About Toronto
Toronto is the capital of Ontario and Canada's largest city. Incidentally, Canada's capital is Ottawa, which is also in Ontario.
For information on sightseeing in the capital, Ottawa, see the article below.
Until 1834, Toronto was known as the Town of York. Traces of the name remain today in places and institutions such as North York and York University.
New York, the largest city in the United States, also takes its name from York. This is said to reflect a custom in the British colonies of naming important urban centers York.
You can read more about York in the UK in the article below.
Niagara Falls is less than 2 hours away by train or bus, making Toronto the gateway to exploring Niagara Falls.
See the article below for information on visiting Niagara Falls.
Toronto Attractions
Here are the recommended attractions in Toronto, presented as a ranking.
October 3, 2026 We checked each attraction’s official information.
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1stCN Tower
The CN Tower is a Toronto landmark. When it was completed in 1976, it was the tallest structure in the world.“CN” comes from the railway company Canadian National. Like Tokyo Skytree, the tower was built by a railway company.
Check the official website for the latest information on visiting and using the CN Tower.
Canada's Celebration DestinationWelcome to the CN Tower. Whether you need to plan your visit, make a reservation for 360 Restaurant or book EdgeWal...www.cntower.ca -
2ndRoyal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum is one of Canada’s leading museums, with extensive collections of natural history, world cultures, and art. Its wide-ranging exhibits include everything from dinosaur fossils to artifacts from ancient civilizations.
For the latest information about visiting and using the Royal Ontario Museum, see its official website.
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)Canada's leading museum, home to 18 million artworks, artifacts, and specimens from around the world and across the...www.rom.on.ca -
3rdToronto Islands
The Toronto Islands are a group of islands in Lake Ontario. The ferry to the islands offers views across the lake of Toronto’s high-rise skyline.
For the latest information about visiting and using the Toronto Islands, see the official website.
Waterfront & Toronto Islandswww.destinationtoronto.com -
4thArt Gallery of Ontario
The Art Gallery of Ontario is a museum with collections of Canadian, European, and contemporary art, among others. Its curving architecture, renovated by Frank Gehry, is another highlight.
Check the official website for the latest information on visiting and using the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) | Toronto, ON M5T 1G4Powerful experiences take shape when art meets architecture. The AGO is among the most distinguished art museums in...www.destinationtoronto.com -
5thDistillery Historic District
This pedestrian district preserves and revitalizes 19th-century distillery buildings, with galleries, restaurants, and shops lining the spaces between its brick warehouses.
For the latest information on visiting and using the Distillery Historic District, see the official website.
Distillery Historic District, The | Toronto, ON M5A 3C4Famous for year-round festivals and experiences, The Distillery Historic District showcases local artists, live mus...www.destinationtoronto.com -
6thCasa Loma
This castle-like building stands on a hill overlooking the city and offers a historic setting distinct from downtown Toronto. With both the interior and gardens to explore, visit separately from your downtown sightseeing so you can enjoy it at a relaxed pace.For more about Casa Loma's highlights, see the article below.
Casa Loma: Highlights, Opening Hours, Admission and AccessWe explain Casa Loma’s history, architectural and landscape highlights, exhibitions, opening hours, admission fees, and access based on official information and on-site research as of October 2026.michikusatravel.com -
7th placeSt. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market is a market in part of the Old Town where visitors can experience Toronto’s food culture. It comprises the South Market, home to food stalls and specialty food shops, and the North Market, which hosts markets on weekends. It is a convenient place to stop for a meal or some shopping while exploring the area.
The market buildings and their surroundings feature streetscapes characteristic of Toronto’s historic district.For more information on the market’s highlights and how to visit, see the article below.
【セント・ローレンス・マーケット】見どころ・営業時間・料金・アクセスを解説セント・ローレンス・マーケットのサウスマーケットとノースマーケットの見どころ、営業時間・料金・アクセスを、2026年10月時点の公式情報と現地取材をもとに解説します。michikusatravel.com -
8thKensington Market
Kensington Market is a historic district where you can experience multicultural cuisine. As you walk through the neighborhood, you can enjoy a wide variety of street art as well as food.
For the latest information on visiting and using Kensington Market, see the official website.
Kensington Market - BIA | Toronto, ON M5T 3K7Discover a diverse community of people offering unique wares, tasty treats, festival n' fairs, and lot's of other f...www.destinationtoronto.com -
9th placeHockey Hall of Fame
This museum and hall of fame showcases the history of ice hockey. Visitors can explore exhibits associated with celebrated players and see the Stanley Cup championship trophy.
