Top 5 Must-See Attractions in Toronto

The Allan Garden Conservatory is home to rare tropical plants

As the most populous city in Canada and its most diverse, Toronto holds a special appeal for people who flock from all over the world to live there.

The casual visitor will feel the allure of the city in its many attractions. Here are 5 of the best:

1. High Park
   1873 Bloor Street W, Toronto

   In spring, be enthralled by the beauty of delicate cherry blossoms as you trek through one of High Park’s many trails. During the rest of the year, take in the picturesque views and enjoy the amenities found in this 398-acre nature reserve. There’s something for everyone including sports facilities, the High Park Nature Centre and Colborne Lodge, various gardens, playgrounds, and a zoo maintained by city staff and volunteers. One third of the park – which includes the eastern ravine, Grenandier Pond, and a rare savannah of towering black oaks – remains untouched.

2. St. Lawrence Market
   93 Front Street E, Toronto

   The site of Toronto’s first, permanent city hall, St. Lawrence Market is made up of three buildings:

   • South Market – The main level has 120 vendors selling fruits, vegetables, meat, grains, fish, dairy products, and dry goods. The second floor is an exhibition space for The City of Toronto’s Cultural Services known as the Market Theater.
   • St. Lawrence Hall– Built in 1850 as a meeting hall, this is now a venue for gatherings, concerts, and exhibitions. The Hall was designed by William Thomas in Revival Renaissance style as seen in the tall, Corinthian columns that gives the place a feeling of grandeur.
   • North Market– This area is famous for its weekly farmers’ market. The St. Lawrence Market is a foodie haven with vendors selling a wide array of fresh produce and an assortment of artisanal items.
3. Royal Ontario Museum
   100 Queens Park, Toronto

   Established in 1912, the Royal Ontario Museum is one of the largest museums in North America and one of the most visited in Canada. Over a million visitors a year flock to this museum which features over 40 galleries. It houses six million artifacts and artworks including dinosaur collections; meteorites; African and Asian art; and relics from Ancient Rome, Europe, and Canada’s historic past.

4. Art Gallery of Ontario
   317 Dundas St. W, Toronto

   Boasting over 90,000 works of art from all over the world, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest museums in North America. Guests can view both permanent exhibitions and special ones. The gallery has the largest collection of Canadian art, as well as works from the Renaissance, European art, African art, and contemporary art. Designed by world-renowned, Canadian-born architect Frank Gehry, the AGO continues to be a stop you cannot afford to miss.

5. Allan Garden Conservatory
   ‎Horticultural Avenue, Toronto

   Spanning 16, 000 square feet, this 100-year-old greenhouse is home to rare tropical plants from all over the world, including orchids, cycads, and palm trees. Seasonal shows feature a multitude of blooms. In February, for example, the conservatory highlights hyacinths, crocus, and other colorful plants. During Easter, the conservatory showcases lilies and hydrangeas.

Linda McEwan and Cheryl Thompson can help you find a home in this beautiful city. Call 416.960.9995 or email cthompson(at)sothebysrealty(dotted)ca to learn more about Toronto real estate listings.