Why Toronto needs to be top of your list when international travel resumes
Often mistaken for Canada’s capital city, it’s little surprise Toronto is considered among the country’s top destinations when you consider the vast array of sights and activities on offer, not to mention an easy day trip to one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders.
Setting the scene
Toronto from above. Photograph by Brent Connelly
Located in the province of Ontario – of which it is the capital – and perched on the western edge of the gargantuan Lake Ontario, just across from New York State, Toronto is the most populous city in Canada and fourth most populous in the whole of North America, behind Mexico City, New York City and Los Angeles.
Due to its location, Toronto has historically been an important area for immigrants arriving into the country, giving rise to the multicultural and cosmopolitan vibes which make it such a fantastic holiday destination today.
Foodie heaven
It’s difficult to leave St Lawrence Market hungry
If you’re a foodie, we fully expect you to be packing your bags as soon as you’ve finished reading this – Toronto is absolute foodie heaven!
Not only does the city host the mouth-watering Summerlicious and Winterlicious food festivals, it’s also been home to St Lawrence Market since 1803, which was once named the world’s best food market by National Geographic. Chinatown in Toronto is also well worth factoring into your dinner plans.
Head over to the Distillery District for an absolute feast and some of the best spots in the city. From restaurants to crafty shops and beautiful architecture, it’s a great place to while away a few hours.
The craft beer scene is very much alive and well in Toronto too, with a plethora of bars and breweries which should be on any beer-lover’s hit-list.
Dominating the city’s impressive skyline is the CN Tower, Toronto’s best-known landmark and once the tallest structure in the world. A trip up to the top is a must, and gives stunning views across the landscape. Daredevils can even brave stepping on the glass floor – staring 342 metres down to the pavement below – or take on the EdgeWalk around the outer edge of the SkyPod at a queasy 447 metres. If your stomach hasn’t lurched out of your body, you can then sit down for a meal at the 360 Restaurant.
Sports and thrills
Inside Toronto’s Rogers Centre. Photograph by Tom Glod
And sports fans aren’t left out either. Next door to the CN Tower you’ll find the Rogers Centre, home to Major League Baseball side Toronto Blue Jays.
The Hockey Hall of Fame is also a good afternoon out for the whole family if you’re not in town during the hockey season to catch Toronto Maple Leafs in action.
The Toronto Raptors are the city’s basketball side, competing in the NBA, and in 2019, famously became the first non-American side to win the NBA title.
North-east of downtown Toronto, thrill-seekers will love a day at Canada’s Wonderland – an epic theme park with more than 200 rides and attractions, including a water park and Leviathan, the tallest and fastest rollercoaster in Canada.
Niagara Falls
The Canadian part of Niagara Falls – also known as Horseshoe Falls. Photograph by by Jeff Leonhardt
Toronto has so much to offer within its boundaries, it almost seems ridiculous to point you away from the city’s lights. But you’ll forgive us for suggesting this slight detour, as the world famous, spectacular sight of Niagara Falls is a mere hour and a half away by car.
Skirt around the edge of Lake Ontario towards the USA border and marvel at the sight and sound (and spray!) of 750,000 gallons of water plummeting over the falls’ summit per second. The area has great cycling routes, plus you can descend to stand behind the curtain of water, or journey on the Maid of the Mist – a boat trip guaranteeing spectacular (if soggy) views, and operating from the American side of the border. There are even helicopter tours for those willing to splash the cash on a real once-in-a-lifetime experience.
While in the area, don’t miss the chance to pop into Niagara-on-the-Lake, a gorgeous chocolate-box town, well renowned for its wine tours.
You can fly direct to Toronto from London Gatwick with WestJet and Air Transat. For more ideas of what to see and do once you get there, visit the official Destination Toronto website.
