Toronto: Top Attractions & Activities. Traveling to Toronto with LifeRead

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Want to fly to Canada? Liferead has prepared a trip to Toronto - the largest city in the Maple Leaf Country!

The guide was compiled by Olga Guk-Dremina and Elena Grebennikova

Largest city in Canada interested us not only in size, but also in the fact that it is a twin of Kiev, and in addition, almost 150 thousand Ukrainians live here and in the central High Park there is a monument to Lesya Ukrainka. So, let's start wandering around with the help of our guide!

This city is called Swiss New York. Everything is smoother and safer here than in the US capital, but skyscrapers and living standards are at their best. By the number of residents, Toronto is comparable to Kiev. It occupies a leading position in the world in terms of development and well-being. The dawn of Toronto is linked to separatist sentiment in Montreal. In the 1970s, destabilization arose in the well-fed and prosperous province of Quebec on this basis, and many English-speaking businessmen moved to the shores of Ontario, creating an economic boom in the city that has not stopped to this day. So worth it!

We will start with the former Indian trail, and now the famous street Yonge Street... Its length is 1800 km, that is, approximately as from Kiev to Munich. Therefore, she was securely registered in the Guinness Book of Records. The Pan-American track, which is 4800 km long, is trying to challenge the world laurels. But this is still a track, not a street, so there is nothing to encroach on someone else's!

FIND OUT. Sir George Yong the longest street on the planet is named after him, is a British secretary of war and an expert on Roman roads. Interestingly, he was a knight of the Order of the Bath. This is one of the most prestigious orders of knighthood in Great Britain. Well, you know that the head of Canada is an English queen? Applicants for the knights of this order were bathed in a bath before initiation, and then their endurance was tested. I had to stay up all night and pray. This is a really serious test. The body wants to fall asleep after a relaxing warm wash. So Yong was a strong subject of the British crown.

To start the walk, LifeRead chose the very beginning of Yong Street, on the most beautiful embankment of Lake Ontario. Let's drink our morning coffee and breathe the freshness of the city. Beautiful view opens from the pub "Watermark Toronto"(207 Queens Quay West), which is open from 11 am. Despite the fact that this is a pub, coffee is brewed here too, skillfully. And if your appetite kicks in, you will be served a decent breakfast here.

Well, we got a boost of vivacity, breathed in the breeze - we go deep into the city. From here central street of Toronto, like a backbone, divides the city, leaving on the border with the state of Minnesota. We liked the wide sidewalks, along which we will reach the main attractions of this street - Hockey Hall of Fame Canadians have a lot to be proud of. At the Hockey Museum features handcrafted skates, the very first hockey sticks, relics and NHL trophies including Stanley Cup. Address: 30, Yonge Street.
Then we'll get to Yonge-Dundas Square(something like Times Square in NYC). If you don't go anywhere, the walk will take only half an hour. But we wandered here for several hours. If you dream of good shopping, then remember one more address on this street - Toronto Eaton Center (Giant Shopping Mall, 220 Yonge Street).

Photographer
Eduard Tashtanbekov

Now turn onto 60 Queen Street to the old Toronto City Hall, where the city council met from 1899 to 1966, that is, 67 years. it beautiful building easy to find by the clock tower. Built the Town Hall Edward James Lennox- today we will see another of his creations, which became one of the main attractions of Toronto... He built the town hall, demolishing old buildings, including his own hotels. Due to severe cost overruns on construction, local councilors refused to install a plaque in honor of Lennox at City Hall. Then he built his name under the cornice of the upper floor around the entire building. Handsome! The Ontario court now sits in the old town hall.

Old Toronto City Hall

Built nearby (100 Queen Street) Toronto's new town hall... This is the style of the 60s. Massive glass-concrete something nicknamed "Eye of the Government"- this is how it looks from above. For his sake, Chinatown was once bulldozed here. This building was lit up in Star Trek, Star Trek. Yes and Pokémon Devon headquarters very similar to Toronto's New Town Hall.

