Toronto, Canada Travel Guide: Exploring the City's Best

Toronto, Canada, is often described as one of the nicest cities, though not necessarily the coolest. However, its reputation as the world’s most welcoming city certainly adds a layer of coolness. With immigrants making up over forty-six percent of its nearly three million residents, Toronto’s hospitality is so notable that it refers to its foreign-born residents as "newcomers." This warm welcome is central to Toronto's identity as "The Six," a true melting pot where diverse faiths, cuisines, and cultures converge, creating a multicultural haven in the north.

Moreover, this city is a vibrant mosaic of cultural districts including Greektown, Portugal Village, Little India, Koreatown, two Little Italys, and Chinatown. It's a city where over 150 languages are spoken and is home to 200 ethnic groups. Our take? We have curated a guide on an all-inclusive vacation from Toronto so that you won’t miss out on great fun. So, let’s delve deeper into it:

Toronto's renowned neighborhoods vividly showcase the city's diversity. Each area offers a unique glimpse into the daily lives of its residents, with vibrant expressions of local culture through music, sports, and more:

• Bloor Yorkville

Once a focal point for hippie counterculture, Bloor Yorkville has transformed significantly over the years. Today, it's more common to find people enjoying chic café patios or indulging in luxurious spa sessions. This neighborhood is dotted with noteworthy cultural areas and art galleries such as the Gardiner Ceramic Museum and the Royal Ontario Museum.

• Harbourfront

Harbourfront is positioned in downtown beside the Lake Ontario shores. The major point of this place is Harbourfront Center which is an event place, hosting dance, food festivals, arts, and cultural events across the year. Make sure to check out Power Plant Gallery allowing complimentary entry. Outdoor enthusiasts will come across to relish biking paths, scenic trails, sailing and kayaking opportunities, and ice-skating rinks.

• Downtown Yonge

Downtown Yonge is one of Toronto's busiest neighborhoods, known for its vibrant mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. Highlights include the bright billboards of Yonge-Dundas Square, shopping at the Eaton Centre, and live concerts at Massey Hall, which has hosted famous acts like Joni Mitchell, U2, and Bob Dylan. The area also features notable venues like the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre and the Ed Mirvish Theatre.

Toronto is teeming with exciting experiences, all ready to be explored. Every adventure in the city captivates visitors of all ages, including children and families. Let’s plunge into the best things to do in Toronto:

• Toronto Islands

Toronto Islands comprises three islands; Algonquin, Center, and Wards. Each island here provides a different experience. Central Island offers various attractions, embracing sporting rentals, the Centerville Amusement Park, beaches, and picnic areas. This park is home to a charming boating lagoon, 30 rides, and a petting zoo.

• High Park

High Park is widely regarded as the crowning jewel of Toronto, beloved by both visitors and locals alike. Sprawling approx. 400 acres, this extensive park provides a peaceful escape from the hustle-bustle of the city and a great oasis of natural beauty. The limelight of this park is well-manicured gardens and lush green areas. Plus, there’s Grenadier Pond, a relaxing water body where visitors can throw a line or loosen up by its shores.

• CN Tower

The CN Tower, a standout feature of Toronto's gleaming skyline, rises majestically to a height of 1,815 feet. This iconic structure offers breathtaking views of the city from several vantage points. Visitors can take an elevator ride up to one of four main observation areas: The Glass Floor Room, the revolving 360 The Restaurant, the SkyPod, and the Main Observation Level. For those seeking a thrill, the EdgeWalk provides a unique opportunity to experience the world's highest hands-free outdoor walk on a building, adding an adventurous twist to the panoramic vistas.

From architecture and museums to theater and arts, in Toronto, you can immerse yourself in the creative spirits that zestfully run across the veins of The Six.

• AGO First Thursdays

Schedule your visit to Toronto to attend the famous art event at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Art enthusiasts gather here to stroll through exhibits, enjoy live music, sip a drink, and relish nibblies.

• Casa Loma

Toronto is the only city that lay claim to the Gothic Revival mansion. This heritage attraction set in midtown is home to a fantastic photo exhibition of “Dark Side of Toronto,” specially crafted shows, and a classic car selection in the stables. The mansion is accompanied by meandering gardens that serve as a great backstage for a music summer evening. Soul In the City boasts Juno award-winning artist, named Sean Jone as well as a 7-piece band in the glimmering Glass Pavilion during summer.

