We often take many things for granted, not realizing their true importance until we can no longer do without them. Among these overlooked essentials is footwear, a vital item in our lives. However, imagine a place solely dedicated to the appreciation of shoes!

One of the most captivating museums you'll ever encounter is the Bata Shoe Museum, established in 1940 by the enthusiastic shoe collector Sonja Bata. If the name rings a bell, you guessed it right—she is associated with the renowned shoe-making empire. Nevertheless, this museum boasts an independent collection of footwear, with only a few Bata pieces on display.

What initially began as a delightful hobby has transformed into one of the most captivating museums in the city. The Bata Shoe Museum houses the world's largest assortment of shoes and related artifacts. In addition to its meticulously curated exhibits, the museum hosts enlightening lectures, engaging talks, and captivating performances.

Moreover, the museum actively pursues research programs delving into the anthropological aspects of footwear, tracing its evolution over thousands of years. With their profound understanding, the museum proudly showcases over 12,000 footwear artifacts from all corners of the world, spanning an impressive timeframe of 4,500 years. The museum's architectural brilliance is also a highlight, as the building takes the form of a shoebox, perfectly fitting for the treasures it holds.

The Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto offers a captivating blend of ancient wonders and cultural treasures, making it a must-visit destination. Whether your interests lie in dinosaurs, meteorology, historical artifacts, famous paintings, or hands-on exhibits, this museum has something for everyone. Delving into the past, whether it be through historical, archaeological, or scientific lenses, is a rewarding experience at the Royal Ontario Museum.

Drawing in over a million visitors annually, the Royal Ontario Museum is a top priority for any tourist exploring Toronto. Its vast collection of over six million artifacts spans ancient history, art, meteorology, science, anthropology, archaeology, and paleontology, leaving no mystery behind its renowned reputation.

Notably, the museum proudly houses the world's most esteemed fossil field, the Burgess Shale, with the largest collection of fossils. Since its establishment in 1912, the museum has maintained a close affiliation with the University of Toronto. However, it was not until 1968 that the Royal Museum became an independent and separate institution.

The architecture of the museum also deserves special recognition. It showcases a harmonious blend of various architectural styles and designs, encompassing Neo-Romanesque, Byzantine, and strikingly modern and contemporary elements. The Royal Ontario Museum is not only a visual delight but also sparks imagination and satisfies curiosity, providing a feast for the senses.

Why You Should Visit:
Royal and relevant; not only are the exhibits great and diverse too – the architecture alone is also an attraction.
Has over 40 galleries, a fantastic kids' area on the 2nd floor, a nice souvenir shop & more.

Tip:
There are special events held often, and on certain Friday nights, the museum will become party central with an organized social, bar, and opportunity to mingle among the artifacts.
Plan on being at the museum for about one hour per exhibit/collection and note that some special exhibitions may have an additional charge.
The c5 Restaurant Lounge, located at the top of the Crystal, offers views of Liza's Garden, a sustainable garden installed on the museum rooftop, as well as the Toronto skyline, and there are also other fine dining/coffee spots inside or close by.

The envy of Cabbagetown, Amelia Street is a tree-lined oasis, long known for its insouciant, subtle, yet enchanting atmosphere produced by the historic architecture. The latter represents an eclectic display of well-preserved vintage housing, ranging from quaint worker’s cottages to the largest in North America collection of stately Victorian and Gothic Revival residences, making up a defining element of the Cabbagetown Metacalfe Heritage Conservation District, of which Amelia Street is an integral part.

The rows of Victorian homes found on this street are complemented by the mature canopy of trees. Together with the overall combination of styles, materials and ad-ons, this creates a rather intimate streetscape.

Amelia Street is also home to Cabbagetown's prized restaurant F'Amelia! Remarkably, this is one of the best Italian restaurants in Toronto, albeit located outside Little Italy. Housed in a cozy abode turned restaurant, F’Amelia specializes in Northern Italian cuisine. If you make here for dinner, try their gnocchi, the deliciousness fit to melt in your mouth! Otherwise, consider risotto, ravioli or pizza from the wood-fired oven to please your taste buds or those of your family members, including kids. However, if you're more into wine and snacks, check out the sibling Extended F'Amelia right next-door.

