Did you know Toronto is home to more than 200 cultures? That means endless flavors, languages, and perspectives to explore! From the towering CN Tower, a marvel of engineering, to the tranquil Toronto Islands, a serene escape, this city offers something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the Gay Village, where diversity shines bright, or discover hidden gems in neighborhoods bursting with character.

I flew from London with Air Transat, a budget airline but they were really good! This was a last minute trip, and hotels were really expensive.  I booked a hostel in Riverdale, one of the suburbs with good connections to the city. The metro system runs often and pretty late, so it’s a great way to get around.

1. Soar Above the City at the CN Tower

No trip to Toronto is complete without a visit to the iconic CN Tower. Standing tall as one of the world’s tallest freestanding structures, this engineering marvel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. For the truly adventurous, the Edge Walk allows you to circle the tower’s exterior on a narrow ledge, 1,168 feet above the ground!

I timed my visit so I could watch the sun set, although it ended up being cloudy, it was amazing watching them roll in from Lake Ontario. The best part was watching the city go from day to night. The city lights flickering on was magical. Make sure you prebook your ticket.

2. Escape the City on Toronto Island

Looking for a peaceful retreat? Toronto Island is a short ferry ride away from the bustling city. This idyllic oasis offers sandy beaches, bike paths, and charming Victorian-era cottages. Rent a bike, have a picnic, or simply relax and soak up the sun.

The island is a fun getaway, and even in October the weather was gorgeous. I took the ferry from the Jack Layton terminal to Ward’s Island, the easternmost of the islands. This way I could walk along the entire length of the islands and take the Hanlan’s point ferry back!

I arrived on the island and immediately had the most amazing views of the Toronto skyline, the CN tower really showing off in the blue skies! The islands are all beautiful, with so much greenery. Lake Ontario is huge, and I couldn’t believe how vast it felt looking out across the blue waters.

I wandered along, stopping now and again to just breath and enjoy the nature. There’s so much to explore, beaches, little lakes, woodlands and coastline. I tried to see as much as possible, stopping for a drink on Centre island.

On Hanlan island there’s a nude beach, the weather was great, so I thought I’d check it out! It was lovely, nice and quiet. The water was pretty cold but I managed to dip in a little. I relaxed here for an hour or so then it started to cool down so I headed to the ferry terminal. It wasn’t there when I visited, but the path along Hanlan beach is now an LGBTQ+ rainbow! Which is brilliant.

3. Immerse Yourself in Toronto’s LGBTQ+ Culture

Toronto’s Gay Village is a vibrant and welcoming neighborhood that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. With its lively atmosphere, trendy shops, and delicious restaurants, it’s a must-visit for everyone. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the vibrant nightlife and attend one of the many Pride events.

I loved Church St, it reminded me of Canal St in Manchester, just LGBTQ+ bars and shops running the length of it. There’s something for everyone, more ‘pub’ type bars like Garage Bar then Woody’s or Flash for more bar/club like vibe and Black Eagle for an older crowd.

There were sooo many cool drag shows on in every bar I visited. I loved it, putting on some amazing shows. I always find it easier to go out solo when there’s something on at a bar like sports or drag.

4. Witness the Power of Nature at Niagara Falls

A short day trip from Toronto, Niagara Falls is a natural wonder that will leave you speechless. Marvel at the immense power of the cascading water as you take a boat tour, walk along the edge of the falls, or simply enjoy the stunning views from the observation deck.

Take the Amtrak from Toronto Union station, it’s around a 2 hour journey and you get off at the last stop before the train heads into the United States. There is a bus that will take you to the falls from here. I walked, it took about 30 minutes along the river, but I’d get the bus next time!

The falls are incredible, there are 3 seperate waterfalls, two on the American side and one that straddles the border between Canada and the States. The raw power of the water falling from the main falls is 2580704 litres per second!!  There is so much to do here, from observation towers, to boat rides, to the power station and tunnel.

Honestly, do as much as you can, I took the Maid of the Mist boat out which was spectacular, be prepared to get soaked, but it’s so worth it. The American falls are beautiful as you go past and the Horseshoe Falls are just crazy, it gets so windy! It’s also funny wearing the flimsy little pick poncho, not sure how much it helps!

After this experience I checked out the Tesla statue and walked up to the top of the falls which is a brilliant spot to see all that water going over the edge.

I would definitely recommend the tunnel at the power station, you start with a museum about the waterfalls and the power generation. Then you head down to the tunnel, walking through there is some more information, but then you emerge near the base of the falls. The view from here is amazing, and you really get a chance to just stand and take it all in.

All of this excitement meant I was starving, so I wandered over to the little town by the falls. This is super touristy but also pretty fun. I tried a beaver tail, a Canadain staple of fried bread with sweet toppings. I got the strawberry cheesecake and it was so good! After that I was ready to head back to Toronto, so I grabbed some snacks ready for the journey home.

5. Discover Artistic Masterpieces at the Art Gallery of Ontario

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), which houses an impressive collection of Canadian and international art. From the iconic works of the Group of Seven to contemporary masterpieces, there’s something to inspire everyone. Don’t miss the chance to explore the gallery’s stunning architecture and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the surrounding park.

Its $30 entry but it’s free in the evening on the first Wednesday of every month. I visited here mainly for the Yayoi Kusama infinity room, but I loved the whole place. There are so many cool installations and artworks. You can also include a visit to the town hall and Toronto sign and grab some poutine nearby too!

Toronto: The Best of the Rest

While the big-ticket attractions in Toronto are undeniably impressive, there’s a whole world of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Here are a few off-the-beaten-path suggestions to add some extra spice to your trip.

Hockey Hall of Fame: A Mecca for Fans

Toronto is synonymous with hockey, and there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the sport’s rich history than the Hockey Hall of Fame. From the Stanley Cup to legendary player exhibits, this is a must-visit for any hockey fan.

I don’t know much about hockey but it was great, I loved all the jerseys and facts. There are some fun interactive parts to, you can even have a go at shooting pucks at goal!

Toronto’s Distillery District: Cheers to Craft Beer

Toronto’s craft beer scene is thriving, and the Distillery District is its epicenter. This neighbourhood is home to a growing number of breweries, each offering its unique take on the beloved beverage. Embark on a brewery tour, sample local brews, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

There are loads of cool art sculptures and murals around here too, check out the Underpass park nearby. It’s a great example of improving a concrete space with street art. 

Graffiti Alley: Urban Art at its Finest

For a dose of urban creativity, head to Graffiti Alley. This vibrant laneway is a canvas for local and international artists, showcasing a stunning array of styles and techniques. It’s a photographer’s dream and a must-see for anyone interested in street art.

It goes on for a long way, and the surrounding streets are really cool, with some interesting stores and restaurants so you can really make an afternoon of it.

These are just a few suggestions to get you started. Toronto is a city full of surprises, so be sure to explore and discover your own hidden gems! From Toronto I took the train to Montreal, read all about it here.

Published by Tom

Wanderluster, forever day dreaming of my next destination. Nurse by day, gay, geek, love sports and marvel comics. Determined to visit every country in the world! View all posts by Tom