Toronto, the largest city in Canada with its 2.6 million inhabitants, is one of the most popular destinations in the country. Located directly on Lake Ontario and only 100 kilometers north of the US border, this city has numerous sights, highlights and experiences to offer its visitors. Toronto International Airport is the largest in the country and can be reached from Germany with a direct flight in about 8 hours.
The sights of Toronto
CN Tower
The CN Tower is one of Toronto’s most famous sights, which is hardly surprising, as it stands out from the rest of the city skyline with its 533 meters in height. The Canada National Tower was built in the 1970s and held the title of the tallest building in the world for some time.
The view from the tower’s panoramic deck is breathtaking and allows visitors to see as far as the United States on a clear day. For particularly brave guests, there is also a glass floor through which you can look down between your feet. The so-called Edge Walk, in which the participants run along the edge of the tower, secured by belts, promises a thrill in a class of its own. The Edge Walk is definitely an experience that you won’t forget in a hurry.
Lake Ontario
The city of Toronto is located right on the shores of Lake Ontario, so no visit to the city would be complete without a stroll along the lakefront. Lake Ontario is the smallest of the Great Lakes in terms of area and is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the gigantic St. Lawrence River. In winter, the lake often freezes over, in summer it is a heat reservoir and enables the cultivation of fruit and wine in the region. It also supplies the city with fresh water and is used for numerous water sports. A panoramic cruise on Lake Ontario also gives you a great view of Toronto’s skyline.
Distillery District
Arguably Toronto’s most photogenic neighborhood, the Distillery District is home to countless bars, pubs, restaurants, and trendy shops. By the way, the district got its name from the many distilleries that used to be located here and supplied the entire city with alcohol. In addition to a handful of distilleries, there are numerous breweries here today, which produce, among other things, the well-known Mill Street organic beer. Art objects, graffiti images and light installations are displayed throughout the Distillery District, making a walk through the district a true discovery tour.
Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum, which is often abbreviated just as Rome , is one of the largest museums in all of North America and is a guaranteed eye-catcher due to its striking architecture. The museum first opened in 1914 and contains an ever-growing collection of exhibits that bring visitors closer to the history, nature and culture of Canada. The museum attaches great importance to being family-friendly and interactive and is therefore also a good destination for travelers with children. In addition to dinosaur models, the 6 million exhibits include a considerable collection of rocks and numerous Indian relics. The best overview of the almost overwhelming museum is offered by a guided tour.
Casa Loma
Casa Loma is a mansion located at the north end of Spadina Avenue, reminiscent of a European castle from the Middle Ages. The building was built from 1911 to 1914 on behalf of the Canadian industrialist Sir Henry Pellatt and was the largest private residence in North America after its completion. Due to economic upheavals, the Pellatts had to sell the house after the First World War, and after a luxury hotel and the Canadian military were housed in the mansion in the meantime, it is now a popular destination for visitors to the city. The building is surrounded by a palace park-like garden and a museum awaits visitors inside.
Destinations around Toronto
The surrounding area of Toronto also has some highlights in store for its visitors and so it is definitely recommended to leave the city limits for a longer stay.
Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands are a group of islands in Lake Ontario off the coast of the city, which is completely closed to motorized traffic and thus offers a wonderful retreat and recreation area. You can reach the islands by ferries and water taxis, which depart from the mainland side at the harbour front and then drive to the islands.
The Toronto Islands are home to numerous beaches and hiking trails, and the area has long been an important recreational area for the city’s residents. The islands are also of great importance for nature, as many birds retreat here to breed. The Toronto Islands is also home to the oldest building in the city, the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, which dates back to 1832.
Niagarafälle – Niagara Falls
About an hour and a half drive from Toronto, right on the U.S. border, are the world-famous Niagara Falls. Here the Niagara River, which connects Lake Erie with Lake Ontario, falls very impressively over a series of waterfalls. With over 18 million visitors, the Niagara Falls region is one of the most popular destinations in all of North America. The small town of Niagara Falls, through which the Canadian part of the falls is accessible, seems like a smaller version of Las Vegas and has numerous casinos and hotels.