New Toronto City Hall - Pokemon Headquarters

Well, now it's worth going down to PATH - underground city under downtown Toronto, it is heated in winter, creating comfortable conditions for promenades, shopping, snacks and relaxation. The entrance is right next to the city halls. There are shops, restaurants, even small parks and fountains underground, and the length of the entire string of tunnels exceeds 27 km! From the dungeons you can get to five metro stations.

It's time to continue your journey to Toronto one level above. We are interested in Casa Loma's 100-year-old neo-Gothic mansion(address: 1 Austin Terrace). This is an eclectic imitation of a medieval castle. We go here by public transport. We sit at the nearest metro stop Osgoode on Line 1 Yonge-University. Drive 6 stops to Dupont station. There we move in a straight line for two blocks and discover an old landmark.

The House on the Hill leads Baldwin Steps, which has 110 steps. Climbing it is quite easy, as there are many flat areas for relaxation and selfies. The ladder is named after the family that first owned these lands.

Having conquered this "Boldvin Everest", we get a prize - a fabulous house! Sir ordered it for himself Henry Mill Pellat, millionaire and Canadian soldier - what an unusual combination, huh? He has amassed capital from investments in hydropower and railways realizing that these industries will develop in a huge northern country. His castle immediately became largest private home in Canada as it had 98 rooms! The rich man was about 60 years old before the completion of the construction of his dream house and he invested $ 3.5 million from his earned $ 17 million in the stone handsome man. We already remembered the architect who created this miracle today when we admired the building of the Old City Hall of Toronto.

Sir Pellat did not enjoy the castle life for long - less than 10 years. Property taxes were getting more and more biting - they skyrocketed from $ 600 per year to $ 1000 per month! The state of the country's economy after the First World War was also not so hot, so that Henry's capital was melting before our eyes. He tried in every possible way to steer out of the crisis. But in 1923 he had to sell his favorite castle with a hammer and go to live on a farm. Now this building - Toronto City Museum. So you can feel like a master by wandering through his rooms. True, it's a little expensive - $ 25.00, but the visit is worth it!

Since we've come, we'll have a bite to eat! In general, we do not really like to eat in museum cafes, but here we decided to take a break before the next point of the route. We bought a French cheese soup for € 9 and a farmer's omelet of three eggs with cheese, sausages, herbs and tomatoes for € 8, polished with a local beer for € 6.

Now we will return to the metro the same way, but we will pass on the first line not 6, but 8 stops - to Union Station. From there we walk through an underground tunnel in 10 minutes to the final chord of our trip to Toronto.

We will sweep from the dungeons to the very heights of Toronto! In the evening, we definitely need to admire the city lights from the tower CN Tower (CN Tower, Canada's National)- most tall building on Earth for over 30 years (1975 to 2007)! It remains today the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere. The height of this beauty is over 550 meters. It is almost twice the height of the Eiffel Tower. The CN Tower will not only delight you with views from the observation deck, but also feed you. And despite the beer and snacks in Casa Loma, you already want to have a bite to eat.

To prepare for your visit here, you need to go to the Cntower tower website ahead of time and buy tickets for $ 33. They need to be purchased at least 24 hours before arrival. You can also reserve a table there, indicating how many people there will be and at what time.

The elevators in the tower move at a speed of 22 km / h and reach observation deck and restaurant in 58 and 61 seconds, respectively. The restaurant with 416 seats is located at a height of 351 meters - what pedantic precision! Before eating, all rich extremists can decide on a heartbreaking experiment - attraction "Edge Walk"... This is a walk around the observation deck at a height of 356 meters along an open and unfenced (yes, yes!) Cornice about 1.5 meters wide. Of course, with insurance, but still ... This test is worth 195 Canadian dollars, that is, about 150 US dollars.

