge Walk, above the ground. Restaurants at the CN Tower include 360 Restaurant and Horizons Restaurant. Both offer you spectacular views of the city while enjoying your meal.
CN Tower is located at 301 Front Street West in Toronto. For more information call (416) 868-6937. The CN Tower is open daily from 9 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. 364 days a year. The tower is closed in Christmas Day.
High Park
Kick back and relax in the huge green open space of the sunken gardens at High Park. This park features nature trails, natural ponds, streams and lots of flora and fauna. When it was deeded to the City of Toronto, it was declared to remain “for the free use, benefit and enjoyment of the citizens of Toronto and it be called High Park.” With plenty of playgrounds, picnic areas and even a train tour, High Park is the perfect place to slow things down when you are visiting all of the attractions in Toronto.
High Park is located at 1873 Bloor Street West in Toronto. For more information call (416) 338-0338. The park does not have specific times and is not gated. However, due to poor lighting at night, it is not recommended to visit at nighttime.
Ripley's Aquarium Of Canada
Take time out of your exploring to enjoy the wonders of Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. This fun attraction is located near the base of the CN Tower and is one of Toronto’s newest attraction. You will find a variety of impressive sea animals at the aquarium, including jellyfish, stingrays, sharks and many of the other ocean creatures that will amaze you. While there, you can watch the underwater world go by as you go through the impressive underwater tunnel and watch as sea animals appear to fly right over you.
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is located at 288 Bremner Blvd. in Toronto. For more information call (647) 351-3474. The aquarium is currently open daily from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. Verify times before visiting because hours may change for special events and with the seasons.
Related: America's 5 Largest Zoos
Rogers Centre
Located next to the CN Tower you will find Rogers Centre. This is a massive domed sports area that has hosted a variety of sporting events, including baseball and football. The center has even some rock concerts. Guests can enjoy an hour-long guided tour of the center which will take them on a behind-the-scenes look at the facility and give insight into its history. You will see the different levels of the facility, a press box and a luxury suite during your tour.
Tours are available on select days from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Times and days vary depending upon the time of year and events planned at the facility. Visit the website for a complete list of tour times and dates available. To guarantee you get on a tour, purchase tickets before your arrival.
The Rogers Centre is located at 1 Blue Jays Way in Toronto. For more information call (416) 341-2771.
Royal Ontario Museum
You are going to discover why the Royal Ontario Museum is one of the country’s most premier museums, and why so many international travelers put this attraction on their must-see list. The museum, which is also known as ROM, is home to an ever growing collection of major exhibits from around the world. All of the exhibits at the ROM cover a variety of historical periods taking you on a journey through time.
Must-see exhibitions at the ROM include Tattoos: Ritual. Identity. Obsession. Art., A Third Gender: Beautiful Youths in Japanese Prints, New Dino Discovered, CHIHULY, The Franklin Exploration and Maps, Boarders and Mobility in Africa. Galleries you do not want to miss while there include the Teck Suite of Galleries: Earth’s Treasures, James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs and the Reed Gallery of the Age of Mammals.
The Royal Ontario Museum is located at 100 Queen's Park in Toronto. For more information call (416) 586-8000. The ROM is open Saturday through Thursday from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., on Friday from 10 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Toronto Zoo
You will be amazed by the thousands of animals you can visit at the Toronto Zoo. Must-see exhibits at the zoo include the panda exhibit, grizzly bear enclosure, the Bison Park and polarium. If time allows, you do not want to miss the African Savanna and the Great Barrier Reef exhibits at the zoo. While at the zoo you can see the different animals, chat with zoo keepers and learn about conservation efforts happening worldwide.
The Toronto Zoo is located at 2000 Meadowvale Road in Toronto. For more information call (416) 392-5929. The Toronto Zoo is currently open daily from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Hours of operation change seasonally, so make sure to verify hours of operation when you are planning your visit.
Your visit to Toronto is going to be an exciting one. You will find everything from aquariums to parks and zoos to museums to enjoy. This means that no matter what you are looking to do when in Toronto, you are sure to find it.