Toronto, Canada

Toronto is a great first international trip for many because you see lots of cultures in one place, its different but it’s not too different. They say that 50% of the population of the city was born outside Canada and there are over 130 languages spoken, giving Toronto its tagline – “Diversity Our Strength”.

Epic Things to Do in Toronto:

1. Top of the CN Tower
2. Distillery District
3. Explore the neighborhoods
4. Museums/Hockey Hall of Fame
5. Day trip to Niagara Falls

CN Tower – The CN Tower is 553.3-meter-high concrete communications and observation tower built in 1976 by Canadian National. At the LookOut level you really do get an epic view of the city and Lake Ontario. The level has floor to ceiling glass window walls and a small section also has a glass floor. There is also a Sky pod, an EdgeWalk experience and a restaurant so you can pick the option that appeals to you.

Distillery District – This pedestrian-only area is filled with 19th century buildings that was once the location of the Gooderham & Worts Distillery, founded in 1832, but today it is home to hip restaurants, bars and boutiques. There are outdoor sculptures, some street performers and I hear the Christmas Market is amazing in December. This is also home to Mill Street Brewery.

In addition to the Distillery District, there are many other trendy neighborhoods to explore in the city, each with its own vibe.

Kensington Market and Chinatown – Kensington Market area is a lively and diverse area with vintage clothing shops, a few breweries and an interesting selection of markets, grocery stores and restaurants. Just a few blocks south is Chinatown where you can find dine on authentic Asia cuisine, and shop the grocery stores for lots of interesting ingredients and international foods. The Art Gallery of Ontario is also located in this area.

In addition to Chinatown, there is a Little Italy, Little Portugal, Korea Town and a Little India in the city – which also means lots of yummy foods to try!

Queen West is home to great shopping, art and design studios and lots of restaurants and music venues. In the alleyway behind Queen Street West Graffiti alley. A fun and interesting look at street art!

The Entertainment District is home to the CN Tower, Rogers Centre (home of the Blue Jays), the Canada sign, Steam Whistle Brewery and the harbor front with great options for walking and boating tours. The Hockey Hall of Fame is not too far from here as well and includes a great gift shop. This is also home to many theater venues.

Old Toronto – a great mix of modern and old buildings make sure to check out the city hall and the surrounding Nathan Phillips Square with the sculptures and a pond. The Toronto sign is also located here and presents the perfect picture backdrop.

Eaton Center – is an ultra-modern shopping mall and is connected to many other areas of the city through a series of walking tunnels. Outside is Toronto’s version of Times Square.

Museums – There are so many to choose from here – The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), The Hockey Hall of Fame, Bata Shoe Museum, Gardiner Museum, Aga Khan Museum, Textile Museum of Canada, Ontario Science Center, Casa Loma, Spadina Museum, St Lawrence Market, The Market Gallery, Black Creek Pioneer Village, Toronto’s First Post Office, Toronto Railway Museum and more!

Niagara Falls – I do have to mention it because its less than a 2-hour drive and if you are this close…. Niagara Falls, Ontario is the on the Nagara River and its shoreline overlooks the Horseshoe Falls. This is the most expansive section of the falls and you can see everything from this side of the river. There are so many options for tours once you arrive – I have done the Maid of the Mist boat tour and the Journey Behind the Falls and both were great. So, pick one but don’t forget to just spend some time along the railing in awe of this amazing and powerful display of water. My best tip is this – arrive early!

Overall – There is so much to see and do in this city, although I would probably try to avoid the winter months so you can enjoy walking through the city to admire and take in the architecture and Lake Ontario. The public transportation in here is easy, inexpensive and convenient to use and you can purchase a day pass. There are amazing opportunities here for great and diverse meals, shopping and culture. And it goes without saying that you must get an order of Poutine eh?