City Guide: Toronto, Canada
Long in the shadows of other North American cities, at last Toronto is having its moment in the sun. Known as the “Hollywood of the North”, it’s clean, safe and full of vibes thanks to its star export: Drake.
23 May, 2018
- Words by
- Christopher Beanland
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multicultural city on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario,
Toronto is Canada’s capital of creativity and diversity, home to a
miscellany of sporting events, galleries, festivals and renowned
restaurants, along with a healthy dose of outdoor activities. These
are the best places to stay and play.
Perched on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto
– or “The Six”, as it’s known to some locals – is a melting pot of
culture from all corners of the world. The most populous city in
Canada, it’s celebrated for its creativity – in film, music and
artistry – and diversity, both of which have shaped the warm
(figuratively and, from June until October, literally), welcoming
metropolis it has become.
Residents love Toronto for its fusion of busy-city excitement
and easy outdoor escapism. Downtown, where sports fans congregate
to cheer on 2019 NBA champs the Toronto Raptors, tourists flock to
see the CN Tower and the streets buzz with people, the pace feels
electric. From sports games and art galleries to renowned
restaurants, musicals and festivals, including the famed Toronto
International Film Festival, there is endless entertainment. Yet
you’ll also find pockets of calm at the many beaches and green
spaces.
There are ample opportunities for activity in Toronto. During
the warmer months, the lake is a funfair for surfers, kayakers and
swimmers, and in winter there is ice skating aplenty as well as
numerous indoor activities, including bouldering and obstacle
courses. Cycling is one of the easiest ways to navigate the city,
thanks to the extensive network of bike paths and trails, and
bicycles can be borrowed from any of 465 stations peppered across
the city. Public transport is another inexpensive and efficient way
to explore.
If time and budget allow, hire a car and head out to some of
Toronto’s neighbouring gems, such as Niagara Falls and the nearby
wineries or Prince Edward Island.
hotel
The Drake
Toronto, Canada
hotel
The Broadview
Toronto, Canada
hotel
Bisha
Toronto, Canada
hotel
Hotel X
Toronto, Canada
hotel
The Anndore House
Toronto, Canada
hotel
The Drake Hotel
Toronto, Canada