Toronto


Please see the bottom of the post for an itinerary.

I may be having an affair with New York, but Toronto is my love. I love this city! What more is there to say? Yes I'm biased because I grew up here, my family is here and my friends are here, but there are many other reasons for why it is my favourite place, just check out the itinerary below. If you meet someone from this city abroad, there is an instant bond as each of you say "oh yea? I'm from Trono too (yes, Torontonians don't pronounce the last "t" or even the first "o").

Toronto is a perfect combination of down-town life, the bars and restaurants, as well as nature as it's located by the water; it has one of the most beautiful waterfronts with a path for bicyclists, joggers and rollerbladers. There are amazing parks, nice people and great food from virtually every culture desired. Toronto consistently makes the list of top cities, to live in. In 2015 Toronto was ranked the best place to live in the world by the Economist based on six of its indexes.

I even secretly like the winters, especially when I get to curl up with a hot chocolate in my hand after a chilly night of skating or skiing. Despite the cold and the amount of complaining we do about the weather, I think winter is one of the most beautiful seasons in Toronto, especially after a snowfall (although I still don't recommend visiting here during winter).

No matter where I travel and how much I love the place I'm travelling to, I am always happy to come back because there really is no place like home. Maybe there is something to that saying after all.









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This itinerary will constantly be updated, so check back in! An amazing place to check for events and other restaurants is BlogTO. It's your one-stop site for everything going on in the city.

Tip: Check out the Toronto City Pass for some of the attractions below.

Down-town

1 Full Day

  • Start with going up the CN Tower to enjoy the view from the top. If you're feeling adventurous, do the Edge Walk.
  • Rogers Centre - try to catch a game/concert/show at this venue.
  • Ripley's Aquarium - an impressive aquarium with sharks!
  • Harbourfront Centre - explore the Harbourfront Centre. There is always something going on in this area, whether it is a concert or a market. There are even ping pong tables out in the summer. The area turns into a skating rink in winter.
  • Take a break at the Amsterdam Pub Patio or The Goodman Pub near the Harbourfront Centre.
  • Maple Leaf Square - this area is always exciting when there is a concert or a sports event going on at the Air Canada Centre. There are several restaurants around the perimeter of this square. Real Sports Bar is one such bar with impressive amount of screens.
  • Walk through Union Station and The Royal York Hotel.
  • Stop by Marche (Rich Tree) restaurant in Brookfield Place.
  • Walk around the city hall area and the Nathan Phillips Square. Part of this area is turned into a skating rink in the winter.
  • Continue towards the Eaton's Centre for some shopping.k
  • You can walk through the Eaton's Centre or along Yonge Street towards Dundas Square. Dundas Square has restaurants and patios with great views. There is also always something going on in this area.
Tip: The next part is slightly out of the way from Dundas Square, I would suggest moving it to another day or combining with some other activities I have listed below. However, it can be done on the same day.
  • In the evening go to the Distillery District for dinner. This is a charming area with cobblestone streets, interesting shops, galleries, many restaurants and bars. This area is beautiful by day and night. You can take a tour that'll tell you the history of this area.
  • The St. Lawrence market is a site to see with shopping, food, tasting events and much more.
  • Walk along Front Street and Esplanade Street and enjoy the view. Check out the many bars and restaurants located on these streets.

1 Full Day

  • Walk through the University of Toronto. The architecture is impressive.
  • You can either continue walking or take the subway to the Yorkville area. Explore this charming block with restaurants, bars and shops.
  • Walk along Bloor Street in either direction. Here, you will find high-end shopping approximately between Avenue Road and Yonge Street.
  • If you find yourself in this area closer to the evening, there is a The One Eighty lounge located on the 51st floor of the Manulife building. It offers a great view of down-town Toronto.
  • Visit the Royal Ontario Museum or just enjoy its design from the outside.
  • There is also a Bata Shoe Museum close by.
  • Visit Casa Loma - a previous home of a Canadian financier, Henry Pellatt.
  • Walk along Chinatown. Visit the Kensington Market. This area has fun shops and amazing food such as Mexican food, tacos, apple pies and cheap beer and churros are sold everywhere.
  • Walk along Queen street (between Spadina St. and Yonge St.) - a popular area for shopping.
  • Explore King Street area. This street offers many different restaurants and theatres if you want to see a musical.
  • Portland and King area has become an entertainment area with bars, restaurants and clubs.
  • Graffiti Lane (starts on Portland St. and goes toward Spadina) - interesting couple of blocks with tons of graffiti.

