It’s Canada’s largest city and the economic hub of the country, but there’s a lot more to Toronto than skyscrapers and business meetings. Our insider, Arienne, let’s us in on the local secrets.
Photo © iStock/starmaro
- See Toronto’s CN Tower
- Pack a Picnic for Toronto Islands
- Visit Toronto’s Charming Neighborhoods
- Festivals and Events in Toronto
- Day-Trips from Toronto
- Navigate Your Way Around Toronto Like a Local
See Toronto’s CN Tower
Every first-time visitor to Toronto has to see the CN Tower. It defines the city skyline. Views from the top can stretch to cities as far away as Hamilton and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
If you’re up for an adrenaline rush, test your wits by perching yourself precariously on the CN Tower’s Edge Walk.
Pack a Picnic for Toronto Islands
To get that picture-perfect Instagram shot, pack a picnic and head over to the Toronto Islands, or stay on the mainland and capture the sun setting over the skyline from Polson Pier or Trillium Park at Ontario Place.
Visit Toronto’s Charming Neighborhoods
The charm of Toronto lies in its neighborhoods where the city’s multiculturalism is on full display. Kensington Market is the most vibrant neighborhood in the city and has been home to many different waves of immigrants over the past century.
In the west-end, make a point to visit Little Italy, Parkdale, and West Queen West. While in the east-end, the neighborhoods of Leslieville, the Danforth, and The Beach shouldn’t be missed.
Take a step back in time and visit the Distillery Historic District, once home to the largest distillery in the world and boasting beautifully preserved Victorian industrial buildings. This pedestrian-only district is filled with restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops, art galleries, a brewery and a distillery.
Festivals and Events in Toronto
Need another reason to visit? A trip to Toronto during one of these top festivals and events will really bring your experience to life. The Toronto Pride Festival is held in June, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival in July, the Toronto International Film Festival in September, and the Toronto Christmas Market in December.
Day-Trips from Toronto
Rent a car and explore some of the surrounding areas on one of these great day-trips from Toronto.
Nature lovers and will enjoy a visit to Hamilton, known as the waterfall capital of the world with over 100 waterfalls found around the city. Hamilton is also quite the hot spot for foodies these days too.
A little over an hour’s drive from Toronto is the charming little town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, known for its wineries, summer Shaw Festival, and buildings dating back to the 19th century.
If there’s only one day trip you take from Toronto, you must visit Niagara Falls, a collection of three waterfalls on the US-Canadian border. The Horseshoe Falls are the largest and most popular, and visitors can get an up-close viewing with a ride on the Hornblower Niagara Cruise.
Kids will love a visit to Canada’s Wonderland, a 330-acre theme park located about 40 minutes north of the city boasting 16
Navigate Your Way Around Toronto Like a Local
The Toronto Transit Commission (or the TTC as locals call it) is a network of subways, streetcars
Bike Share Toronto is another great option for getting around the city on two wheels. They have over 2,000 bikes spread across 200 stations in the city. And of course, nothing beats walking!
Want to know more about Canada? Check out our podcast. We discuss when a traveler becomes a snack; the perils of wilderness adventure, a culinary tour of the provinces for foodies, and we speak to World Nomads photography scholarship mentor Richard I'Anson.
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