Toronto is a city like no other. It’s a vibrant and diverse metropolis that offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or an adventure seeker, Toronto has something to offer everyone. As Canada’s largest city, Toronto is a hub for culture, commerce, and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination.
The city’s most popular attraction is the CN Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area. From the top, you can see the beautiful Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands, and the city’s skyline. For a more thrilling experience, try the EdgeWalk, a hands-free walk on the outside of the CN Tower’s main pod, 1,168 feet above the ground.
But Toronto is much more than just the CN Tower. The city is divided into distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. Kensington Market, for example, is a bohemian and multicultural neighborhood that offers visitors an eclectic mix of vintage clothing stores, food stands, and street performers. Chinatown is another vibrant neighborhood that is famous for its authentic Chinese cuisine and bustling street markets.
For those who love art and culture, Toronto has a wealth of museums and galleries. The Royal Ontario Museum is one of the largest museums in North America, with a collection of over six million artifacts from around the world. The Art Gallery of Ontario is another must-visit destination, with a collection of over 95,000 works of art from Canada and beyond.
Toronto is also a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of restaurants and cuisines to choose from. The city’s culinary scene is a reflection of its multicultural population, with everything from authentic Chinese dim sum to Italian pizza and pasta, to Caribbean jerk chicken.
In conclusion, Toronto is a city that has something for everyone. Its energy, diversity, and endless attractions make it a destination that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or simply a great meal, Toronto has it all. So why wait? Come and experience the unstoppable energy of Canada’s most vibrant city.
3 Days in Toronto
Toronto is a vibrant and diverse city that offers visitors an endless array of things to see and do. With only three days to explore, it’s important to plan your itinerary carefully to make the most of your time. Here’s a suggested three-day itinerary for exploring Toronto:
Day 1
Start your day by visiting the iconic CN Tower, which offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Ontario. For an even more thrilling experience, try the EdgeWalk, a hands-free walk on the outside of the tower’s main pod, 1,168 feet above the ground.
Next, head to the St. Lawrence Market, one of Toronto’s oldest and most beloved food markets. Here you’ll find a wide range of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and more. Don’t forget to try a classic Canadian snack like poutine or a butter tart.
In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Distillery District, a pedestrian-only area that is home to a collection of Victorian-era industrial buildings that have been converted into shops, galleries, and restaurants. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or enjoy a coffee or a craft beer.
Day 2
Start your day by exploring the Royal Ontario Museum, one of the largest museums in North America. The museum’s extensive collection includes everything from dinosaur skeletons to ancient Egyptian artifacts, to contemporary art.
Afterwards, head to the nearby University of Toronto campus, where you can stroll through the beautiful grounds and admire the stunning architecture of the historic buildings. The campus is also home to the iconic Hart House, a student center that hosts a variety of cultural events and performances.
In the evening, head to the Entertainment District, which is home to a variety of theaters, music venues, and nightclubs. Catch a show at the Princess of Wales Theatre, or check out a concert at the Roy Thomson Hall.
Day 3
Start your day with a visit to the Toronto Islands, a group of islands located just a short ferry ride from the city’s waterfront. Here you can enjoy beautiful views of the city skyline, relax on the beach, or rent a bike or a kayak and explore the islands’ trails and waterways.
In the afternoon, head to the trendy Queen West neighborhood, which is home to a variety of independent boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. It’s a great place to pick up unique souvenirs or enjoy a leisurely lunch.
In the evening, head to the hip and eclectic Kensington Market neighborhood, where you can enjoy an array of international cuisine at one of the many street food stalls or restaurants. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the neighborhood’s many vintage shops and colorful street art.
Toronto is a city that has something for everyone, and with this itinerary, you can experience some of the city’s most iconic attractions and hidden gems in just three days.
How to get to and around Toronto
Toronto is a major transportation hub and is easily accessible by air, train, bus, and car. Once you’re in the city, there are several convenient ways to get around.
Getting to Toronto
By air: Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada’s largest airport and is served by major airlines from around the world. There are also several smaller airports in the area, including Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which is located on an island in Lake Ontario and primarily serves regional flights.
By train: Toronto’s Union Station is a major transportation hub and is served by VIA Rail and Amtrak. You can take a train from other Canadian cities or from major cities in the northeastern United States.
By bus: Greyhound and other bus companies operate services to Toronto from other Canadian and US cities.
By car: Toronto is easily accessible by car from major cities in Ontario and neighboring US states.
Getting around Toronto
Public transportation: Toronto has an extensive public transportation system, including subways, buses, and streetcars. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates the public transportation system, and you can purchase fares using a reloadable Presto card or a paper ticket.
Taxis and ride-sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Toronto.
Biking: Toronto has a network of bike lanes and bike paths, making it easy to get around on two wheels. You can rent a bike from one of the many bike-share programs in the city, including Bike Share Toronto and Dropbike.
