Top 10 Toronto Tourist Attractions and Highlights

1. The Eaton Centre

The Eaton Centre is a bright and airy shopping mall in the heart of Toronto's downtown that houses more than 250 stores. The stores will appeal to the budget conscious and spendthrifts alike.

Along with the CN Tower, the Eaton Centre is the most popular tourist attraction in Toronto.

More than just a place to shop, the four-level, glass domed Eaton Centre is of architectural interest and features a huge mobile of a flock of Canadian geese, Flight Stop, designed by artist Michael Snow.

2. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

With more than 40 galleries of art, archaeology and natural science, the ROM offers up a world of interest and fun. The diverse ROM galleries feature one of the world's finest collections of artefacts from China, a more than six-storey tall totem pole and much more.A discovery gallery at the ROM and other interactive exhibits mean everyone's senses get a workout and kids stay interested.

3. The CN Tower

Want to be on top of the man-made world? At 1,815 feet the CN tower is the tallest free standing structure in the world and it is located in downtown Toronto. Travel up the glass elevator to the 1,122 foot glass floored outdoor observation deck for a bird's eye view of the city or make a reservation at the tower's top-floor restaurant.

See 15 Fascinating Facts about the CN Tower or visit our CN Tower Visitors Guide for details.

4. Casa Loma

For history or architecture buffs, Casa Loma is an interesting visit. Built by wealthy Toronto businessman Sir Henry Pellatt in the early 1900s, Casa Loma, similar to Hearst Castle in Calfornia, represents one man's architectural dream. In the case of Casa Loma, however, Pellat's dream went awry and contributed to his downfall.

Notable for its location proudly overlooking the city, the "House on the Hill" boasted many modern-day conveniences, such as central vac and an elevator. The building also was used as a location shoot for the 2002 movie Chicago.

5. Chinatown

Toronto has the second largest Chinatown in North America. People will find bargains on exotic trinkets, jewellery, clothing and household items. Plus, of course, where there's a bustling Chinatown, there's delicious food, and Toronto's Chinatown is no exception. There are dozens, maybe hundreds, of restaurants serving not just authentic Chinese, but also Vietnamese and other Asian fare.

6. Toronto Islands

Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto to lakeside charm. Toronto Islands are a series of small islands that comprise the largest urban car-free community in North America (some service vehicles are permitted). The islands offer a place for recreation and relaxation and feature an amusement park, recreation areas, beaches, a yacht club, artist studios, restaurants and bed and breakfasts.

Toronto Islands are a short ferry ride away.

7. The Distillery District

The Distillery Historic District is a great place to spend a few hours if you're in downtown Toronto and want to get away from the usual downtown stuff. This pedestrian-only village is set amidst fabulous heritage architecture and is devoted to promoting arts and culture. The area also features a wellness centre, plenty of cafés, restaurants and pubs.

8. Yorkville

Yorkville is a delightful anomaly in the midst of Toronto highrises and shopping malls. Tucked into a pocket of downtown, the quaint Victorian architecture in Yorkville houses dozens of restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. The dining and shopping is upscale and the galleries represent some of the finest Canadian and international artists. Many celebrities have been spotted strolling the sidewalks of Yorkville, especially during the Toronto International Film Festival.

9. Hockey Hall of Fame

Not everyone is a hockey fan (a fact that Canadians find hard to believe), but the Hockey Hall of Fame is an outstanding facility, full of interactive exhibits that put kids or adults in the heat of NHL action. The Broadcast Pods let you call the action of some of the most famous hockey games, including the 1972 Canada / Russia series: "Henderson shoots, he scores." Also featured is a replica NHL dressing room (excluding the smell), a trophy room, and of course a gift shop.

10. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

The AGO houses an impressive collection of more than 40,000 works, making it the 10th largest art museum in North America. The AGO is a superb document of Canadian art heritage but also features masterworks from around the world, spanning 100 AD to the present.