Greater Toronto Area
Canada’s largest and most multicultural urban centre, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) offers all the attractions, restaurants, museums and entertainment you’d expect from a major global city, plus so much more.
Lively festivals, major league sports and renowned art and theatre make the GTA a globally recognized destination. Distinct neighbourhoods, cultural diversity, locally loved parks and green spaces and an exceptional foodie culture make it a city worth rediscovering.
Not to be missed is the CN Tower, soaring 553 metres (1,815 feet) into the air, complete with glass floor and observation deck.
Toronto | Destination Toronto
Where is the Greater Toronto Area?
The GTA stretches along the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. It is comprised of six local boroughs—Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, York, East York and Toronto, plus the cities of Mississauga and Brampton.
The region can be explored by car, along with multiple options for public transit including the TTC, GO Transit, UP Express and MiWay Transit.
Toronto Pearson Airport is the largest and busiest international airport in the country. The city is also accessed by several major highways, VIA Rail and AMTRAK or Billy Bishop City Airport centrally located on Toronto Islands.
Things to do in the Greater Toronto Area
Visit a cultural attraction
Explore Casa Loma, stroll through the Toronto Botanical Gardens and expand your mind at the Royal Ontario Museum.
Explore the craft beer scene
Toronto’s craft brewery scene should be on any beer-lover’s list. Get started with west end fave Bellwoods Brewery, east end legend Muddy York Brewing or Mississauga’s Stonehooker.
Inspire your inner artist
From the Art Gallery of Ontario to the Art Gallery of Mississauga and Museum of Contemporary Art, the GTA offers endless ways to ignite your creativity.
See the world in its neighbourhoods
Exploring diverse neighbourhoods is one of the best things to do in the GTA. Discover everything from tortellini to thalis to fusion tacos in Little Italy, Little India or Kensington Market.
Check out a zoo or theme park
Keep the kids entertained at the Toronto Zoo, Centerville Amusement Park on Toronto Islands or Brampton’s Wet’n’Wild waterpark.
Take a helicopter ride
Just how big is the Greater Toronto Area? Find out with a helicopter ride. From the “flower city” Brampton to Old Toronto to Etobicoke, gain a new perspective by air.
Cities and towns in the Greater Toronto Area
Discover cities, towns and other destinations within this region.
Points of interest in the Greater Toronto Area
Add these highlights to your next visit to the region.
Last updated: April 7, 2025