When you think of Canada, what city comes to mind? For me, it’s Toronto. It’s the NYC of Canada, with so much electricity and fun things to do. With a population of around 6 million people, it’s the capital of the province of Ontario. Toronto has a bustling cityscape, fantastic dining, shopping and a cool nightlife.

Places to See

Toronto’s Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatown’s in North America. Chinese New Year is one of the biggest celebrations for the Chinese and they welcome visitors to join in. You must check out the parade featuring dragon dancers and lions. The costumes are breathtaking. The festival dates depend on when the next New Year falls but it’s worth planning your trip around it.

Toronto Islands

When the weather is warm, locals enjoy traveling to the Toronto Islands. You will need to take a water taxi or ferry to get to the island. Even locals sometimes forget how amazing the Islands can be. When on the ferry, check out Hanlan’s port and enjoy the city views on your way to the Island. 

Kensington Market

Check out Kensington Market when you get to town. It a funky neighborhood with cool shops and great dining. You will run across a bohemian area with a ton of things to see and do.

Graffiti Alley

You can’t visit Toronto without checking out the edgy fashion district Graffiti Alley. The streets are lined with renowned artist showing off their feelings about life and everything in between. The alley is consistently changing with new work so you may get original photos of artist work that changes the next week when they paint over it.

Royal Ontario Museum

No visit to Toronto is complete unless you make a trip to the Royal Ontario Museum. You will learn about natural history, art and culture plus it is one of the largest museums in all of North America.

Sugar Beach

There is no ocean near Toronto but it does have a cool beach located on Queens Quay East. A must visit to soak in the rays and relax before a night out. The adorable Pink umbrellas located on the white sandy beaches are a photo op for sure. 

Gibraltar Point Lighthouse

Of course I cannot visit a city without finding some of its haunted history which is why I included the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. It’s the sight where the first light keeper was murdered in the year 1815. Locals say it is haunted to this day so be prepared to get creeped out.

Casa Loma

Check out the tour of Toronto’s closetest thing to a castle, Casa Loma. It’s a local landmark that at one time was a private residence. It has since been turned into a museum and landmark. The architecture and gardens are worth a quick trip to admire their beauty.

Places to Stay

The Hazelton Hotel

Voted as one of the best hotels in all of Toronto, the Hazleton should be one of your top choices when deciding on where to stay. Location, location, location. It’s the ultimate place near all of the excitement. 

SHANGRI-LA TORONTO

If you are looking for luxury then Shangri-la Toronto is a place you want to stay on your trip. Located in the entertainment and financial district, you will be close to all of the excitement Toronto has to offer. And the pool has been named one of the most beautiful in the world, so you may spend most of your time lounging there. 😂

Places to Eat and Drink

Bar Reyna // 158 Cumberland St.
https://www.barreyna.com/

Bar Reyna is known for its cool vibe and awesome decor making it Instagram ready for you and your friends. The restaurant features some of the best Mediterranean food around and the Jazz is top notch.  Plus the Victorian house with an all around patio is pretty awesome too.

Sneaky Dee’s 431 College St; 416.603.3090

Sneaky Dee’s is a well known music scene around Toronto with live shows located on 2 floors. It may look like a dive bar but the scene is super hip.

Bier Markt 58 The Esplanade
https://www.thebiermarkt.com/en.html

If you want beer, then Bier Market is the place for you. Their extensive beer menu boasts 150 different brands from over 25 countries so even the pickiest beer drinker will find a favorite. The cool thing is they use a three-gas blend to push the brews from the keg to the tap so the beer doesn’t come into contact with oxygen.

Figures Restaurant located at 137 Avenue Rd, Toronto
https://www.figuresto.com/

This place is a comic book lovers Mecca. The restaurant is an unassuming spot in the neighborhood of Yorkville that serves some of the best food in Toronto. The restaurant pays homage to your favorite Superheroes. Super cool place to check out.

Seven Lives located at 69 Kensington Avenue http://sevenlives.restaurantsnapshot.com/

If you are looking for the best Mexican food in Toronto, check out the super busy Seven Lives. Its a cash only taqueria serving up some of the best Baja-Style tacos and seafood around. A must see on your foodie bucket list.

We hope you have the time of your life if you make it out to Toronto. Leave us a comment if you have places our readers would enjoy.

Blog by Krista