Mar 27, 2012
Toronto
One of the most impressive and diverse cities in Canada is Toronto. The history of this great city has influenced and shaped Canada in a way that has not been seen by other cities.
Toronto
Located on the north shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto is filled with many activities and family-friendly fun making this city a great place to spend a holiday and an incredible place to live.
History of Toronto
Although native people have lived in the area for centuries, the community of Toronto was founded by the British in 1793 as a trading post, military post, and supply center.
The British called their community “York” and it became the provincial capital of the area. Toronto was a focal point during the war of 1812 and as a result experienced much turmoil.
After the war, Toronto saw a period of rapid expansion with the building of banks and schools and quickly became the urban center of the region.
Earning the name “Toronto” in 1834, the city’s population had exploded to nearly 10,000 and its influence was being seen across the region. Today, Toronto is a bustling and vibrant community, home to nearly 2 million people.
Tourism in Toronto
As with any vibrant community, there are many activities waiting for both the local and the visitor. Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour for a panoramic view of the city.
Become oriented to the city and hear from a local the history and tips for visiting the area. Several professional sports teams call Toronto home.
A game of the maple leafs
Depending on the time of year, visitors can enjoy a major league baseball game with the Toronto Blue Jays, Hockey with the Maple Leafs, or even Canadian League football. The NBA also has a presence here as the home of the Raptors.
With Soccer and Lacrosse rounding out the venues, there are many opportunities to enjoy the athleticism of this Canadian province. If sports aren’t your style, check out one of the top amusement parks in Canada. Paramount Canada’s Wonderland is full of family-friendly fun and games and makes for a great day.
There is more to Toronto that just sports. Visit one of the many microbreweries, such as the S Steam Whistle Brewing Company. Enjoy a picnic in High Park, Toronto’s most impressive, yet unkempt, park. Shopping in Toronto is a great experience. Find great deals on jewelry and other souvenirs to take home to loved ones.
For a fantastic day trip just outside the city of Toronto, visit the impressive and incomparable Niagara Falls. This day trip is one that is unforgettable. Visitors can easily rent a car and drive to this impressive location, or there are many companies that offer day trips to the area and some even include meals.
Niagara falls
This is a great way to see the falls, as all arrangements are made for you. Take a trip to the base of the falls on the “Maid of the Mist”. Hike behind the falls to a viewing portal for a view that is unlike any other in the world. At dusk, there is can incredible light show that should not be missed.
Getting to Toronto
Getting to Toronto is easy. Many of Canada’s major highways intersect here providing access to the city from nearly anywhere in Canada. From the United States, a check point station is set up at all entry ports and a passport is required for entry or departure from the country.
Toronto CN Tower
For visitors that are flying into Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport, there are many taxi companies that run a service from the airport to the city. In addition, a well-functioning bus subway system run throughout the city making getting around quick, easy, and affordable.
Toronto is a wonderful place to spend a holiday. From sports and outdoor activities, to history and so much more, Toronto has much to offer visitors from every background. Visit Toronto and see what makes this city special.
May 09, 2012 @ 07:35:21
Hi. I really liked your post. I’m going to visit Toronto soon and I just wanted to know how far the Niagara falls is from the city. Would it take long to get there if I used a rented car?
May 09, 2012 @ 11:15:34
Hi Frank
It takes about 1-2 hours to get to Niagara falls by car and the distance from Toronto to Niagara Falls is about 128.5 km or 80 miles.
Have a nice time in Niagara Falls
May 09, 2012 @ 12:38:35
I will be attending a business conference in Toronto on the last week of July. Is the weather unpredictable there? What type of clothes should I pack then? Hope you could help.
May 09, 2012 @ 21:40:33
Hi Claudia
Summer months in Toronto are from May (low 20′s) to August. (Mid 30′s). The summers in Toronto can be hot and humid with a few smog days thrown in. Summer temps in Toronto can range anywhere between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F).
