Today, we have an exciting post to share! Emily from Airplanes and Avocados is here to bring us to her city and show us 15 things to do in Toronto which is the provincial capital of Ontario, Canada.
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Hey everyone! Welcome to part two of my top things to do in Toronto. Yesterday on my blog, Airplanes and Avocados, I shared fifteen things to do in Toronto and today the lovely Maryrose and Reid have invited me to share fifteen more things to experience in the city.
Toronto is such an incredible city and one that is so near to my heart and holds hundreds of amazing memories. There’s truly nowhere else in the world quite like Toronto; it’s a part of everyone’s Canadian identity. The cities big personality and thousands of major sites can make it a little overwhelming, so I’ve narrowed it down to the top thirty things you absolutely cannot leave without experiencing. Before we get into it though, let’s talk a bit about this incredible place!
Toronto is the capital of the province of Ontario and one of the most diverse Canadian cities. Sitting at a population of 5.6 million, it’s also Canada’s largest city. The massive, ethnically diverse city is a dynamic metropolis of skyscrapers sprawled across the shore of Lake Ontario. From big city buildings, and the iconic CN Tower, to the unique urban beaches and abundant green spaces, Toronto really does hold a little something for everyone!
1. Visit the CN Tower
There are probably fifteen things to do at the CN Tower alone! This monument is the third tallest tower in the world and an icon for the city of Toronto. You can take the elevator to the top of the CN Tower and look down at the city below through a glass floor. Or enjoy a unique dining experience at the 360 restaurant that revolves 360 degrees, providing stunning views of the city. Or, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, take part in the CN Tower Edge Walk. You’ll get to walk around the circumference of the roof; not a trip for the faint of heart!
2. Walk the PATH
The city’s underground pedestrian walkway might not be on your Toronto bucket list yet, but it certainly should be! Not only is the PATH a convenient and warm way to get around the city during the winter months, it’s jam packed full of shopping and dining options; 30km of them to be exact!
3. Attend a game at the Air Canada Centre
Whether you’re a hockey or basketball fan there will be a game on for you to enjoy at the ACC. Cheer on Canada’s teams on the ice or on the court during your next visit to the city.
4. Attend a Music Festival
If you’re visiting Toronto during the summer months, you’re going to want to check out on the handful of music festival the city houses each year. Some of the most popular are Digital Dreams, VELD, and OVO Fest.
5. Get out on Lake Ontario
Another exciting summer activity, getting out onto the lake is not only a fun experience for all, but will provide some stunning views of the city. Whether you just want to relax, or go on a thrilling adventure, you have planet of options on Lake Ontario. You can rent kayaks and stand up paddle boards from a variety of places along the Harbourfront.
6. Watch a Show at Massey Hall
This designated National Historic Site of Canada has welcomed some of the most well-known names in music. These days it houses smaller concerts and orchestras and is an absolutely stunning building to take in.
7. Go celeb-spotting at the TIFF
The Toronto International Film Festival is a star studded weekend in September in which hundreds of films are screened in downtown Toronto for over 400,000 people, many of them being actors. Thousands of people crow the downtown area in order to grab a picture or autograph with their favorite celebrities.
8. Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame
Take a walk through the history of Canada’s national game in this famous hockey museum.
9. Take a spooky stroll through Casa Loma
Casa Loma was once a gothic revival home, built for Sir Henry ill Pellatt. The city has since put millions of dollars into restoring it and it’s now an icon and somewhat creepy museum. It’s also provided the back drop for several movies including X-en and was transformed into Hogwarts for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
10. Get Fast and Furious at the Honda Indy
You definitely won’t be able to miss the Honda Indy when you’re in Toronto! This is IndyCar’s second-longest running street race and consists of a 2.9k track with 11 turns at Exhibition Place.
11. Enjoy patio drinks at the cities best spots
There’s nothing like a few drinks on a Harbourfront patio during the summer in Toronto. If you walk anywhere along the Harbourfront you’re bound to find dozens of options. Some of my favourite places to grab a summer drink are The Porch and Oasis.
12. Visit Nathan Phillips Square
You can’t leave Toronto without grabbing this Insta-worthy photo of the “Toronto” sign outside of city hall. Not only does this make a stunning photo op, but in the winter time the water freezes over so you can go skating on!
13. Enjoy a Free Flick on the Harbourfront
Throughout the summer months, the Harbourfront plays free weekly outdoor movies. Grab a cozy blanket and a cozy friend and enjoy a free flick outdoors this summer.
14. Grab some sunshine on a city beach
The majority of these an-made beaches open in June and offer a little slice of paradise right in the middle of the city. Find them scattered along the Lakeshore and Harbourfront; just be sure to get there early!
15. Spend an afternoon in the Distillery District
The Distillery District is a beautiful pedestrian only village that’s home to many of Toronto’s hottest designer boutiques, unique cafes, stunning art galleries, artisan shops, award winning restaurants and performance venues. During Christmas it’s transformed into an incredible Winter Wonderland Christmas Market.
Well that officially concludes my top things to do in the beautiful city of Toronto! Don’t forget to check out the first half of this post over on Airplanes and Avocados, for fifteen more things to do!
2 Comments
I wholeheartedly agree that visitors should try out the CN Tower EdgeWalk if there budgets and courage allow for it! In my 10+ years living in Toronto, this is by far the best new attraction that they have incorporated in the downtown area. Did it once for my birthday a few years ago. Can’t wait to go again with some friends this time!
Nice, Ray! We’ll definitely have to get out there one day.