Visited in 2016
Toronto is Canada’s largest and most visited city, often referred to as the New York City of Canada. Set along the shores of Lake Ontario, it is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its iconic skyline, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class food scene.
- CN Tower
- Nathan Phillips Square
- Old and New City Hall
- Queen’s Park
- Center Island
CN Tower – Toronto’s most iconic landmark, the tower soars 553 m above the city’s skyline, offering breathtaking views of Lake Ontario and the surrounding region. Once the tallest freestanding structure in the world, the tower features observation decks, a revolving restaurant, and the thrilling Glass Floor, where visitors can look straight down from hundreds of meters above the ground.
You can also experience EdgeWalk, the CN Tower’s signature adrenaline rush, which invites brave visitors to walk hands-free along a 1.5-m-wide ledge encircling the tower at 356 metres above the ground. As the world’s highest full-circle, open-air walk, it offers unbeatable views and an unforgettable thrill.
Nathan Phillips Square – is Toronto’s central gathering place, located in front of City Hall. Known for its iconic TORONTO sign, reflecting pool, and modernist architecture, the square hosts year-round events, festivals, and public celebrations.
In summer, it’s a lively space to relax and people-watch, while in winter the pool transforms into a popular outdoor skating rink, making it a vibrant hub in every season.
Nathan Phillips Square, Old and New City Hall – Toronto’s Old City Hall and New City Hall sit side by side in the heart of downtown at Nathan Phillips Square, highlighting the city’s blend of history and modern design. Old City Hall, completed in 1899, is a Romanesque Revival landmark made of sandstone, known for its clock tower and ornate architectural details. In contrast, New City Hall, opened in 1965, is a striking example of modernist architecture, featuring two curved towers embracing a central council chamber. Together, they represent over a century of Toronto’s civic history and evolving skyline.
Toronto’s Old City Hall is no longer used for municipal government. Today, it primarily serves as a courthouse, housing the Ontario Court of Justice and other provincial court offices. Despite its new function, the building remains one of Toronto’s most important historic landmarks and is still open to the public, allowing visitors to admire its impressive Romanesque Revival architecture from the inside.
Queen’s Park – is an urban park located in downtown Toronto, just north of the city center. Opened in 1860 by Edward, Prince of Wales, the park was named in honour of Queen Victoria and has long been a symbol of Ontario’s political life. At its heart stands the Ontario Legislative Building, home to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, and the term Queen’s Park is commonly used as a metonym for the provincial government itself.
The park is almost entirely surrounded by the University of Toronto’s St. George campus, creating a unique blend of green space, academia, and government. In 1859, the university leased the land to the City of Toronto for an extraordinary 999-year term. A portion of the park was later designated in 1880 for the construction of Ontario’s legislative and departmental buildings. Today, the land beneath the Legislative Building is owned by the Government of Ontario, while the northern section remains owned by the University of Toronto and leased to the city, with additional provincial offices located nearby.
Centre Island – is the central and most popular of Toronto’s three main islands, located between Ward’s Island to the east and Hanlan’s Point to the west. Ferries run more frequently here than to the other islands, with a ride time of less than 15 minutes. The island is packed with attractions, including fountains, formal gardens, an amusement park, a long pier stretching into Lake Ontario, sandy beaches, and picnic areas. Food options are plentiful, with a variety of cafés, restaurants, and snack bars scattered across the island.
We visited Centre Island simply to enjoy a relaxed afternoon, taking a leisurely stroll through the lovely park and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere away from the city.