Toronto(Toronto)- the capital of the province of Ontario and the largest city. Sometimes Toronto is called "Canadian New York" because it resembles New York in its cosmopolitan style and the number of living immigrants. The UN has dubbed this city the most multicultural city in the world. The city service is provided in sixteen different languages, so everyone can feel at home here.

Hotels & Accommodations in Toronto

Most of the hotels are located outside the city center. In Toronto, you will find over 130 different hotels to suit every taste and budget. Also, here are very popular guest houses and mini-hotels like "Bed & Breakfast" (Bed & Breakfast)... Young people usually stay in hostels, of which there are a lot.

Accommodation in a 3-4-star hotel will cost from 60 USD per night, a five-star hotel - from 300 USD. Bed in dormitory room hostel will cost from 20 USD. A private room in a mini-hotel (guest house or B&B) costs from 30 USD. For a separate room in an apartment you will pay USD 30-60, and for a separate house or apartment: USD 50-100.

Toronto Restaurants

As already mentioned, Toronto is one of the most multinational cities on earth. Therefore, there is food from all over the planet. Many immigrants have opened shops and restaurants with traditional cuisine, so finding something to your liking is not difficult. Toronto is surrounded by the fertile farmlands of Southern Ontario, so the city has an abundance of farmers' markets. Some of them are seasonal, from May to October, while others are open all year round, for example: St. Lawrence Market, Riverdale Farm (Riverdale Farm), City Hall (City Hall), Daferin Grove and others.

Some interesting neighborhoods with authentic cafes and restaurants: Baldwin Village (Baldwin Village), in Chinatown (Chinatown) you will find a large selection of Vietnamese and Thai restaurants. Very popular restaurants with Hakka Food (Hakka Food)- traditional Chinese food from India. Bayview Avenue (Bayview Avenue) famous for its cafeterias with French pastries, and on Bloor Street (Bloor Street) there are many cheap Japanese eateries. According to one popular local newspaper, Toronto Star , the best place for lunch is Downsview Park Flea Market Food Court with many cafes offering varied cuisines the world.

Vegetarians will also find where to eat: Fresh, Buddas Vegetarian Food, Vegetarian Heven and many others.

Concerning nightlife the city, the most popular place here is the Clubland (Clubland) on Queen Street West (Qeen Street West)... Also, new clubs have opened on King Street West ( King street west) and Liberty Village Air (Liberty Village Area)... There are also many small breweries in Toronto, such as the Steam Whistle Brewery. The tour cost is 7 USD plus a gift.

In a budget restaurant in Toronto, you can have a snack for 10-15 USD per person. In a mid-level restaurant, the cost of a three-course meal will cost from 20 USD, in gourmet restaurants you can dine on average from 70 USD. A snack at McDonald's or other fast food will cost 7 USD (standard McMeal set or equivalent).

Activities & Leisure in Toronto

The symbol of Toronto is the CN Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world. Tourists can watch it from almost anywhere in the city. Also, you have the opportunity to admire the largest Canadian city from the observation deck of the Tower or from the terrace with a glass floor. If you are lucky and will good weather, you can see from here. Next to the CN Tower is the Rogers Center sports arena and the huge Ripley aquarium with a transparent tunnel.

Another symbol of the city is the Royal Ontario Museum. It houses outstanding art collections from around the world. Also known is the Art Gallery of Ontario. Both permanent and temporary exhibitions are held here. The medieval castle of Casa Loma is recognized by the inhabitants of the city as favorite place holding events in 2017. The castle strikes with European elegance and splendor.

Built in 1850, St. Lawrence's Hall was a meeting place for the city. Today it houses a large indoor market selling fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers and more. Distinctive attributes are a giant staircase and a magnificent chandelier.

The analogue of New York Broadway in Toronto is the Entertainment District (Toronto Entertainment District)... In addition to theaters, there are many restaurants, cafes, shops and hotels. Be sure to visit New City Hall (City Hall) and Nathan Phillips Square (Nathan Philips Square), which turns into a real fairy tale during the Christmas holidays.

