Toronto is brimming with activities and culture, along with scenic natural beauty that can be explored in every season. From museums to boutique shops, cultural landmarks and exciting modern attractions, there are endless Toronto unique things to see and do on your vacation.
With so many different types of options, it can be difficult to find the best attractions that interest you. This guide will help you discover 8 unique things to do in Toronto to make your next vacation truly unforgettable.
1. St. Lawrence Market
• Address: 93 Front St E, Toronto, ON
• Best for: Food and crafts, historical sights
Located in Toronto’s historical city hall, the St. Lawrence Market has been operating since 1803 and continues to provide visitors with incredible food, crafts and much more.
On the first floor, you have access to over 50 food vendors serving a variety of local and international flavors. Be sure to bring some cash though, as some vendors don’t accept cards.
On the upper level, you’ll find a gallery devoted to local art, history and other unique artifacts. Plus, there’s a local farmer’s market early on Saturdays, along with an antiques market on Sundays, among other rotating events and seasonal attractions.
2. Hockey Hall of Fame
• Address: 30 Yonge St, Toronto, ON
• Best for: Historical, cultural
Hockey is the undisputed sport of Canada and the Hockey Hall of Fame is a great way to explore the nation's pride and culture during your Toronto vacation.
Located inside the historical Bank of Montreal building, this museum features artifacts like the original Stanley Cup plus important items from the NHL’s most famous players and games.
There’s also a gift shop along with interactive exhibits to help you understand the sport better. Whether you’re a huge fan of the game or are entirely new to it, this is an entirely Canadian experience that’s one of the best unique things to visit in Toronto today.
3. Distillery Historic District
• Address: 55 Mill St, Toronto, ON
• Best for: Outdoor, cultural, food, drinks and art events
Named after the historical distillery that once occupied the area's sprawling buildings, the Distillery Historic District is one of Toronto’s most exciting and chic places to stroll and experience the youthful culture of the city.
The cobblestone streets are pedestrian only, making this a wonderful place to simply relax and take in all the sights. Aside from the Victorian-era architecture, you’ll also find an eclectic mix of bars, cafés and pop-up museums and art installations by local creators.
You could spend an hour here or stay for the whole evening as there’s always something exciting and new happening. Plus, during Christmas and other holidays, the area is often complete with festive markets and lighting, making it a must-visit attraction in Toronto during your stay.
4. Bata Shoe Museum
• Address: 327 Bloom St W, Toronto, ON
• Best for: History enthusiasts, fashion enthusasts
As their tagline says, “for every shoe there is a story,” and the Bata Shoe Museum proves this spectacularly.
Here, you can view countless artfully designed and culturally significant shoes from around the world. With over 20,000 shoes, some dating back nearly a thousand years, you can see everything from:
• 16th century Italian high-heels
• Samurai shoes
• Iconic celebrity shoes worn by Elvis, Elton John and Queen Victoria
With a focus on both the art and design of the shoes, along with interesting stories about their cultural relevance, this is one of the top unique things to see in Toronto today.
5. Graffiti Alley
• Address: 513 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
• Best for: Outdoor, cultural, art
Located right near the iconic Fashion District in downtown Toronto, Graffiti Alley is an exciting side street featuring historical and modern graffiti by Canada’s most renowned artists.
Some of the murals are large and sprawling, while others are so tiny you could easily miss them. While some notable works have been maintained over the years, Graffiti Alley changes constantly making it a great place to take a truly unique photo.
Once you’re done exploring the art, you can walk into the Fashion District and enjoy some great cafés and boutique shops to complete your day.
6. Casa Loma
• Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON
• Best for: Historical, cultural
Located in midtown, Casa Loma is one of the city’s most unique buildings with its towering Gothic design and fairy tale aesthetics.
This large castle was designed over a hundred years ago by a local financier and the project went so over budget that it eventually bankrupted him. Today, you can stop by to explore the interior museum or walk along the gorgeous gardens. Even without going inside, it’s worth stopping by for a quick photo and view of this gorgeous, yet slightly out of place, historical structure.
7. Allan Gardens Conservatory
• Address: 160 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON
• Best for: Indoor and outdoor, historical, sightseeing
Designed in 1910, the Allan Gardens Conservatory is a Victorian garden featuring a gorgeous mix of plants and perfectly manicured gardens.
This is a great place to stroll and unwind away from the city life and find somewhere more serene. Here you can walk through the blooming gardens or relax on a bench and enjoy some local coffee while taking in the views.
With six greenhouses, ponds with turtles and large playgrounds for children, this is a great attraction for families, couples and anyone looking for unique attractions in Toronto.
8. The Monkey's Paw
• Address: 1067 Bloom St W, Toronto, ON M6h 1M5
• Best for: Cultural, shopping
The Monkey’s Paw is one of Toronto’s most eccentric and beloved bookstores and it features a number of rare and unique books for all tastes.
Come in to browse the unique collection and try your luck with the used book vending machine for a great souvenir. The collection is always changing and you’ll likely find something that’s perfect for you in this exciting vintage shop.
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