5 Things to Do in Toronto Canada

We know why Toronto attracted a record number of visitors in 2013. Toronto has a vibrant food scene, great shopping, diverse culture and close proximity to nature and sports events.

Visitors usually combine a tour of Toronto with Niagara Falls. It takes only one hour 31 minutes drive and a six hour drive will take them to the French speaking city of Montreal.

If you like a combination of sports, shopping, food and history, Toronto may be the best city vacation spot for you. Here are some of our favorites in Toronto.

One: Hockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame has the finest and most comprehensive history of hockey in Canada. This 60,000 square foot venue has a collection of hockey artifacts from around the world and is the home of the Stanley Cup.

Inside you can go one-on-one against life-size and animated versions of today’s greatest goalies and shooters. You will feel as if you are playing against or alongside hockey superstars.

It is a museum and entertainment destination for adults and kids of all ages.

Information: Hockey Hall of Fame

Two: CN Towers
No visit Toronto is complete without going to the CN Towers. Even those who hate heights will eventually see themselves in line waiting to take the elevator to the LookOut level at 1,136 feet or the Glass Floor at 1,122 feet.

The SkyPod at 1,465 feet is one of the highest observation platforms in the world with views of Toronto and on a clear day you may see Niagara Falls and the neighboring country – the United States of America. At SkyPod, visitors get a 360 degree view.

If you are seeking an adrenaline rush adventure you must reserve the Edgewalk. Edgewalk is the first of its kind in North America where you walk a full circle at 1,168 feet above sea level on the 116th floor of CN Tower.

The CN Tower’s 360 The Restaurant may be the answer for those who absolutely hate heights yet would love to enjoy the view of Toronto. This revolving restaurant offers views of Toronto at 1,151 feet featuring market-fresh cuisine and 550 types of wine from Canada and all over the world.

Information: 360 The Restaurant

Three: Bata Shoe Museum
The Bata Shoe Museum has over 13,000 shoes and shoe related artifacts with a history that dates back to 4,500 years ago. Located in the heart of the city at 327 Bloor St. West, in downtown Toronto, Bata Shoe Museum shows Chinese bound foot shoes and a collection of 20th century celebrity shoes like the fluorescent orange size 7 shoes of singer “songbird” Anne Murray.

For Justin Bieber fans, the museum has a pair of burgundy, high-top Supra SkyTop II sneakers. There is also a pair of sexy, red leather stiletto-heeled shoes owned by Marilyn Monroe.

Information: Bata Shoe Museum

Four: Fort York National Historic Site
Fort York National Historic Site in located in the heart of the city. It provides hourly tours by a guide in period attire. The Fort is Canada’s largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings and 1813 battle site.

Besides the guided tour you can visit the exhibits, period settings and seasonal demonstrations. It’s best to visit during the summer months when there are more activities and educational programs.

Information: Fort York National Historic

Five: Eat, eat, and eat
From burgers, curry, wonton noodle soup, ceviche, fried fish to a juicy steak, Toronto has variety and quality for every budget and taste buds.

For suggestions please read an article by Now on Toronto’s 25 Hottest Restaurants in 2013:
Toronto’s 25 Hottest Restaurants in 2014.

Or you may want to head over to Toronto’s College Street, Little Italy for fresh homemade sauces on pasta and gelato. And Toronto’s Chinatown for dim sum or an economical bowl of wonton noodles. In Toronto you will find Portuguese, Greek, Indian, Korean, Vietnamese, African and Iranian neighborhoods offering various ethnic cuisine.

Tips on traveling to Toronto:
1. Americans need to bring a valid passport when visiting Canada.
2. Toronto is only a two hour 54 minute flight from Dallas.
3. It is easily accessible by road if you are in the Northeast or Midwest area. It takes nine hours 9 minutes to drive to Toronto from Chicago.
4. Toronto has two major airports – Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
5. US$1 is about CAD1.09. To get currency conversion rate please use the Conversion Calculator.