December 1, 2022, 4:40 am | Read time: 4 minutes

Traveling to Toronto means visiting a world metropolis. This is evident in the fact that Hollywood productions and series often set in New York City are filmed in Toronto for cost reasons. For example, the legal drama “Suits,” which made Meghan Markle famous, filmed almost all exterior shots in Toronto from the second episode onward. With its many skyscrapers, the Gooderham Building, which closely resembles New York’s Flatiron Building, and its multicultural flair, Toronto truly resembles the American metropolis. But the city has much more to offer. TRAVELBOOK shares what you should know before visiting.

Tips and inspiration from this article are also available in the following podcast episode of “In 5 Minutes Around the World.”

Tips for a Vacation in Toronto

What Should You Definitely See in Toronto?

The highlight and landmark of the city is the 553-meter-high CN Tower. When the tower was completed in 1976, it was the tallest building in the world and has been one of the “modern 7 Wonders of the World” since 1995. At the top, there’s an observation deck, a restaurant, and an “Edgewalk,” where you can lean over the edge while strapped in. But beware: the admission prices are quite steep, with a regular ticket costing over 40 dollars and the Edgewalk at least 175 dollars. A more affordable option is a visit to the Toronto Eaton Center, especially if you’re just window shopping. The Eaton Center is a gigantic shopping mall with over 250 stores and restaurants spread across four floors.

Nature can be found around Lake Ontario, which sometimes makes Toronto feel like it’s by the sea. Although Lake Ontario seems vast, it is the smallest of the five Great Lakes of North America by area. It is shared between Canadian and U.S. territory. A visit to Toronto Island Park, a roughly five-kilometer-long island in the middle of the lake, is highly recommended. The island can be reached from downtown via a 13-minute ferry ride.

What to Do When It Rains?

When it rains, a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is worthwhile. The ROM is Canada’s largest museum and offers exhibitions on ethnology, astrology, as well as historical and natural science exhibits. Alternatively, you can visit Casa Loma. The mansion, which resembles a castle or medieval fortress, was built in 1914 by Sir Henry Pellatt. It is also known as a filming location for several series and movies, including the “X-Men” series. With 98 rooms, it was once the largest private residence in North America and now houses a museum.

Read more here: Casa Loma – the impressive castle in Toronto

What Should You Try in Toronto?

When in Toronto, you must try poutine. This dish consists of fries with gravy and cheese curds, a precursor to cheddar cheese similar to halloumi. Although the combination of cheese, fries, and gravy may seem odd, it is incredibly delicious and a street food snack you can’t miss in Toronto. The name reportedly comes from one of the first taste-testers who looked at the dish and supposedly said, “Ça va faire une maudite poutine” (“This will be a big mess”). Additionally, you should try Canadian maple syrup and have a coffee at Tim Hortons, the Canadian equivalent of Starbucks.

Where Are the Best Restaurants?

The Kensington neighborhood around Kensington Market is Toronto’s hipster scene district. If you want to visit the coolest trend restaurants, this is the place to be. For a more down-to-earth but equally good meal, head to St. Lawrence Market, a large covered market where you can find great street food, especially on Saturdays when the traditional Saturday Farmers’ Market takes place.

Also interesting: The 5 Best Neighborhoods in Toronto

What Excursion Should You Take in Toronto?

Visit Niagara Falls. From Toronto, you can easily reach them in under two hours by car or Greyhound bus. The Niagara Falls are most beautiful from the Canadian side and are an absolute highlight. If you’re in Toronto, you shouldn’t miss this excursion.

More on the topic

Prices, Travel, Tips USA or Canada: Which Side Should I View Niagara Falls From?

Fast Food of a Different Kind 7 Unusual Snacks From Around the World

The Current Weather in Toronto

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