Toronto Travel Guide (Greater Toronto Area/Ontario/Canada/North America)

Introduction to Toronto
List of Places to Visit in Toronto
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Toronto: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Toronto
Best Things to Do in Toronto: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Toronto
Food and Drink Scene of Toronto
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Toronto: Hotels, Hostels, and Guest Houses
What to Buy in Toronto: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Toronto
Best Time to Visit Toronto
Do’s and Don’ts of Toronto
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Toronto
- Health in Toronto
Getting to Toronto: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Toronto
Where to Go Next from Toronto: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Toronto

Located in the Greater Toronto Area on the shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto is Canada’s largest city and a vibrant cultural and economic hub. It’s home to some of the country’s top-rated attractions, world-class museums, and natural beauty that can mesmerize anyone.

List of Places to Visit in Toronto

Here are some not-to-be-missed places to visit in Toronto:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Royal Ontario Museum: It boasts more than six million collections of art, culture, and nature from around the world.
Art Gallery of Ontario: From European arts to contemporary artworks from Canada, AGO promises a visual treat for all visitors.
Casa Loma: It’s a Gothic Revival-style castle, now turned into a museum, that showcases the Edwardian era.
St. Lawrence Market: It’s an iconic market with numerous food stalls, sitting right at the heart of downtown Toronto.
CN Tower: It’s an observation tower that stretches 1,815 feet tall and offers sweeping views of Toronto and beyond.

Natural Attractions of Toronto: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Toronto Island Park: Considered a hidden gem of Toronto, this island park is only a 15- minute ferry-ride away from Toronto’s downtown waterfront. You can explore nature trails, relax on beaches, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, canoeing, and biking.
The Distillery Historic District: This pedestrian-friendly area is a restored, small-village-like space that oozes history and charm.
High Park: It’s Toronto’s largest park, offering plenty of green space, maintained gardens, hiking trails, soccer fields, play areas, and even a zoo with llamas and other cute animals.
Niagara Falls: Just under two-hours drive from Toronto leads to the famous Niagara Falls, one of the world’s most spectacular natural marvels that you shouldn’t miss seeing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Toronto

Toronto has a plethora of trails to explore for both hikers and bikers. Some of the top routes to explore are:

Don Valley Ravine: This breathtaking trail offers a touch of wilderness right in the middle of the city. You can bike or walk for hours, enjoying a peaceful and serene environment.
Humber River Recreational Trail: It’s the best trail for a family outing, running parallel along the Humber river, and offering new things to see around every bend.
Martin Goodman Trail: This trail covers more than 56 kilometers of beautiful scenery along the lakefront, where you can ride a bike or blade, or even enjoy a comfortable jog or walk.

Best Things to Do in Toronto: Activities and Tours

Kensington Market: It’s a multi-cultural community and vibrant shopping district where you can find unique shops and street art worldwide.
Toronto Zoo: A family-friendly attraction that has over 5,000 animals from over 450 different species.
Ontario Science Centre: A highly interactive space full of exhibits and displays to explore and understand science and technology.
Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs Games: Sports fans can catch live games throughout the year.

Week-Long Itinerary for Toronto

| Day | Activities | | — | — | | Day 1 | Visit the Royal Ontario Museum and explore Queen Street West. | | Day 2 | Tour the CN Tower, grab lunch at St. Lawrence Market, and stroll around the financial district. | | Day 3 | Explore Casa Loma, walk through the beautiful gardens at Allan Gardens Conservatory, and spend the evening in the Distillery District. | | Day 4 | Take a day trip to Niagara Falls and visit the Niagara Falls State Park. | | Day 5 | Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario in the morning, grab lunch at Kensington Market, and spend the afternoon in High Park. | | Day 6 | Visit the Toronto Zoo in the morning, explore the Ontario Science Centre in the afternoon, and catch a Raptors or Leafs game at night. | | Day 7 | Bike or walk along the Martin Goodman Trail before bidding farewell to Toronto. |

Food and Drink Scene of Toronto

Toronto’s food and drink scene offers a diverse range of flavors and cuisines. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

Poutine: A Canadian dish with french fries as the base, covered with cheese curds and gravy. Try out the original recipe from Poutini’s House of Poutine.
Peameal Bacon Sandwich: A traditional sandwich of crispy grilled peameal bacon on soft buns, is a must-have at Carousel Bakery.
Bahn Mi: A Vietnamese-style sandwich with bread, veggies, meat, and other savory ingredients, is an incredibly popular dish in Toronto, and you can find many places to try it out.

