Satuday, October 7

Toronto Travel Guide - Things To Do and Vacation Ideas

Nov 26, 2023 By Sean William

As Canada's largest city and cultural capital of the country, Toronto is a bustling metropolis with something for everyone. Whether you're looking to explore unique neighborhoods, enjoy world-class cuisine, or soak in some culture at a museum or art gallery, there's something in the city for every type of traveler.

With its diverse population and endless attractions, from outdoor activities to theatre performances, there's always something new to discover when visiting Toronto. From exploring downtown hotspots like Kensington Market and Union Station to understanding Torontonians' slight obsession with poutine, this guide will lead you through your amazing journey into Toronto!

Top 15 Tours and Activities in Toronto

1. See Toronto from Above on the CN Tower:

Get a bird's-eye view of Toronto from the iconic CN Tower. This tower is one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world and offers stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding region.

2. Take a Food Tour:

There's no better way to experience Toronto's diverse cuisine than on one of its many food tours. With stops at some of the city's top restaurants, you'll get to sample dishes from around the globe while learning about Canada's multicultural culinary heritage.

3. Visit St Lawrence Market:

St Lawrence Market is one of North America's oldest – and most beloved – public markets in downtown Toronto. 'You’ll find a huge range of products here, from artisanal cheeses to freshly caught seafood.

4. Take a Free Walking Tour of the City:

Learn about Toronto's rich history and culture on one of its many free walking tours. These unique tours take visitors through some of the city's most famous neighborhoods while exploring their unique stories.

5. Stroll Through High Park:

High Park is Toronto's largest public park and home to over 400 species of flora and fauna. Stroll along the peaceful pathways or explore the hiking trails for great views of Lake Ontario from above.

6. Shop at Queen Street West:

Queen Street West is one of Toronto's coolest shopping districts, with trendy boutiques and unique stores. Plus, you'll find some of the city's most vibrant street art here.

7. Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario:

The Art Gallery of Ontario is an iconic museum located in downtown Toronto. It houses over 95,000 works from Canadian and international artists, making it one of the largest collections in North America.

8. Take in a Show at the Royal Alexandra Theatre:

The Royal Alexandra Theatre has entertained audiences since 1907 and is home to some of Toronto's best live performances. Catch a show for an unforgettable night out!

9. Explore Chinatown:

Discover all Chinatown offers – from delicious dim sum restaurants to traditional Chinese herbal shops. There's also an abundance of unique souvenirs and knick-knacks to take home.

10. Go Ice Skating at Nathan Phillips Square:

Visit Toronto's iconic Nathan Phillips Square in winter for outdoor ice skating. Grab a hot chocolate afterward from one of the nearby food stalls or restaurants – perfect!

11. Have a Picnic at Harbourfront Centre:

Harbourfront Centre is located on the waterfront and is ideal for alfresco dining (or just drinking!). Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the views while taking in all that gorgeous harbor scenery.

12. Take a Bike Tour of the City:

See Toronto from a different perspective on a bike tour. Choose between the classic city routes or off-road trails and explore everything from forests to beaches.

13. Visit the Distillery District:

The cobblestone streets of the Distillery District will transport you back in time – it's like stepping into an old-world village! From unique art galleries to world-class restaurants, there's something here for everyone.

14. Go Shopping at Eaton Centre:

Shop 'til you drop at Toronto's premier shopping destination, Eaton Centre. With over 200 stores under one roof, this is the perfect spot for picking up souvenirs or treating yourself to some new clothes!

15. Catch an Outdoor Movie at Harbourfront Centre:

Harbourfront Centre hosts outdoor movie screenings every summer. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and watch a classic flick under the stars. The perfect way to end your day in Toronto!

Explore Toronto like a local and create special memories with these unique tours and activities. From exploring the city's vibrant neighborhoods to visiting historical sites, you won't be disappointed when visiting this amazing Canadian city!

Delicious Dishes to Eat in Toronto

1. Poutine:

This classic Canadian dish is the perfect way to start your culinary journey in Toronto. You'll find this traditional French-Canadian meal of fries, cheese curds, and gravy everywhere, from roadside stands to upscale restaurants.

2. Smoked Meat Sandwich:

A decades-long Toronto favorite, a smoked meat sandwich consists of sliced smoked beef brisket on rye bread with mustard. Head to Caplansky's Deli or The Stockyards Smokehouse & Larder for one of the best versions in town!

3. Butter Tart:

Every trip to Canada would be complete with trying a butter tart. This classic dessert is a flaky pastry shell filled with butter, sugar, and egg. Enjoy one from a local bakery, or take some home for later!

4. Beaver Tails:

A Toronto street food staple, beaver tails are deep-fried dough topped with sweet toppings like Nutella or cinnamon sugar. You can find them around the city at festivals and other special events.

5. Fish Tacos:

This Mexican classic is a favorite in Toronto restaurants. Enjoy lightly fried fish tacos with all the trimmings, including fresh lettuce, avocado, and salsa verde!

6. Korean Fried Chicken:

For something more exotic, try some Korean fried chicken. The tender chicken pieces are marinated in a flavorful sauce and then fried perfectly. Head to Makkal Chon for some of the best in town.

7. Toronto-style Pizza:

The Canadian take on Italian-style pizza, the classic Toronto version, is made with a thin crust topped with generous amounts of mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, and peppers.

8. Banh Mi Sandwich:

This popular Vietnamese sandwich consists of pork, chicken, or pate served on a baguette with pickled vegetables and herbs like cilantro and mint – delicious! Try one from Lee's Banh Mi Bakery for the full experience.

With so much to explore and endless delicious dishes to sample, it's easy to see why Toronto is such a popular destination. Plan your next visit today and experience all this vibrant city has to offer!

No matter how you decide to spend your time in Toronto, you're sure to have an incredible adventure. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring the city's many attractions today and enjoy every minute of your stay! ​​

FAQs

Is Toronto expensive for tourists?

The cost of visiting Toronto is relative to what you plan to do in the city. Sightseeing, museum visits, and eating out can quickly add up, but plenty of budget-friendly options are available.

Suppose you’re looking for value for money. Why not check out some of the city's free attractions, such as visiting one of Toronto’s beaches or parks, exploring downtown neighborhoods like Kensington Market, or taking a walk along the waterfront - all perfect ways to experience the city without spending a fortune.

What type of cuisine is popular in Toronto?

Toronto has something unique and delicious to offer any palate! From classic Canadian poutine to Caribbean jerk chicken and Mexican tacos, specialty food trucks featuring international cuisines pop up all over the city. Some of the most popular spots for food are St. Lawrence Market, Kensington Market, and Chinatown - you can find everything from vegan options to fresh seafood dishes in these areas.

Are there any interactive activities to do?

Toronto offers plenty of fun things to do beyond traditional sightseeing. A wide range of interactive activities is available such as visiting the Ontario Science Centre or Ripley’s Aquarium, taking part in an escape room challenge, experiencing virtual reality gaming at VRcade Toronto, or wandering through one of the many art galleries across town.

Conclusion

This has given you a better understanding of Toronto and all it offers. From historic neighborhoods to the vibrant downtown core, visitors can experience the best of what Canada’s largest city has to offer. Whether you are looking for cultural activities or an outdoor adventure, there is something in the city for every type of traveler. Enjoy your time in Toronto!

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