Shining City on Lake Ontario

There is lots to see and do in Toronto.  Our base was the Westin Harbour Castle–a great location on the Inner Harbor.  Dinner at the 360 Cafe in the CN Tower, with its glass elevator,  provides a terrific view of the Toronto metro area–you can also opt for the observation deck without the dining.  If you do plan to dine, I would suggest that you make a reservation–it is wildly popular.

Hockey buffs will enjoy the Hockey Hall of Fame.  The Downtown Distillery District is quite nice.

Firkin on the Harbor Sports Bar and Cactus Club Cafe are both great choices for food downtown.  There are a variety of harbor cruises available.  We opted for the 10 minute 1930s ferry to the Toronto Islands–Ward’s Island was my favorite.

When you get off the ferry, turn around and you will be afforded the most awesome view of the Toronto skyline!  Be sure to check out the quaint cottages with their gardens and small, quiet beaches.

Both the Rectory Cafe and the Island Cafe are great bets for food here.

It is fun just walking around Toronto’s varied neighborhoods–Little Italy (near College Street), Little India (around Gerrard Street), The Danforth, The Annex (some of the city’s glorious historic homes), and so many more.  My fave was Leslieville (Queen Street East, between Empire and Coxwell Avenues).  The OK2 Diner @ 1128 Queen Street East, has the best breakfast in the city, with a nice little patio.  Harvest Kitchen is a wonderful place to dine and has a really nice deck; it is near the University of Toronto.

 

Wander off Queen Street West to see Edwardian and Georgian architecture and several churches.  Kensington Market is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, as well as one of the most vibrant and eclectic.  Spend a few hours at this national historic site!

Browse the cafes, stalls and bars.  You can probably find whatever you are looking for here.

For a fun afternoon, hop on the Queen Streetcar East from Spadina Avenue to Kew Beach, the best beach in the City in my opinion.   The lakeside boardwalk is a magnet for strollers!

Edwards Gardens, part of the Toronto Botanical Gardens, is a lovely place for a walk through 35 acres of nature.  It opens onto one of the city’s many ravines.

 

 

 

 

The gardens are located right in the city, easily accessible, and there is no entry fee.

Visit Toronto–you won’t be sorry!