Nestled in the heart of Toronto's Distillery District, Blackbird Vintage Finds is an eclectic, uniquely curated gift shop featuring an impressive assortment of vintage trophies, forgotten signage, books, accessories, jewelry, house wares and plenty of other similar stuff that make gift giving rather simple. In fact, it is somewhat difficult to classify precisely what kind of a store Blackbird Vintage really is — not exactly a furniture store, nor an antique or curio shop, but rather all wrapped into one.

Here, you can find anything, from 1940s globes to replica turn-of-the-century toothbrushes to books by Edgar Allan Poe, plus a wide range of furniture, scientific instruments, pharmacy bottles, old kitchen scales, railway silver, century-old typewriters, objets d'arts, small paintings, restaurant ware, a fabulous selection of heavenly scented candles, deluxe beauty products, quirky cards, chemistry beakers, 20th-century apothecary jars and taxidermy animals, and many other magical, unique and unusual items from the bygone eras. All these antique and nostalgic goods are displayed in old general store and medical cabinets, representing a veritable feast for the senses.

The owner, Paula DiRenzo, closed her previous store at Avenue Road, while hoping to open something special. And she did exactly that by starting the Blackbird Vintage Finds once her beloved Building 57, featuring a rectangular room with worn brick walls and an impressively high ceiling, became available in January 2011. When asked as to what the focus of Blackbird Vintage is, DiRenzo explained that she wanted to sell things that aid in keeping people’s memories. Simple as that.

The collection changes often, so hurry to check things out while they last.

The Distillery District in Toronto is an enchanting area that combines history and entertainment. Situated east of Downtown Toronto, this district has a rich industrial past. It was once the largest industrial zone in Toronto but saw a decline in the distilling industry, leading to its transformation into a bustling shopping and entertainment destination. Spanning over 13 acres (53,000 square meters), the district boasts more than 40 beautifully preserved heritage buildings and 10 charming streets, making it the largest collection of Victorian-era industrial architecture in North America.

A distinguishing feature of the Distillery District is its traditional brick-paved streets and lanes, which are exclusively reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. Vehicle traffic is restricted to the streets and parking areas outside the district's historic center, ensuring a tranquil and pedestrian-friendly environment. Adding to its charm, the lanes are adorned with several captivating sculptures, with three located on Distillery Lane and the final one at the parking area towards the end of Trinity Street. One of the prominent landmarks in the area is the chimney stack atop the Boiler House complex.

Visitors to the Distillery District can find both informal and formal public spaces to relax, socialize, and enjoy the unique ambiance. Pedestrianized streets offer inviting chairs and tables where people can gather and unwind. Additionally, various coffee houses and restaurants feature formal patios, providing an ideal setting for a delightful dining experience. This well-designed district not only attracts pedestrian traffic but also encourages visitors to spend quality time in its inviting spaces.

Why You Should Visit:
The old buildings in combination with art stores & galleries, eateries, craft breweries, and occasional live performances make a stroll worthwhile if you have spare time.

Tip:
They run a Christmas market in the District and it's quite fun and well-decorated. The whole area is closed off with entrances and you can walk about looking, eating, drinking, and shopping all you like.

Standing elegantly close to the Saint Lawrence Market is a building fit to put any other structure in the vicinity to shame. Such is the grandeur and immense presence of the Saint Lawrence Hall. This spectacular building took shape in the mid-19th century and was the work of the renowned Anglo-Canadian architect, William Thomas. Thomas first moved to Canada with his wife and 10 children in 1837 to escape economic hardship in his native England. Thomas's career took off no sooner than he set foot in Toronto and he is now considered to be one of the most gifted architects of his time.

