Located in the Canadian province of Ontario, Toronto is the kind of place that will reinforce your positive thoughts about Canada. Toronto is known for its modern structure, clean cities, and safe streets. As soon as you set foot in Canada, where the most tolerant people you can find in the Americas, you will relax and start enjoying the surroundings.
We can guarantee your visit to Toronto will be full of history. Here's our list of the best tourist attractions in Toronto to help you with that.
Toronto Attractions
1. Fort York
Where is
here? York's military might became even more important after Governor John
Graves Simcoe moved the state capital to York in 1796. The history of building
is full of a rather turbulent history. The buildings were destroyed during the
American occupation in 1812, then rebuilt and reused by the military during the
First and Second World Wars.
Today, the
eight-building fort structure serves as a delightful tourist destination,
offering a glimpse into Toronto's military history. This historic site is
located on 43 acres. Its location close to one of Toronto's busiest highways
has made it a more attractive spot.
The
historical site, which can be visited as a museum, includes an exhibition area
of 2900 square meters, an exhibition that takes visitors to the Battle of
York, a 480 square meter treasure designed to display light-sensitive sounds,
an orientation film, and an orientation theater.
Why should
I go? To get an idea of what life was like for Toronto soldiers and citizens
in the 19th century, we recommend adding this important building to your list
of Toronto historic sites.
Don't miss
out! York Castle is where we host various concerts and festival events today.
If you come across one of these activities during your visit to York, you can
collect unforgettable pleasant memories for your trip.
2. Elgin And Winter Garden Theater Center
Where is
here? This theater, which has a double-story structure, was founded on the idea
of a winter garden theme, as the name suggests. Inside the theater, built
in 1913, vegetation covers the walls from the ceiling down, making visitors
feel like they are in a fascinating garden adventure. The design of the theater
building was made by architect Thomas V. Lamb.
Contrary to
the custom, the theater has two stages stacked on top of each other. There is a
stage decorated in classic red and gold colors at the bottom, and a fairy-tale
scene decorated with plant murals and cages with an unusual idea at the top.
The rise in
the world of cinema in the 1920s, unfortunately, affected the theaters and the
hall was converted into a movie theater because there was no audience. These
developments caused the doors of the hall to be locked in 1928, and it remained
closed for 53 years.
Why should
I go? While you have the opportunity to learn the history of the theater thanks
to the guided tours, you can examine the theater in detail, which was decorated
far beyond its period inside.
3. Union Station
Where is
here? Union Station is one of the most beautiful Art Deco buildings in the
city, located right in the heart of Toronto. The main hall, with its arched
ceilings and dim lighting, is a very large section that will be admired by
anyone who sees it.
Although
the construction of the station started in 1914, the construction process
progressed very slowly due to the shortage of materials due to the First World
War in the same period. Union Station, which opened in August 1927, was
designated a national historic site in 1975 and is a crucial part of Toronto's
history and identity. More than 300,000 people use this station every day.
The station
was purchased in 2000 and is being refurbished frequently to make it a great
retail shopping, dining, and event venue for Toronto. Since the building is
undergoing renovation from time to time, it would be useful to get information
before your visit. You may not have the chance to see the magnificent view of
the station completely, as the pier was built when it was under renovation.
Why should
I go? Unity Station, which has had an important place in Toronto's history with
its services for many years, will continue to serve as a very special gathering
center for people in the future. You should see this historical building to see
its architecture and to have something to eat and have fun.
4. RC Harris Water Treatment Plant
Where is
here? The Water Treatment Center is truly a surprise spot for visitors. No one
would expect such an impressive Art Deco-style building for such a
"dirty" job as refining. The facility was completed and started to
serve in 1941. The facility has expanded over time and has reached a capacity
that can clean more than 950 million liters of water daily.
Why should
I go? Unless you are here during the “Doors Open Toronto” held at the end of
May, you cannot see the inside of the building. Outside of this activity, you
can take a walk outside and admire the exterior architecture of this
magnificent building.
5. Casa Loma
Where is
here? Casa Loma, one of Toronto's most magnificent architectural works, has
been called "a rich man's madness". The castle was built by Sir Henry
Pellat, a military officer and financier, in 1917 for 3.5 million dollars. He
had this house built as a gift to his wife. Sir Henry Pellat is famous for
helping bring hydroelectric power to Toronto.
This
magnificent castle, which draws attention with its Elizabethan chimneys,
armored towers, underground tunnels, and secret passages, was built under the
influence of 17th-century architecture. 1.5 million dollars was
spent on the furniture used. Other features of the castle include a marble
swimming pool, a library of 10,000 volumes, and 15 baths. The castle was so
luxurious that even the animals in the barn lived in supreme comfort.
