All Travel Guides

Provided by: ca.mielnik/shutterstock
Provided by: Matthew Clemente/shutterstock

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

North America Canada Toronto Do & See R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant

Overview

R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant

The guide was updated: 2025-11-30

The R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant is a striking art deco facility on the Toronto lakefront, operating since 1941. Often called the “Palace of Purification,” it supplies nearly half of the city’s drinking water. The architecture is grand and meticulously preserved, with marble walls, bronze fixtures, and cavernous interior halls. The plant has served as a filming location for numerous movies and television shows, often depicted as a dramatic institutional or sinister headquarters. While the buildings are typically closed to the public, the grounds remain accessible year-round. Visitors can stroll the landscaped areas, enjoy views of Lake Ontario, or relax near the beach. The site offers a quiet escape with a timeless atmosphere, ideal for walking, picnicking, or simply pausing by the water.

Useful Information

Address: 2701 Queen Street East, Scarborough, ON
Website: www.toronto.ca/services-payments/water-environment/tap-water-in-toronto/fast-facts-about-the-citys-water-treatment-plants

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Niagara Falls Day Tour

Niagara Falls Day Tour

Witness one of the world's greatest natural wonders on a Niagara Falls day tour from Toronto. Composed of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls, the Niagara Falls has the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world — it is like more than a million bathtubs of water plummeting over the edge every second. So, don't miss your chance to soak up the stunning views and get soaked while at it.

CN Tower

CN Tower

One of Toronto's most important symbols and well-known landmarks is the CN Tower. The tower's top level is where the world's highest observation deck is located, offering visitors a stunning view of Toronto's skyline. The tower's third level houses a high-class restaurant with spectacular vistas, and a cafe occupies the level below. The tower serves a practical purpose, too — it is a major Canadian telecommunications hub.

Royal Ontario Museum

Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) stands as one of Canada's largest cultural institutions, housing a collection of millions of artifacts. Its architecture is a major landmark, a dramatic juxtaposition of the original heritage building and the contemporary, angular form of 'the Crystal'. The galleries offer a comprehensive journey through natural history and world cultures, presenting everything from dinosaur skeletons to exceptional collections of Chinese temple sculptures and Indigenous art.

Toronto Zoo

Toronto Zoo

Toronto Zoo is the largest zoological garden in Canada. It's divided into seven zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia and the Canadian Domain. The displays include animals inside tropical pavilions, as well as naturalistic ones, where animals live in an imitation of their natural environment. Toronto Zoo's idea is to be Canada’s national leader in saving wildlife to guarantee the rich variety of nature for upcoming generations.

Distillery Historic District

Distillery Historic District

The Distillery Historic District is a pedestrian-only neighbourhood celebrated for its preserved Victorian industrial architecture, set on cobblestone streets that once housed a large whiskey distillery. This atmospheric setting is now a vibrant cultural and social hub, home to independent boutiques, art galleries, and a diverse range of restaurants and bars. The area thrives with a dynamic calendar of events, most notably the annual Christmas Market that transforms its lanes into a festive destination. It successfully blends its 19th-century heritage with a contemporary, creative energy.

Chinatown

Chinatown

Toronto 's Chinatown is a must-see destination. The area is full of interesting stores, herbal remedy shops, cafes, restaurants and produce markets, all waiting to be explored. The area is also conveniently located near other notable attractions such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, Kensington Market, Bau-Xi Gallery, and Art Square Gallery, which has a cafe with an impressive menu. If you happen to be in town at the right time, be sure to check out one of Chinatown's two popular festivals. In August, the Toronto Chinatown Festival features traditional and modern Asian dance troops, bands and musicians. In January–February, join the vibrant Chinese New Year celebration.

Hockey Hall of Fame

Hockey Hall of Fame

This venue is both a museum, dedicated to the history of ice hockey and a hall of fame. Fans of this popular winter sport that Canadians take very seriously will surely find plenty to keep busy with. Don't miss the Stanley Cup also on display here.

Casa Loma

Casa Loma

The medieval Gothic Revival castle of Casa Loma today belongs to the city of Toronto and has been used as a film set for numerous movies and TV shows. The castle is open to visitors, who are welcome to explore its halls furnished with authentic period items. The view over Toronto from one of the towers is definitely worth taking in.

The Islands

The Islands

The Toronto islands make for a wonderful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located only a short ferry ride away, the islands are a fantastic way to spend the day exploring the public art installations, bird watching, boating, camping and fishing. Centre Island is very family-friendly with its kids' entertainment areas and bike rental locations. Ward's Island is a great choice if you're looking to hike and enjoy nature. When you are done hiking the trails, check out the views of Lake Ontario, Tommy Thompson Park and Ward’s Island Beach from the boardwalk. Centre Island pier provides views of the islands, Tommy Thompson Park and Toronto’s city skyline. Seeing the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse is an absolute must.