Local Beverages

Steam Whistle Pilsner: This iconic pale lager has been brewed locally since 2000 and is found in every bar and restaurant.
Ice wine: This dessert wine is made from grapes frozen on the vine, and it’s an Ontario specialty. You can grab it at a local brewery or winery.
Caesar: A fusion drink of vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and clam juice, is considered the national drink of Canada and a must-try in Toronto.

Where to Stay in Toronto: Hotels, Hostels, and Guest Houses

Toronto caters to all types of travelers, offering a variety of accommodation options to choose from. Here are some options:

For a luxurious stay, check out the Four Seasons Hotel or the Ritz-Carlton.
For a comfortable stay in a central location, try the Eaton Chelsea Toronto.
For budget-friendly options, try backpacker hostels like The Planet Traveler or the Hi Toronto Hostel.

What to Buy in Toronto: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Toronto is a melting pot of cultures and offers unique keepsakes to bring back home. Here are some items:

Canadian maple syrup: Try out small batches of maple syrup from the Uncle George, Davis Maple Syrup, and Sugarbush Hill.
Roots Leather Bags: Shop at Canadian retailer Roots, known for its timeless leather backpacks and handbags.
Icewine: Purchase icewine from Niagara-on-the-lake wineries and try the various styles of ice wine.

Local Culture and Customs of Toronto

Toronto is known for its multiculturalism; English is the official language, but locals usually use Canadian slang and often mix other languages in daily conversations.
In Toronto, tipping is culturally mandatory and standard, 15-20% of the total bill is a standard amount for service industry workers.
Bargaining is not a common practice in Toronto, and prices are usually fixed.

Best Time to Visit Toronto

The best time to visit Toronto is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is pleasant, and lots of outdoor activities are available.

Do’s and Don’ts of Toronto

Do:

Purchase a Toronto CityPass to save on the city’s various tourist attractions.
Use public transportation, including buses, train, and streetcars, to explore the city. Tipping is not necessary for public transportation.
Try out poutine, peameal bacon, and Caesar during dining
Be respectful to all cultures and customs you encounter

Don’t:

Jaywalk on the streets as it can result in a fine.
Littering in public places, you may result in a penalty for this.
Get into a cab if they are soliciting outside of Union Station, ask for one at a proper designated taxi stand.

Safety and Health

Safety in Toronto

Toronto is considered one of the safest cities in North America. However, tourists are always advised to take certain precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime or scams.

Keep your belongings under watch in crowded areas and try to avoid visiting dangerous neighborhoods at odd hours.
Use common safety practices, like avoiding walking alone at night and staying in well-lit areas.

Health in Toronto

Toronto has a high-quality healthcare system available to visitors. Keep the following tips in mind:

Apply sunscreen when spending time outdoors.
Carry a map and avoid overexerting yourself while hiking or biking.

Getting to Toronto: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Toronto

Toronto Pearson Airport is the largest international airport in Toronto, providing flights to and from many countries worldwide. Secondary airports include the Billy Bishop City Airport and the John C. Munroe Hamilton International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Toronto

The Greyhound bus operates in the city making frequent stops in Toronto Union Station.

Other Options

Other transportation options include rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services, but public transportation can cover most of your needs.

How to Get Around in Toronto

Exploring Toronto is easy and can be done in various ways:

Public transportation including subways, buses, and streetcars can take you almost everywhere around the city
On-demand ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are available for a nominal fare
Rent a bike and enjoy the scenery

Where to Go Next from Toronto: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Niagara Falls: It’s only a two-hour drive away from Toronto and considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Thousand Islands: A group of islands located in Saint Lawrence River is a perfect day trip option.
Kingston: A historic city located between the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River, offering lots of cultural and historical experiences.

Conclusion

Toronto is a magical city with lots to offer, from cultural attractions and natural beauty to food and drink spots and outdoor activities. It’s a must-visit destination for adventurers, foodies, and travelers seeking a fun-filled vacation. Explore the city with this comprehensive tour guide, and you’ll have endless memories to cherish.