The Saint Lawrence Hall is believed to be one of William Thomas’s best works. Designed in Renaissance Revival style, this colossal building has a fantastic facade that complements its width. An interesting feature is the typical Roman temple that takes center stage atop this building.

The overall breathtaking view of the edifice makes it seemingly unlikely that any single element thereof can enchant you more. Still, the interiors of Saint Lawrence manage to achieve exactly that, displaying elegance, sophistication and opulence. No wonder, the Hall has been the epitome of Toronto’s artistic society.

Established in 1803, Saint Lawrence Market is the nerve centre of Toronto's commercial activity. Located in the former industrial area (between Jarvis, Front, King, and Church streets), this is the city's largest and perhaps most famous market. The bulk of its crowd are locals doing regular grocery shopping or simply popping in for a cup of coffee or chit-chat with neighbors. Tourists are also seen here rather often, lured by the bustling atmosphere and tasty foods.

Undoubtedly, food is the main draw at Saint Lawrence. Here, you can find everything: from beef to kangaroo meat, plus hundreds of kinds of cheeses, gourmet dog treats, local wines, French baked goods, Greek olive oil, and even New Zealand honey. There is also plenty of prepared food, such as the famous peameal bacon sandwich, that you can eat right on site.

The South Market section houses daily sales of fresh produce, dairy, and meats. Freshly-baked goods are also available here all day, much as some non-food items. There is a number of artisan shops selling jewelry and other crafts. Also, the Market Gallery, on the second floor, has an area for cultural events.

The North Market section traditionally houses a Saturday farmer’s market (featuring producers from southern Ontario) and a Sunday antiques sale. Both ventures start at 5 o'clock in the morning and run until 5 o'clock in the evening.

From an architectural standpoint, Saint Lawrence is just as attractive. Its massive main brick building, with a cast-iron ceiling inspired by London’s Saint Pancras train station, was constructed in 1902. Part of the Old City Hall, which dates from 1845, was incorporated into the building, and you can still see part of the original jail on the lower level of the market.

Situated in Toronto, the Hockey Hall of Fame serves as a museum dedicated to preserving the rich history of ice hockey. Its establishment in 1943 owes much to the unwavering dedication of James Thomas Sutherland, a revered figure in the sport, known affectionately as the "Father of Hockey."

Encompassing an expansive area spanning 57,000 square feet, this venue is thoughtfully divided into 15 distinct sections. Each section showcases the remarkable achievements and honors earned by both NHL teams and international counterparts, along with the celebrated players who graced the ice. Within these exhibits, visitors can marvel at prestigious cups, trophies, cherished memorabilia, as well as the iconic equipment and jerseys worn by renowned hockey personalities.

The inclusion of interactive displays adds an element of excitement, allowing visitors to test their skills by facing real pucks as goaltenders—a particular favorite among children. Additionally, the on-site shop offers an excellent selection of team apparel for enthusiastic fans.

The Hockey Hall of Fame finds its home in a former Bank of Montreal office building, a captivating attraction in its own right. Once Canada's largest bank branch, this architectural masterpiece dates back to 1885 and showcases the exquisite Beaux-Arts style. Its facades are adorned with ornate stonework, a testament to an era when projecting an image of prosperity and security was paramount. Renowned as one of the city's most remarkable bank structures ever constructed, it exudes a sense of opulence and grandeur.

Tip:
For a few extra bucks, you can get a photo taken with the Stanley Cup – three printed copies and one digital.

Toronto caters to any visitor's idea of the "best shopping day ever" as its shopping destinations are perfectly compatible with all budgets, however diverse. Still, no shopping experience in Toronto is complete without visiting the Eaton Centre.

Quite literally "shop-till-you-drop", this Downtown location – anchored between Queen, Dundas, and Yonge streets – is the largest shopping mall in Eastern Canada. The colossal – 160,000 square meters – shopping complex contains more than 230 retail outlets, restaurants, and services under one roof and has definitely something for everyone.

