Ripley’s Aquarium

Hockey is close to religion in Canada, so it would seem wrong to visit Toronto without having your own hockey experience. Whether or not you're a fan of the sport, cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Scotiabank Arena is somewhat contagious. During the off-season, a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum, which houses the original Stanley Cup and myriad other artifacts, is a good way to get in the hockey spirit.

It may no longer hold the title of "world's tallest freestanding tower," but the 553-metre (1,815-foot) CN Tower still stands out in Toronto's ever-expanding skyline. There are several options for experiencing the tower, the most daring of which, EdgeWalk, involves a tethered walk along the roof of the tower's main pod. For those seeking a little less adrenaline, the tower offers three observation areas and the revolving 360 Restaurant.

In the 1800s, this waterfront district was dominated by Gooderham and Worts, Canada's largest distillery. Today, the 47 buildings that made up the distillery have been lovingly restored and repurposed, now housing shops, galleries, eateries, studios and even a brewery. The pedestrian-only cobblestone streets make for a wonderful afternoon of exploring.