Toronto is Canada’s largest city. It’s famous for being one of the world’s most multicultural cities. Almost half of the population migrated from outside of Canada which means there are endless amounts of incredible food and culture to enjoy. The locals are crazy for Tim Hortons, sports, and their home grown celebrities.
We have a special soft spot for Toronto as it was the start of our Canadian adventure and was where we bought our home on wheels, Billy.
Public Transport: It is very easy to get around Toronto with its many modes of transport. There is an extensive bus route system, subway and tram lines that run through the main streets of the city. The train system also connects Toronto to all the outskirt suburbs and closeby cities. Debit cards are all that’s required to use the Go Trains but for the majority of the city you will need to buy a single use ticket for $3.35 CAD, a Presto day pass for $13.50 CAD or buy a pay as you go Presto card that you can top up.
things to do in toronto
- Kensington Markets
- Toronto Teams
- Waterfront Stroll
- Beaver Tails
- CN Tower
Kensington Market
How to get there: Take the 506 or the 510 tram
Kensington Market is the trendy hub in Toronto, it’s the hipsters playground. Pace yourself as you wander the area and weave your way in and out of shops. Enjoying the character of the district that’s filled with locally owned restaurants, bakeries, cafes, bars and grocers. You can also find many hidden gems in up market and vibrant vintage stores that will take you days to sort through.
Kensington Market is the heart of street art with colourful and creative murals on almost every corner. You may be lucky to see an artist at work as you stroll by. Something that also comes with the cool vibes of hipster hubs is the many tattoo shops you can venture into if you are feeling adventurous.
Go cheer on a Toronto team
Are you a sports fan? You have come to the right place! Toronto is home to 3 famous sporting teams.
- Toronto Maple Leafs are their Ice Hockey team (season October- April, at ScotiaBank Arena. Avg. ticket price $293 CAD)
- Toronto Raptors are their Basketball team (season October – April, at ScotiaBank Arena. Avg. ticket price $149)
- Toronto Blue Jays are their Baseball team (season March- October, at The Rogers Centre. Avg. Ticket price $151)
Depending on what time of year you are visiting you can experience the extraordinarily contagious atmosphere of one of these teams. If these sports aren’t for you Toronto also has lacrosse, football, rugby and FC teams.
walk the waterfront
Address: 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8
How to get there: take tram 509 or 510 or bus 19 to the waterfront.
Toronto sits on the waterfront of Ontario Lake and our stroll from Coronation Park to Sugar beach was an unexpected delight.
There were many parks full of picnic tables, shady trees and fantastic views of the CN Tower. By the waters edge we discovered a couple of beaches with sand and permanent beach umbrellas to lay back and relax on a sunny day. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy views of the Lake and harbour front, or you can opt for an excursion over to Centre Island.
Centre Island is home to panoramic green spaces, restaurants and beaches. On weekends Centreville Amusement Park is open for enjoyment for $36 CAD. The ferry over to the island costs $9.11 CAD.
beaver tails
Address: 145 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H4
How to get there: take tram 509 or 510 or bus 19 to the waterfront then walk to the shop.
Open Hours: 12pm-9pm
While you are strolling the waterfront, why not stop at Beaver Tails. It is a must in Canada. They are delicious!
Beaver Tails are a fried dough pastry that is usually topped with something sweet. We thought it was the perfect idea to try it by the waterfront on a sunny summer day, and loved every bite. Beaver Tails is a chain that you can get all over Toronto and even nationwide.
There were so many options to choose from but we opted for the Brownie Tail and the Poutine Tail. We haven’t seen the Poutine addition at all the chains so if that is your choice best to come to this location. It was the first time we tried Poutine so we thought it was special that we got to try two Canadian delicacies at the same time.
CN Tower
Address: Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2T6
How to get there: take the 504 tram and walk towards John St
The CN (Canadian National) Tower is the most iconic attraction in Toronto. It is the telecommunications and broadcast tower.
Here is a mini guide to the Tower:
SkyPod- the highest observation platform in the western hemisphere. You can see all the way to Niagara Falls. $53 CAD for SkyPod and Main Observation Level.
Edgewalk- if you are an adrenaline junkie you can walk along the outside of the tower’s main pod; with a harness of course. $200-225 CAD
360 Restaurant- the up market restaurant makes a full rotation as you enjoy your dining experience. You also receive access to the main observation level after your meal.
Main Observation Level- high glass windows for you to experience all the views of the city. $42 CAD
Glass Floor Level- you can not only experience the glass windows to see the view but also see the stomach launching sites below.
Base- if you are afraid of heights you can still enjoy the CN Tower by visiting the gift shop, restaurants and a KidsZone at the base of the tower.
Ebony & Ivory Tip: Book ahead of time online to ensure you get to do and see what you want.
Other things to do in Toronto:
- Chinatown
- Distillery District
- The Toronto Sign
- Queen Street
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