For shoppers, we recommend visiting the Eaton Center. Coming here for the first time, you will surely be overwhelmed by the number of shops, restaurants, boutiques that stretch over several floors. Distillery District Historic District (Distillery District)- a place where all the entertainment of the city is collected - galleries, exhibitions and other events.

Tourists with children will be interested in visiting the Ontario Science Center. It contains the latest innovations in the field of technology, telecommunications, biology, physics, astronautics. You will definitely not be bored.

Transportation in Toronto

Canada's largest airport, Toronto Pearson, is located 30 miles from the city. To get from the airport to the city center, use the Union Pearson Express. Ticket price - 1.50 USD, payment only by card. You can also get there by TTC buses, the ticket price is 1.50 USD.

Public transport

Toronto is a big city, so many people here use by public transport... The TTS company operates a huge transport system: trams, metro and buses.

The Toronto Subway is very comfortable and fast. It works every day from 05:30 to 01:30, except Sunday (starts from 08:00). "TTS" offers night service "Blue-Night-Network" (Blue Night Network): buses and trams with blue signs run every thirty minutes. The fare is USD 2.40 per adult and USD 1.50 per child. Also, you have the opportunity to purchase a travel card for one day (Day Pass) for 10 USD and travel for a week (Weekly Pass) for 32 USD - for an adult, and 25 USD - for a child. The schedule and routes of transport can be viewed. To get to the Toronto area, you need to buy a GTA Pass (GTA Pass), since the tariffs "TTS" do not apply here. The prices are the same as in TTS. Also, you can get to the suburbs using the Go Transit trains. (GO Transit).

Taxi

There are many taxi services in Toronto - a safe but expensive form of transportation. The Toronto Taxi is part of the TGTS Toronto Ground Transportation Services. To find a taxi in the city center, just stop the car with the sign on the roof on (if it is off, it means busy).

If you are further from the center, it is better to call one of the companies that provide taxi services: Beck (green, orange) + 1416-751-5555, Maple Leaf (blue with a white stripe) + 1416-465-5555, "CO-OP" (red, yellow) + 1416-504-2667. The fare includes a landing fee of USD 2.80 and about USD 1.30 for each subsequent kilometer on the way.

Automobile

You may need a car to get around Toronto County (Greater Toronto Area)... In Toronto, as in any big city, there are almost always traffic jams. Travel on highways is paid. Many roads are closed on weekends due to festivals, marathons or other events. This entails even more traffic jams. If you want to go to, it is better to do it by car.

When it comes to parking, prices, especially in the city center, can seem exorbitant. Many hotels provide parking for the whole day. Two companies, Green P and Impark, provide parking slots throughout the city. Also, you can park on a street where there is no prohibitory sign, free of charge up to 3 hours.

Bike

Toronto is a flat city, so cycling is comfortable here. There are many bike paths throughout the city, especially in the center. Bike Share Toronto offers over 1000 bicycles for rent throughout the city. Tourist rates: one day (Day Pass) for 5 USD, and for three days (3-Day Pass) for 11 USD.

Some popular routes: Martin Goodman Trail (Martin Goodman Trail) along the coast of town, Kay Gardiner Beltline Trail (Kay Gardiner Beltline Trail)- Downtown, Humber River Trail (Humber River Trail)- to the parks of the northern part of the metropolis. Also, you can see a unique attraction - Toronto Islands (Toronto Islands) while cycling.

Toronto is a large modern metropolis, a busy port on Lake Ontario and an important industrial center for Canada. The city arose on the site of an ancient Indian settlement in the 18th century; the first colonists were the French.

Modern Toronto is a genetic diversity of desperate seekers of a better life: British citizens, Irish, Italians, Jews, Chinese and Russians. Even in the XX-XXI centuries. the city has retained its status as a leading immigration center.

