Sometimes it's fun to play tourist in your own city. Visiting spots that are mainly thought to exist for visitors can teach you something new about the place you call home. Sometimes these places make great date spots or venues to get silly at with a group of friends. You know that saying, don't knock it 'till you try it?
Here's my list of super touristy things you must do in Toronto.
Catch the view from the CN tower
There is no view as majestic and all-encompassing as from the top of the CN Tower. Though it became famous for other reasons thanks to Drake this past year, heading up the 147 floor, 457 metre high landmark gives even locals a view of their hometown like they've never seen it before. It'll cost you about $35 to get up to the top but you'll want to spend more to do the Edgewalk.
Visit the Toronto Islands
Hop on the 15 minute ferry ride or a water taxi and escape the city for a hot minute on the Toronto Islands. They have their own music festival, amusement park, lagoons, beaches, bike paths, restaurants, boardwalks, a maze and frisbee golf! Add to this some of the most dramatic views of the skyline, and you're in heaven.
Dive inside Ripley's Aquarium
Visiting Ripley's Aquarium has quickly become a must-do activity in the city. They've really done an amazing job of creating a world where visitors feel like they're living underwater for a few hours. With lots of Canadian wildlife featured, this is wonderful watery weirdness that's captivating for all ages. Plus, if it's good enough for Drake and Rihanna.....
Catch a Raptors, Blue Jays or Leafs game
Toronto sports teams aren't the greatest in the world, but hey, they're not the worst either! That being said, this city really loves their teams and have come to worship the players that comprise them. A Raptors game at the ACC is electrifying, and there' nothing more Toronto than a Jays game inside the Rogers Centre or a good ol' hockey game at the ACC.
Take in some art at the AGO
Not only is this one of the city's most interesting and gorgeous buildings, it's the best spot to see a major art show. The AGO brings in major exhibits from all over the globe, and it's easy to spend an afternoon touring the rooms and spaces of the building. Don't forget their First Thursday parties to experience the building and its contents in a whole new (wine-fuelled) way.
Step inside the giant crystal at the ROM
One of the city's most stunning or hideous structures (depending on who you ask) is the Crystal which makes up a large part of the ROM. They've got dinosaurs and bring in massive touring exhibits that make a visit worth the price of admission alone. But it's the building itself that's the true spectacle and a must-visit for any local or tourist.
Walk around Kensington Market
Make a morning, day or evening of hanging out in Kensington Market, and make sure you do it on an empty stomach. With a staggering amount of affordable restaurants with food from around the world, second hand clothing shops, cute cafes and some fantastic grocery shopping options, this 'hood is a one stop culture shop and a fantastic snapshot of Toronto.
Eat your way through St. Lawrence Market
Visiting the city's largest indoor food market is the most fun grocery trip you'll ever have in Toronto. If you're not a cook, then just go there for the prepared food. There are so many fun things to eat, with a variety of sitting spots to enjoy. Carousel Bakery's peameal bacon on a soft bun ($6.45) is the most iconic sandwich in town.
Take a City Bus Tour
Climb aboard the big red double decker bus and see the city from dozens of new angles you didn't even know existed. Visit places you typically don't give a second thought to while walking by and get loads of super fun historical info about the downtown core, its buildings and neighbourhoods. Pretend you're not local and take it all in.
Go deep woods at The Brick Works
You'll need a car or an adventurous cycling spirit to get to this beautiful nature spot deep in the Don Valley. The Brick Works is a gorgeous reclaimed space complete with ponds, hiking trails, a bike shop, bakery and a host of one-off events and mini-festivals. Immerse yourself in the abandoned warehouse space or in the tranquil woods surrounding the area.
Escape the city in the midst of downtown at Allan Gardens
One of my fave spots downtown to escape the noise and air of the city is this massive conservatory in Allan Gardens Park, one of the city's oldest. It's fun to visit all year long (especially in the winter when it becomes a tropical oasis) thanks to the team who decorate it for every event and holiday throughout the year. Bonus: it's always free.
Visit Graffiti Alley
Toronto's Graffiti Alley is one of the most instagrammed spots in the city. Running just south of Queen West from Portland to Spadina, it features some of our city's coolest, most colourful street art and is definitely worth a walk through on your way to or from shopping on Queen West.
Get lost in High Park
Sprawling over 400 acres, one of Toronto's oldest and largest parks is worth a visit. You can literally get lost in here with all its trails, parks, ponds and restaurants. From waterfront views, to forest trails, zoo, community gardens, massive dog off-leash zones and of course, cherry blossoms, the park also has the #1 makeout spot in Toronto.
Go back in time at the Distillery District
Toronto's restored Distillery District features the continent's best-preserved collection of Victorian Industrial Architecture. It's a stunning backdrop for the local restaurants, design stores, bars, cafes and art galleries and one of the most popular spots in the city to get hitched. It's worth a walk around, any season of the year, and usually very romo.
Experience the wonder of Aga Khan
Completed in 2014, Fumihiko Maki's Aga Khan museum is a white granite jewel near the DVP and Eglinton. It's one of the most stunning buildings in Toronto both inside and out. The shows keep getting better, the restaurant is good and you'll have endless angles to help create beautiful Faceook and Instagram profile pics.
See a big big show at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre
This is one of the best spots in the city to see live theatre. The building on Yonge Street just north of Queen, is a historic wonder and is always open for tours. You'll feel like you're stepping back into Victorian times as you enter the place.
Go shopping at Yorkdale Mall
One of the best high end malls in the city, Yorkdale is the one I'd recommend if you're acting (or actually are) like a tourist. It's enormous, it has loads of stores many malls don't have, and it's TTC-accessible. Get your suburban housewife, DILF or bored teen on and walk around the maze of shops and snack spots for hours.
Did I miss your favourite, super-tourist-y thing to do in Toronto? Let us know what it is in the comments.
Photos by Robert Snache, bukharov, Andrew Williamson, and Marty Pinker.
by Phil Villeneuve via blogTO
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