• Eye-Catching Cathedrals

In the early settlement days, when Toronto was called York, churches were amongst the first buildings to be built. Toronto cathedrals serve as a great feast for architecture lovers and history buffs. Make sure to stop by the Gothic Revival-inspired Basilica devoted to St Michael in the garden district of the city. If you are looking to spend some time in a more contemporary church, the Metropolitan United Church is a perfect option.

If you prefer the outdoors to indoors, there are plenty of things to do in Toronto Canada! Read on to discover a host of exciting outdoor activities:

• Riverdale Park And Farm

Riverdale Park and Farm covers 18 acres, providing stunning views of Toronto's expansive skyline. This park and farm is a great place to catch sight of a magical sunset, enjoy a relaxing picnic, or unwind among the soothing nature. Moreover, it also features a running track, an outdoor swimming pool, and 2 ball diamonds.

• Toronto Equestrian Downtown

Toronto Equestrian Downtown is the perfect place for riding enthusiasts of all ages. Children as young as three can begin their equestrian journey, while adults can enhance their skills with advanced classes.

• Niagara Falls

Every corner of this place is packed with nature and history and is one of the most impressive North American natural phenomena. Here you will catch sight of mesmerizing waterfalls that rush over 6 million cubic feet and over 3 separate falls each minute. Two sides of the fall are portioned between the US and Canada. Canada offers more spell-binding views and you will also be rewarded with a complete horseshoe that a waterfall creates while the US allows a much closer look.

In recent years, Toronto has emerged as a major shopping destination in North America. Each neighborhood in the city offers its own unique style, with options to suit every budget. Let's explore the best shopping in Toronto:

• Queen West

Queen West may be famous for its vibrant nightlife, but as the day begins, it serves as a great shopping destination. The streets here are electrifyingly sprinkled with ideal and hip boutiques and outlets of high-street favorites and designer names. Moreover, it is also considered a go-to spot as it caters to every budget and style.

West Queen West, Toronto, ON, Canada

• Chinatown

Chinatown in Toronto serves as a wonderful Aladdin's Cave for those seeking some serious retail therapy, offering a vast array of shops and items to explore. It boasts a variety of stores including ornamented figurines, holistic remedies, and trinkets for your home. The food court here imparts a real vibe of the neighborhood accompanied by fashion pieces and quirky accessories. Make sure to head to Tap Phong, a Torontorian favorite for household items and kitchen utensils, or you can also drop by the Kensington Market, located down the road featuring graffiti walls and vintage shops with a distinctive Bohemian vibe.

Chinatown, Old Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

• Yorkdale Shopping Center

Yorkdale Shopping Center, located in northern Toronto, attracts nearly 400,000 visitors each week with its extensive offerings in shopping, entertainment, and dining. Its spacious interior features 27-foot high glass ceilings that allow for ample natural light. Moreover, you can find upscale stores here including Michael Kors, Tiffany & Co, and more. Yorkdale's food court offers a diverse selection of dining options and includes an outdoor terrace area.

3401 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6A 2T9, Canada

If you are in Toronto and craving a good meal, you are in luck. This Canada's largest city has got a bevy of choices to tantalize your taste buds.  Read on for the best picks of restaurants in Toronto:

• Canoe Bar And Restaurant

Canoe Restaurant and Bar offers inspiring views in Toronto: the landing of planes at one side, the glittering Toronto skyline sprawling beyond the horizon, and the CN tower proudly standing at another side. And of course, the meals offered here are gonna make your taste buds thank you! You will find the flakiest fresh Pacific fish, fine Ontario dairy and produce, and foie gras from Quebec. Start your culinary journey either with Ontario burrata paired with prairie seeds and birch-pickled cucumbers or the Quebec foie gras with pink peppercorn, sumac meringue, and rhubarb.

 66 Wellington St W 54th floor, Toronto, ON M5K 1H6, Canada

• Sotto Sotto

Sotto Sotto serves flavorful, filling Italian food, though it may not attract fans of more experimental cuisines. The seafood risotto at this one of the best restaurants in Toronto is a highlight, taking 40 minutes to prepare. The wine list features great Tuscan wines and sparkling Franciacortas. The best time to visit is early September during the Toronto International Film Festival when you might even dine next to a famous actor.