The place is named for Timothy Eaton, owner of a dry goods store on Yonge Street, who in the 19th century revolutionized retailing in Canada. By the 20th century, Eaton's chain of department stores was the largest in the country and owned most of the land in the neighbourhood.

In the mid-1960s, the chain announced plans to build a massive shopping mall that would occupy several city blocks. This implied the demolition of the Old City Hall and the Church of the Holy Trinity. Although the plans were eventually revised, to make way for the new complex, several streets ultimately disappeared from the city street grid.

The Eaton Centre's first phase opened in 1977, featuring ultra-modern, for that time, exterior design as a token of dominance and aspirations. Originally marketed as "Eaton Centre", the complex was renamed "Toronto Eaton Centre" in the early 1990s to disambiguate from other Eaton Centres spawned across Canada.

Today, apart from the high-end boutiques and exclusive stores, inside this premier shopping venue you will find popular universal brands and even bargain marts. With a massive visitor count of over one million a year, the Toronto Eaton Centre has become a regular entry on every tourist’s list.

Yonge-Dundas Square is an unparalleled destination that embodies the essence of Toronto. It was conceived in 1997 as part of an initiative to revitalize the bustling intersection of Yonge and Dundas streets Downtown. Although not a traditional square, this vibrant space forms an irregular pentagon, encompassed by Dundas Street East to the north, Victoria Street to the east, Yonge Street to the west, and Dundas Square to the south.

Designed with careful intention, this so-called square features a gentle incline that enhances its theatrical ambiance. Since its completion in 2002, Yonge-Dundas Square has become the beating heart of Toronto's cultural scene, serving as a focal point within the Yonge entertainment and shopping district, and radiating with perpetual liveliness.

Illuminated by colossal billboard screens and adorned with corporate logos, the square often draws comparisons to the iconic Times Square in New York City, the vibrant Shibuya district in Tokyo, and the renowned Piccadilly Circus in London. To manage the tremendous influx of pedestrians, surpassing an astounding 100,000 per day, a pedestrian scramble was introduced in 2008, making it the first of its kind in the city.

Encompassing the square, one can find notable landmarks such as the Toronto Eaton Centre, Ed Mirvish Theatre, and the Citytv building. The centerpiece of Yonge-Dundas Square is an enchanting array of fountains: two rows of ten fountains gracefully dispersed along the main walkway, inviting visitors to pass through or around them.

This public square serves as a unifying space, bringing together individuals from all walks of life. It stands as a prominent emblem of Toronto, regularly hosting public events, celebrations, performances, and captivating art displays.

In the heart of downtown Toronto is one of most unique museums you can ever encounter, the Museum of Textiles. With a plethora of colors, designs and texture, the Museum of Textiles manages to display the mundane and regular in the most vibrant and lively manner there is.

The Museum boasts a vast collection of over 12000 objects to display from over 200 countries and regions from across the globe. Initiated in 1975, the Museum of Textiles has come a long way since its inception. What started off as a modest venture comprising a room full of carpets and other textile displays, has now become one of the world’s most reputed textile museums. Earning popularity on the international circuit, helped move the collection to a more suitable place and since 1989, the Museum of Textile is displayed at 55 Center Avenue.

Displaying textile art in the most engaging manner is what the Museum is most known for.

The exhibits include textiles like carpets, ceremonial garments and clothing, quilts, fabric and other historical artifacts. The exhibits collected at the Museum date back to over 2000 years and are also updated with contemporary and recent exhibits that feature recent technology in the textile world.

Toronto's Chinatown, also referred to as Downtown Chinatown or West Chinatown, stands as one of the largest enclaves of Chinese culture in North America. Situated at the crossroads of Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street West, this neighborhood emerged from a modest Chinese community in the 1950s-1960s, nestled within what was primarily a Jewish district at the time.

Initially, the area was predominantly inhabited by individuals from southern China and Hong Kong. However, following Hong Kong's transfer to the People's Republic of China in the late 1990s, there has been a significant influx of migrants from mainland China. In recent years, Chinatown has adapted to changing demographics and gentrification, largely influenced by the growing interest of urban professionals and young individuals working in the Financial District.

