Toronto Downtown

The capital city of Ontario, Toronto is a vibrant and exciting destination with plenty to see and do. When visiting this city, you can look forward to a full itinerary because there are so many cool places to visit in Toronto. To make the most of your time in Toronto, it is a good idea to make an itinerary before you go. This enables you to avoid missing out on key attractions and places of interest. In my experience, this makes it much easier to organize your days in the city. You can plan ahead to visit the Toronto sights that you are most interested in.

Of course, with so many wonderful places to visit, you might find yourself wondering where to start! In this article, we will provide you with a helping hand. Below, we have detailed the best 5 cool places to visit in Toronto in 2023.

Cool Places to Visit in Toronto

Whether you are a history buff, culture vulture, foodie, or thrill-seeker, you will find plenty to keep you busy in this city. So, without further ado, let’s look at some of the top cool places to visit in Toronto in 2023:

CN Tower – An Iconic Landmark

One of the cool places to visit in Toronto is the CN Tower.
Photo by Filipe Freitas

If there is one place that you must visit in Toronto, it is the CN Tower. Definitely one of the best cool places to visit in Toronto. This is the tallest free-standing building in the Western Hemisphere. It has become one of the most famous and iconic sights in the city. Like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it is a major part of the Toronto skyline and stands 553 meters tall.

Of course, a visit to the CN Tower would not be complete without heading to the impressive observation deck. Here, you can enjoy incredible views of the city. You can also experience the thrill of the glass lifts that take you to and from the deck. I would say that a trip to the CN Tower’s observation deck is one of the things that should be at the top of your itinerary. It provides you with some great photo opportunities as well as awe-inspiring views.

Canada’s Wonderland Water Park – Perfect for Thrill Seekers

Image from Canada’s Wonderland

There are lots of beautiful beaches in Toronto, especially the beaches in Ontario. But if you’re looking for a more exciting adventure in the water, then a trip to Canada’s Wonderland Water Park should also be high up on your itinerary. You will find all sorts of great activities to enjoy here. This includes white-knuckle rides to get the adrenaline flowing and a water park where you can cool off. There are even cabanas here if you want to take some time out to relax.

Canada’s Wonderland Water Park is ideal for a really fun day out, and the entertainment here is non-stop. In addition to the rides and water park, you can also enjoy a variety of shows and performances throughout the day. The park is ideal for all ages with something to cater to all tastes and preferences. This makes it perfect for groups of friends, adults, and families with children. A one-of-a-kind fun-in-the-sun experience.

Black Creek Pioneer Village – Explore History and Culture

Black Creek Pioneer Village
Photo by johnantoni

Do you want to explore the history and culture of a bygone era while in the city? If so, you should make sure you add the Black Creek Pioneer Village to your list of the best cool places to visit in Toronto. This is a hugely popular attraction among visitors to Toronto and provides a fascinating, educational, and fun day out for all ages. The attraction offers an insight into what life was like in the area in the 19th century, allowing you to experience a bygone era. As a working village, you can really immerse yourself in the history of that bygone era when you visit.

The period costumes and historical re-enactments at the village will make your time here all the more enriching, allowing you to experience a bygone era. You can also take in the variety of heritage buildings that can be found in the village or watch people as they work. This is truly a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a bygone era and learn more about the 19th-century way of life and culture. There are demonstrations and activities here throughout the day, and plenty of places to explore within the village such as the cider mill and the church, which are also reminiscent of a bygone era.

Distillery District – Perfect for Shoppers

If you love nothing more than a little retail therapy, a visit to the Distillery District in Toronto is a must. Filled with charming and quaint Victorian buildings, it is home to a wide range of shops and eateries. The Distillery District in Toronto is also a National Historic Site of Canada. It has the largest number of Victorian buildings in North America.

Distillery District in Toronto is a great place to shop and purchase a wide range of products. In addition, it is a wonderful place to explore as you wander along the pedestrianized streets. If you happen to be in the city over the weekend, try to visit on a Sunday. This is a great time to visit as you can enjoy browsing the fresh produce at the weekly Sunday market. You can also take in the variety of buildings that used to be part of the Gooderham and Worts Distillery, as well as take some impressive photos of the iconic Boiler House with its soaring chimney stack.

Niagara Falls Trip – For Incredible Natural Beauty

Image by Sergey Kargopolov

When it comes to breathtaking natural beauty, one place that has it all is Niagara Falls. When you are in Toronto, it is easy to arrange a day trip to go and see one of the world’s most famous and impressive waterfalls. By taking an excursion with a Toronto tour company, you can marvel at the beauty of the largest of the three falls, Horseshoe Falls. This is located on the border between Canada and the United States.

Speaking from experience, this is the ultimate activity if you want to escape from the city for a day and enjoy the great outdoors. Needless to say, there are lots of photo opportunities, and there is plenty to explore in the area. I would highly recommend walking through Queen Victoria Park, as this gives you a great view of all three of the falls.

Place to Stay in Toronto

Here are some of the accommodations I recommend after a long tour in Toronto:

The Ritz-Carlton Toronto

A luxurious hotel located in Toronto’s business district. It provides luxurious, roomy accommodations, a top-notch spa, and a fine dining restaurant with a cityscape outlook. This hotel is the ideal option for tourists looking for the height of luxury and convenience thanks to its exceptional service and attention to detail.

Shangri-La Hotel Toronto

This hotel boasts modern and luxurious rooms, a spa, and a restaurant serving Asian-inspired cuisine. It is located in the entertainment district of Toronto.

In addition to its prime location, the Shangri-La Hotel Toronto offers guests stunning views of the city skyline and Lake Ontario. The hotel’s elegant decor features a blend of contemporary and traditional elements, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including an indoor pool, fitness center, and 24-hour concierge service. Overall, the Shangri-La Hotel Toronto offers a luxurious and convenient stay for both business and leisure travelers.

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

A luxurious and opulent hotel located in Yorkville, Toronto’s upscale neighborhood. Guests can enjoy spacious and elegant rooms, a spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options, including Italian and Japanese cuisine. The hotel is renowned for its impeccable service and upscale amenities, making it a top choice for travelers seeking a luxurious experience in the heart of the city.

The Hazelton Hotel

Renowned for its outstanding design and opulent amenities. The stylishly designed rooms and suites offer visitors a relaxing and chic getaway with modern furnishings and luxurious finishes. The hotel’s spa provides a variety of treatments and services, while the on-site restaurant delivers delectable modern cuisine made with ingredients that are acquired locally. When looking for a luxurious and convenient hotel in one of Toronto’s most upscale areas, Yorkville’s Hazelton Hotel is the ideal choice.

The St. Regis Toronto

This hotel is a luxurious hotel that boasts elegant and well-appointed rooms, perfect for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Guests can indulge in a range of spa treatments and services, or savor classic Canadian cuisine at the on-site restaurant. The hotel’s prime location in the Financial District makes it ideal for business travelers, and it’s also within walking distance to popular tourist attractions such as the CN Tower and the Hockey Hall of Fame. Overall, The St. Regis Toronto is an excellent choice for those seeking a luxurious and convenient stay in the heart of the city.

Enjoy a Full and Diverse Vacation Experience

As you can see, there are many wonderful places to visit both in and around Toronto. The above is just a sample of the options available. No matter how long you are staying in Toronto, you will always find plenty to see, do, and explore.

Written by

Reno Charlton

Reno has been a professional writer since 2002 and is a published author as well as a content creator. She is passionate about traveling and exploring new places and cultures and loves creating content to share her experiences with fellow travelers around the globe.