Tourist in My Own City: Toronto Highlights & Lowlights

Written By Border Bloom

Toronto is a city that loves to show off and it honestly has every right to. From skyline views to sports crowds and artsy alleyways, the city offers a wide range of attractions for first-time visitors and returning travellers alike. However, not every experience hits the same and we are here to give you a realistic review of some of Toronto’s most popular attractions

CN Tower - Toronto’s Most Iconic Landmark 🗼
(a.k.a. The tallest structure in the Western Hemisphere)
As a Torontonian, seeing the CN Tower always feels like home. So naturally, it had to be on the list.

✨Highlights

  • 🌆 Best Views of Toronto: On a clear day, you can see the mighty mist from Niagara Falls, planes landing/taking off at Billy Bishop Airport and just how massive the city really is. The best time is during sunset or at nighttime to see the magic of our city lights.

  • 🫨Tilt Zone: This new installation allows you to lean over sloped glass panels (while holding onto safety bars) for a slightly terrifying but memorable view

  • 👣 Edge Walk: For adrenaline lovers with ~ $200 to spare, you can walk along the outside of the tower, harnessed at 356m above ground

  • 🥾 CN Tower Climb: During World Wildlife Canada (spring) and United Way (Fall) fundraisers, the tower opens it’s 1,776 stairs to the public to climb for a cause

  • 🍽️360 Restaurant: A mix between a steakhouse, seafood restaurant and wine bar highlighting various Canadian regional cuisines. You’ll also have a rotating view of the city while you eat. Minimum spend of $75/pp and $40 for children under 12 - you can order a la carte but they also do fixed menus

⚡Lowlights

  • Glass Floor View: You’re mostly looking down at the roof of Ripley’s Aquarium, not the street below. But it’s still fun if you want to face your fear of heights

  • “Outdoor Terrace”: Spoiler alert - its not actually outside, just simulated wind. Useful for fresh air when it’s crowded but not visually exciting

  • Skypod: For $10 extra dollars, you can be transported 101m above the main observatory to see the same view but in a cramped space - don’t do it!

    Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 (4.5/5)
    The CN Tower offer diverse ways to interact with both the landmark itself and the city, whether your visiting for the first time or rediscovering it as a local



    Toronto Blue Jays Game at Rogers Centre ⚾
    Going to a Jays Game is one of the most quintessential Toronto experiences you will enjoy, even if you don’t love baseball

✨Highlights

  • 🌞Good Weather: Rogers Centre has a retractable roof so on a good day, you will have a front row seat to the best view of the CN Tower no matter where you are in the stadium

  • 🧢Game Exposure: You’ll learn a lot about baseball by just watching (whether you agree with the Umpire or not is a totally different situation)

  • 🫱🏽‍🫲🏾Deals & Giveaways: During select days you can experience $1 hot dogs, free jerseys, raffles and post-win restaurant promotions

  • 👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 Family & Group Friendly: Not only are there social zones with bars/lounges but there are also play areas for kids who don’t want to sit through all 9 innings (and why would they)

⚡Lowlights

  • Very Loud: Bring noise-canceling earbuds if you are sound-sensitive

  • Overpriced food: a universal sports stadium experience

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 (4.5/5)
Going to a Jays game isn’t just about city-wide pride and crowd energy - it also about being apart of sports history!


Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
(Because the Toronto Zoo just doesn’t cut it anymore)

✨Highlights

  • 🦈Shark Tunnel: a walk-through tunnel with sharks swimming above you - yes it’s as cool as it sounds

  • ✋🏽Stingray Touch Pool: located at the end of the experience; staff provide direction on petting stingrays the safest way, by holding your hand steady in the water

  • Family Friendly: Tons of interactive stations for kids; expect to spend about 1.5hrs

  • 🎤Animal Talks: Staff-led feeding sessions and educational talks throughout the day

  • 🪩Sharks After Dark: On select evenings, they host a 19+ event from 7PM - 11PM with themed cocktails, appetizers, live entertainment and DJs; great for an date night or group outing - cost $60

⚡Lowlights

  • No changing exhibits: There’s nine galleries and once you’ve been, there’s little reason to return

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Easily the best animal attraction in the city and a must-see at least once


Distillery District
Known for having the largest collection of Victorian Industrial architecture in North America, making it a popular filming location (for movies like X-Men & Chicago)

✨Highlights

  • ❄️Winter Village (Nov - Jan): Toronto’s original Christmas market featuring Mr & Mrs. Clause, carolers and festive programming '

  • ➡️Audience Shift: Family friendly during Winter Village but more adult-oriented (ie. brewery tours, patios) for the rest of the year (With the exception of winter, it is free to enter for the rest of the year)

⚡Lowlights

  • 💲Entrance fees during Winter Village: Free admission before 4PM, afterwards tickets cost $19 (and must be purchased online).

  • ☔Weather- Dependent: Mostly outdoors which can be unpleasant in bad weather

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 (3.5/5)
Can be a hit or miss depending on season and your expectations. It’s not essential enough to top your Toronto itinerary but if you have time to spare, especially during Winter Village, it is worth a stroll.

Border Bloom