While several renowned restaurants and barbecue shops on Dundas Street West have closed as a result, the majority of grocery stores have endured. Notable Chinese malls like Dragon City and Chinatown Centre continue to thrive. Alongside these Chinese establishments, visitors will also discover a diverse array of shops and restaurants representing other East Asian cultures, including Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese.

Nevertheless, amidst these transformations, a few longstanding establishments have withstood the test of time since before the neighborhood acquired its Chinatown status. One such example is the El Mocambo live music venue, which opened its doors in the 1940s. Other enduring attractions include vibrant open-air markets and shops along Spadina Avenue, where one can find fresh fruits, vegetables, herbal medicine, and souvenirs.

Chinese New Year festivities, featuring live stage performances, martial arts demonstrations, and lion dances, constitute yet another local highlight that captivates both tourists and residents alike. The abundance of Chinese signage grants this enchanting neighborhood a captivating atmosphere, particularly during a leisurely stroll.

Furthermore, its appeal is heightened, especially late at night, by the wide range of affordable eateries offering diverse menus, spanning from dim sum to pho to modern fusion. For those seeking unique gifts to bring home, Chinatown offers a broad selection at more affordable prices compared to the city center and other locales.

What to buy here: Soap from Kensington Market's Blue Banana.

This store is famous for its unique gifts such as locally made pottery, artwork and sculptures. Over 200 artists, jewellers and craftsmen fill the store with funky pieces, and the shop is located in one of Toronto’s coolest neighbourhoods – Kensington Market, one of Toronto’s most fabulous shopping districts. Find everything from home decor to retro fashion in the unique boutiques lining Kensington Avenue. Don’t miss The Grilled Cheese right around the corner for an authentic taste of the neighbourhood, not to mention the best grilled cheese sandwich you will ever have! This area of Toronto is a must-see on any solid city itinerary. But it’s the handmade, organic soaps at Blue Banana that are produced locally in Toronto that keep the locals coming back. They smell fantastic and make a great souvenir gift for anyone. An added bonus is that they will sweeten the smell of your suitcase on the way home! The Mistral soaps come in a variety of yummy scents like lavender and prices start at $4.95.

Casa Loma, which translates to "Hill House" in Spanish (although not entirely accurate), is a remarkable mansion and garden located in midtown Toronto. Built between 1911 and 1914, this Gothic Revival castle-style residence was commissioned by financier Sir Henry Pellatt and designed by the renowned architect E. J. Lennox, who was responsible for creating various notable landmarks throughout the city. Situated at an elevation of 140 meters (460 feet) above sea level, Casa Loma proudly stands 66 meters (217 feet) above Lake Ontario.

The structure itself is a captivating representation of the Edwardian era. Within the castle's walls, visitors can delight in the opulence of its exquisite furnishings, lavishly adorned rooms, elegant bathrooms, concealed passageways, and a splendid garden embellished with sculptures and fountains. Sir Henry enlisted the talents of skilled artisans from Europe to craft much of the furniture and other distinctive features found within the mansion. Spanning across five acres, Casa Loma's gardens add to its allure.

A tunnel discreetly connects Casa Loma to the Hunting Lodge and the stables, which include a garage, potting shed, stalls, carriage room, and tack rooms. This seamless integration of architectural elements is a testament to the attention to detail and grandeur of the estate.

Thanks to its distinctive architectural charm in Toronto, Casa Loma has become a sought-after filming location for movies and television productions. Furthermore, it serves as a popular choice for wedding ceremonies, and it is even possible to rent Casa Loma in the evenings for private events after the museum closes its doors to the public.

Why You Should Visit:
Cool to learn some Toronto history. Neat old building with lots of areas to explore.

Tip:
Take the audioguide (freely available downstairs next to the restaurant and gift shop) as it allows you to walk around the building/grounds at your own pace and see all the things you want to see.
Make sure you also head all the way to the towers for an incredible view of the city.