Photo by James Wheeler from Pexels
Known for its soaring skyscrapers, green spaces, and sports facilities, Toronto is full to the brim with exciting activities, attractions, and historic landmarks to explore. As the provincial capital of Ontario, Toronto welcomes millions of tourists from across the globe each year.
Whether you’re planning a trip away with your partner, or a family vacation, here are just 10 reasons why Toronto should be next on your destination list.
Friendly Locals
Whether you’re an experienced traveler, or this is your first trip away, going somewhere new can be daunting for anyone. If you’ve never been to Toronto before, finding your way around couldn’t be easier thanks to the friendly locals. Torontonians are known to be extremely friendly and polite, meaning if you have any difficulties getting from A to B, you can be assured there is always a local nearby who can point you in the right direction. Engaging with the residents of Toronto can be a great way to learn more about what makes the city so popular with tourists and locals.
Tasty Food
For the food lovers among us, you will be spoilt for choice with a trip to Toronto. As a major city, you can expect to find a wide array of restaurants, bars, and cafés that serve cuisine from across the globe. One of the hardest parts about spending time in the city will be where to go to eat. Whether you’re wanting to try famous Canadian dishes like Poutine, or you prefer to stick to what you know, Toronto caters for all taste buds. What’s more, there are many restaurants that are open until the early hours, so if you’re heading for a night out in the city, you can tuck into some tasty food before calling it a night.
Sports Galore
If you’re a lover of sport, Toronto should definitely be next on your destination list. With a pro team for every season, there are plenty of exciting games to take in while in the city. Whether it’s by watching the famous Maple Leaf team hit the ice or catching an NBA basketball game to see the Raptors, no trip to the city is complete without watching a sports game. What’s more, many of the games are affordable, making it a perfect family day out. Before you decide on a sports game, it’s best to book your tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment. Also, make sure to check when the game season is in full swing.
Open Spaces
If you’ve had enough of the hustle and bustle of city life, having some time away from the center may be what you need. With Toronto being home to tons of green spaces, there are parks located at most corners, as well as streets that are lined with big leafy trees that look fantastic in the spring and summer months. If you’re heading to the city as a family, heading to the park for a picnic can be a great way to relax and unwind while taking in the glorious views that Toronto has to offer. Some of the most popular green spaces in Toronto include Allan Gardens, St. James Park, and Toronto Music Garden.
The Movies
If you’re a lover of the TV series Suits, or you can quote the movie Mean Girls at a drop of a hat, what you may not realize is that both productions were filmed in Toronto! When taking a stroll through the city, you may recognize scenes from your favorite show or movie. If you want to take some snapshots of yourself with some iconic landmarks and areas, having an idea of where all the film sites are in the city is important.
Rich History & Culture
If you would like to explore what makes Toronto so popular with locals and tourists, there are a wide array of galleries, museums, festivals, and concerts that you can check out during your stay. Toronto is known for its non-stop stream of fantastic cultural activities and events, meaning that no matter the time of year you head to the city, there is always something new to check out. The city is bursting with skyscrapers and stunning architecture which can help you find out more about the history of Toronto.
The Cleanliness
While there tends to be a direct correlation between the size of a town or city and how clean it is, Toronto goes against the trend completely. From the moment you land in Toronto, you will be surprised at how clean it is. With a population of close to 3 million, the residents of Toronto take great pride in their city, so as a tourist, make sure to show respect and appreciation for one of the greatest cities in Canada.
The Road Trips
If you’re on a family vacation and want to take a day out of the city, why not go on a road trip? Getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life and swapping it for some cool wineries, waterfalls, and cottages can be a great way to explore more of the surrounding areas. If you’re after an unforgettable day trip, you must check out Niagara Falls, and before you head back to the city, why not end your day with a walk through the glorious town of Hamilton?
Famous Art
While Toronto is home to some of the greatest movies ever recorded, the city is also the birthplace of some of the greatest artists in the world. A trip to the Art Gallery of Ontario should be on the cards for those into their art, and with a collection of over 9000 works of art to check out, the establishment is regarded as one of the most distinguished art museums that North America has to offer.
Thriving Music Scene
No matter the genre of music you’re into, when in Toronto, there is a wide array of clubs, bars, and large music venues to check out which play host to some of the most popular artists in the world. Whether you’re heading to a concert club night at The Phoenix Concert Theatre, or attend a show at the Scotiabank Arena, the city is bursting at the seams with talent. When in Toronto, you must check out some of the bars and clubs that play host to some of the best undiscovered talent in the country.
Getting to Toronto
Now that you have a better idea of what makes Toronto so popular with tourists, planning your trip to the city should be your next port of call! If you are looking for a flight to Toronto, check out regional airlines like Porter. In order to get the best deal possible, it’s best to book your flights to Toronto as early as possible. With Porter Airlines, you benefit from extra legroom and free snacks and drinks, plus you also have the opportunity to book your accommodation at the same time!
No matter your age or interests, Toronto caters for all. Whether you’re a food lover, sports fanatic, or into music, there are tons of attractions and activities that you can pack into your itinerary. However long you have in the city, you are bound to find something that suits you down to the ground.