Attractions in Downtown (Toronto)

Old City Hall

Opened in 1899 as chief meeting place for Toronto politicians, this Romanesque Revival structure was built by the same man who conceived Casa Loma. The beautiful gray and brownstone exterior has the faces of many of the city's former politicians etched near the roof line. A large stained glass window inside the marble interior represents the late Victorian ideas of progress and pride. And, at the time it was built, its clock tower was one of the highest in the world. Today, the historic structure is used as a Provincial Court Office while also hosting civic weddings.

Ontario Legislative Building

As the capital of Ontario, Toronto is home to the provincial legislative assembly. Completed in 1892, the majestic Richardsonian Romanesque Legislative Buildings in Queen's Park have served as a meeting place for the Ontario government ever since. You can take a free guided tour viewing the exhibits on the history of parliament, stroll through the buildings and grounds and when the legislature is in session, you can watch the proceedings from the public galleries with a guest pass from the information desk.

CN Tower

At 553.3 meters, this is one of  the world's tallest building. Since its spectacular opening in 1976, the CN Tower has hosted close to two million visitors a year. One of the most exciting ways to see the world is from the exterior, glass-floored observation deck, located 342 meters above the ground. Or you can go up to the Space Deck at 447 meters, the world's tallest observation deck with a 160-kilometer view. The revolving 360 Restaurant  and Horizons Bar complete the dizzying picture.

University of Toronto

Founded in 1827 and now home to over 53,000 students, this is Canada's largest and arguably most famous university. Some of the more interesting sites to visit are the main room of the University of Toronto Bookstore, the chapel and the dining hall at Trinity College, the great rooms on the second floor of the University College, Hart House and its art gallery, and the Sydney Fisher Rare Book Library. The university offers daily tours during the summer, starting at Hart House. The campus is right in the heart of the downtown core.

Church Street

Perhaps the most notable feature of this street is the number of gays and lesbians who feel comfortable making it their home away from home. From "the Steps" of Second Cup, where you can find people sitting during the summer, to such gay-friendly establishments as This Ain't the Rosedale Library, and Woody's, the street is a magnet for TO's gay community. Whether you are part of that culture or not, you will be sure to enjoy the varied shops and restaurants along this street, as well as the National Ballet and Buddies In Bad Times Theatre.

Black Creek Pioneer Village

If you want to know what it was like to live in the pioneer era, check out Black Creek Pioneer Village, located in the northwest part of the city near the York University campus. It has over 35 precisely restored 1860s stores and homes, as well as attentive costumed staff. Hop on a horse-drawn wagon, visit the doctor, school or chat with the blacksmith and cabinet-maker about their work. If you feel hungry, there's the Half Way House Restaurant for country fare.

Nathan Phillips Square

Named after the late Nathan Phillips, Toronto's "Mayor to all the people," this architectural delight is located at the foot of City Hall. It is the focal point for many events throughout the year, including the First Night Toronto festival every New Year's Eve. During the summer it is home to many outdoor entertainers and live bands. From November 15-March 15 (weather permitting) the reflecting pool becomes an outdoor skating rink. Skate rentals and refreshments are available. For event information call the City of Toronto Parks and Recreation Department.

St. Michael's Cathedral

With its traditional Neo-Gothic style, exquisite stained glass windows and impressive steeples and spires, this Catholic cathedral resonates as one of Toronto's architectural and spiritual landmarks. St. Michael's Cathedral is also well-known for its choirs, junior and senior, which perform at various services on Sunday morning. Extremely active in the community, the church has a strong Catholic Women's League and opens its doors for weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Flatiron Building

At Yonge and Wellington, between Scott and Church, is an historic triangle of bricks and mortar known locally as the Flatiron Building. In an earlier life, this was the Gooderham Building and home to the corporate offices of the Gooderham and Worts Distillery empire. A mirror image mural of the Perkins Building located across the street, painted by renowned Canadian artist Derek Besant, adds color to an already remarkable structure. The pub in the basement is a popular haunt, and features a massive outdoor patio that overlooks one of the richest architectural areas of the city. Today this building is home to Gilbert's LLP, lawyers and patent & Trademark Agents.

College Street

Running from the West End to the Downtown core, College street is a focal point of many places of business and entertainment within the city. Like the confluence of two major rivers, College runs into Dundas just past Lansdowne Ave in the Parkdale region of the West End and begins at the College subway station at Yonge. East of Yonge, College becomes Carlton Street. At Spadina it bisects Toronto's Chinatown District and, just west of Bathurst, becomes Little Italy, where you'll find dozens of bars and restaurants.

The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Building

Completed in 1931, this building is the Grande Dame of Toronto's banking institutions. Designed by New York architects York and Sawyer, the 34-storied edifice casts a shadow of grandeur over the much larger structures that now dominate the city's Financial District. Located two blocks west of Yonge Street, this Romanesque building lends a sense of security to all who enter. The ground floor, with its banking rooms and grand lobbies, is decorated with wrought-iron detail and gilded moldings that offer a sense of part revenue and part reverence.

Yonge Street

Not only does this street designate Toronto's east-west split, it is also the city's longest thoroughfare. In fact, Yonge is known as the world's longest street, stretching from Lake Ontario to the town of Rainy River, more than 1900 kilometers away. Originally used as a trail by the Hurons, the road became an official passage in the 1790s. Today, it is a burgeoning commercial district and a beehive of activity, especially in the section between Front and Lawrence. One of Toronto's three subway lines operates along this route.