Places To Go In Toronto: A Tourist’s Guide

Toronto is a vibrant and bustling metropolis, and one of Canada’s most visited cities. With its rich history and culture, its array of attractions, and its delicious food, it is no wonder that so many people flock to Toronto each year. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway, a longer holiday trip, or looking for something to do on a weekday, Toronto has something for everyone. From its grandiose skyscrapers to its hidden parks and trails, this city is full of exciting and unique places to explore.

History and Culture of Toronto

Toronto is the capital of Ontario and the fourth largest city in North America. It is home to over 2.8 million people from all over the world and is often referred to as the “cultural mosaic” of Canada due to its diverse population. The city has a long and exciting history, having first been settled by Indigenous peoples thousands of years ago. In 1793, the British established a trading post in the area, which led to the establishment of the Town of York in 1834. The city was officially renamed Toronto in 1834, and since then has grown into the thriving metropolis that it is today.

Toronto is renowned for its culture, with numerous museums and galleries, as well as vibrant music, theatre and film scenes. There are numerous iconic landmarks including the CN Tower, St Lawrence Market, Casa Loma, and the Royal Ontario Museum, which are must-see attractions for any visitor to the city. There are also a variety of festivals throughout the year starting from spring with the Toronto International Film Festival, and ending with TIFF Lightbox in the fall.

Popular Attractions in Toronto

Many visitors to Toronto come to explore its many attractions. One of the most popular attractions is the CN Tower, which stands at an impressive 553 metres tall. The tower offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck or “SkyPod’, which is located at the top of the tower. Visitors can also dine in the tower’s 360 Restaurant and experience a thrilling walk on the glass floor.

The Royal Ontario Museum is another popular destination for visitors to Toronto. This museum features an impressive collection of art, natural history, and archaeology. The museum also has a number of interactive exhibits that visitors can explore. Other popular attractions include Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Casa Loma, High Park, and the Distillery District.

Food and Drink

Toronto is known for its delicious food scene, which offers everything from fine dining restaurants to street food vendors. The city has a wide variety of cuisines to choose from, ranging from Italian to Indian. Some of the most popular restaurants include Amaya Express, Alo Restaurant, Woodlot, Wvrst, and Robinson’s Syrup.

In addition to its incredible food scene, Toronto also has a vibrant nightlife with an array of bars, pubs, and clubs to choose from. Popular bars include Bar Hop Brewco, The Bovine Sex Club, The Drake Hotel, and the Grand Electric Bar & Grill.

Outdoor Activities

Toronto is home to some incredible outdoor activities that visitors can take part in. One popular activity is cycling along the city’s waterfront trails which offer stunning views of Lake Ontario. There are also numerous parks located throughout the city, such as High Park which features numerous trails for hikers and cyclists. Other outdoor activities include kayaking in the harbour or boating on Lake Ontario.

Shopping

Toronto is home to some of Canada’s best shopping destinations. The city’s most popular shopping areas include Yorkville Village, Queen Street West, and The Eaton Centre. Visitors can find everything from designer clothing stores to vintage shops in these areas. The city also has several popular markets including St Lawrence Market, Chinatown Night Market, Kensington Market and The Village Market.

Exploring Toronto: Sample Tours

One of the best ways to explore Toronto is through taking part in guided tours. There are numerous tours available that offer visitors an insight into the city’s history, culture and attractions. Here are two sample tours that visitors can experience when visiting Toronto:

Toronto Historical Tour

This tour offers visitors an insight into Toronto’s long history beginning with its Indigenous roots up until modern day. The tour takes guests through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as St Lawrence Market, the CN Tower and Casa Loma while exploring their historical significance. Visitors will also learn about various historical events such as the Great Fire of 1904 and their role in shaping the city today. The tour includes visits to museums and galleries as well as interactive activities such as walking tours and interactive talks with knowledgeable guides. Guests can book this tour here.

Brewery Tour

For beer-lovers looking to explore Toronto in a unique way, this brewery tour is perfect. It will take guests through some of Toronto’s best breweries including Amsterdam Brewery Co., Bellwoods Brewery and Henderson Brewing Co., where guests will learn about their individual brewing processes as well as taste some of their handcrafted beers. Visitors will also get an insight into Toronto’s craft beer scene as well as learn about some of its local breweries while exploring some of their hidden gems such as beer gardens and tap houses. Guests can book this tour here.

Conclusion

Toronto is a vibrant city full of culture, attractions and activities for visitors to explore. From its iconic landmarks such as the CN Tower to its delicious food scene and vibrant nightlife there is something for everyone in this bustling metropolis. Whether you are looking for outdoor activities or guided tours, Toronto has something for everyone to enjoy.