The calling card of the provincial capital of Ontario is the ultra-modern cultural centers, sports arenas and green parks. Slender rows of skyscrapers rise against the background of the blue waters of the bay, snow-white yachts scurry along the coast, and Canadians, satisfied with life, stroll along the well-groomed streets. It is this picture that most clearly characterizes the appearance of Toronto.

The best hotels and hotels at affordable prices.

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What to see and where to go in Toronto?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

A huge TV tower built in the 70s. XX century. For about 30 years, the CN Tower occupied the honorable place of the tallest building in the world (the height of the building is more than 555 meters). The tower is equipped with an observation deck with a glass floor. It was calculated that lightning strikes the structure 78 times every year, but due to its strength and reliability, the TV tower can withstand the blows of the elements.

The original mansion was built in the early 20th century for the wealthy businessman Sir G.M. Pellata. After some time, he sold the castle due to the inability to maintain real estate and pay taxes. Until the 30s. the building was used as a hotel, and then went to the state. The castle was turned into a tourist attraction. It is rented from time to time for private events.


The street that begins in downtown Toronto and stretches north to the very border with American state Minnesota. Before the colonization of America, there were well-groomed Indian trails on the site of Young Street. Today Young Street is one of the main and busiest streets in Toronto. There are a lot of restaurants, night bars, shops, clubs that are popular with the guests of the city.


A trendy neighborhood in the city center that once housed wineries and breweries. Today, former industrial buildings of Victorian architecture are home to modern art galleries, restaurants and concerts. Distillery District is considered to be a prestigious and fashionable area, where people spend their time with pleasure. locals and tourists.


The new City Hall was built to replace the old City Hall in 1965. The city authorities announced a worldwide architectural competition, which was won by the Finn W. Revell. Thanks to the construction of the Toronto City Hall, this architect made his name famous throughout the world. The structure consists of two towers of different lengths and a round building in the middle - the hall where the city council meets.


Historic building late XIX centuries. After the construction of the new city hall building, they wanted to demolish the old one, but the townspeople stood up for architectural monument... Nowadays, a functioning city court is located on the territory of the old city hall. The ancient architecture of the building is favorably set off by the modern buildings located in the vicinity.

The building was erected in 1892 in the architectural style of the "Romanesque Revival", which very well reflected the exorbitant territorial ambitions of the British Empire. Inside the Parliament of the province of Ontario sits. The construction used Italian marble and pink brick. The interior is characterized by moderate luxury. The galleries are adorned with exquisite wood furnishings, and the windows are quaint stained-glass windows.


The museum is housed in an unusual and original building of modern architecture. Outwardly, this structure resembles an ordered jumble of geometric shapes or a huge crystal with irregular edges. The walls of the museum gleam with a cold shine of gray metal and glass. The Royal Museum houses more than 6 million exhibits: dinosaur bones, art objects, weapons, clothing, household items and much more.


The gallery is considered one of the largest museums in North America. The collections are located in 50 halls with a total area of ​​over 45 thousand square meters. Among the gallery's valuable exhibits are paintings by Picasso, Degas, Van Gogh, Renoir, Rembrandt, Gauguin, Monet, Rubens. Also in the museum are works of famous Canadian painters: D. Walla, D. Altmeida, F. Sullivan and others.


A museum designed to demonstrate and popularize the scientific achievements of mankind. It was founded in 1969. On the territory of the museum you can see with your own eyes the latest developments in the field of physics, astronomy, medicine, biology and other industries. An impressive part of the exposition is devoted to the exploration of the Space and related tasks. The museum is aimed at the general public from youngest to adult visitors.


The exposition was founded in 1984. The museum's collection is entirely dedicated to ceramics and the fields associated with this craft. It was based on a private collection of ceramics by the Gardiners. Now in the museum funds, there are about 3 thousand exhibits. Here you can find samples of ceramics from ancient Indian tribes, the Renaissance, Japanese and Chinese porcelain, English dishes and much more.


