Things to do in Toronto: A first timer’s guide

If you are planning on visiting Toronto for the first time, you will not be short of things to see and do.

Here are just a few of the places and activities that should definitely be on your list. 

The CN Tower

Every first-time visitor to Toronto simply must visit the city’s most prominent landmark: the CN Tower.

Viewing the tower from the ground is spectacular, but you are sure to want to explore it more closely.

You will find some amazing views over the city and Lake Ontario from the tower’s observation areas. And from the Sky Pod, which is 447 meters above ground level, on clear days you can even see as far as Niagara Falls.

For another kind of incredible view, look straight through the tower’s Glass Floor, which offers a bird’s eye view down over the city beneath.

And if you are feeling adventurous, you can embark on the infamous Edge Walk, in which you would walk around the outside ledge of the tower’s main pod, attached to a rope and safety harness, of course. But the highlight of the CN Tower is undoubtedly its wondrous revolving restaurant.

Woodbine Racetrack 

If you enjoy horse racing and casino games, you will want to pay a visit to Woodbine Racetrack.

In addition to races featuring both standardbred and thoroughbred horses, which you are able to bet on, you can play many slot machines and virtual versions of games like baccarat, blackjack, and roulette.

You will also find several bars, lounges and restaurants on the site.

And if you are still in the mood to play casino games back at your hotel, you can always visit an online casino. Check out this site to browse the complete list of Canadian casinos available on the net.

The Art Gallery of Ontario

With around 95,000 artworks, from European masterpieces of old to contemporary American works, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest museums in North America.

It also features plenty of homegrown Canadian art and many temporary exhibitions are held throughout the year.

If you are an art lover, or you simply enjoy exploring the world’s best museums, the Art Gallery of Ontario should definitely be on your list of places to visit while in Toronto.

The Distillery District

For shopping, entertainment, and food, head to the restored historic area of the Distillery District.

You will find charming boutiques, artists’ studios, fabulous restaurants, and much more, in the old buildings of the district.

And if you visit Toronto during the winter months, you will want to catch the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District, which is crammed with stalls selling unique gifts and cozy areas with couches and large fire pits.

Niagara Falls

Lastly, as a first-time visitor to Toronto, you simply must take a day trip to the world-famous Niagara Falls.

You can easily book trips from the city centre and be standing at the edge of the awesome falls within an hour.

There are lots of different ways of seeing Niagara Falls too. In addition to taking in the splendid view from the top, you can descend through thirty-eight meters of solid rock in the Journey Behind the Falls to stand behind a curtain of falling water.

Alternatively, you could go on the famous Maid of the Mist boat tour to see the waters close up, or even embark on a helicopter tour over the falls.

Whichever ways you see Niagara Falls, one thing is certain: it will be an experience you will never forget.

Lead Image Toronto Harbour by ElasticComputeFarm from Pixabay