Walking: Toronto is a very walkable city, and many of the city’s top attractions are located within walking distance of each other.
Driving: If you plan to drive in Toronto, be aware that traffic can be heavy during rush hour, and parking can be expensive. Consider using public transportation or taxis instead.
Overall, Toronto is a well-connected city with plenty of transportation options to help you get around and explore all that it has to offer.
Places to stay in Toronto
Toronto offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style. Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels, budget-friendly hostels, or cozy bed and breakfasts, there’s something for everyone. Here are some top places to stay in Toronto:
- The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto: This luxurious hotel is located in the heart of downtown Toronto and offers stunning views of the city skyline. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, a spa, a fitness center, and several on-site dining options.
- The Drake Hotel: This trendy boutique hotel is located in the vibrant Queen West neighborhood and features stylish rooms, a rooftop terrace, and several on-site dining and entertainment options.
- The Fairmont Royal York: This historic hotel is a Toronto landmark and is located just steps from Union Station. The hotel features elegant rooms, a fitness center, a pool, and several on-site dining options.
- HI Toronto Hostel: This budget-friendly hostel is located in the heart of downtown Toronto and offers a variety of room types, from dorms to private rooms. The hostel features a communal kitchen, a lounge, and a rooftop patio.
- The Gladstone Hotel: This unique boutique hotel is located in the trendy West Queen West neighborhood and features 37 artist-designed rooms and suites, a restaurant, a bar, and a performance venue.
- The Annex Quest House: This cozy bed and breakfast is located in the charming Annex neighborhood and offers comfortable rooms, a shared kitchen, and a garden.
- The Westin Harbour Castle: This waterfront hotel is located near Toronto’s Harbourfront and features spacious rooms, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and several on-site dining options.
No matter where you choose to stay in Toronto, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this vibrant and diverse city.
What and where to eat in Toronto
Toronto is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of cuisine and dining options to suit every taste and budget. From street food to fine dining, here are some must-try dishes and places to eat in Toronto:
Poutine: This classic Canadian dish consists of french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. Head to Smoke’s Poutinerie or Poutini’s House of Poutine for some of the best poutine in the city.
Banh Mi: This Vietnamese sandwich is a popular street food in Toronto. Try the banh mi at Banh Mi Boys or Nguyen Huong for a delicious and affordable lunch.
Sushi: Toronto is home to some of the best sushi outside of Japan. Head to Yasu or Sushi Kaji for a high-end sushi experience, or try the more casual but still delicious sushi at Kinka Izakaya or JaBistro.
Dim Sum: Toronto’s Chinatown is home to some of the best dim sum in the city. Try dim sum at Rol San, Crown Princess Fine Dining, or Dim Sum King for a traditional Chinese dining experience.
Fried Chicken: Toronto has a thriving fried chicken scene, with several restaurants serving up crispy, juicy chicken. Try the fried chicken at The Dirty Bird Chicken + Waffles or Bar Fancy.
Fine Dining: Toronto is home to several world-renowned fine dining restaurants. Try Alo or Canoe for an unforgettable dining experience.
Bakeries: Toronto has a thriving bakery scene, with several bakeries serving up fresh bread, pastries, and desserts. Try the croissants at Mabel’s Bakery, the donuts at Glory Hole Doughnuts, or the pastries at Patisserie La Cigogne.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, Toronto has something to offer every foodie. So come hungry and explore the city’s diverse and delicious food scene.
Coworking in Toronto
Toronto has a thriving coworking scene, with several options for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers looking for a collaborative workspace. Here are some of the top coworking spaces in Toronto:
- WeWork: With multiple locations throughout the city, WeWork offers a range of coworking options, from shared desks to private offices. Members have access to amenities like meeting rooms, high-speed internet, and coffee and snacks.
- Regus: Regus has several locations in Toronto, offering flexible coworking options to suit every need. Members have access to a range of amenities, including meeting rooms, business lounges, and high-speed internet.
- Workplace One: Workplace One offers coworking spaces in several locations in Toronto, including the trendy Queen West neighborhood. Members have access to amenities like meeting rooms, phone booths, and communal kitchens.
- Make Lemonade: Make Lemonade is a coworking space designed specifically for women entrepreneurs and freelancers. The space offers a range of amenities, including meeting rooms, workshops, and networking events.
- Centre for Social Innovation: The Centre for Social Innovation is a coworking space that caters to social entrepreneurs and non-profits. Members have access to amenities like meeting rooms, event spaces, and a community kitchen.
- The Foundery: The Foundery is a coworking space located in the heart of downtown Toronto. Members have access to amenities like meeting rooms, phone booths, and a rooftop patio.
No matter what your needs are, Toronto has a coworking space that can meet them. With flexible options, affordable pricing, and a collaborative atmosphere, coworking is a great way to work and connect with like-minded professionals in the city.