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

A fun adventure for the whole family, Ripley's Aquarium houses thousands of sea animals and with interactive and educational exhibits, kids and adults will keep themselves busy for a few hours. Don't miss out on the tunnel: all kinds of marine creatures will swim by and above. The aquarium is especially known for its multitude of shark species. Daily dive shows are held every two hours.

Canada’s Wonderland

Canada’s Wonderland

This huge amusement park houses the largest variety of roller coasters in all of North America, and also contains a 20-acre water park for those who don't mind making a splash. The park promises loads of fun for the whole family, and season passes are available.

Dundas Square

Dundas Square

Toronto's central square has been compared to New York's Times Square for its abundance of colorful billboards and shining lights. Located in the very midst of downtown, it is a sight to behold both day and night. The square teems with people and enticing shops and dining venues.

Little Canada

Little Canada

Little Canada is a detailed miniature world in downtown Toronto, showcasing Canadian landmarks and landscapes on a small scale. The smaller-than-life museum features intricately crafted scenes from regions like Niagara, Toronto, Quebec, and the East and West Coasts, all complete with moving trains, cars, and a dynamic day-to-night cycle. One of the newest exhibits, Little North, recreates Canada’s Arctic in a climate-controlled space, complete with northern lights, igloos, and roaming caribou. Throughout the displays, visitors can discover playful vignettes and subtle humor, such as a snowmobiler taking a spill or miniature cyclists powering Niagara Falls. The experience also includes a behind-the-scenes look at the workshop where tiny figures and elements are made. For a personal touch, guests can even have a custom miniature figurine created of themselves.

Humber Bay Arch Bridge

Humber Bay Arch Bridge

Cross this bridge on foot or by bike and take in the views of the city as you pass. The view of the bridge itself from below also makes for a nice photograph. The bridge has been distinguished by several architecture and engineering awards, and commemorates the old aboriginal trading route once in existence here via themed carvings.

Sugar Beach

Sugar Beach

Sugar Beach, named after the Red Path sugar factory located in the vicinity, is indeed a sweet spot for Toronto residents during the summertime. Conveniently located in close proximity to the Financial and Entertainment Districts, the Beach makes for a perfect relaxing venue.

St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market

Great picnic fare can be discovered at The St. Lawrence Market, ranked by National Geographic as the world’s best food market. The St. Lawrence Hall, which contains the magnificent Great Hall, continues to be Toronto’s favorite site for social and business functions.

Simcoe WaveDeck

Simcoe WaveDeck

The Simcoe WaveDeck is a public boardwalk inspired by the rolling waves of Lake Ontario. It’s one of several wave decks along the waterfront and a popular spot for photos and a quick break by the lake. You’ll find it along the Harbourfront, one of Toronto’s top attractions — a lively stretch featuring art galleries, outdoor performances, food stalls, boat tours, and plenty of spots to sit and take in the view.

Sherbourne Common

Sherbourne Common

Sherbourne Common is a park and public space that serves a purpose: it houses storm-water treatment facilities and makes for some great photos thanks to its unique "Light Showers" sculptures.

Brookfield Place

Brookfield Place

Brookfield Place is a postmodern architectural complex that is primarily an office complex, but still remains a tourist attraction due to the exhibitions and installations it frequently hosts. Come here to admire art and architecture, shop, and take some unique photos.

Allan Gardens Conservatory

Allan Gardens Conservatory

The Conservatory features six greenhouses and hosts multiple species of flora, such as orchids, cacti, banana and palm trees, and more. Events at the Conservatory are often marked with beautiful flower and plant arrangements.

R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant

R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant

The R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant is a striking art deco facility on the Toronto lakefront, operating since 1941. Often called the “Palace of Purification,” it supplies nearly half of the city’s drinking water. The architecture is grand and meticulously preserved, with marble walls, bronze fixtures, and cavernous interior halls. The plant has served as a filming location for numerous movies and television shows, often depicted as a dramatic institutional or sinister headquarters. While the buildings are typically closed to the public, the grounds remain accessible year-round. Visitors can stroll the landscaped areas, enjoy views of Lake Ontario, or relax near the beach. The site offers a quiet escape with a timeless atmosphere, ideal for walking, picnicking, or simply pausing by the water.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

This Hindu temple was the first of its kind in Canada. Craftsmen in India hand-carved limestone and marble and shipped parts of the temple to Toronto, where volunteering artisans from India assembled the parts and built the temple, all while living on site for 2 years. What came out is a stunning piece of Hindu temple architecture.

Absolute Towers

Absolute Towers

The Absolute Towers are an unmissable landmark. They liven up the cityscape with their unusual design and are one of the most original-looking residential condominiums out there. The skyscrapers twist to challenge strictly utilitarian modernist perspective on residential buildings.

Next section

Next Section