The collection of the museum was collected by the founder of the shoe company "Bata" and his wife. It all started with several samples of shoes that Sonya Bata brought from various trips. On this moment the exposition occupies three floors of a separate building. More than 12 thousand samples from all over the world have been collected here. There are even completely "fossil" pairs from Ancient egypt, antique sandals and medieval boots.


As you know, Canada occupies a leading position in world hockey, this sport is literally worshiped here. The Hockey Hall of Fame is an exposition dedicated to the development and formation of Canadian hockey. Here you can learn about the history of the NHL, get acquainted with the biographies of great players, look at the hockey kits and equipment of teams from different countries.


Multifunctional Entertainment Center, which includes a sports stadium, shopping galleries, cafeterias and concert venues. It was built in 1989. The Rogers Center sports arena seats up to 50,000 spectators. The building is equipped with a comfortable retractable roof, which allows football or basketball matches to be held in all weather conditions.


Shopping and office center located in the heart of downtown Toronto. In fact, it was invented by Timothy Eaton, who founded the largest retail chain in Canada in the 19th century. At first it was a small family shop, which gradually grew into a large mall. The Eaton Center is home to boutiques and showrooms for many Canadian and American brands.


St. Lawrence is included in the list of the largest markets in Canada and in the TOP-10 best markets the world (according to some sources). It sells natural and fresh products of excellent quality, produced in the province of Ontario. The market sells pastries, homemade cheese, meat and other farm products. The market has been operating since the beginning of the 19th century.


The historic city fort, on the territory of which the buildings of the early 19th century have been preserved, are witnesses of the battles between the British Empire and the colonies thirsting for independence. Military parades are held here, timed to coincide with the national holidays of Canada. Fort York also hosts a beer festival every year. A historical exposition is located in the former military barracks.


Locals consider their zoo to be the best in North America (in their opinion, the best is in Toronto). The city zoo really boasts of size and species diversity. The entire territory is divided into thematically zones, each of which has its own microclimate. Interesting pavilions include Mayan Ruins, African Savannah, Australian and American Pavilions.


City park, recreation place with excellent infrastructure for visitors. The territory has its own zoo, playgrounds, walking paths, flowering gardens, and various cultural facilities. The park is located in a picturesque hilly area dotted with hollows and small lakes. Visitors have picnics on the lawns on weekends, while sports fans can play tennis or go for a jog.


A reservoir that is part of the famous Great Lakes system. On its shores are located such cities as Toronto, Rochester (USA), Hamilton, Kingston. From the language of the Huron Indians, the name "Ontario" can be translated as "shining waters." The lake is the smallest in area among all the North American Great Lakes, it is suitable for active navigation. The Niagara River flows into Ontario.


Toronto is a huge and majestic skyscrapers, beautiful parks, museums, sights, architectural beauty, located on the coast of no less picturesque Lake Ontario.

As many people know from historical sources, earlier, the British city of York was founded here, and later it was renamed Toronto. The main thing is that the city has a rich history, thanks to which the stay of tourists in the city is even more interesting and impressive. It was this fact that attracted me here too. I would not say that Toronto has any big difference from such Canadian cities as Montreal or Ottawa, it is also beautiful and pleasant to be here, and the developed infrastructure allows you to spend your time comfortably.

The name of the city, in translation, means Meeting Place, since the city's territory really meets and closely intertwines the traditions and characteristics of many cultures that today live in this huge metropolis.

