Toronto’s Top 16 in 2016

Our friends at Toronto Tourism have shared a list of the Top 16 things to do in Toronto in 2016. Here is a summary of their top recommendations.

Toronto Top 16 in 2016

1. 2016 NBA All-Star Game

For the first time in history, the NBA All-Star game is being held outside of the U.S. Toronto will play host to the players and will also be hosting a number of activities and events throughout the weekend. February 12 – 14 2016.

2. Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom Openings

The famous U.S. retailers are opening stores in Toronto in 2016. The first at Toronto’s Eaton Centre and Sherway Gardens in early spring and Yorkdale Shopping Mall later in the year.

3. Tempt Your Taste Buds in Toronto in 2016

Jamie Oliver’s North American restaurant is scheduled to open in Yorkdale Shopping Centre and Oliver and Bonacini are launching unique restaurants at both new Saks Fifth Avenue locations.

4. Toronto Blue Jays 40th Season

The Blue Jays kick of their 40th season season this year with a home opener on April 8th this year vs the Boston Red Sox. This could be a season that no one wants to miss! Go Jays!

5. Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival

This premiere cultural event is the largest photography event in the world and this year will mark it’s 20th year. The event is held during the month of May in Toronto where over 1500 Canadian and international artists and photographers will be exhibiting their photography at more than 175 venues.

6. 2016 Pride Toronto Festival

Toronto’s Pride festival has grown into the largest in North America and this year’s festivities will begin June 1.

7. Luminato Festival

Mark your calendars this year’s Luminato festival is scheduled June 10 – 26 and features both free and ticketed performances.

8. CN Tower Celebrates 40 Years

Another milestone birthday this year in Toronto will be in June when the CN Tower celebrates its 40th.

9. The 2016 Ontario Summer Games

Mississauga will play host Ontario athletes aged 13 to 17 who will compete during the summer games held August 11 – 14.

10. 2016 World Cup of Hockey

It is an exciting year for sporting events in Toronto this year and this September over 150 of the top players in the NHL are coming to the6ix to compete with over 15 countries in the World Cup. Go Canada Go!

11. Historic Guild Inn Revitalization

In fall the heritage Scarborough estate house will be restored to its original splendour with a new contemporary addition.

12. The 104th Grey Cup

The CFL is hosting its big event in Toronto this year. The game will be played at the renovated BMO field and new home of the Toronto Argonauts. Be on the lookout for many events during this multi-day festival in November.

13. Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art’s New Home

Target completion date for the new home of the MOCCA is end of 2016 beginning of 2017. It will be moving Sterling Road in a new mixed-use community in Lower Junction neighbourhood and will occupy the first two and half floors of the iconic Tower Automotive Building.

14. Visit the Twin Giant Panda Cubs and 4 White Lion cubs at the Toronto Zoo!

The Toronto Zoo has lots to celebrate this year including are two giant pandas and the historic births of the first giant panda cubs born in Canada. In addition, 4 male white lion cubs have joined the pride which now features 7 White lions.

15. McMichael Canadian Art Collection turns 50

There will be a special exhibition in 2016 at the McMichael Canadian Art Gallery. A Foundation for Fifty Years: McMichael Masterwork is sure to bring some of the most amazing Canadian art which includes the Group of Seven and Emily Carr.

16. Honest Ed’s in Toronto Closing December 31st

This is the last year to visit the landmark discount store which has been at the corner of Bathurst and Bloor for more than 70 years. The store will be closing December 31st 2016 so be sure to take your last walk through.

Thank you again to our friends at Tourism Toronto for more information on any of these great activities to do in Toronto in 2016 be sure to visit their website www.seetorontonow.com.

Sharon Mendelaoui is a co-organizer of Toronto Travel Massive and has been a member since 2013. She is a travel writer, and photographer based in Toronto and founder of Dream Travel Magazine, an online travel magazine dedicated to sharing dream travel destinations and experiences.