Top Sights to See in Toronto 2020

Best sights to see when visiting Toronto

Since we are a Toronto-based bus tour company, it is fair to say ShortTrips.ca is well accustomed to the GTA and all that it has to offer. If you are visiting the area from out of town, here is where we believe are the best tourist spots to hit up before you go!

1. Bata Shoe Museum

Shoe lovers unite! Bata is the most renowned North American shoe museum with over
13, 000 artifacts. Explore history and pop culture through 4 different galleries and seasonal exhibitions. 

http://batashoemuseum.ca/

2. Casa Loma 

Built in 1914, Casa Loma is a beautiful example of Toronto's rich culture and history. Located in midtown Toronto, this castle was built by Sir Henry Pellatt and remains in its original condition as a heritage landmark. Tour the castle on your own or participate in their new escape games!
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http://casaloma.ca/ 

3. Aga Khan Museum 

This museum displays the intellectual contributions of Islamic, Iranian, and Muslim heritage with beautiful artistic and cultural exhibits. The Aga Khan Museum was opened in 2014 and was built by a prestigious architect to represent the beauty of open dialogue about religious expression in Toronto.

https://www.agakhanmuseum.org/

4. Ripley's Aquarium

Explore the realm of Canadian and international aquatic wildlife! With over 20,000 species and many different shows and activities, it is easy to spend an entire day at this Aquarium. This location also features the longest underwater viewing tunnel in North America for all your photo ops! 

https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/canada/

5. The Half House 

What a sight to see! This architectural feat is a result of tension between development workers and property owners that lead to the remarkable tearing down of half the house. Now it has become a popular photo destination for tourists from near and far. Read more about the history of the Half House here:

https://www.realtor.ca/blog/postpage/6283/1365/toronto%E2%80%99s-half-house-a-slice-of-unusual-architecture

6. Distillery District

This foot-traffic only zone is known for the prevalent 19th century buildings and architecture that remain from old whiskey distilleries. The streets are cobblestone and reminiscent of a small European village. This district features many trendy shops, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. 

https://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/

7. TIFF Bell Lightbox

This cultural hub in the downtown Toronto core is a destination for all things art, film, and culture. Encompassing 5 floors, this venue is a magnificent place to take in some thought provoking entertainment. You can see film's all year round, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to swing by during Toronto International Film Festival. 

https://www.tiff.net/calendar?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhZrbwqHQ5wIVjJyzCh27mwVlEAAYASAAEgLEMvD_BwE

8. What A Bagel 

With their first location opening in 1997, What A Bagel now has multiple locations across Toronto where you can enjoy bagels and other baked goods. What separates this bakery from the rest is their famous rainbow bagel that has been featured in many local news outlets. 

https://www.whatabagel.com/

9. The Monkey's Paw

This cute and indie store stocks special books, artifacts, and historical works. You'll also find the world's first vending machine for books. 

http://www.monkeyspaw.com/about/

10. Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

Featuring the largest collection of rare books and manuscripts in Canada. It is a part of the University of Toronto but is open to the general public for interaction and examination. They also hold special seasonal exhibits from time to time. 

https://fisher.library.utoronto.ca/