Canada’s largest city is a lively metropolis packed with parks, museums, restaurant and much more. Sometimes overlooked, Toronto has become a cultural and social hub that rivals that of cities like New York, Chicago and Boston and should be on every travelers must visit destinations.
Toronto has many neighborhoods packed in the downtown area of the city. They are all unique and diverse but they are all worth spending the time to explore. However, any first time visitor to the city needs to start from the center and work their way out. Three areas form the main center of the city and hold some of the most popular attractions that Toronto has to offer, Entertainment District, Downtown Yonge and Old Toronto.
The 3D Toronto Sign located in front of the Toronto City Hall in Nathan Phillips Square clearly marks the center of the city and provides for some memorable pictures to start of your exploration of the city. The best time to visit is at dusk when the sign lights up. The square often hosts many festivals and activities so there is always something fun to look at. On the other side of the Square is the Old City Hall building which is a beautiful nineteenth century Romanesque structure used today as a courthouse. Adjacent to the City Hall complex is the Downtown Yonge area. The area is full with theaters, restaurants, stores and the impressive Yonge Dundas Square anchors it. The square resembles Times Square in New York, covered with numerous large screens displaying advertisements for the nearby stores. And if you are looking to do some shopping there is no better place than the iconic CF Toronto Eaton Center. This urban mall has many upscale brands and is famous for its large glass ceiling.
Taking Yonge Street south from Eaton Center will lead you straight into the heart of Old Toronto. While the area is still modern, you will notice many more historical building than in other central areas. For sports-lovers visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame and seeing the Stanley Cup in person is a must. A short walk from the museum is Berczy Park. The park is surrounded by numerous gorgeous nineteenth century buildings and is famous for its Dog Fountain and for the Trompe L’oeil Mural on the historic Gooderham Building overlooking the park. Down the street from the park is the iconic St. Lawrence Market. The market has stood and thrived since the early eighteen hundreds and today is the anchor for the neighborhood. Vendors sell many farm to table products while cafes, bakeries and sandwich shops offer great options for lunch.
For spectacular views and memorable experiences, find your way to the Entertainment District and Harbourfront. Sometimes popular attractions are crowded and not worth the wait. That can’t be said for Toronto’s CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. The CN Tower is the most iconic building in the city as it rises over all other skyscrapers. The views on a clear day go on for miles and the experience of looking down at the city in unforgettable. You can even take the edge walk tour if you are looking to add some adrenalin to your day. Immediately next to the tower is the Aquarium. Massive in size and with numerous exhibitions. Do not miss the Dangerous Lagoon shark exhibition that has the longest moving sidewalk in North America gently ushering you through a glass tunnel while numerous species of sharks swim over your head. On a nice day finish off your day exploring this neighborhood by taking a walk on the harbor front through the Toronto Music Garden and grab a beer and a bite at Amsterdam BrewHouse.
One of the most unique places to have a sit down dinner and take a romantic walk is The Historic Distillery District. Founded in the eighteen hundreds and becoming at a point, the largest distillery in the world. The area today has kept most of the Victorian buildings and transformed into an arts district with numerous boutiques and galleries. Take a walk with a friend or a loved one on the cobblestones and add a lovelock to the script sculpture. Enjoy one of the many upscale restaurants in the district and catch a show at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts.
If you are looking for something to do later in the night, you should make your way to the Kensington Market and Chinatown Areas. Chinatown is a great place to get food late at night, as many establishments are open well into the night and serve authentic Chinese cuisine. The adjacent Kensington Market area is a stronghold for the bohemian crowd. Local art and music is born here and it thrives and grows in Kensington. It is common to find popup musical performances in a yard or an alley. And speaking of alleys take a walk to the most famous of all, Graffiti Alley near Queens Street. As the name suggests it is covered in beautiful street art.
So when you are considering where to travel for your next trip do not forget about Canadas largest city. It has something to offer to everyone and surely has unforgettable experiences to offer you.
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