Toronto
The most stylish of Canada's great cities is certainly Toronto. The mix of bars, restaurants, galleries and cosmopolitan things to do guarantees a great time!
Toronto Travel Guide
You can’t get a more cosmopolitan city than Canada’s most populated metropolis, Toronto, a cultural melting pot, home to around 200 ethnic groups who speak over 140 different languages.
Culture aside, this is a chic, modern place, with diverse districts offering their own style and personality (there are 2 Little Italy’s just to give you an idea!), a breathtaking setting on Lake Ontario, plenty of leafy parks to relax in and a vibrant lifestyle that includes lots of festivals, a lively nightlife and exceptional dining and shopping options. Best of all, there’s easy access to the Canadian side of the Niagara Falls.
Toronto is renowned as a year-round destination, with superb skiing and snow pursuits in the cold months and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy when it’s warm including some beautiful beaches. There’s also an island archipelago to explore!
Once a French trading post, the city has transformed into an energetic Canadian paradise, capital of Ontario province, home to one of the tallest towers on earth, the CN Tower, and the largest underground shopping mall in the world, PATH, filled with restaurants, entertainment and shops.
The iconic CN Tower stands proudly as the symbol of Toronto.
Best time to visit: Come in the shoulder seasons – late spring and early fall – when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are thinner. September is glorious, also the month when the Toronto International Film Festival is held.
Best Area for Sightseeing: There are plenty of attractions – see Things to do in Toronto below for some inspiration.
Shopping in Toronto: There are plenty of shopping options at numerous malls and outlet malls. The city’s central square, Dundas Square in the centre of Downtown, offers a variety of shops, while famous Bloor Street in Yorkville offers designer brands in multitudes. Queen West is the artistic district, also with superb shopping offerings and lively Kensington Market offers great food as well as vintage clothing. Other markets to enjoy are Blue Banana Market, a treasure trove for gifts and souvenirs, and the Arts Market, full of hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. Toronto’s iconic One of a Kind Show takes place twice a year – this is where local artists, designers and craftsmen offer superb handcrafted items.
Food & Restaurants in Toronto: With so many neighbourhoods offering cultural culinary treasures, you’ll be spoilt for choice for Italian, Greek and Chinese fare. There are also numerous Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese eateries to enjoy. Dundas Square offers lots of eateries and the markets provide a local taste and more casual offerings.
Nightlife: Start your evening in a Downtown bar or pub, or head for one of the watering holes in the Old Town, the Financial or Entertainment district. The waterfront area of Harbortown is lively year-round.
Beaches: Sugar Beach is a popular beach area close to the city centre.
Things to do in Toronto:
- Visit the extraordinary Absolute World towers; skyscrapers that have altered the city’s skyline and personality.
- Walk or cycle across Humber Bay Arch Bridge for breathtaking city views.
- Hang out at the Simcoe WaveDeck, a popular waterfront spot.
- Shop and admire the fabulous architecture at Brookfield Place.
- Travel out of town to the magnificent Niagara Falls.
- Explore Ripley’s Aquarium, home to thousands of marine animals.
- See the city from the top of the iconic CN Tower.
- Discover a variety of art, science and archaeological displays at the Royal Ontario Museum.
- Explore the Distillery Historic District, home to stunning Victorian buildings.
- Visit the medieval Gothic castle of Casa Loma, often used as a location for TV series and movies.
- Spend the day discovering The Toronto Islands.
Best way to get around: When you’re not exploring on foot, use the excellent subway system that links to buses and street cars to explore the city. You can also take the train.
Best Area for Families: Downtown Toronto’s Financial District is a little quieter at night than other neighbourhoods, and home to the famous underground PATH mall with its walkways, shops and entertainment. You’ll find plenty of hotels in this area, too.