The only difference between Toronto and other cities, at least that I noticed, is a not so cold winter, but with a rather large abundance of snow. Although, throughout Canada, the seasons of the year are very clearly traced, this also applies to Toronto. There is a rather humid continental climate, with not very hot summers and short springs and autumn. But it is worth noting that due to the high humidity, the temperature always seems to be higher than the thermometer shows. The perfect timing ... read in full

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Toronto Monthly Weather:

Month Temperature Cloudiness Rainy days /
Precipitation
Number of solar
hours per day
In the afternoon At night
January -3.0 ° C -5.3 ° C 61.6% 4 days (49.8 mm.) 9h 22m.
February -2.4 ° C -5.3 ° C 60.8% 4 days (48.1 mm.) 10h 31m.
March 2.0 ° C -1.8 ° C 53.5% 4 days (39.4 mm.) 11h 57m.
April 8.4 ° C 3.7 ° C 49.7% 5 days (70.6 mm.) 13h 28m.
May 16.3 ° C 10.6 ° C 39.5% 4 days (60.9 mm.) 14h 44m.
June 22.1 ° C 15.6 ° C 33.9% 5 days (70.2 mm.) 15h 23m.
July 26.6 ° C 19.3 ° C 27.8% 5 days (59.4 mm.) 15h 3m.
August 25.8 ° C 19.1 ° C 29.5% 4 days (50.8 mm.) 13h 55m.
September 21.7 ° C 16.4 ° C 32.6% 4 days (49.6 mm.) 12h 29m.
October 14.1 ° C 10.3 ° C 50.8% 5 days (68.8 mm.) 10h 59m.
November 6.4 ° C 3.1 ° C 53.8% 2 days (34.0 mm.) 9h 41m.
December 1.5 ° C -1.0 ° C 62.4% 4 days (41.1 mm.) 9h 0m.

* This table displays the average weather data collected over more than three years

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Niagara Falls

Toronto is amazing and very interesting city, but its main attraction is not at all in the city, but far beyond its borders. This is the famous Niagara Falls, the same waterfall where the virtuoso David Copperfield held his unforgettable and grandiose shows, this is the same waterfall that was filmed in many sensational films, this is the most famous waterfall in the world. Road from Toronto to Niagara miracle nature will take an hour and a half, but when I got to the place my emotions knew no bounds! The view is simply mesmerizing, six thousand tons of water that rush down every second, simply hypnotize your gaze, all of you, and it seems that you can watch it forever. Niagara is something worth traveling hundreds of miles over the ocean, something worth traveling for!

Around the waterfall you can see whole city all kinds of entertainment for tourists and visitors to this place, it is called Niagara Falls. There is everything - hotels, restaurants, cinemas, bowling and even a casino. In fact, Niagara Falls has grown a whole city around it.

We were told that you can see the waterfall in 24 different ways: from the most unusual and expensive, to the simplest and free. Not everyone can afford to try everything at once. The most common for those who have funds is a helicopter, from a high it may seem that this is not a waterfall, but lava from the water…. You can also look at it from the inside, through a cave under a waterfall, this is the only place where ...

You cannot visit Toronto without trying the traditional Canadian cuisine - these are various dishes from buffalo meat. They can be found on the menu of almost every establishment, and even fast food. This is because there are a huge number of bison in Canada. This pleasure is not cheap, but quite tasty, I liked it.

A widespread problem for tourists, and especially for those who are in Toronto for the first time, will be, as it has become for me, that the prices do not include tax. It is about 7% of the amount that is indicated, no matter where, like a restaurant menu, a ticket to the aquarium, or a price tag in a store. In a cafe, a tip will also be included in the check. Therefore, you need to be ready to lay out a couple more dollars on top.

The most recognizable building in Toronto that can be attributed to the sights is the Sientaur Tower, see ... read completely

Food and groceries

In Canada, incredibly high food prices + in Canada there is such a trick: if, for example, you buy a sandwich for $ 10 (this is the normal price), then you pay a tax of 10%, that is, $ 11! So, having bought food for $ 100, the authorities cheated us for another $ 12.5))). A bottle of Coca-Cola costs $ 6. A bottle of beer (0.5) - $ 7, bread (!!!) - $ 3, a bottle of wine (0.75) - $ 23 (from). Dinner in a restaurant (usually three courses) is $ 50, but the portions are huge, so we split them and pay for everyone. Food in shops is not much cheaper than in restaurants, basic food (bread, water, etc.) - $ 20. There is no point in buying groceries in stores, it is better to eat in a restaurant or cafe.

