If there is one city I would love to live at, it is Toronto (at least for now as I have not been to other parts of Canada). Toronto is a cosmopolitan city. The different ethnicities generally get along, hence it is very liveable.
I remember a taxi driver’s reaction when he found out we were visitors. Accordingly, the best time to visit is in the summer as it is the nicest time of the year when everyone is out of their homes. He kept on bragging about how great his country is and even convinced us to migrate there. There seemed something for everyone in this diverse city. Being the largest city of Canada, you will not run out of the things to do. But because it was cold we had mostly indoor activities. Here is my list of Top 20 Things To Do in Toronto.
1.) Grocery shopping
One good thing about getting a place from Airbnb is that you will get the feel of living like a local. We spent 10 days in a quiet and safe neighbourhood in Scarborough, Ontario.
Before you get touristy, if you are staying in a house or apartment too, experience buying groceries from a nearby store. Stock up some food specially on a winter when snow is on the forecast.
2.) Rent a car at enterprise.com
Just like in the United States, you can drive in Canada with your local (Philippines) driver’s license and passport. We came as walk-in clients without any hassle. But of course it is still preferable if you can reserve ahead. Canada also uses left-hand drive vehicles. And traffic is not an issue. That’s why renting a car is perfect for road trip or getting around town. Enterprise has several convenient locations throughout Toronto.
3.) Visit the Niagara Falls
The very reason I wanted to go to Toronto is to see the Niagara Falls. Located 1.5 hour drive from Downtown Toronto, the falls straddle the border between the United States and Canada. It has the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world. In 2016 Niagara Falls was named the 10th Natural Wonder of the World. During summer you can tour the falls by boat or even your own two feet. But this should not detract you from planning a visit if you happen to be in Toronto during winter. The view of the falls from the Canadian side is stunning enough to warrant a visit. If you want a bird’s-eye view, go to the top of the Skylon Tower. Whatever the season is there are plenty of activities in the area to keep you busy. Have a meal and explore the family friendly Cliffton Hill. Keep in mind that a trip here will take at least a full day.
4.) Outlet shopping
There is an outlet mall near Niagara Falls called The Outlet Collection at Niagara. Take note that this is on the Canadian side. There is also one in the US side, but of course you will have to cross the border.
If you are a bargain hunter and you have a car, outlet shopping is perfect for you. On your way back to Toronto you can pass by and check the shops like Boss by Hugo Boss, Cole Haan, DKNY, Michael Kors, Nike, Pandora, Coach and more.
They say shopping in outlet malls is a hit-or-miss. Being familiar with this kind of shopping, I could say there was not much of great deals (at that time). Then we found Toronto Premium Outlets.
Toronto Premium Outlets is a 45-minute drive from downtown. It’s best to go there with a private car. Or you can hire an Uber. Shops include Burberry, Armani, Levi’s, Michael Kors, Coach, Banana Republic, Cole Haan, Kate Spade New York, Tory Burch, Polo Ralph Lauren, Jimmy Choo, and a lot more. This time it was a hit for us.
5.) Ride the elevator up to the top of CN Tower
CN Tower is the icon of Toronto skyline and landmark of the city. Therefore, you have to pay a visit. It is located in the heart of Downtown Toronto. This 553 meter high structure has the World’s First Glass Floor on a tower.
Nearest subway station: Union (Yonge-University Line)
Tip: Get a Toronto City Pass. You will save 43% off admission rates for 5 top attractions – CN Tower, Casa Loma, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Zoo. What I loved about it is its validity for 9 days. Again, I don’t like rushing. So it was perfect for me. Toronto City Pass can be purchased online or from any of the participating attractions.
6.) Head to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Next to the CN tower is Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. I have been to a number of aquariums and so far in my opinion this offers the most interesting and unique species. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada features more than 13,500 aquatic inhabitants from around the world. If you are traveling with children they will enjoy it.
7.) Tour at the Royal Ontario Museum
Royal Ontario Museum is Toronto’s largest museum with hands-on galleries, also great for kids. Located right in Downtown Toronto, ROM’s architecture is elegant and inviting.
Nearest subway station: Museum (Yonge-University Line)
8.) Check out Casa Loma
Tour around North America’s only authentic full-sized castle, Casa Loma. It is outside the city center and can be conveniently reached by Uber or taxi. The castle dates back to 1914 and also boasts views of the city’s skyline from its towers. Some movies were filmed here. X-Men and X-Men Apocalypse are the most popular.
9.) Check out the bustling St. Lawrence Market
Grab a delicious food and buy some souvenirs at this 200-year old St. Lawrence Market. It is the largest market of Toronto. Keep in mind that it is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Located in Toronto’s old town, this indoor market is a short walk to the Distillery District.
10.) Discover the shops in the historic Distillery District
Walk along the brick roads of Distillery District, which represents as the best preserved Victorian architecture in North America. You will find charming shops, restaurants and instagrammable spots. So ready your instagrammable pose too.
Recommendation: Sports Gallery, Soma Chocolate Maker
11.) Visit the Kensington Market
Kensington Market is a multicultural neighbourhood with a mixture of Caribbean, Latin, American, European, African, and Middle Eastern shops and restaurants. It is the place to be specially if you are on a budget. The area is also filled with beautiful graffiti.
Recommendation: Top Gun Burgers
12.) Hang out in Scallywags Restaurant
If you are a fan of Liverpool, head to Scallywags. You are most welcome in this sports bar. Come on a match day so you can cheer on your team while enjoying a drink and some food. Who knows you might end up making new friends.
13.) Try different modes of transportation – bus, streetcar and the subway
Exploring the city is simple. Toronto’s subway system is easy to navigate. Stops connect to streetcar or bus routes, or vice versa. Always ask and hold on to your paper transfer for free connections.
14.) Have fun in the snow
We get excited when it snows. After snowfall, the most inexpensive fun to do is play in the snow. Bundle up and enjoy a playtime outside with your kids.
15.) Eat at Good Luck Chinese Restaurant
It sounded weird at first, but we were glad we found it as per recommendation in TripAdvisor. The restaurant is very simple with the same solo server in every visit we had. We kept coming back. Obviously, it became a family favorite. If you are in the Scarborough area, do pay a visit. (Oh how we missed their food.)
16.) Explore the Toronto Zoo
Toronto Zoo is one of the most ethical zoos in the world. It was certified for its animal treatment. This zoo takes care of 5,000 animals from more than 460 species. It was really impressive. Located on the outskirt of the city, it can be reached by car or through the TTC on your bus pass.
17.) Eat Poutine
Poutine is french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. It was surprisingly good! You have to try it as it is a staple snack in Canada.
18.) Explore the PATH
This is one discovery I found really amazing. It is an underground walkway called PATH, which covers 30 km of offices, shopping, restaurants, and six subway stations. This was perfect for the cold weather.
19.) Go shopping at CF Toronto Eaton Centre
Another retail destination is Eaton Centre. It is the main tourist mall in Toronto strategically located in Yonge-Dundas Square, which is like Times Square of New York City.
Nearest subway station: Dundas (Yonge-University Line)
20.) Skate at Nathan Phillips Square
After shopping at Eaton Centre, walk your way to Nathan Phillips Square to skate or just people-watch. It gets really touristy here.
Tip: Toronto City Hall buildings (old and new) are nearby. If you have time you may avail of the free tours.
Truly, Canada has so much to offer. It is a nation that stands as a good example to the world.
I personally loved this trip and want to visit other parts of Canada, hopefully on a different season. I hope these suggestions will be helpful to you. Let me know.
Thanks for reading!
With love,
Sugar
