Dating from 1858, Allan Gardens is one of Toronto's oldest parks. The highlight is its indoor botanical garden and conservatory, filled with plants from all around the world (and even some turtles in the orchid section). Housed in a stunning, historical cast-iron and glass building, it's a lovely little escape in the city, especially on a cold winter day.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Maple Leaf Gardens

0.31 MILES

This hallowed hockey arena was built in an astounding five months during the Great Depression, and was home to the Toronto Maple Leafs for over 50 years…

2. Church of the Holy Trinity

0.59 MILES

Tucked away behind the west side of the gargantuan Eaton Centre is the oasis-like Trinity Sq, named after the welcoming Anglican Church of the Holy…

3. Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre

0.64 MILES

This restored masterpiece is the world's last operating Edwardian double-decker theater. Celebrating its centennial in 2013, the Winter Garden was built…

4. Old City Hall

0.71 MILES

Across Bay St from the current City Hall is the 1899 definitive work of Toronto architect EJ Lennox. Now housing courtrooms, the hall has an off-center…

5. City Hall

0.73 MILES

Much-maligned City Hall was Toronto's bold leap into architectural modernity. Its twin clamshell towers, central 'flying saucer,' ramps and mosaics were…

6. Toronto's First Post Office

0.74 MILES

Dating to 1834, this national historic site is also the city's oldest surviving post office. A small museum showcases the beginning of the city's postal…

7. Textile Museum of Canada

0.78 MILES

Tucked into a condo tower, this small museum has exhibits drawing on its permanent collection of more than 13,000 items from Latin America, Africa, Europe…

8. Riverdale Farm

0.8 MILES

On the site of the Riverdale Zoo, where from 1888 to 1974 prairie wolves howled at night and spooked the Cabbagetown kids, Riverdale Farm is a downtown…