mansion tour toronto

10 Must-Visit Historic Sites In Toronto

Who says a visit to Toronto can’t be teeming with history? While the historical sites found within Canada ’s biggest metropolitan centre may not be considered *old* to some, there is plenty to discover and experience – with an emphasis on experience. For a comparatively new city and country, Hogtown is full of culture. Discover 10 of Toronto’s must-visit sites for a blast from the past.

1. Fort York

Building, Distillery

2. The Distillery District

Distillery, Historical Landmark, Brewery

3. Steam Whistle Brewery

4. Black Creek Pioneer Village

Brewery, Market, Museum, Historical Landmark

This village offers a fun and immersive glimpse into the day in the life of people in 19th century rural Ontario. Actors play the parts of workers, families, and professionals as if it were still 1860, with period furniture, restored buildings, and costumes that will transport you back in time.

Special exhibits highlight historical moments, people, and movements in Canadian history that have impact and meaning today.

Be sure to visit the Black Creek Historic Brewery to try beer the way it was done in the early 19th century.

5. St. Lawrence Market

Building, Market

6. Maple Leaf Gardens

Maple leaf gardens.

It’s impossible to come to Toronto and not feel the passion the locals have for hockey. It isn’t called the hockey capital of the world for nothing. A lot of the greatest stories from Canadian sporting history hail from the good old times at Maple Leaf Gardens , the original home of the Maple Leafs.

Hockey greats such as Johnny Bower and Tim Horton played on that ice. It was also where the boys in blue won their last Stanley Cup in 1967. We’re still waiting on the next one.

The gardens also hosted the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Frank Sinatra.

It has recently been converted into a supermarket and sports facility, but it holds true to its famous past with commemorative plaques and antiques that keep the story of the Leafs alive and well.

Maple Leaf Gardens, 50 Carlton Street, Toronto, ON, Canada

The Black Bull | © dave johnson/Flickr

7. The Black Bull

Bar, American, Pub Grub

8. Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens

9. honest ed’s, honest ed’s.

Dazzling lights, enormous signage, and brazen print loudly begging the question, ‘How cheap can a guy get? Come in and find out!’ is just one of the many tricks this landmark discount has had up its sleeve since 1948.

Ed Mirvish moved from Washington D.C. to Toronto at a young age with barely any money to his name. He and his wife opened their store in 1948. Ed’s passion for showmanship led to countless publicity stunts that endeared him in the hearts of the locals. Every Christmas, in a tradition that holds up to present day, Honest Ed’s gives away 10,000 pounds worth of turkey.

Come down to Honest Ed’s for bargains before they close their doors for the final time. Unfortunately, this landmark will be shutting down on December 31, 2016.

Last call for a free turkey.

Honest Ed’s, 581 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, Canada , +1 416 537 2111

The Rogers Centre | © Allen McGregor/Flickr

10. The Rogers Centre

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