Visit the official website for the latest information about visiting and using the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Hockey Hall of Fame - Home of the Stanley Cup & Hockey at its Best.www.hhof.com -
10th placeNathan Phillips Square
An open public square overlooking the Toronto Sign and City Hall. The Freedom Arches span the reflecting pool, and Henry Moore's bronze sculpture “The Archer” can also be seen in the square.
For the latest information about visiting and using Nathan Phillips Square, check the official website.
Nathan Phillips SquareThe Spirit Garden is now open. Learn more about the Spirit Garden. Nathan Phillips Square is vibrant public gatheri...www.toronto.ca -
11thToronto City Hall
The central council chamber is surrounded by 2 curved towers. Designed by Finnish architect Viljo Revell, the building was completed in 1965.
For the latest information on visiting and using Toronto City Hall, please check the official website.
City HallToronto City Hall is the seat of municipal government for Canada’s largest city. Its stunning, modernist architectu...www.toronto.ca -
12th placeRipley's Aquarium of Canada
This aquarium is located at the foot of the CN Tower. As you travel through an underwater tunnel on a moving walkway, you can observe sharks and rays swimming in the tanks up close.
Visit the official website for the latest information about visiting and using the facilities at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in Toronto | Tickets, hours, eventsVisit Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada located in Toronto, Ontario. Immerse yourself in a world of 20,000 aquatic animal...www.ripleys.com -
13th placeScarborough Bluffs
The Scarborough Bluffs are a natural attraction featuring a series of cliffs along the shore of Lake Ontario. Visitors can experience the lakeside environment while enjoying expansive views of the lake and cliffs.
Check the official website for the latest information on visiting and using the Scarborough Bluffs.
Scarborough Bluffswww.destinationtoronto.com -
14th placeToronto Old City Hall
This Romanesque Revival building was designed by E. J. Lennox, who is also known as the architect of Casa Loma.Its clock tower and imposing stone exterior catch the eye, while the contrast with the New City Hall across the street is equally striking.
For the latest information on visiting and using Toronto Old City Hall, check the official website.
Visiting Old City HallLocated at the corner of Queen St. W. and Bay St., Old City Hall is one of Toronto’s most iconic buildings. Built i...www.toronto.ca -
15th placeChinatown
The area around Spadina Avenue is home to many Chinese restaurants and grocery stores, offering a walk through Toronto’s multicultural streetscape.
For the latest information on visiting and using services in Chinatown, check the official website.
Chinatown Toronto: A Vibrant Downtown Cultural HubSavour authentic Asian cuisine, discover cultural landmarks, and explore local shops in Chinatown Toronto. Plan you...www.destinationtoronto.com -
16thUniversity of Toronto
The University of Toronto has a sprawling campus of historic buildings and green spaces north of downtown. It is also close to the Royal Ontario Museum and Queen's Park, so you can combine it with nearby cultural attractions and walk through a campus landscape that feels distinct from the city center.For more information about the campus architecture and places to see on a walk, see the article below.
University of Toronto: Highlights, Visiting Hours, Fees, and AccessThis guide covers highlights such as University College and Convocation Hall on the University of Toronto’s St. George campus, visiting hours, fees, and access, based on official information and local reporting as of 2026 10.michikusatravel.com -
17thQueen's Park
This green space surrounds the Ontario Legislative Building. You can stroll past the Romanesque Revival legislature and the nearby monuments.For more information about the sights in Queen's Park, see the article below.
Queen’s Park: Highlights, opening hours, prices, and accessThis guide covers the highlights of Queen's Park, including the Ontario Legislative Building, statues, and green spaces, as well as opening hours, prices, and access, based on official information and an on-site visit as of 10 2026.michikusatravel.com
Toronto cuisine
The information below was checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
Toronto Specialties
- Peameal bacon sandwich: Toronto's official sandwich features peameal bacon—cured pork loin rolled in cornmeal—served on a soft bun.
- Jamaican patty: A half-moon-shaped pastry filled with a spiced mixture, available with beef, chicken, or vegetarian fillings.
- Butter tart: A classic Canadian pastry filled with a sweet mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs.
- Bannock: A flatbread that is baked or fried and rooted in Indigenous culinary traditions.
Toronto is home to people from a wide range of backgrounds, so the city's culinary identity is shaped not only by Canadian cuisine but also by food traditions from the Caribbean, South Asia, East Asia, and beyond.
Toronto institutions
Carousel Bakery
This bakery is located in St. Lawrence Market. It is known for its peameal bacon sandwiches.
