Toronto Pictures

Canada's largest city also has one of the most photogenic skylines. For the best views, hop a ferry to the Toronto Islands.   MurrayProductions Getty Images

This historic area earned its name from the Gooderham and Worts Distillery, which was once the largest distilling company in the country. Lisa Stokes Getty Images

This recently revived part of town is now dotted with pretty parks and plays hosts to thousands of cultural events year-round. Arpad Benedek Getty Images

If you love to shop, don't miss your chance to peruse the vintage clothing and antique shops that clog Kensington Market. Andrzej Wrotek Flickr

Inside the St. Lawrence Market, you'll find vendors selling everything from fresh veggies to pungent cheeses. To save a few bucks, skip the restaurant and grab lunch here at one of the prepared foods stands. Open Grid Scheduler/Grid Engine Flickr

To get the lay of the land, take a ride to the top of Toronto's soaring CN Tower. drewzak Getty Images

You can see for miles and miles atop the CN Tower, one of the largest freestanding towers in the world. Eric Rosenbaum Flickr

This beautiful building, which is home to nearly six million historical artifacts, is a must for any museum-lover. Open Grid Scheduler/Grid Engine Flickr

The Ontario Science Centre is a great stop for families. Here, you can play with robots or dig for dinosaur bones. ojbyrne Flickr

This massive mansion was built in the early 20th century by Sir Henry Pellatt, a former soldier with a love for the high life. Larry Koester Flickr

To find some respite from the beat of the big city, head to one of the tranquil Toronto Islands.  calvio Getty Images

Winters are bitter in Toronto, to say the very least. But if you're willing to brave the chill, visiting during this time will yield low room rates. Just don't forget to pack some boots.  Philippe Marion Getty Images

Although a pricier time to visit, there's no doubt that Toronto during the summer is the most ideal. The sun is finally out, and so are its many residents.  artland Getty Images

During the warmer months, Harbourfront Centre comes alive with sun, flowers and Sugar Beach, a man-made beach perched atop a pier overlooking Lake Ontario. Nino H. Photography Getty Images

If you're not into man-made city beaches, head over to Scarborough Bluffs, located about 10 miles northeast of downtown Toronto. Sleg Getty Images

Hockey is a way of life here. You can see the Toronto Maple Leafs play at the Air Canada Centre. bridgetds Flickr

A must-see for sports fans, the Hockey Hall of Fame holds a wide selection of paraphernalia detailing the history of Toronto's beloved Maple Leafs. Nathon Forget Flickr

Established in the late 1700s on the banks of Lake Ontario, this historic fort guarded the city throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. PeterAlbrektsen Getty Images

To see Fort York come alive, schedule a visit around a canon firing, drill or flag raising. On Simcoe Day in August (founder of Fort York), travelers can witness the firing of muskets.  Loozrboy Flickr

The Caribana Festival – which takes place every year in July and August – is Toronto's take on Carnival. Patrick B Wikimedia Commons

African penguins are among the creatures you'll spot at the Toronto Zoo. MiracleOfCreation Getty Images

The Toronto Zoo is home to more than 5,000 animals. John Knight Getty Images

Casa Loma is the only full-size castle in North America, with 98 rooms and gorgeous furnishings. Courtesy Tourism Toronto

Streets in Kensington Market are lined with shops and restaurants selling a variety of goods from Europe to Asia and beyond. Courtesy Tourism Toronto

Casa Loma’s 5-acre gardens are also worth a visit. Courtesy Tourism Toronto

The CN Tower is striking come nightfall. Courtesy Tourism Toronto

The pedestrian-only Distillery District offers art galleries, performance spaces, cafes, restaurants and a brewery. Courtesy Tourism Toronto

Located in Toronto's historic Old Town, the St. Lawrence Market, built in the 17th century, sells everything from gourmet cured meats on one end to handcrafted jewelry in the other. Courtesy Tourism Toronto

Canada's largest museum of world cultures and natural history features more than 6 million artifacts including everything from dinosaur bones to Chinese temple art. Courtesy Tourism Toronto

Explore the revitalized Harbourfront area, where you can shop, dine and enjoy thousands of events. Courtesy Tourism Toronto

Learn about static electricity with the Van de Graaff generator as part of the Energy Show at the Ontario Science Centre. Courtesy the Ontario Science Centre

Among the artifacts housed at the Hockey Hall of Fame is the the Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup, the original Stanley Cup. Courtesy Tourism Toronto

Children can enjoy hands-on activities in the Inventorium exhibit at the Ontario Science Centre. Courtesy the Ontario Science Centre

The St. Lawrence Market is often regarded as one of the best food markets in the world and it's a pleasure to wander through sampling delicious foods. Courtesy Tourism Toronto

Previously a Jewish neighborhood, Kensington Market is worth exploring for its shops and cafes. Courtesy Tourism Toronto

The Hockey Hall of Fame is a must-see spot for hockey fans. Courtesy Tourism Toronto

If you're visiting Fort York during the winter, consider attending its annual Frost Fair, when the historic site celebrates food, music and the traditional English market in the style of 19th-century England. Visitors will have the chance to shop goods made from local artisans, including jewelry and local greenery. City of Toronto Historic Sites Flickr