Known as the most visited and largest city in Canada, Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities on the planet. Often referred to as ‘The New York City of Canada’, millions of tourists flock to the city each year. Here are just 10 of the most exciting and fun filled things to do when in Toronto.

1. See Toronto from Above

Known as the tallest building in Toronto, the CN Tower stands at an impressive 553 meters. What’s more, the building is one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World. Boasting the highest glass floor panelled elevator on the planet, visitors can head up to the viewing deck, taking in some of the most breath-taking views that the city has to offer. If you fear heights, you may not want to peer down at the city, especially when you are 342 meters above! You can view Toronto from even higher at the SkyPod which is 447 meters high, offering fabulous views of the city.

2. Explore the History

No matter where you are in Toronto, you can expect to find a wide array of history and heritage landmarks and monuments. Why not take a trip to The Royal Ontario Museum? Classed as one of the most impressive museums in North America, you will be able to immerse yourself in the history of Toronto. The museum is easy to locate, with a metro stop appropriately named ‘Museum’. The ROM features a collection of more than six million artifacts, displayed in 40 separate galleries.

3. Enjoy Toronto’s Multiculturalism

No trip to Toronto is complete without a visit to Kensington Market. There, you can get a real insight into Toronto’s multiculturalism, enabling you to engage with people from all walks of life. As a national historic site, Kensington Market used to be used by the Jewish community, however in the present day, it has transformed into a quirky neighborhood for writers, artists and foodies. There are plenty of fresh food stores and funky cafés that you should check out too. If you are into art, be sure to visit the neighborhoods filled with small galleries and rare book shops.

4. Visit a Castle

Taking a trip to the Casa Loma can see you step back in time as you wander through the rooms of this glorious landmark. As one of the most unique and interesting pieces of architecture that Toronto has to offer, the castle is now a museum, featuring towers, gardens, secret passages, stables and decorated suites. There are also self-guided audio tours that you can partake in, currently available in eight different languages. When first viewing Casa Loma, you may recognize it, thanks to its appearances in blockbuster films such as Chicago and X-Men.

5. Go to An Island

There are several small islands located in Lake Ontario that are part of Toronto. With 13 islands in total, there is more than 820 acres to explore. The most popular island (Centre Island) houses a huge park with picnic areas, a glorious beach and fantastic gardens, not to forget a fun-filled amusement park. It’s best to visit the island in the summer months, making it an excursion that the whole family can enjoy.

6. View the Stanley Cup

If you are into sports, a visit to The Hockey Hall of Fame is a no brainer when visiting Toronto. The museum is dedicated to the sport, allowing visitors to get an insight into the history of hockey. When visiting, you can get up close to the Stanley Cup, which is situated in the great hall. Just like its name suggests, the Hockey Hall of Fame celebrates some of the best hockey players in the country, with an 18-person committee choosing who will be inducted into the hall of fame, whether it be a player, a general manager, a coach or even a commentator.

7. Experience Old and New

Declared as a National Historic Site of Canada, visiting the unique residential and commercial area known as the Distillery District is a must for those wanting to explore stunning heritage buildings (many of which have been converted into shops, cafés, restaurants and bars). This area of Toronto is known as a fantastic spot for culture, shopping and dining, making it a must see when in the city.

8. Shopping Galore

If you are a shopaholic, you are spoilt for choice when visiting Toronto. With a wide array of shopping opportunities at your fingertips, it can be hard to know where to start! Many tourists begin their shopping spree at the Toronto Eaton Centre, which is seen as a landmark of the city. Those with an expendable budget will have a fantastic time shopping in Yorkville, which is home to a selection of upscale shops. If you are staying in North York, you need to visit Bayview Village, which houses an array of high-end boutiques, not to mention one of the best vintage wine selections that Toronto has to offer. If knockoff designer clothes and cheap souvenirs are all you are after, you are best heading to Queen Street West in Chinatown where you can find some unique independent boutiques.

9. See the Wildlife

Animal lovers can get their fix with a trip to the Toronto Zoo. Known as one of the best in all of North America, the zoo includes both indoor and outdoor displays, separated into several zones. Most visitors find it near impossible to explore the whole zoo in one go because of its size. With over 5,000 animals inhabiting the zoo, there are so many species you can get up close and personal with. One of the best zones to check out in Toronto Zoo is Africa. Home to white African lions, spotted hyenas, white rhinoceroses and many more, you can learn about some of the most fascinating creatures that live on our planet.

10. Stare at Marine Life

A visit to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada may be on your agenda, especially if you want to learn more about the creatures that live below Canadian waters. With the aquarium being home to freshwater and marine life from across the globe, visitors can expect to see green sea turtles, giant pacific octopuses, southern stingrays and white spotted bamboo sharks. The aquarium is separated into nine galleries, each of which includes a specific area of species. One of the most popular galleries you need to check out is The Rainbow Reef (solely because of its interactive dive show). The attraction is popular with all ages, making it a fun filled excursion for all the family.

Getting to Toronto

Now you have an idea of what you can do here, it’s time to book flights to Toronto. Consider flight options from flyporter.com who provide daily and direct flights to the city, giving you fantastic deals, which may see you save money. If you have a promotional code, simply add it in when making your booking where you can take advantage of exclusive offers and deals.

Whether a trip to the CN tower to take in some stunning views is what you’re after, or you want to get up close and personal with over 5,000 animals at the Toronto Zoo, there is so much to see and do when in Toronto.