Other

  • Four Seasons Centre - offers ballet and opera performances.
  • Sony Centre for the performing arts has performances as well. For those of you under 30, if you are a member (just have to sign up), you can get discounted tickets for ballet, concerts etc.
  • Roy Thomson Hall - This concert hall has classic music performances and other events.
  • Art Gallery of Ontario
  • Woodbine Beach - many volleyball players in the area and a huge beach.
  • Real Life Escape Games - Trapped
  • Summerlicious and Winterlicious events - many restaurants discount their prices for a three-course meal. You will, most likely, have to book in advance.
  • If visiting in the winter, there is an event called The Artist Project where Toronto artists display their works of art.
  • Beer Festival
  • Honda Indy
  • Symphony in the Gardens - The Toronto Concert Orchestra performs Beethoven, Mozart, and more during Tuesday performances in the majestic castle’s Glass Pavilion at the Casa Loma.
  • Polson Pier is a great area for sports related activities. There is go-karting, drive range, axe throwing (yes, it is a thing) and many other things to do. This is where Cabana Pool Club is located (Vegas style day club).
  • Toronto is home to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) that takes place at the beginning of September.
  • Beaches Jazz Festival takes place in Toronto every year.
  • There are other music festivals as well such as Digital Dreams.
  • If you happen to visit Toronto around July 1st (Canada Day), make sure to go see the fireworks show on June 30th at the Harbourfront Centre. There is also fireworks on Canada Day itself at Ashbridges Bay.
  • There are many food festivals around the city in the summer. Taste of Toronto is one such festival.
  • You can even take paddle-boarding and/or sailing lessons among other sports. Having played volleyball with Toronto Sport and Social Club, I can definitely recommend them.
  • Canadian National Exhibition takes place at the end of August (CNE). It's a cool atmosphere with rides, food, entertainment, fireworks and different exhibits.
  • Paint Night! Get together with some friends over drinks and canvas! There are groupons available for these events all the time.
  • Longos (grocery store) has cooking events where you get to help the chef with the meal. It's not exactly a cooking class, but some are interactive, you help out, get to take recipes home and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by a chef.

The Toronto Island (1/2 day)

  • Take a ferry to the islands. In my opinion, this ride offers one of the best views of the city skyline. Pack a picnic and spend a few hours on this island enjoying the beach as well as the gardens and fountains.
  • You can even rent bikes and ride to and from Hanlan's Island from/to the Centre Island. The east side of the island is more residential and isn't worth exploring in my opinion.
  • Toronto Island has an annual Dragon Boat Race Festival.
  • If you can, come here so you can see the night view of down-town Toronto. It is magnificent.
  • Stop by Island Cafe for dinner. It is a very cute spot with great food.

West End (1/2 to 1 full day)

  • High Park - this park is huge. There is a zoo, a pond (Grenadier Pond), a huge playground on the south side of the park (if you are with kids), a maple leaf made from flowers, a small botanical garden, tennis courts, a skating rink, baseball and soccer fields. Grab a picnic and enjoy this park. If you are visiting in early to mid may, there are amazing cherry blossoms in High Park and everyone flocks to this spot; however, autumn is the best season in this park. Although slightly cool, the variety of colours will not disappoint.
  • There are Shakespeare plays that take place on stage in this enormous park if you would like to watch a play outdoors.
  • Lakeshore Path - a beautiful path that goes along the lake. This path actually starts from down-town and goes all the way along the lake, connecting other cities even. It is often used for biking, running and rollerblading (if you can get a bike or rollerblades, I would definitely suggest using this scenic route), but there is a parallel wooden walk as well. I suggest walking from around high park area and going towards Humber Bay West Park. Along the way, you will see several preserved gardens, nature walks, a beautiful Humber Bay Arch Bridge and a great view of down-town Toronto.
  • Eden is a cafe (on the west side of the Humber Bay Arch Bridge) where you can take a coffee break.
  • Asa Sushi - my favourite sushi place in all of Toronto. If you can fit this in somehow in your day, do it. It's slightly north of this path, but worth making the trip.
  • You can also stop by Liberty Village, on your way back down-town, a cool/vibrant area with bars, patios and restaurants.
  • Trillium Park - has amazing views onto the skyline.

The Toronto Zoo (1 full day)

  • Definitely worth a visit, the Toronto zoo is a great way to spend the day.

Niagara Falls (1 full day)

  • Drive to Niagara Falls and spend the day. It is approximately 1.5-2 hour drive depending on traffic. If you would like, get a hotel room and spend two days enjoying this area. You can do this trip in one day, it'll just be a packed one.
  • See both the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls (including the Bridal Veil Falls)
  • Take a ride with the Hornblower Niagara Cruises. This is the best way to get as close to the falls as possible
  • Clifton Hill is an exciting street with entertainment. Not to be missed.
  • Go to the top of the Skylon Tower, some of the best views on a good sunny day, to see the falls from the top.
  • Fallsview Casino is not to be missed. If you are not a gambler, just enjoy what it has to offer; shops, views and restaurants.
  • White Water Walk. You get to see the Niagara river up close and personal. It is amazing to see the energy and power of that water so close.
  • Botanical Gardens
  • Butterfly Conservatory
  • Floral Clock
  • Niagara on the lake - a charming town with beautiful restaurants/bars/gelaterias and souvenir shops
  • The falls is illuminated at night. It is quite a view. There are also fireworks on Fridays and Sundays. Check the calendar on the website below.
  • See this site for more information on all of the items listed above.
Tip: The best way to get to Niagara is to drive. However, there is a train that goes to Niagara Falls (summer only) - GO Train.

Restaurant Suggestions:

Down-town Toronto (central)

Suggested by Friends

Down-town Toronto (Esplanade/Front Street/East)

Down-town Toronto (close to the lake/Harbourfront)

Down-town Toronto (west)

Suggested by Friends

Down-town Toronto (slightly north)

  • Sin and Redemption
  • Japango - make a reservation. This place is tiny, so you will need one.
  • Rolltation - Sushi burritos! This is a small place with a few bar stools, great for takeout.

Yorkville Area

Suggested by Friends

Distillery District

Suggested by Friends

Other

Port Credit / Clarkson

Oakville