120 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2H4, Canada

• Richmond Station

Richmond Station is one of the busiest eateries and a lively dining spot located right in the heart of downtown Toronto. An award-winning chef opened this eatery, which is remarkably infused with a welcoming and friendly feel, accompanied by a dining room at the back offering an opportunity to peek into an open kitchen and a long bar right in the front room. Their menu offers a great blend of culinary styles with hearty mains and sharing plates such as muscovy duck, slow-roasted salmon, and beef burgers. This restaurant also offers a kid's menu as well as a substantial vegetarian selection. Make sure to leave some room for their delicious dessert as their pastry chef is the best chocolate master whose innovations are delicious artwork.

1 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5H 3W4, Canada

Well, let’s get ready to explore the after-dark scenes. The drinking scene in Toronto is exquisite, with all things from beach-inspired bars to secluded speakeasies to start your pre-game. And once you’re all set to show off some of your moves, it’s your time to go to the clubs.

• The Piston

Piston is one of the best bars and nightclubs in Toronto, where you can show off your moves with each rhythm of the music spanning the previous five decades. It hosts various events that include disco parties, the 1960s more twin-aisle DJs, and 1990s video dance night. Moreover, here you can chill out in a booth that is in the main bar area and recharge yourselves with gourmet tapas and sandwiches. If you are planning a private party, you can also make bookings here.

• C'est What

C'est What allows you to choose from more than on tap 40 beers and spirits from the devoted whiskey bar. If you love more colorful beverages, make sure to check out the expansive cocktail menu of the taproom. Plus, you can also feast on comfort-filled food like burgers and wraps.

Don't forget to experience the liveliest pub, visit around 7 pm on Saturday or Friday.

• Bar Raval

Bar Raval is a Barcelona-inspired bar with a Gaudi-style interior. It transports you to marvel at Barcelona along with curvy wooden panels, a covered patio, and Gaudi-esque, featuring an expansive Spanish tapas menu. You might also want to explore the nearby market in the neighborhood, where you'll find vintage boutiques, art spaces, cheese shops, and specialty bakeries.

• In Canada, people typically shake hands when meeting for the first time and also when saying goodbye.
• In Canada, giving a tip at the restaurant to the waiter or waitress at the end of the meal is considered a kind gesture.
• Saying “bless you” after a sneeze is also common in Canada.

Below there are some common “bad” gestures that shouldn’t be used:

• Middle Finger raised
• Thumbs down
• Elbow on the table while eating
• Eating a meal with an open mouth or talking while the mouth is full
• Yawning
• Staring or pointing at fingers

While Toronto offers plenty to enjoy, the surrounding area is also worth exploring. Here are some great destinations for a day trip!

• Niagara-On-The-Lake

Niagara-On-The-Lake is a beautiful town located in Southern Ontario, sitting proudly on the Lake Ontario shores, at the end of Niagara River. This town is remarkably known for the summer Shaw Festival which is a theater production series and forty wineries. The tree-lined, flower-filled old town boasts 19th-century buildings, primarily beside Queen Street. Stroll through the Heritage District where you will find cast-iron planters and boutique shops overflowing with horse-drawn carriages and flowers.

• Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the best natural wonders to which most of the visitors are attracted. It is also one of the easiest day trips from Toronto and is almost 80 miles away. The popular boat, Maid of the Mist sails near the falls making it a one-of-kind thrilling adventure. It is a group of 3 waterfalls at the Niagara Gorge's southern End that spans the border between the US New York state and Canada’s Ontario province.

• Thornbury

Thornbury hugs the Georgian Bay's southern shoreline and houses wineries, the Apple Pie Trail, cideries, and hiking routes. This attractive village is positioned inside the Blue Mountains right in Grey County, making it one of the best day trips from Tornado. It's approximately a two-hour drive to the northwest side of the city, offering seasons of all activities from snowshoeing in the winter, and patio dining in summer, to fruit picking in the fall, there's everything to do in Thornbury. Plus, it is famous as one of the most apple-growing regions in Ontario.

The best times to visit Toronto are from late April to May and September to October when the weather is pleasant and the city isn't too crowded. Summer brings lively events and outdoor dining but also higher prices.