If you are traveling through Eastern Canada, you will almost certainly pass through Toronto. However, when you actually visit, you might find yourself struggling with your itinerary because, despite its fame, it can feel like there isn’t that much “special” to see compared to the hype.
For those travelers, this post explores the major tourist attractions worth visiting in Toronto and some special events I encountered.
Table of Contents
Toronto Overview
Toronto is located in the province of Ontario and stands as the largest city in Canada. About half of the population consists of immigrants, creating a unique environment where diverse cultures coexist.
It is counted as one of the most multicultural cities in North America. Beyond the charm of a modern metropolis, if you step just a little way out to the suburbs, you can experience natural beauty like Lake Ontario.
Distillery District
The Distillery District was once home to a large whiskey distillery built during the industrial era. Today, it has been restored as a space for the public, transformed into an artistic and sophisticated cultural hub.
There is a distinct joy in walking through the alleys between the red brick buildings, which give off a strong vintage vibe, while exploring various galleries, workshops, boutiques, and restaurants.
I’m not sure why, but whenever abandoned buildings are remodeled like this—no matter which country you’re in—you always seem to find these kinds of modernist sculptures.
Since this place was used as a whiskey distillery in the past, you can find traces of that history everywhere. Old bottles are on display, and you can even see the distillation equipment used back in the day.
To be honest, it’s not a space with anything drastically “special,” but thanks to the photo spots set up for tourists and the unique, lively atmosphere, it’s just a place that makes you feel good.
It is also famous for hosting the Christmas Market in the winter. Furthermore, events like festivals and music performances are held frequently, so there are various things to enjoy regardless of the season.
The Distillery Historic District | Official Website
Orange Shirt Day
On the day I visited, I noticed many people wearing orange clothes. It turned out that September 30th, the day of my visit, was Orange Shirt Day, a commemorative day in Canada.
Orange Shirt Day is a day to honor the Indigenous students who were victims of Canada’s cultural assimilation policies (specifically the residential school system). It began in 2013, and I heard it was designated a federal statutory holiday starting in 2021.
When we think of Canada, we often have a strong image of an advanced country that values human rights and diversity. It was genuinely shocking to learn that a widespread cultural genocide policy existed until just 30 or 40 years ago. If you happen to visit Canada in late September, it would be meaningful to go knowing this background.
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto (U of T) is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Canada. Because the campus is so beautiful, it’s great to visit as part of a sightseeing course.
It is famous not only in Canada but as a world-class institution, consistently ranking around the top 20 in various university rankings, including QS.
Similar to Oxford or Cambridge in the UK, the University of Toronto is a collegiate university made up of a federation of several colleges, each maintaining significant autonomy.
Located in downtown Toronto, it has excellent accessibility. Since it has a long history, there are many antique, classic buildings, so I recommend stopping by at least once to feel the campus atmosphere.
Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario is one of the representative natural landmarks of Toronto. Even though it is the smallest of the North American Great Lakes, it is still massive, reaching 311 km in length and 85 km in width.
It is located close to the center of Toronto, and because the walking trails and parks are well-developed, you can see not only tourists but also many locals enjoying jogging or walking.
Additionally, in the summer, you can experience various water activities such as paddleboarding and kayaking. No matter how I looked at it, it seemed like a boundless open sea; it’s simply amazing that this is a lake.
There are many spots named “Beach” along the lakeside. Among them, Woodbine Beach features a wide and clean sandy shore where you can enjoy swimming or beach volleyball.
At Cherry Beach, another famous spot, you can view the CN Tower—Toronto’s most famous landmark—framed beautifully by the lake.
Cherry Beach is also famous as a sunset spot. If you visit in time for sundown, you can capture Toronto’s iconic skyline and the sunset together.
If you take a cruise from the Harbourfront or ride a kayak, you can look back at downtown Toronto from atop Lake Ontario, so if you have the time, please give it a try.
Accommodation Recommendations
As it holds the title of Canada’s largest city, hotels located in Toronto tend to be quite expensive. That is why I chose Airbnb as an alternative.
Somehow, following Niagara Falls, I ended up staying only in Airbnbs in Toronto as well. The accommodations were all clean and the hosts were kind, so it was a fairly good experience.
Since I visited in late September, the weather was cold enough to feel chilly at night. I was very satisfied with the fact that there was a radiator installed even in the bathroom, and the shower booth was spacious and clean.
It was located in a residential area away from downtown, which could be seen as a slight disadvantage. However, it was well-connected by bus, so I had no inconvenience getting around. If you are curious about the specific accommodation I used, please ask in the comments!
Final Thoughts
Toronto is a city where modernity harmonizes with nature and culture. It possesses diverse charms, from the artistic sensibilities of the Distillery District to the University of Toronto campus and the scenery around Lake Ontario. I hope you visit the attractions introduced in this post and experience the charm of Toronto for yourself.
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