Visiting Toronto
Introduction
Toronto is a culturally diverse city on the north-western shore of Lake Ontario, renowned as an economic, financial and tech hub. Canada’s most populous city features 46km of lake shoreline and sits in a region inhabited for thousands of years. Alongside a rich and incredibly varied history, it’s home to a booming foodie scene and an abundance of nearby ski resorts.
The city is served by Toronto Pearson International Airport, 22km northwest of Downtown Toronto, with a raft of car hire options available at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Union Pearson Express trains also provide connections to Downtown. Found on Toronto Island, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport also serves more than 20 destinations in Canada and the USA.
What is the weather like in Toronto?
Toronto has several distinctive seasons, with consistent levels of rainfall throughout the year. The summer brings average peak temperatures of 25°C, while winters are cold, with temperatures averaging between -1°C and -3°C from December to February. Snowfall is common from November to April, although occasional flurries can fall in October and May too.
Top things to do in Toronto
Towering over the city, a visit to the CN Tower is one of the many things to do in Toronto. Alongside epic views, those feeling brave can step out for the EdgeWalk, a daring experience 116 storeys up. Stop off at the Royal Ontario Museum to spy a collection of more than 13 million pieces of art and cultural heritage, or dive into the world of footwear at the Bata Shoe Museum. Alternatively, explore more than 2,000 years of painting at the Art Gallery of Ontario, home to works by Pablo Picasso and Rembrandt, as well as Canadian and Indigenous artists.
Come face-to-face with sharks and a giant Pacific octopus at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, or bask in the Gothic glory of Casa Loma, a hilltop castle that fans of Harry Potter and X-Men may recognise. The 400 acres of High Park promise space for adventure and outdoor sports, while the Hockey Hall of Fame details Canada’s relationship with ice hockey.
Where to stay in Toronto
As with all big cities there is an almost limitless supply of hotels to suit all budgets.
For luxury downtown experience head to the SoHo Hotel Toronto where in their own words "Where eclectic art and a quiet luxury aesthetic come together. The hotel embodies understated elegance and refined simplicity, focusing on high-quality materials and design matched with extraordinary service to create unforgettable experiences. You can also try Four Seasons Hotel and the asian inspired Shangri-La.
For less of a hit on your pocket but just as appealing try the Westin Harbour Castle, the Intercontinental Centre or Hotel X
Best restaurants in Toronto
The sheer diversity of Toronto’s culinary scene makes it appealing. From the foodie district of Kensington Market to Chinatown and the fresh produce on offer at St Lawrence Market, there’s something for everyone.
For Michelin-starred cuisine, the Two-star Sushi Masaki Saito tops the bill with its Japanese fare, while Alo Restaurant and Enigma Yorkville are renowned for their contemporary dishes. Venture to Mimi Chinese for authentic Asian food, Edulis for a taste of the Mediterranean or Quetzal for delicious Mexican food.
Try Barberian’s Steak House for top-quality meat cuts or Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen for jerk chicken and Caribbean cuisine with a twist. Canoe offers innovative dishes coupled with unbeatable city views or head to the 19th-century buildings of the Distillery District for galleries, music venues, restaurants and bars.
What’s nearby?
Situated at the western end of Lake Ontario, the port city of Hamilton is 69km to the south of Toronto – roughly an hour by car. Heading beyond this, the majestic Niagara Falls can be found by following the shoreline of Lake Ontario to the south and east for around 130km.
Various ski resorts can be found to the north and west of Toronto. Or for a truly epic road trip, take part of the Trans-Canada Highway north-eastwards on a 400km journey to the Canadian capital Ottawa.
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