Cultural diversity is perhaps the phrase that best describes Toronto. Chinatown, Greek Quarter, Little Portugal, Little India and Little Italy are among the many immigrant neighborhoods that have made this city their new home. And best of all, there’s no shortage of legendary places to visit – alone, with friends or with family. So, here are five must-see sights to see in Toronto.
1 Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Although aquariums basically serve to keep animals in captivity, away from their habitat, they can play an important role in drawing the public’s attention – especially the youngest visitors – to biodiversity issues and the need to protect and conserve aquatic environments. Canada’s Ripley Aquarium is one such case in point.
Located next to the CN Tower, the aquarium contains 5.7 million liters of water and is one of the largest aquariums in North America. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to be present while stingrays are feeding or see veterinary divers examining the animals. It should definitely be on your list of things to do in Toronto. The kids will love it!
2 Casa Loma
In 1911, Sir Henry Pellatt, known for his progressive views, invited architect Edward Lennox to build an Edwardian-style castle atop a hill overlooking Toronto. Three years later, the dream became a reality.
Casa Loma served as the family mansion for less than a decade until high taxes and wartime hardships in Canada forced Pellatt to abandon his “castle.”
Today Casa Loma Castle has been turned into a museum and is one of the most important historic buildings in Ontario’s capital city. Although at times I thought the mansion was out of place, I enjoyed wandering in the company of an audio guide through the greenhouse, the library and salon, the magnificent bedchambers of Sir Pellatt and, especially, Lady Pellatt. And, of course, climbed both towers of the castle. Try it – you won’t regret it!
3 Distillery District
The Distillery District, once the site of large whisky distilleries, is now a huge pedestrian area in Toronto’s east end with its cafes, restaurants, art galleries, alternative stores, indie boutiques and street sculptures. The neighbourhood reminded me of LX Factory in Lisbon.
Like the Kensington Market District, there’s a spirit of creativity here, though the atmosphere is more hipster and elitist compared to the rebellious graffiti streets of Kensington. Nevertheless, it is worth a visit.
And if you’re going to Toronto during the New Year’s holidays, keep in mind that the Distillery District has a big Christmas fair. Another place the little ones will love!
4 Niagara Falls
The last attraction is outside of Toronto, but it’s impossible to visit Ontario without visiting Niagara Falls. Although the Niagara River is short in length, there are several waterfalls along its course. The biggest of them, known worldwide as the Niagara Falls, is named The Horseshoe Falls, and its width is impressive – 800 meters. The crushing power of the current is amazing. If you do not expect to find a secluded corner of wildlife here, you will be interested to visit not only the waterfalls, but also the entire Niagara Peninsula. Read here about welcome bestbuy accountonline online com.
5 CN Tower
You should start your introduction to Toronto by climbing the CN Tower. This communications tower, one of the tallest structures in the world, is also a tourist attraction with its dizzying views of the city.
Huge panoramic windows in the floor of the observation deck all around its circumference allow you to better understand the location of the neighborhoods: the business district, the islands, the lively neighborhoods of Kensington Market, and the eastern part of the city.
So, I highly recommend a visit to the CN Tower, especially during your first days in Toronto, to get a general idea of the metropolis.
Final Words
Toronto is a great city with plenty to see and do. I hope this guide has given you some ideas of the best places to visit during your stay. These are only some of the places that you can visit in Toronto, but they are definitely worth your time. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just want to have a good time, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. So, don’t hesitate to add Toronto to your list of travel destinations!