Sitting Imperiously on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto lays claim to being the financial, cultural and entertainment capital of Canada.
While those in Montreal, Quebec and on the West coast may argue about the city’s claims, there’s no denying the country’s largest city is exciting and vibrant with an infectious atmosphere on the streets created by a vast melting pot of nationalities.
It has world-class theatres and galleries; a frenetic nightlife, thousands of restaurants, endless shopping opportunities, sprawling parks and even beaches.
Entertainment is in abundance and to support its claims to being the ‘Cultural Capital of Canada’ the city boasts a world-famous film festival, a lively arts scene, great music festivals and live music venues, and an impressive sporting scene.
Away from the increasing numbers of towering skyscapers that rise imposingly from the downtown area, residential neighbourhoods boast densely tree-lined streets and historic buildings interspersed with vast open spaces.
A huge appeal of Toronto as you wander the streets is to explore the different ethnic areas of the city. With an influx of immigrants from China, Greece, Portugal, Italy, South Korea, Vietnam, India and numerous other nations spanning the globe, the city has evolved into areas that reflect these cultures.
Stop for souvlaki in Greek Town, enjoy some people-watching in Little Italy over a coffee at an outside café or amble the crowded streets of Korea Town before venturing into Little Poland or Portugal Village for some of their traditional local fare.
For all the multiculturalism on show, there seems to be an immense pride in being Canadian and the Maple Leaf flag flutters proudly outside thousands of buildings and homes across the city.
Chinatown is definitely worth a visit, with bustling markets, shops and restaurants thronged with people from early in the day into the late hours of the night. The Yum Cha experience is excellent and cheap, but be prepared to enter a restaurant hungry as you will be sorely tempted by an endless procession of freshly cooked delicacies paraded on trolleys past your table every minute or so. Following your feast you’ll be treated to a refreshingly cheap bill. Close to Chinatown is the Kensington Market area; a bohemian collection of tattoo parlours, food specialists, bars, art galleries and clothes shops, all housed along narrow, old streets with many buildings adorned with colourful and bizarre murals.
If you’re looking for some old army fatigues, Ethiopian or Cuban coffee, secondhand jeans or dresses, trinkets, jewellery or hats, you’re in the right place. It’s reminiscent of London’s Camden Market and expect to see a rich mix of people with a wide taste in clothes, body art and attitudes. It’s safe and friendly and you’ll be entertained with the sights and sounds of the area.
If you like your food, the place to head for is St Lawrence Market, a world-renowned emporium, selling all types of imported and locally produced food. The huge Alaskan crab legs and the gargantuan beef steaks on show are seriously impressive and well priced while the thickly layered sandwiches on offer would dwarf most normal-sized plates.
The Distillery District is a relatively new attraction and is part of the city’s waterfront regeneration project. These revamped historic buildings, many former warehouses, are now home to independent shops, art galleries and upmarket restaurants.
A trip to Toronto Islands is a must, not only for the spectacular views of the city as you take a short 15 minute boat ride across one of the Great Lakes, but also to meander around delightful forested walks and paths edging the lake. The lake is the size of a vast inland sea stretching 100km by 20km and is a perfect home to enjoy sailing on.
You can bring your own rented bicycles on the ferries, or you can rent bikes and canoes on the islands, which blissfully remain car-free. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a long walk or picnic amid lovely natural scenery and stunning birdlife.
Those with children might like to head to the Centreville Amusement Park for an adrenalin-charged day of thrills on numerous rides. Those with a little less modesty than most can head to the ‘clothing-optional’ beach at Hanlan’s Point – definitely a place for those who’ve been working out!
Ferries to the Toronto Islands leave from the Ferrydocks at 9 Queen’s Quay W which is located south of Queen’s Quay between Yonge Street and Bay Street.
Hidden underground below Toronto due to the severity of Canadian winters is a labyrinth of climate-controlled arcades and shops just waiting to be explored. It’s everything you find overground just replicated underground and stretches for almost 30km below the city.
With the locals both friendly and welcoming, Toronto will definitely
leave you yearning for a return visit.
Toronto has become an unlikely home to the raccoon, a medium-sized mammal, that loves living among the city’s streets. If you hear rustling in bushes or trees, faint pawing sounds over house roofs or a rubbish bin being overturned; it’s highly likely that a raccoon is the culprit. Seen as a pest and an annoyance by locals, they do however add novelty value to a city for visitors who don’t live side-by-side with them all year round. They come out to forage in the evenings and although not overly aggressive they can have a bad attitude!
