Must See Things for Your Toronto Bucket List
· 8 min. read
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Toronto is one of the most vibrant cities in the world and is home to a mix of cultures unlike anywhere else in Canada. It is the personification of Canada’s proverbial mixing-pot. Toronto is comprised of six different districts, each its own unique neighbourhood. Much like the people who live in Toronto, the areas of Toronto are just as diverse.
With so much to do and see, many travellers are overwhelmed. If you’re in town or passing through, here are some sights near Toronto that should be on your bucket list:
Roy Thomson Hall
Toronto is proud of its arts and has one of the most progressive music scenes in the world. In fact, it’s impossible to visit the city without sampling this iconic music scene. If you are a musicophile and you want to take in a live music performance or opera in Toronto, you will want to visit the Roy Thomson Hall.
The Roy Thomson Hall opened in 1982 and has a distinctive circular architectural design with a sloping glass exterior. It is used for a variety of events and can accommodate up to 2,630 guests. Although the architecture is stunning, the acoustics of the building is its claims to fame, which is exemplified by its iconic pipe organ, built by Canadian organ builder Gabriel Knev.
Niagara Falls
Over 750,000 gallons of water hurl over Niagara Falls per second, easily making the trip here one of the most exhilarating views on the planet. Not only are these falls one of the largest falls in North America, but they’re also very accessible, with trains going to and from Toronto every hour.
If you want to take in the view from the top of the falls, you can stand safely a metre from the edge of Horseshoe Falls. Alternatively, you can go follow one of the 300 self-guided bike-trails and see the view from throughout the area.
You can also see the falls from behind through a tour called Journey Behind the Falls. Here, you can descend 38 metres of solid rock in a lift and stand right next to the roaring water.
If you want the best view and you aren’t afraid of heights, you can always go on a helicopter ride and see the falls from above.
Bellwoods Brewery
The craft beer scene is strong and vibrant in Toronto, and Bellwoods Brewery is one of the premier craft breweries in the city.
The award-winning Bellwoods Brewery is located at the city’s West End and is home to several unique beers, such as Cat Lady, Goblin Sauce and Farmageddon.
Summer afternoons are always bustling with activity at Bellwoods Brewery, and people are often lined up to enjoy a crisp IPA on their outdoor picnic tables or on their lawn.
Hockey Hall of Fame
If you love hockey, you must visit the Hockey Hall of Fame. Hockey is a religion in Canada, and no trip to Toronto is complete without doing something hockey-related.
The Hockey Hall of Fame is a vast and expansive building at over 65,000 square feet. If you visit, you’ll get your fill of all hockey-related paraphernalia, such as stick and goalie gears of the different famous hockey players and a picture with the original Stanley Cup.
Toronto Zoo
While not everybody likes zoos, the Toronto Zoo is one of the most respected in the industry. It’s located in Scarborough and covers over 700 acres, making it one of the largest zoos in the world. It is also home to over 5,000 animals, of which 450 are a unique species. The zoo is separated into seven regions, with its most popular attraction being the Gorilla Rainforest.
While at the Toronto Zoo, one can also take part in a rope course, a carousel, or a “zoomobile” ride. This ride can take you to the seven regions of the park, such as Africa, the Americas, and Canada. The zoo is also home to a 2-acre water play area and a theatre.
CN Tower
Considered by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the 1,815-foot CN Tower soars above Toronto’s skyline. The view from the CN Tower provides a magnificent view of the city, the surrounding buildings and the nearby skyscrapers. The CN Tower is not just an engineering feat; it also has a practical purpose: it allows transmission of radio and tv broadcasts to pass with ease.
You can’t climb the CN Tower, but you can take a short, minute-long elevator ride to the top. Once at the top, you will find four observation decks to choose from: The Glass Floor Room, the Lookout Level, and the revolving 360 Restaurant, and The Sky Pod, which is one of the highest observation decks in the world at 1,465 feet.
If you’re the more daring and adventurous type, take a walk at the EdgeWalk, which is one of the highest hands-free external walks on a building. You’ll be connected to a harness and walk on a five-foot-wide ledge encircling the top tower’s main pod.
Harbourfront Centre
If you want to see more of the culture of Toronto, you’ll want to visit Harbourfront Centre. This neighbourhood is full of warehouses that have been transformed into theatres, art galleries, eateries, shops, and parks. However, the main attraction of the Harbourfront Centre are all the community events and festivals that occur year-round.
The centre hosts up to 4,000 events each year for the millions of people that are living and visiting the city. If you want to participate in any of the events or just looking for a place to have a casual stroll, Harbourfront Centre is a good place to start.
Toronto offers a lot of attractions that can satisfy people of many interests. From zoos to sports to arts, there’s something for everyone.
Have you ever been to Toronto? What would you recommend people see while there? Let me know in the comments below.
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Categories: Canada, Ontario, Travel Tips
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