Toronto
The Excitorama Guide

Toronto

1373 experiences · restaurants, nightlife, attractions, activities & more

Welcome to Toronto

Toronto is a dazzling, world-class metropolis where a soaring skyline meets a patchwork of vibrant, multicultural neighborhoods. It is the ultimate urban playground, offering a high-energy mix of global cuisine, electric nightlife, and breathtaking waterfront views that will leave you breathless.

A Brief History

Originally settled by Indigenous peoples including the Huron-Wendat and Mississaugas, Toronto evolved from the 1793 British settlement of York into a global commercial titan. After overcoming the War of 1812 and the Great Fire of 1904, the city experienced a massive mid-century population boom that cemented its status as Canada's most diverse hub. Today, it stands as a shining example of modern urbanism, blending rich Victorian heritage with futuristic architecture.

Quick Facts

  • Population: Approximately 2.8 million within the city and nearly 6 million in the Greater Toronto Area
  • Founded Year: 1793 as the Town of York, incorporated as Toronto in 1834
  • Region: Southern Ontario, situated on the northwest shore of Lake Ontario
  • Nickname: The 6ix, Queen City, and T-Dot
  • What it's known for: The iconic CN Tower, its massive international film festival, and being the most multicultural city on the planet
  • Official Motto: Diversity Our Strength

What Makes Toronto Exciting

The city pulses with an unstoppable energy, from the roar of the crowd at a Raptors game to the avant-garde fashion scenes of Queen Street West. Every corner offers a new thrill, whether you are dangling off the edge of a skyscraper or exploring secret underground tunnels in the heart of the financial district!

City Highlights

The experiences that define Toronto

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CN Tower

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The Distillery District

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Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

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Toronto Islands

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St. Lawrence Market

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Casa Loma

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Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

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Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

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Did You Know?

Surprising facts about Toronto

1

The PATH is the world's largest underground shopping complex, spanning over 30 kilometers of walkways and shops.

2

Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run at Hanlan's Point Stadium on the Toronto Islands in 1914.

3

There are over 180 different languages and dialects spoken within the city limits, making it a true global mosaic.

4

Toronto's ravine system is the largest of any city in the world, covering about 17 percent of its total land area.

5

Casa Loma features an 800-foot tunnel and secret passages that were once used for top-secret sonar research during WWII.

6

Toronto was the first city in the world to have a computerized traffic control system, installed in 1963.

Top 10 Things To Do in Toronto

1

Brave the CN Tower EdgeWalk

Test your limits by walking hands-free on a 1.5-meter wide ledge encircling the top of the tower's main pod, 116 stories above the ground.

2

Feast at St. Lawrence Market

Indulge in the world-famous peameal bacon sandwich and explore hundreds of vendors in a historic building ranked as the world's best food market.

3

Explore the Distillery District

Wander through the beautifully preserved Victorian industrial architecture, now filled with indie boutiques, art galleries, and award-winning restaurants.

4

Escape to the Toronto Islands

Take a scenic ferry ride across the harbor to enjoy sandy beaches, bike rentals, and a charming 19th-century amusement park.

5

Wander through Kensington Market

Immerse yourself in a bohemian paradise of vintage shops, eclectic cafes, and street food from every imaginable corner of the globe.

6

Touch the Stanley Cup

Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame to explore the sport's greatest treasures and test your skills in interactive goaltending and shooting games.

7

Hunt for Street Art in Graffiti Alley

Snap the perfect Instagram photo in this kilometer-long stretch of stunning, ever-changing legal street art and murals.

8

Go Underwater at Ripley's Aquarium

Experience a massive moving sidewalk through a shark-filled tunnel and marvel at the glowing 'Planet Jellies' exhibit.

9

Tour a Real Castle at Casa Loma

Explore secret passages, grand ballrooms, and stunning gardens in this early 20th-century Gothic Revival mansion perched on a hill.

10

Catch the Lights at Yonge-Dundas Square

Experience the neon-soaked energy of 'Canada's Times Square,' a hub for free concerts, festivals, and high-energy people watching.

Hidden Gems of Toronto

Local secrets and undiscovered favourites

Popular Areas in Toronto 📍

Explore Toronto by neighbourhood — from nightlife districts to waterfront communities