Postcard Press Picks:
For Traveling to Toronto
Toronto, Canada, is bound to be one of the most interesting cities in the world. The provincial capital is the most populous city in Canada and the fourth most populous city in North America (behind Mexico City, NYC, and Los Angeles). But what really makes the city intriguing is the rich and diverse cultures it contains, largely thanks to the important role it plays as a destination for immigrants coming to Canada. With around half its population foreign-born residents, the city houses over 230 nationalities who speak more than 140 languages and dialects, making Toronto one of the most multicultural cities in the world.
In addition to Toronto’s cultural wonders, the city is filled with so much history and nature that it deserves a spot on everyone’s bucket list. And since it’s only 2 hours from the nearest United States border, it’s a short trip for many of us.
So, where do you start when you get there? That’s definitely a question you need to think about in advance; otherwise, you may be wandering aimlessly. And while many of us like to get lost in a city and see what we find, it’s still important to go into your trip with an idea of what you want to experience. Educating yourself on your destination is truly the best way to enjoy it.
This Postcard Press Pick will help you get started.
Must-See Attractions
Toronto is a diverse, multicultural city with so much to see and do, you could fill several weeks. Since most of us will not be able to devote that much time to a vacation or just one city, it’s important to think about your itinerary in advance. Browse your favorite travel guide to get started, and then do some research to help you decide which attractions you can’t miss.
- If you’re going to look at only one resource when planning your trip, this article from The Planet D should be it. Written by two locals, 53 Best Things To Do In Toronto—A Complete Guide To Top Attractions is a comprehensive guide perfect for planning your itinerary: https://theplanetd.com/best-things-to-do-in-toronto/.
- Don’t be intimidated by the fact that there are 53 attractions highlighted in this article. It’s well organized with a table of contents that guides you directly to what you may be looking for, from tourist attractions and museums to outdoor activities and beaches, and much more. It also provides practical advice for getting around the city.
- Hand Luggage Only visited Toronto and wrote about 11 Of The Best Things To Do In Toronto: https://handluggageonly.co.uk/2018/06/26/first-time-visit-11-of-the-best-things-to-do-in-toronto/
For a lot of people living in the eastern half of the United States or Canada, Toronto may be a reasonable travel distance for a long-weekend trip. These resources can help you make the most of your limited time:
- The New York Times—36 Hours In Toronto:
- https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/11/10/travel/what-to-do-36-hours-in-toronto.html
- On The Luce—48 Hours In Toronto: A Weekender’s Guide: https://www.ontheluce.com/48-hours-in-toronto-weekend-guide/
- The Turquoise Traveler—Mapping Out 36 Hours In Toronto: https://www.theturquoisetraveler.com/how-to-spend-36-hours-in-toronto/
Hidden Gems
With so much to do in Toronto, don’t forget about those off-the-beaten-path adventures. These sights and experiences can help you immerse yourself in the city and its culture so that you can better understand and appreciate your destination.
- TravelMag offers 12 Unique Things To Do In Downtown Toronto: https://www.travelmag.com/articles/things-to-do-in-downtown-toronto/.
- Toronto local Eul Basa, via Narcity, breaks down The 16 Coolest Secret Things To Do In Toronto: https://www.narcity.com/things-to-do/ca/on/toronto/the-17-coolest-secret-things-to-do-in-toronto.
- Are you adventurous? Toronto has you covered. Check out these Top Five Urban Adventures in Toronto from Johnny Jet: https://www.johnnyjet.com/top-five-urban-adventures-in-toronto/.
- As always, Atlas Obscura is a dependable source for Unusual Attractions In Toronto: https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/toronto-ontario.
Foodie Adventures
Being one of the most diverse and multicultural cities means Toronto is a foodie paradise with something for every craving. Food is one of the best ways to connect with a city and its people, so don’t forget about it when researching your destination.
- TripSavvy has put together 10 Must Try Foods In Toronto and where to try them: https://www.tripsavvy.com/must-try-foods-in-toronto-4129389.
- Culture Trip offers more dishes and where to try them with 14 Dishes You Must Eat In Toronto, Canada: https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/canada/articles/14-dishes-you-must-eat-in-toronto-canada/.
- Toronto local Zina Mustafa wants you to eat where the locals do with these 12 Toronto Restaurants A First Time Visitor To The City Needs To Eat At: https://www.narcity.com/ca/on/toronto/foodgasms/12-toronto-restaurants-a-first-time-visitor-to-the-city-needs-to-eat-at.
- Sometimes the best way to get a glimpse into the foodie culture of a city is with a well-organized food tour. Culture Trip found The Best Food Tours In Toronto: https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/canada/articles/torontos-best-food-tours/.
And don’t forget poutine!
Day Trips
If you want to get out of the city and see a little more of the country, there are many day trip options around Toronto for you to explore.
- Culture Trip put together a list of Incredible Day Trips From Toronto, Canada: https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/canada/articles/7-incredible-day-or-overnight-trips-from-toronto/.
- If you want to get away from the city and enjoy some of the great outdoors Canada has to offer, check out this list from Fitt of The Most Epic Outdoor Adventures To Take Around Toronto: https://fitt.co/toronto/articles/outdoor-activities-around-toronto.
- Planet Ware found the 10 Top-Rated Day Trips From Toronto: https://www.planetware.com/toronto/toronto-day-trips-cdn-on-ontsr.htm.
Practical Information
In addition to where to go and what to do, it’s important to research travel tips, customs, and other practical information for your specific destination. You’ll be able to enjoy your trip that much more–and be sure you’re a respectful traveler–if you’ve done your homework in advance.
- Fodor’s has a comprehensive list of Toronto Travel Tips useful for every traveler: https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/canada/ontario/toronto/travel-tips.
- Former visitors and locals are the sources for LifeHacker’s The Best Toronto Tips From Our Readers: https://lifehacker.com/the-best-toronto-tips-from-our-readers-1820864217.
- Culture Trip wants you to know these 12 Things About Visiting Toronto Nobody Tells You: https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/canada/articles/12-things-about-visiting-toronto-nobody-tells-you/.
- Visiting Toronto doesn’t have to break the bank. The Wherever Writer has crafted 74 Free Or Cheap Things To Do In Toronto: https://www.whereverwriter.com/free-or-cheap-things-to-do-in-toronto/.
Featured photo by Johannes Plenio of Pixabay
Have you ever been to Toronto? Which sights would you recommend for a first-time visitor? Share with us below!
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