Why should
I go? Known for its splendor, the 98-room Casa Loma is now considered a museum
used for weddings, film shoots, and various other events. You can get a digital
audio guide at the entrance and explore the castle and its gardens on your own.
6. Toronto's First Post Office
Where is
here? Firsts have always been important and "What are the historical sites
of Toronto?" Among the answers to the question is Toronto's first Post
Office building. Toronto's oldest surviving post office, historic St. It is
located right in the heart of the Lawrence area. The establishment of the post
office is based on bricks erected by York Post Director James Scott Howard in
1833.
Today, it
functions as a museum as well as a full-service post office. The Post Office is
currently operated by the York Historical Society. The museum describes the
early history of York Town and Toronto.
Why should
I go? This historic building in Toronto's York town is one of the lovely spots
to add to the Toronto historic list, as it offers a delightful glimpse into
Toronto's and York's past.
7. Gooderham Building
Where is
here? This narrow structure was designed in 1892 by architect David Roberts Jr.
and was built by the Gooderham family as an office building to operate the
distillery. The Flatiron Building continues to be used as an office by some
very valuable companies today. The building was the first of its kind in the
North American region of flat iron and was popularly referred to as the
"flat iron building".
Today,
Toronto's St. is Located in the Lawrence Market neighborhood, and on the edge
of the financial district, the National Historic Site contains some of the
city's most expensive and most valuable office spaces. The Flatiron Building is
one of them, and it is one of the most photographed places by visitors to the
city.
The
Gooderham Building was last sold for a whopping $15.3 million in 2011.
Currently one of the most expensive buildings in the city, the structure
remains one of Toronto's most iconic landmarks.
Why should
I go? What makes the Flatiron Building so valuable is that when standing in
front of the building's round east wall and looking west, one can see both the
impressive view of the building and some of the city's most impressive
skyscrapers. In short, you can see both the past and the future of Toronto at
the same time.
st.
Lawrence Market District, a unique setting at the intersection of two major
city streets, and proximity to Toronto's most important historical sites make
this a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
Don't miss
out! After seeing this red building, be sure to spend a few minutes looking at
the magnificent mural on its back wall. This mural was created in 1980 by
artist Derek Besant. The painting represents a mirror image of the building
across the street, and the trompe l'oeil effect is used to make the flat iron building
look like it has more windows than it does.
8. University of Toronto
Where is
here? Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is consistently recognized as
one of Toronto's oldest and most respected universities. The University of
Toronto, one of the most important institutions after secondary education, is
one of the important historical places where architectural elements from
different periods such as contemporary, Gothic, and Victorian can be seen
together.
In addition
to the impressive architectural structures, you should explore the bookshelves
in Robart Library, one of the leading examples of Brutalist architecture. You
should also be sure to explore the Thomas Fisher Rare Books Library, which has
700,000 volumes of exciting original material.
Why should
I go? For those who want to see a historical teaching building in the city,
this is among the places worth seeing.
9. Ontario Parliament
Where is
here? The name of the Ontario Legislature Building, commonly known as Queen's Park,
is used for the grassy public space surrounding the provincial parliament. This
green space in front of the parliament is one of the most popular gathering
places in the city, where various events are held, locals sit to sunbathe and
hot dog stalls are frequent, especially during the hot summer months.
In addition
to this public space, the building dating from the 1800s, which is a pink
granite and sandstone structure in the background, is a must-see for history
buffs. You can also have the chance to examine the interior architecture of the
building by participating in one of the 30-minute public tours that take place
throughout the day, offering a delightful glimpse into the building and its
fascinating history.
Why should
I go? It can be a good experience for you to watch the Ontario Legislature in
session. To have this experience, you can enter free of charge from the south
basement entrance. Afterward, you can relax and have a pleasant time in the
garden of the parliament.
10. Spadina Museum
Where is
here? Spadina House is a very high-class building for its time, built by
businessman James Austin in 1866. One of Toronto's ideal spots to visit,
especially during the summer months, Spadina House sits on six acres and is
famous for its Victorian and Edwardian gardens.
Spadina
Museum, which is a very entertaining place to have fun and fall in love with
its decoration, carries the traces of 4 generations. Although it was renovated
in 2010, the fact that you can still feel the historical texture on it shows
how successful the restoration work was.
Why should
I go? This historical museum is not to be missed, especially for visitors
interested in furniture, decoration, and gardening.