Pack mostly clothing for fairly hot weather, but be sure to bring a light jacket and sweater for evenings (and for shopping in malls and dining out, as the air conditioning can make it very cool.)
Anyone visiting Toronto in the summer months, especially July and August, should come prepared in case it rains. Sometimes, seemingly out of the blue, it gets very dark and the weather can turn quite unpleasant followed by brief downpour. Nonetheless, umbrellas and water proof hoods are always handy.
May 16, 2012 @ 11:27:03
Hi there! My family and I are planning to Toronto but we haven’t decided the exact date yet and I would love to take them to the Niagara Falls. What is the best time of the year to visit Niagara Falls?
May 18, 2012 @ 17:40:24
Hi Dorothy
The best weather occurs from mid May until mid September. The first two weeks of October is usually the best time for viewing our Fall foliage. Due to the “micro climate” within the Niagara Gorge leaves tend to peak during the third or fourth week of October. Niagara Falls can be very spectacular even during the Winter. Nowadays more and more people visit the Cataract City year round.
May 19, 2012 @ 05:00:49
Hi. I’ll be coming here for a meeting for my company but I don’t know much about the place. Is the CN Tower a tourist attraction too? You never mentioned it in the article. If so, can you provide schedules and opening times. I’d really like to go it when I get there. Thanks.
May 30, 2012 @ 01:47:21
Yes, the CN Tower is a tourist attraction too actually and there are a lot of other attractions inside the tower too. It’s open for 7 days a week and only closes on December 25 or Christmas Day. The observation areas usually open at around 9AM and closes at 10PM. Restaurants are available too in case you get hungry after taking in the great view of Toronto.
May 22, 2012 @ 08:17:27
I’m going on a personal vacation trip to Toronto with my kids in a few months, can you recommend any amusement parks within the city preferably those with rides and attractions? I’m thinking of bringing them there to have some bonding time. Thanks.
May 30, 2012 @ 01:45:00
Hi Lavonne,
Here’s a short list of amusement parks I recommend bringing your kids to:
1. Canada’s Wonderland – Canada’s Wonderland is the home of the most exhilarating collection of rides & roller coasters in all of Canada, Splash Works; a 20-acre water park, KidZville and Planet Snoopy play areas. Experience 69 rides, including 16 thrilling roller coasters highlighted by Leviathan; Canada’s fastest and tallest coaster! Check out Dinosaurs Alive – an interactive dinosaur park featuring 40 animatronic dinosaurs, a kids dig site and much more.
2. Fantasy Fair & Woodbine Shopping Center – Ontario’s largest indoor amusement park with nine full-size rides, a giant play village and a family friendly arcade.
3. Centerville Amusement Park – With over 30 rides and attractions and more than 14 food outlets, there’s something for everyone at Centreville. Across the harbour by ferry, the Islands are a popular spot for families with children, picnics and groups. Open daily at 10:30 am June 6-September 6 and all weekends in May and September, weather permitting.
4. The Wave Pool – Ride the wave at York Region’s first and only indoor wave pool…all year long!! Swim and surf in four-foot waves, frolic on water mats or try bodysurfing! Ride the thrilling 160 foot twisting water slide, splash in the shallow area or simply relax in the sauna!
May 25, 2012 @ 17:43:42
Hello there.
I’ll be in Toronto next week and I’ll be taking the train into Toronto. What hotels are walking distance to the train station? Thanks in advance. I do need help.
May 30, 2012 @ 01:55:52
Hi Marcia
Hotels within close proximity of train station are: Fairmont Royal York, Strathcona Hotel, Intercontinental Toronto Centre, Novotel Toronto Centre (Accor), Renaissance Hotel Toronto Downtown, Westin Harbour Castle, Radisson Admiral, Hitlon Garden Inn Downtown, Hotel Victoria, Hyatt Regency, Soho Metropolitan Hotel, Residence Inn Toronto Downtown and Hotel Le Germain.