10 Best Toronto Attractions to Visit in 2026

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Toronto mixes famous skyline views with major museums, waterfront escapes, historic streets and local food landmarks. If you are visiting for the first time—or planning a staycation—these ten attractions make it easy to build a memorable day in the city.

Please note: Admission prices, hours, ferry schedules and special-event access can change. Check the official website before travelling.

Toronto skyline and CN Tower viewed from Olympic Island on a clear summer day.
Dillan Payne / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Must-Visit Toronto Attractions for 2026

1. CN Tower

Toronto’s most recognizable landmark still delivers one of the city’s best views. Head up for the observation levels, time your visit around sunset or book the EdgeWalk if standing outside 356 metres above the ground sounds like your idea of fun.

  • Where: 290 Bremner Blvd., Toronto
  • Cost: Ticketed; check current admission options online
  • Hours: Daily hours vary by date and experience
  • Website: Official CN Tower visitor page

2. Royal Ontario Museum

The ROM is an easy choice for a weather-proof day downtown. Its galleries cover natural history, world cultures, art and design, with blockbuster temporary exhibitions adding a reason to return even if you have visited before.

  • Where: 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto
  • Cost: Ticketed; discounts and free-access programs may apply
  • Hours: Check the current visitor schedule
  • Website: Official ROM visitor page

3. Distillery Historic District

Cobblestone lanes, Victorian industrial buildings, galleries, boutiques and patios give the Distillery District a look unlike anywhere else in Toronto. The neighbourhood is free to explore most of the year, although major seasonal events may use ticketed entry at select times.

  • Where: 55 Mill St., Toronto
  • Cost: Free to explore; event and attraction prices vary
  • Hours: Public areas are open daily; individual business hours vary
  • Website: Official Distillery District website

4. Toronto Islands

A short ferry ride trades downtown traffic for beaches, trails, picnic areas and some of the best skyline views in the city. Centre Island is the classic family stop, while Ward’s Island and Hanlan’s Point feel quieter and more relaxed.

  • Where: Ferries depart from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 9 Queens Quay W.
  • Cost: The park is free; ferry tickets are required
  • Hours: Ferry schedules change by season and weather
  • Website: Official Toronto Island ferry information

5. St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market is one of Toronto’s best stops for an edible introduction to the city. Browse produce, cheese, baked goods and prepared food, then try a peameal bacon sandwich or pick up picnic supplies before walking to the waterfront.

  • Where: 93 Front St. E., Toronto
  • Cost: Free entry; food and purchases are extra
  • Hours: South Market: Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Monday
  • Website: Official St. Lawrence Market website

6. Art Gallery of Ontario

The AGO pairs a major Canadian and international collection with Frank Gehry’s sweeping architectural redesign. Give yourself a few hours for the permanent galleries, special exhibitions and the dramatic Galleria Italia facing Dundas Street.

  • Where: 317 Dundas St. W., Toronto
  • Cost: Ticketed; eligible free-admission programs are listed online
  • Hours: Closed Monday; late hours currently offered Wednesday and Friday
  • Website: Official AGO visitor page

7. Casa Loma

Toronto’s hilltop castle is filled with grand rooms, towers, tunnels and landscaped grounds. It works as a daytime history stop, but seasonal installations and evening events can change access, pricing and the overall experience.

  • Where: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
  • Cost: Ticketed; event pricing may differ
  • Hours: Hours and closures vary with private and seasonal events
  • Website: Official Casa Loma visitor page

8. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Ripley’s Aquarium is a reliable family-friendly option beside the CN Tower. The moving walkway through Dangerous Lagoon is the main draw, while jellyfish displays, touch exhibits and colourful reef habitats make it easy to spend several hours inside.

9. High Park

High Park offers trails, gardens, sports fields, playgrounds, a pond and a small animal display within one huge west-end green space. Cherry blossom season gets the attention, but autumn colour and quiet winter walks make the park worth visiting year-round.

10. Harbourfront Centre

Harbourfront Centre brings arts programming, festivals and public waterfront space together on the edge of Lake Ontario. Pair an exhibition or performance with a walk along Queens Quay, a stop at the Toronto Music Garden or a ferry trip to the islands.

  • Where: 235 Queens Quay W., Toronto
  • Cost: Free to explore; event prices vary
  • Hours: Hours depend on the venue, exhibition and program
  • Website: Official Harbourfront Centre website

Plan Your Toronto Visit

The TTC connects most of these attractions, but service changes can affect travel time. Check current TTC service advisories before leaving, and keep exploring with OverHereToronto’s tourist things to do in Toronto guide.

Looking for more Toronto ideas? Browse our tourist things to do in Toronto guide, explore the latest Toronto attractions, or plan for bad weather with our Toronto rainy-day activities guide.

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