Insider Travel Guide to Toronto

A multicultural metropolis on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto is Canada’s centre for arts, food, business and fun – all under the watchful gaze of the iconic CN Tower.

The Main Attractions

So much more than the sum of its parts, Toronto is not just Canada’s most populous city and economic powerhouse, it’s also one of the country’s most vibrant and diverse places – welcoming residents from nearly every country in the world and all walks of life. Add to the mix an awesome cultural precinct, a thriving culinary scene, happening nightlife, plenty of open green spaces like Kew Gardens and High Park, and great public transport links, and you’ve got a perfect Canadian getaway. Craving a more under-the-radar Toronto escape? Take a ferry over to the Toronto Islands or head down to the Iroquois shoreline to check out the Scarborough Bluffs – complete with an Ancient Greek-style theatre crafted from the remnants of the city’s historic buildings. Enjoy eclectic architecture? Take a walk around downtown and the Harbourfront, home to Union Station, the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario – where the only thing more impressive than the buildings are the exhibits: Martian meteorites, anyone?! For something a little more off-beat, check out the Bata Shoe Museum. Trust us – you won’t be disappointed. For a more immersive take on Toronto’s past – and a drink or two – check out the 19th-century Distillery District. Once one of the largest distilleries in Canada, its industrial buildings are now home to a mish-mash of bars and restaurants. From there, swing by St Lawrence Market for a unique culinary trip around the world. As night sets in, head to the theatre or sample Toronto’s famous nightlife. Unsure where to start? Yonge-Dundas Square is always a good bet. While the city shines in the summer – think beaches, waterfront paths perfect for cycling and days lazing in lush parks – visit in the colder months to see the city transformed into a winter wonderland, with outdoor ice rinks, snowsports and plenty of indoor activities to keep even the most warm-blooded visitor entertained. Keep reading to find out more about why Culture Trip loves Toronto so much – and why you soon will too!

Neighborhoods