8 Reasons to Visit & Fall in Love with Toronto

Here’s why you should book tickets and jet set off to this iconic Canadian city...

Toronto, a gateway to Canada, is a dynamic, vibrant, and thriving metropolis that should be listed on all travel bucket lists; there is always something to get up to and discover in Toronto, from strolling through charming neighbourhoods to admiring natural landscapes, taking part in festivals, and visiting world-class museums – the possibilities are endless!

1. Toronto Has a Melting Pot of Cultures

Toronto is one of the world’s most multi-cultural cities that represents more than 250 nationalities, together that have shaped the city into a unique tourist hotspot with cultural celebrations and festivals taking place throughout the year. There are multiple Toronto neighbourhoods which reflect this cultural diversity, each showcasing its own history, culture, and traditions; some of the city’s renowned neighbourhoods include Greektown, Little Portugal, Little India, Koreatown, Chinatown, and Little Jamaica.

2. You Get to Experience the Ultimate Culinary Adventure

Also reflecting Toronto’s cultural diversity is its incredible cuisine, with something to satisfy every type of palate. look forward to sampling delicious fusion food and traditional dishes from across the globe at some of the top dining establishments in Canada, from flagship Michelin star restaurants to sought-after fast-food joints. A trip to Toronto is incomplete without tasting Canada’s national dish Poutine: a French-Canadian dish prepared with cheese curds, fries, and gravy.   

3. It’s a City with Luxury & Grandeur

Toronto is renowned for its signature 4 star and 5-star hotels, boasting facilities such as award-winning restaurants, rooftop bars, and trendy lounges. The first integrated Nobu Hotel, Restaurant & Residences – Nobu Hotel Toronto is opening next year in the city’s Entertainment District, above the Pilkington Glass Factory inside a beautiful 45-storey structure. Other luxurious experiences to indulge with in Toronto include yacht tours to the Toronto Islands, limousine rental, visits to stunning vineyards, and private helicopter rides. 

4. There’s Plenty of Immense Retail Therapy

Toronto is one of North America’s top shopping destinations; there is something special for every type of shopper to browse, from high end designer stores to vintage boutiques, international branded shops, and local artisan stores selling unique souvenirs. Popular shopping hotspots include the Toronto Eaton Centre, the Bloor Yorkville area - home to designer boutiques, King Street West - renowned for its chic jewellery and local art, and Kensington Market – the perfect spot for vintage items.   

5. The City Promotes Sustainability   

Toronto is a city that is passionate about reducing its carbon footprint. The Toronto City Council is in the process of TransformTo – the city’s climate action plan, which aims to implement Net Zero Wastes by 2030, and implement Net Zero Emissions by 2040. A component of TransformTo is district energy, which aims to reduce emissions from the city’s buildings with district energy systems that enable the use of more environmentally friendly fuel sources. Furthermore, Toronto’s transit system is in the process of implementing more electric vehicles, and recycled materials are used as art exhibits in many of the city’s green spaces.   

6. You Can Revel in the Outdoors  

Toronto, despite being a bustling cityscape, is also a nature lover’s haven boasting beautiful green spaces including over 1500 parks, with many opportunities for pleasant outdoor activities and adventures, from cycle rides to hiking trails and walking paths filled with cherry blossom. In the spring and summer months, visitors can take part in thrilling water-based adventures such as canoeing, windsurfing, and paddle boarding, and just a short 13-minute ferry ride from Toronto are the Toronto Islands in Lake Ontario, offering beautiful beaches, a marina, and an amusement park, to name a few. Other incredible outdoor based adventures can be enjoyed as a daytrip from Toronto, including the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls, and the vineyards on Niagara-on-the-Lake.  

7. There’s Lots of Seasonal Fun  

Toronto is a beautiful and entertaining place to visit all year round. In the spring, visitors are treated to the beautiful blooming natural landscapes of cherry blossoms, plus warm weather at an ideal temperature for exploring the city. In summer, the city comes alive with its outdoor culture in full swing, and festivals go steam ahead, like the Caribana Festival and Summerlicious.

Autumn is a stunning season in Toronto with the leaves change – perfect for nature strolls, plus the Toronto International Film Festival takes place this year between 7th – 17th September, when the city’s restaurants start serving up their autumn menus filled with comfort foods. Then there’s winter, where Toronto turns into a wonderland of beautiful tradition and celebration, with markets, winter solstice ceremonies, tree lighting, plus the Distillery Winter Village which is taking place this year between 16th November – 31st December.  

8. Look Forward to Even More in 2024...   

Visit Toronto in 2024 and become a part of the city’s 190th Anniversary celebrations across 2 weeks from 6th -18th March 2024: Celebrate Toronto, which will be centered at Nathan Phillips Square, with other pop-up events hosted across the city, celebrating its culture, music, and arts. Other Toronto events to look forward to next year include the Toronto Black Film Festival – 12th edition which will take place between 15th-20th February, and the temporary Psychedelics Exhibit, debuting on 9th March at the Royal Ontario Museum.  

Brightsun Travel has excellent offers on holidays and flights to Toronto. To book or enquire, call our experts on 0208 819 0531 and let us help you plan an epic Canadian adventure.