Home to an NBA team, NHL team, MLB team, CFL team, NLL team, the world’s tallest freestanding structure, Canada’s largest museum, a beautiful harbourfront, Canada’s largest theme park, and Canada’s largest zoo… what more could this city possibly offer? So much more.
Toronto has become Canada’s arts, entertainment, and cultural center, offering something for everyone, regardless of taste or interest.
Shopping in Toronto
Toronto boasts over 20,000 retail stores located throughout the city. The main hub of shopping activity is the Eaton Centre, located in the heart of downtown. This city block is full of shopping destinations featuring your favorite retailers. While shopping at this incredible location, you can’t help but notice the stunning architecture, as the centre was modeled after the Galleria in Milan, Italy.
If you’re looking for something more exclusive, the Bloor/Yorkville area is sure to impress. Enjoy the boutiques, international retailers, art galleries, and high-end gift and specialty shops while experiencing another fabulous part of the city.
The Markets
Continuing your shopping adventure, explore Toronto’s vibrant markets, offering global flavors. The St. Lawrence Market, located at Jarvis and Front Street, is in the heart of historic Old Town Toronto. Here, you can sample different cuisines, explore photography and art shows, enjoy the farmer’s market, and visit the antique market while taking in the historical significance of the location.
However, if you can’t make it to the St. Lawrence Market, don’t miss the city’s fantastic markets. Toronto is home to five Chinatowns, Kensington Market, Little Italy, The Danforth (Greek district), Little Portugal, and the Gerrard India Bazaar.
Festivals
If you happen to visit Toronto during festival time (which is highly likely, as the city hosts over 30 annually), a trip to any of these festivals will be well worth it. The Taste of the Danforth (beginning in August) offers a wonderful experience with Greek (and other ethnic) cuisines, as well as entertainment for all ages. The sights, sounds, and smells of The Beaches International Jazz Festival (held at the end of July) will make you want to tap your feet and bob your head to the music, as performers from around the world display their talents. From mid-July to mid-August, Toronto hosts the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana), celebrating the rich Caribbean culture with calypso music and fine Caribbean cuisine. The Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival (held at the end of June) brings big names in jazz to the city, like Etta James and Dave Brubeck in 2007. Even in winter, Toronto doesn’t disappoint, with events like WinterCity Festival (held at the end of January to early February) and Winterlicious, which showcases the city’s culinary scene year-round. Festivals offer a great way to experience culture and food without breaking the bank.
Entertainment/Sports
With top musical performers like Billy Joel and Billy Talent stopping by throughout the year, Toronto offers a wide variety of concerts in venues ranging from The Mod Club (with a capacity of 600) to the Molson Amphitheatre (16,000 capacity) and the Air Canada Centre (ACC, with 18,000 seats).
The ACC is also home to Toronto’s major sports teams, including the Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), and Toronto Rock (NLL). The Roger’s Centre (formerly known as the Skydome, located beside the CN Tower) is home to the Toronto Blue Jays (MLB) and the Toronto Argonauts (CFL). Toronto is an ideal destination for sports enthusiasts.
Arts and Culture
From ballets to Broadway plays, Toronto offers world-class productions year-round. Venues like The Hummingbird Centre, The Princess of Wales Theatre, Massey Hall, Royal Alexandra Theatre, Roy Thomson Hall, Canon Theatre, and Four Seasons Theatre host renowned performances such as CATS, Les Miserables, The Lion King, Annie, Beauty and the Beast, and many others.
Toronto also boasts two major cultural attractions: the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). The ROM offers visitors a chance to explore thousands of years of history, with interactive exhibits for children and fascinating insights into the history of our planet.
For history lovers, the Distillery District and Old Town Toronto are perfect places to explore charming architecture and learn about the city’s past. Casa Loma, a grand estate built between 1911 and 1914, remains a popular spot for visitors. Known as the “House on the Hill,” it also served as a filming location for movies like X-Men.
Family Fun
Toronto is a premiere destination for family fun. Ontario Place, located on the waterfront, features an IMAX theatre, cultural displays, rides, games, and much more.
The Ontario Science Centre is perfect for kids and adults alike to explore science in an interactive environment.
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE, also known as the Ex) is a must-see event. It attracts tourists from around the world with exhibits on wildlife, technology, and delicious food at affordable prices, as well as games, rides, shopping, and live shows. The CNE is a family tradition for many in southwestern Ontario.
Toronto’s zoo, the largest in Canada, houses a wide variety of animals like lions, tigers, and bears. Visitors can enjoy shows, exhibits, and learn about conservation.
Paramount Canada’s Wonderland, located on the outskirts of the city, is a thrilling amusement park with roller coasters, games, live shows, food, and more—a full day of fun for the whole family.
The Islands on Lake Ontario offer breathtaking views and are perfect for a peaceful picnic or a relaxing break after a busy day.
Accommodations in Toronto
Whether you prefer staying downtown, uptown, near the airport, or in a cozy B&B or hostel, Toronto offers a wide range of accommodations. The Drake Hotel and the Royal Fairmont Hotel are two of the city’s finest, but if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, there are many affordable hotels, motels, inns, and hostels to choose from.
Like No Other Place on Earth
The CN Tower is undoubtedly one of Toronto’s biggest attractions. At 1,815 feet and five inches, it towers over the city, offering an unparalleled view. For travelers seeking a breathtaking experience, a visit to the top of the CN Tower is a must-do.
With over 100 languages spoken, the longest street in the world (Yonge Street), and the tallest freestanding structure in the world, Toronto is a city full of surprises. If you haven’t been to Toronto yet, what are you waiting for? With so much to offer, it’s a city that should not be missed.
