The Canadian Escape Toronto

By traveldecorum | Toronto

For a travel enthusiast like me, new places are as exciting as the vacation itself. I am always on the lookout for a different city or a new country, less travelled to or rather less conventional to say the least. We all have done Europe by now, if you know what I mean. Many a times we overlook certain cities due to more popular options close by or sharing a similar vibe. In this search I have come across a fabulous option in Canada- Toronto. Don’t get me wrong, I know it is already hugely popular in the tourist crowd but it is often skipped for other options is what I have experienced.

Toronto is the most populous city in Canada apart from also being its hub for financial and cultural activities. Basically its Canada’s gem! It is also extremely cosmopolitan and is known for being an ethnically diverse urban conglomeration. Booking a holiday to Toronto is a matter of few clicks as all major airlines have flights from UK to Toronto. Planning and booking flights and hotels beforehand ensure you get the cheapest deals for Toronto.

The best time to go to Toronto, Canada are the months of April, May, June, September and October. The weather is mild and perfect for all outdoor activities. Tourists are also lesser in number and exploring the city becomes a lot easier and fun as compared to summers.

Toronto is also versatile in terms of the kind of tourists visiting it. You can travel solo, with family, with your partner or just with friends. It has something for everyone and people of all age groups. Also there are hotels in all budgets available. Among the best and most luxurious hotel chains are the Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Hazelton Hotel, Shangri-La, St. Regis and Omni King Edward Hotel. Among some budget hotels are Woodbine Hotel, Bond Place Hotel, Doubletree Hotel and Holiday Inn.

Now that I have created all the positive hype around Toronto, let me tell you the top 12 must-do things in Toronto:

1. Niagara Falls

Roughly a drive of 130 kms away from Toronto, Niagara Falls is one of the wonders of the world. There are many guided tours available and it is an easy day trip that can be undertaken by tourists of all ages. Gushing water from three waterfalls namely Horseshoe, American and Bridal Veil falls are a picture of ecstatic glory of nature. Nothing beats this view! If you take a trip to Toronto, you just cannot miss this.

2. Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario museum is the largest museum in Canada and the USA. It has art and artifacts from African, Asian, Canadian and European descent. This is a history lover’s paradise. Spend an entire day learning about history and be enthralled.

3. Toronto Zoo

Toronto Zoo is a must visit especially if you are travelling with children or animal lovers. It houses over 5000 species into an area divided into seven regions- Indo-Malay, Eurasia, Australasia, Americas, Africa, Tundra Trek and Canadian. Don’t miss the exotic species and birds in the premises.

Must Read:Toronto: The Wonder of a City

4. Art Gallery of Toronto

Toronto is the art hub of Canada. This Art Gallery preserves art from the first century till present date. It also has an espresso bar and café for you and all the art discussions you wish to pursue. Art often tells us a lot about the city’s evolution into what it is today. It is very important to know what you see.

5. Bata Shoe Museum

Bata Shoe museum is as interesting as unique. One of the only museums solely dedicated to footwear, it has over 13,500 items. All shoe lovers, go have a look and gush over the lovely work!

6. Textile Museum of Canada

All textile and art fans should visit this museum. With award winning exhibitions, the collection will blow your mind.

7. Queen Street

Toronto’s highlight is its Queen Street. With several independent boutique stores, cafes and art galleries, there is just so much to do. Enjoy your walk and eat all kinds of street food while shopping for some antiques and Toronto specials

8. Harbourfront

You can take a walk along the harbor of Lake Ontario and enjoy the scenic views. You can also go for boating and be exceptionally pleased with this stunning Canadian city of Toronto.

9. Toronto Entertainment District

This is the nightlife strip of Toronto! All major nightclubs are here along with all the cultural and performing arts spaces. You will be spending a couple of nights here, of that I’m sure.

10. Eaton Centre

The Eaton centre is the most popular shopping centre located in Downtown Toronto. It is very easily accessible from all parts of the city. All the popular eating joints and departmental stores are here. It is perfect for a daytime shopping spree with lunch.

11. Taste of the Danforth

This 3-day annual festival takes place on Danforth Avenue in the second week of August. It is hugely popular among the tourists and also is the biggest street festival in Canada. The main attraction of this festival is the Greek food and beer.

12. Graffiti Alley

Rush Lane popularly known as the Graffiti Alley is a blast of color and inspiration. It is the beauty in the graffiti that converts this normal alley to an eclectic work of art. Make sure you have enough memory on your phone’s camera because you will be taking quite a few pictures.