Visiting Toronto over Spring Break was definitely a choice. It was freezing, snowy and cloudy. I jealously scrolled through endless pictures from warm places, like Miami and Cancun while constantly shivering My god though, this city has haunted me since I left! It felt so much like an American city, but was different enough to stay mystifying. Toronto should definitely be on your radar, and here are some reasons why.
Toronto Islands
In what could be one of my favorite places in the world, the tranquility of the islands is quite the juxtaposition from the metropolis you can see across the water. After a quick ferry, you find yourself wandering around a quaint suburban neighborhoods. I can’t describe how much I loved wandering around the island. To the north lies undisturbed views of the skyline across the water. The south side has a line of beach on Lake Ontario. In the summer, there’s a little amusement park on the island’s western side and a ton of biking trails. In the winter, the serenity is a welcoming relief from the city across and the island is a fantastic place to wander.
Niagara Falls
While not technically in Toronto, Niagara is only about a two hour drive south. There’s rail service connecting the two cities and a number of organized trips. At the falls, take a stroll along the water and check out the endless array of tacky tourist traps. Honestly, just walk across the pedestrian bridge back to America. Personally, I think the best part of the falls is New York’s Niagara Falls State Park with Goat Island and the Maid of the Mist. However, Canada’s side does have the best views. Take it as you will. If you drove, make a pit stop at Niagara-on-the-Lake, an adorable small town on the convergence of Lake Ontario and the Niagara River. It’s only a bit out of the way back to Toronto.
Royal Ontario Museum
Inside the iconic exterior, the ROM has exhibits covering everything except Canadian history! Only kidding… kinda. Still, it’s a great collection of natural history and art. Some of my highlights were the bat cave (a plethora of stuffed bats), the Ancient Greek art, including the Spartan mask, and the crystal court.
CN Tower
Yes, it’s touristy but you have to make a trip up the Western Hemisphere’s tallest structure. From the peak, you can see the mist of Niagara Falls, watch planes land at Billy Bishop Airport, see the expansive and peaceful water of Lake Ontario and survey the rest of Toronto from almost 1,500 feet above. Bonus points if you order a glass of overpriced wine from the bar.
Casa Loma
My dad and I were a bit confused to see a castle when we came out of the Metro in Downtown. Casa Loma was built in 1914 and is now one of the city’s most treasured landmarks (and one of the most popular event spaces). Now, you can tour the castle and gardens for $40 CAD. There are some interesting exhibits, including “The Dark Side of Toronto” and a classic car collection.
Riverdale Park
The eastern portion of the park has an incredible view of the Toronto skyline! An added bonus is that Rooster Coffee House next door serves equally stunning drinks. In the winter, people use the steep incline, aptly named Toboggan Hill, to sled. The park swoops into the Don River Valley with trails following the stream. Nearby, the strip of Danforth Avenue has some shopping and dining opportunities. Eventually the park morphs into the Brick Works.
Don Valley Brick Works Park
Before becoming a “flagship natural environment,” the park was a quarry! As a big fan of urban restoration projects, this park is an incredible example of what can be done. There are a ton of bike trails weaving around the lakes. Be sure to stop by the Brick Works Park Overlook. With a stunning view of the skyline above the thick forest, it’s hard to believe you’re in the middle of a city! The park is home to Evergreen Brick Works, the city’s largest farmers market.
Scarborough Bluffs
Sitting a few miles up the coast from Toronto, this area of the Lake Ontario shoreline is absolutely gorgeous. The white cliffs against the sparkling blue water is a stunning sight. Scarborough Bluffs Park gets you up close with the cliffs. There are a few trails and a small harbor, just be sure to STAY OFF THE CLIFFS!
The Distillery Historic District
I’m going to put a disclaimer on this one, I wouldn’t recommend it anytime other than in the summer. When my dad and I went, it looked like a shuttered mall. However, the space has so much potential to be one of the city’s coolest areas. There were a ton of bars and restaurants converted from, what I’m guessing to be, an old distillery. We all know how I feel about Urban Restoration, so go!
St. Lawrence Market
Similar to urban restoration, mentioned above, I’m a big sucker for public markets. St. Lawrence Market didn’t disappoint. Some of the highlights were the coconut macarons and the famous Peameal Sandwich. I wish I tried some of the meat pies, a lesson for next time.
Berczy Park
This small park makes the list for its iconic dog fountain. Literally, what’s not to love about a two-tiered fountain stacked with different dogs chasing a bone?! The park is on the backside of the iconic Gooderham Building, also known as Toronto’s Flatiron. Uncle Tony’s next door could be the most stereotypical Italian Restaurant I have ever seen – it’s really cool!
Queen’s Park
This quaint city park was almost exclusively covered in snow when we visited, but it’s a nice buffer between the University of Toronto and Legislative Assembly of Ontario. The Legislative Assembly is worth a visit and usually gives free tours. The university is gorgeous as well. I guess the Royal Ontario Museum is also in the park, so do that too!
Turquoise Skies 