Discovering Toronto’s Iconic Landmarks : CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, and Toronto Zoo (2024)

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is Nationally and Internationally renowned for its business, culture, and tourism possibilities. Also known as one of the most diverse cities in the world, Toronto invites travelers from around the world. Not just that, but it is also popular as one of the preferable cities to settle in. No matter for which purpose you are here, Toronto will also treat you with unique cultural experiences, iconic landmarks, and rich history. 

Toronto has so much to see and experience that even multiple visits to the city seem less. No matter whether you are coming back or are a first-time visitor, Toronto will never let you go out of options. However, for travelers who are in confusion the most iconic landmarks in Toronto are the CN Tower, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and the Toronto Zoo. These stunning tourist attractions make this city so special and enjoyable.

These three tourist landmarks in Toronto are praised for all good reasons. The CN Tower was recognized as the world’s tallest freestanding structure for 32 years (before Burj Khalifa). The Hockey Hall of Fame is a sports enthusiast’s dream and one of Canada’s most iconic museums. Simultaneously, the Toronto Zoo is home to more than 5000 animals from across the world. It is, in fact, the largest Zoo in Canada and one of the most diverse zoos in the world.

So, without any further ado, join us and discover why the CN Tower, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and the Toronto Zoo are Canada’s most iconic attractions. Let’s get started.

Discovering Toronto’s Iconic Landmarks: CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, and Toronto Zoo

A Visit to the Iconic CN Tower

The CN “Canadian National” Tower is the tallest freestanding building in Canada and among the tallest structures in the world. Towering 1815.2 feet high, the CN tower is a true engineering marvel that took 3 years and innovative engineering techniques to complete. Canadian architect John Andrews designed the tower, and his inspiration was the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

The CN Tower is one of the most popular landmarks in Toronto, Canada. Standing at the height of 553 meters, it is one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. The tower is a true engineering marvel, and a visit to Toronto would not be complete without experiencing the breathtaking views from its observation deck.

The CN Tower was built in 1976, and initially, it was a telecommunication tower. However, its’ height and unique design gave it a sudden popularity as a tourist attraction, and since then, there has been no looking behind it. CN Tower today is amongst Canada’s top-rated tourist attractions that welcome over 2 million tourists annually.

A visit to the CN tower allows individuals to take the elevator ride and enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view from the top. The two observation decks on the top of the tower offer views of up to 100 miles on a clear day. The panoramic city views and vistas of Lake Ontario from here are definitely to be seen. What adds to the thrill quotient is the glass floor on the observation deck from where visitors can look straight down. The experience is truly dynamic but surely not for faint hearts. However, CN Tower was designed and built keeping safety in mind. It can withstand strong winds that are common in the area and other natural occurrences.

The CN Tower features about 6 elevators which are also some of the fastest elevators in the world. These elevators can transport individuals to the top section of the tower in just 58 seconds. Apart from the astounding views of Toronto, the CN Tower is also popular for a range of other features. 

In addition to the observation deck, the CN Tower has several other attractions. Its award-winning 360 Restaurant offers fine dining at the height of 351 meters with an undisputed 360-degree view of the city. The restaurant serves Canadian cuisine along with an extensive wine menu. As the restaurant revolves once every 72 minutes, it allows guests to change their views. Another feature of the tower is the EdgeWalk. This 1.5-meter-wide ledge encircles the top of the tower’s main pod. It is, in fact, the highest full-circle hands-free walk. The experience is guided by trained individuals who safely encourage participants to walk around the entire circumference. The entire experience lasts 90 minutes and is open for participants of at least 13 years of age and 75- and 225-pound weight.

If that isn’t enough, visitors can learn about the tower’s engineering and construction process. Or visit its theatre and enjoy the informative short films. Overall, the CN Tower is a must-visit tourist attraction in Toronto, and this iconic building will blow your mind.

Operating Hours: 9 am to 9:30 pm (Monday through Sunday)

Entry Fee: $32 (Basic adult admission) + $12 (SkyPod). EdgeWalk is nearly $175.

Best Time to visit: Before 11 or 12 noon to avoid crowds. After 7 pm for a night sky view.

Important Tips:

• Buy your tickets well in advance to avoid the rush.
• Check the weather forecast before your visit to enjoy clear, unobstructed views.
• Dress appropriately since the temperature at the top of the tower will be comparatively low than that of the ground.
• Plan your visit with enough Time since the CN Tower has a lot of experiences to enjoy.
• Do not forget to bring your camera to capture the most exciting views of Toronto and its surroundings.

A Visit To The Hockey Hall Of Fame

Another iconic tourist destination in Toronto that you cannot miss is the Hockey Hall of Fame. This landmark is a must-visit for hockey fans and sports enthusiasts. The Hockey Hall of Fame is nestled in a beautiful historic building at the corner of Yonge and Front Streets. The building earlier housed the Bank of Montreal and is famous for its blend of neoclassical architecture and modern interior design.