Official vendor information
Sassafraz
This restaurant is located in a Victorian row house in Yorkville. It serves contemporary Canadian cuisine with a seasonal menu featuring ingredients from local farms and suppliers.
Official website
Transportation in Toronto
The information below was checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
Rail
Union Station is a major transportation hub served by VIA Rail, GO Transit, and UP Express, with connections to the TTC subway and streetcars.
VIA Rail's official information provides details on station facilities, arrivals and departures, and contacts for reservation inquiries.
Subway, streetcars, and buses
You can use the TTC subway, streetcars, and buses to get around the city. The adult fare for 1 ride is CAD 3.30 when paid with a PRESTO card, Interac debit card, or credit card, and CAD 3.35 when paid in cash. The 2-hour transfer policy does not apply to cash payments.
Airport access
The UP Express connects Toronto Pearson International Airport and Union Station. According to Union Station's official information, the journey to Pearson Station takes 28 minutes. The UP Express platform is accessible via the SkyWalk.
Suggested Toronto itinerary
Southbound itinerary from Casa Loma to the CN Tower
Head from Dupont Station to Casa Loma, then continue south past the University of Toronto, Toronto City Hall, and the CN Tower, in that order. Combining walking with subway Line 1 makes it easier to visit the attractions scattered across the city.
Open the same route in Google Maps
Loading the map.
- ①Dupont Station → ②Casa LomaCalculating the route in Google Maps
Toronto is a large city, with attractions spread across many areas. Line 1 of the Toronto subway is therefore a great help to visitors. It connects major attractions such as Casa Loma (Dupont Station), the University of Toronto and Queen's Park (Museum Station and Queen's Park Station), and the CN Tower (Union Station). Walk north for about 11 minutes from Dupont Station to reach Casa Loma. The most convenient way to travel from Dupont Station to Museum Station is by subway on Line 1.
- ②Casa Loma → ③University of Toronto (University College)Calculating the route in Google Maps
From Casa Loma, head south on foot or by subway on Line 1, visiting Toronto's attractions along the way. The walk from Casa Loma to the University of Toronto (University College) takes about 36 minutes.
- ③University of Toronto (University College) → ④Toronto City HallCalculating the route in Google Maps
The walk from the University of Toronto (University College) to Toronto City Hall takes about 24 minutes.
- ④Toronto City Hall → ⑤CN TowerCalculating the route in Google Maps
The walk from Toronto City Hall to the CN Tower takes about 23 minutes. You can also take subway Line 1 from St Patrick Station to Union Station.
The subway platform is clearly marked "Southbound."
An itinerary prioritizing art at the Art Gallery of Ontario
If art is your priority, rather than trying to squeeze the gallery into the route above, which heads south through downtown, set aside a day centered around the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Toronto Detours
Here are some scenes we happened upon in Toronto and other views that caught our eye.
The taxi and the advertisement on the building happened to have a similar color scheme.
A striking dragon is depicted against a backdrop of waves that appear to have been inspired by The Great Wave off Kanagawa from the Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series.
The photo shows 5 people, including a baby in a stroller.
This sculpture, created by Edward Apt from an idea by Derek Heinzerling, is called "The Unknown Student". Conveying an anti-establishment message, it was unveiled in 1969, at the height of the counterculture movement in North America.
A wedge-shaped building known as the Gooderham Building.
The discount store "Honest Ed's" could be described as Canada's Don Quixote. Much lamented, it closed in 2016.
This is the platform at Museum Station, the closest station to the Royal Ontario Museum. The station's columns are modeled after exhibits in the museum.
Construction machinery
A concrete mixer truck made by Mack Trucks.
Emergency vehicles
This is a Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor operated by the Toronto Police Service (TPS), the police version of the Ford Crown Victoria.
Tram
This is a CLRV on the Toronto streetcar system. Toronto boasts the largest streetcar network in North America, and CLRV stands for Canadian Light Rail Vehicle.
This is an ALRV on the Toronto streetcar system. ALRV stands for Articulated Light Rail Vehicle, which features a 2-car articulated design, as shown in the photo. It entered service in 1988 and was retired alongside the CLRV in 2019.
This is a CLRV on the Toronto streetcar system.
Railway Vehicles
A VIA Rail P42DC. VIA Rail is Canada's state-owned long-distance passenger rail operator, and this train was stopped at Union Station.
A GO Transit MP40PH-3C. Operated by the Province of Ontario, GO Transit provides regional passenger rail service in and around Toronto.
A Toronto Rocket train stopped at Museum station on the Toronto subway.