Cosmopolitan and culturally diverse, Toronto sits nestled on the banks of Lake Ontario. Visitors come from far and wide to experience its food, buzzing nightlife, and colorful festivals, though things quiet over the winter season—when heavy snows and plummeting temperatures push people to the ski slopes. Within the city limits, top Toronto attractions abound, such as the majestic castle of Casa Loma; CN Tower, the third tallest tower in the world; Dundas Square; Toronto Eaton Centre shopping mall; and the richly multicultural neighborhood of Kensington Market. Visitors will find plenty of shopping and sightseeing options—with guides on hand to shine a light on the region’s rich history. Travelers can take to the air by helicopter, spin through the streets on a bike or hop-on hop-off bus, or cruise the waves of Lake Ontario for fine views of the city skyline. The world-famous Niagara Falls is less than a two-hour drive around the shores of Lake Ontario on the border with the United States, and travelers using Toronto as a base can opt for a day tour with transportation for easy access. For something a little more sedate, delve into the wilderness on an Algonquin Park canoe tour. You can fine native bears, beavers, and moose in their natural habitats; swim in crystal-clear lakes; and discover the best of the Ontario wilderness—all within reach of bustling Toronto.
Toronto is always dynamic and exciting, but the city is definitely at its liveliest in sunny summertime, when temperatures hit an average high of 80°F (27°C). That warm weather draws crowds to the city’s beaches, urban retreats like the Toronto Islands, and open-air cafés and restaurants. For a different perspective, visit in the autumn shoulder season, when the leaf-peeping is at its best and regional destinations like Algonquin Park make for an ideal way to get out in nature.
Toronto’s extensive public transportation networks make it easy to explore. The city has a subway system and a network of nine streetcar routes and is served by multiple bus lines. Ferry and water taxi services also connect the city to the Toronto Islands, which themselves are best explored on foot or by bike. Much of central Toronto is walkable, and taxi services offer another way to get around.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, and it’s also its most diverse and dynamic—45 percent of residents speak a language other than English or French, and it’s often called the most multicultural city in the world. This is a place where you can seek out new culinary encounters—from Ethiopian to Korean, Pakistani to Polish, Argentine to Burmese. The city’s eclectic restaurants represent its global sensibility.
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Toronto, Canada’s most populous city, is famous for its setting on Lake Ontario, the CN Tower, its cosmopolitan restaurants and nightlife, and its very cold winters. It’s also a popular jumping-off point for day trips to nearby Niagara Falls, on the other side of Lake Ontario.
...MoreThe most popular tourist attractions in Toronto include the needle-like CN Tower with its sweeping views, the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, and the Gothic Revival mansion and gardens of Casa Loma. All are in the central city area.
...MoreToronto offers a range of cultural, shopping, dining, and outdoor activities, particularly in the warmer months. In winter, options are limited to indoor activities. Popular activities include taking in the view from the CN Tower, shopping at Kensington Market, tours of the Steam Whistle Brewery, and Toronto Harbour boat cruises.
...MoreWith two days in Toronto you can enjoy a range of cultural and outdoor activities (season dependent). Spend day one at the Royal Ontario Museum and/or the Art Gallery of Ontario, browsing the nearby shops and restaurants in between. On day two, take a trip around Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls, or relax on a Toronto Harbour cruise.
...MoreToronto is a big city that caters to a range of interests. Head up the CN Tower for a romantic dinner at the revolving restaurant, smell the roses (and other flowers) at the Toronto Botanical Garden, or take a day trip to popular Honeymoon spot Niagara Falls.
...MoreYes, Toronto can be expensive to visit. Accommodation, food, and attractions are in-line with other big-city prices. However, because it’s a large and diverse city you can choose accommodation, food, and activities to suit your budget, whether that’s on the lower or upper end of the scale.
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