The Hockey Hall of Fame is home to the finest collection of hockey artifacts in the world. Operating as a museum, it also houses the Stanley Cup, a world-renowned trophy. Its popularity can be estimated by the fact that lakhs of visitors from all across North America mark their presence here annually. The collection of exhibits, memorabilia, and a range of interactive displays keep the visitors engaged.

As you enter the Hockey Hall of Fame, a huge collection of hockey items that cover the history of sports will welcome you. It may include items from the beginning of the game to the ones of the modern era. The collection showcases how hockey equipment has evolved and how game tactics have changed over Time. The display also introduced visitors to the role of hockey and other sports in shaping the Canadian identity. Every single display here is well-designed and engaging, ensuring visitors are engaged till the end.

What draws visitors the most here is the Stanley Cup, the most coveted trophy in professional ice hockey. The history of this auspicious trophy spans over a century, and seeing it from close is a dream for many fans. The best part is that visitors can actually take a picture with the cup. In addition, the museum also has a large display of portraits of coaches, referees, and players. Besides that, the museum offers a 3D film experience where visitors can learn the physics of hockey. Or, participate in interactive exhibits like goaltending and shooting and test your speed and accuracy.

Going back, visitors can shop for jerseys, pucks, and other memorabilia of their favorite hockey player or team from the on-site gift shop. Overall, if you are a hardcore hockey fan or someone who just loves sport, never miss a chance to check out the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Operating Hours: 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Sunday

Entry Fee: $25.00 (14 to 64 years), $20.00 (65+), $15.00 (4 to 13 years).

Best Time to visit: Weekdays for less crowd.

Important Tips:

• Buy tickets online to avoid the physical queue.
• Wear comfortable shoes since exploring the Hockey Hall of Fame involves a lot of walking.
• Do not miss the interactive exhibits for a more immersive experience.
• Plan ahead of time, especially if you are keen on enjoying any special exhibits or events.
• For an informative experience, choose guided tours.
• Make sure to check the on-site gift shop before you leave.

A Visit to Toronto Zoo

The Toronto Zoo is the largest Zoo in Canada and one of the most popular and diverse in the world. Covering 709.19 acres, the Zoo was first opened on August 15, 1974. Initially, the Zoo began with housing a few animals, but with Time its collection increased, and it is today home to over 5000 animals from over 450 different species. The Toronto Zoo, due to its collection popularity and diversity, hosts more than 1.3 million visitors every single year. Not only Canadians but people from all across North America and different parts of the world visit here.

Attributed to its extensive collection, the Zoo is sectioned into seven different geographic regions. These regions include Africa, the Americas, Australasia, Indo-Malaya, Tundra Trek, Eurasia, and Wildlife Health Centre. Every region has its unique exhibits and experiences showcasing animals and plants from that area of the world. As the facility commits to animal conservation and education, it every day works into the motive.

A visit to Toronto Zoo is a day full of experience. As an estimate, visitors tend to spend 3 to 4 hours a day or even an entire day exploring the possibilities. Once here, you can enjoy a wide range of activities and exhibits. Either observe the majestic animals up close in their natural habitat or spend their day with each other. Or indulge in feeding experiences and interact with giraffes, lemurs, camels, and more.

One of the most iconic exhibits here is the Gorilla Rainforest. The troop of western lowland gorillas in their lush and natural habitat is a sight to be seen. Or check out the Great Barrier Reef exhibit. This vast aquarium is home to sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and more such aquatics. Visitors can actually walk through the aquarium tunnel for an exciting underwater experience.

Apart from animal experience, the Toronto Zoo also offers bird-watching and camel-ride activities. Visitors can also indulge in a range of educational events and programs. Everything from animal conservation to the Zoo’s role in preserving endangered species is talked about here. Or, join activities like zoo sleepovers, summer camps, and exciting wildlife photography workshops.

Lastly, the Zoo is also home to some in-house restaurants and cafes. It even boasts picnic areas where visitors can bring their own snacks or meal to enjoy. Or, visit the on-site gift shop and buy gifts and souvenirs. Overall, Toronto Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers, or even if you aren’t one, do check it out. A visit here is undoubtedly unique and valuable.

Operating Hours: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Sunday

Entry Fee: $31.99 (Adults 13 to 64), $27.99 (Adults 65+),  $22.99 (Children 3 to 12). The entry fee discounts during the non-peak season.

Best Time To Visit: During weekdays (for less crowd) and early morning (for less crowd and less heat).

Important Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes and a hat, and soak yourself well in sunscreen.
• Do carry a refillable water bottle along.
• Bring your own food, snack, or beverage to save money. However, there are food and drink vendors within the Zoo.
• Make sure you follow the rules and maintain a safe distance from the animals/ exhibits. Do not indulge in any activity that can provoke animals.
• For an exciting experience, check out the schedule for animal feedings, demonstrations, and talks.