The largest city in Canada, Toronto is a treasure trove bustling with plenty to cater to all travellers. The city welcomes all travellers with open arms and ranks among the top multicultural cities on the planet thanks to over 250 different ethnic origins residing in the town. And whereas it dwarfs Montreal in history and Vancouver in outdoor experiences, Toronto makes up for it with exquisite cuisines, bars and clothing markets.
Nevertheless, Toronto is a dynamic and sparkling city of six different towns, each with a unique history. The city is called the “City Inside a Park” due to its sprawling green spaces and picturesque shoreline. Given its enormous size and varied activities, you will need a pointing finger to help you plan your vacation. Here is a complete guide to Toronto.
What to see in Toronto
Regardless of when you visit, Toronto is a vibrant city with thriving nightlife, unique dining experiences, chic shopping, multiple sports franchises, and great outdoor spaces. Here are the must-see attractions in Toronto.
Check out the CN Tower
This iconic 550-meter tower piercing Toronto’s skyline is a must-see on your trip to the city. Built-in 1975, the CN Tower was once the world’s tallest before the Burj Khalifa surpassed it in 2007. The tower is undoubtedly one of the best places to get 360-degree views of the city. There is even a restaurant where you can enjoy the splendid views with scrumptious meals.
Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario
This gallery, built-in 1900, has nearly 100,000 items in its permanent collection and is one of the biggest in the country. In addition, the museum has a rotating calendar of exhibits and an artist-in-residence program. Admission is about $18 except for Wednesday (between 6 pm and 9 pm), and visitors of 25 years and below get free access every day.
Visit the beach
If you visit during the summer months (June to August), the splendid beaches of Toronto make for a beautiful day itinerary. The picturesque boardwalk and countless restaurants dotted along the shoreline are a huge bonus, and you can also rent a boat to explore the lake. Some standout beaches in Toronto include Woodbine, Hanlan’s Point (a nude beach only reachable by Hanlan’s Point Ferry), Sunnyside Beach (great for picnics), and Cherry Beach, which is revered for the bustling sports activities such as kayaking, kitesurfing, and windsurfing.
Check out the Harbourfront Centre
Perched on the water at Queens Quay, the cultural hub hosts over 4000 events a year, including festivals, concerts and free art galleries with rotating exhibits. The incredible centre is a beautiful summer itinerary, and a check through their website should give you an idea of what to do on your visit. In winter, there is an outdoor skating rink. So, the hub is a year-round destination.
Where to stay in Toronto
Toronto is a vast area with over 140 neighbourhoods in over six municipalities. This city has countless hotels but only a handful of hostels. Here are some suggestions.
Hotels
Hostels
Nightlife in Toronto
The Entertainment District is the pinnacle of Toronto’s nightlife and has exceptional dining spots. Sprawling from Front Street to Queen, this is where to get an unforgettable nightlife experience in Toronto. There are several bars, such as Bar Hop, The Pint Public House, and Town Crier.
Conclusion
Toronto is a beautiful destination and offers a myriad of activities worth exploring. We hope this guide helps you plan your next vacation to the City Inside a Park.