Best Toronto City Guide for Your Next Trip: Toronto Travel Guide By Trip Planner.
Toronto, Canada’s most cosmopolitan city, is often unfairly represented by its motto “thank God it’s Monday.” The truth is, Toronto is a fun and exciting city to visit. Located on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, this compact city is home to residents who speak over 160 languages and are eager to show off their thriving city, which has become increasingly recognizable through its many movie and TV show appearances (yes, even “Suits” was filmed in Toronto).
The city’s compactness makes it easy to navigate, with a small metro and tram system, and its distinct neighborhoods make it easy to explore. Some popular neighborhoods include the Distillery District (former grain stores converted into trendy restaurants, cafes, and boutiques), hip Dundas West with its cafes and bars, and downtown Toronto, home to the Financial District and its skyscrapers.
Toronto has recently seen an influx of new hotels, like the Kimpton Saint George and the Anndore (formerly a Comfort Inn), and new flight routes, such as Primera Air’s flights from Stansted to Toronto. The city is also set to see new landmark developments, like the first integrated Nobu complex. The best time to visit Toronto is in the autumn, when the humidity drops and the leaves turn, and the city is host to festivals like the Nuit Blanche arts festival.
Things to Do:
- CN Tower: Toronto’s iconic CN Tower may no longer be the world’s tallest free-standing structure, but it remains a beloved part of the city. Take the glass-bottomed lift up 346 meters to the viewing platform for panoramic views of Toronto and its green islands.
- Toronto Islands: A chain of green islands a couple of miles from the city’s waterfront, Centre Island is the largest and most accessible. It’s perfect for walking, cycling, and picnicking with views of Toronto’s impressive skyline.
- Graffiti: Take a free 90-minute walking tour with Tour Guys around the back alleys of Queen Street West to see Toronto’s fascination with graffiti. Graffiti Alley is a street dedicated to the art form.
- Waterfront District: Toronto’s waterfront district is a great example of public space done right. The area has elegant wooden boardwalks, small beaches, and outdoor restaurants and bars.
Where to Stay:
- Kimpton Saint George: A trendy addition to the Toronto hotel scene, the Kimpton Saint George has comfortable and spacious rooms in a grey and teal color scheme with views of the university district. Gastropub The Fortunate Fox is a lively spot that doesn’t feel like a hotel restaurant.
- Four Seasons Toronto: Located in historic Yorkville, the Four Seasons Toronto is everything you would expect from this luxury brand. It offers superior service, Canadian artwork, and award-winning French cuisine at Daniel Boulud’s Café Boulud.
Where to Eat:
- Poutine: A must-try in Toronto, poutine is a Canadian staple made of cheese curds and gravy on chips. Poutini’s House of Poutine takes the dish seriously with two branches in Toronto.
- One in the Hazelton Hotel: Toronto’s premier celebrity hangout, One in the Hazelton Hotel in Yorkville, offers fun dishes like lobster spoons, Korean chicken tacos, and classic hotel comfort food.
Plan your next trip to Toronto with this comprehensive travel guide and experience the best this vibrant city has to offer.
