Toronto is a walkable city offering unforgettable views and a unique urban experience. Discover how to make the most of your time in Canada’s biggest city with our top 5 picks. Words by Lindy Alexander.
For the best view of the city, head to the CN Tower, an imposing structure that was once the tallest freestanding building in the world. The view from the floor-to-ceiling panoramic window walls is simply spectacular. And if you really want to get your heart racing, you can walk (hands-free) on a 1.5m ledge encircling the top of the Tower 116 storeys above the ground with the EdgeWalk. You first.
Just 15 minutes by ferry from downtown Toronto is The Toronto Islands. This group of small islands in Lake Ontario is a great place to spend a day swimming, biking, canoeing, kayaking, sightseeing or walking. There is even an amusement park aimed at children three to seven years of age. There are also plenty of casual places to eat and drink, or you can pack a picnic and laze about in the grassy fields.
With a distinctly European feel, the Distillery District in Toronto with its Victorian industrial buildings, open plazas and narrow cobblestone streets, is a great spot to eat great food, enjoy a craft brew (we suggest one from The Ontario Spring Water Sake Company) and watch the world go by. There’s something for everyone at this revitalised hub for culture and the arts – from boutique shops and art galleries to live entertainment and world-class outdoor sculptures.
Hungry? Good. Head to St Lawrence Market, a beautiful old red brick building that has some of the most delicious food in Toronto. Essentially it’s an indoor farmers’ market that sells unique Canadian food (think peameal bacon sandwiches) as well as international delicacies like Ukrainian pierogies, Portuguese tarts and honey water-dipped bagels. Make sure you bring plenty of cash as some of the vendors don’t accept cards.
We love playful museums with a sole (pun intended), and perhaps none is more so than the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, which is shaped like a shoebox. There are over 13,000 shoes and related artefacts inside, from ancient Egyptian sandals and Elvis’s blue suede shoes, to clogs and velvet platforms. There are regular exhibitions so come along and see if the shoe fits.