Souvenirs and other goods

Clothing in Toronto is inexpensive. Good branded sneakers - $ 30-50 (trust me, this is normal for Canada). Niagara Falls is full of various souvenir shops. The cost of souvenirs is from 5 to 100 dollars. Souvenirs are mainly Chinese, and the Chinese trade in them (respectively). Of the souvenirs, it is better not to buy expensive ones (especially those that glow) - they quickly break, this is my own experience.

Cost of services and entertainment

There is a huge Ferris wheel, the cost is $ 15, in a VIP cabin (I used this) - $ 50. This is a magnificent sight. Taxi fare - $ 3 / km. The bus costs $ 6, but you can buy a full day pass for $ 25. It is beneficial for tourists

Total money spent on vacation

Toronto, Ontario's capital and largest city in the country, is home to a vibrant mix of tourist attractions, from museums and galleries to the world-famous CN Tower and off the coast of the Toronto Islands. The city also has a vibrant entertainment district with the latest in musicals and other performing arts, as well as a historic distillery. The city center is still relatively easy to navigate, with many of the main attractions within walking distance of each other and the metro system to cover long distances.

1 CN Tower

Toronto's famous landmark, the 553-meter CN Tower, is one of the most visited cities, as well as the most impossible to miss. Towering over the city center, the structure can be seen almost everywhere in the city. Visitors have the option to simply appreciate the building from the ground, or head to one of the observation areas or restaurants for stunning views of the city and Lake Ontario. The CN Tower, built between 1972 and 1976, was once the tallest free-standing structure in the world but has long been surpassed.

The highest viewing area on the CN Tower is from Sky Pod 447 meters above the city, with views that stretch to Niagara Falls and New York State on clear days. To get here, you need to take two elevators. Below that, at the top of the main LookOut 346 meters where the Horizons Restaurant is located. On one floor below there is a glass floor and an outdoor terrace. As the name suggests, the glass floor opens up from a bird's eye view directly over the city as visitors stand on the glass floor.

For those looking for a little more adventure, or perhaps a lot more adventure, there is " Edge Walk.“This includes a hands-free walk on a 1.5 meter ledge around the outer edge of the main container at 365 meters. Participants are attached to a seat belt and rope.

At 351 meters there is a rotating 360 Restaurant, with fine dining and the best table views anywhere in Toronto. 360 is open for lunch and dinner, and visitors who dine here also get free access to the Tower's Lookout and Glass Floor.

Horizons Restaurant, at Lookout level, offers a more casual dining experience and is open all day from lunch to dinner.

Based on the city center, preferably close to the CN Tower, this is the best option for exploring Toronto. To post offers in this area, visit our Featured Luxury, Medium and cheap hotels in Toronto.

Address: 301 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario

Official website: http://www.cntower.ca/intro.html

2 Royal Ontario Museum

Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum, known as ROM, is one of the best museums Canada with an international reputation. It features an outstanding collection as well as major exhibitions from around the world. The controversial expansion of the facility saw a modern wing featuring glass and sharp edges added to the very traditional old building. The museum contains collections covering a variety of periods from around the world.

Address: 100 Queen "s Park, Toronto

Official website: http://www.rom.on.ca/en

3 Rogers Center

Rogers Center

Right next to the CN Tower is the Rogers Center, a massive domed sports arena. The unique design includes a roof that slides backwards, allowing it to be opened in favorable weather. This megastructure, completed in 1989, is Toronto's answer to the ambitious Olympic Stadium built by its arch rival, Montreal. The Rogers Center can accommodate many thousands of spectators and is home to all sports, baseball and football in particular, as well as rock and el concerts. The center also offers one-hour guided tours with behind-the-scenes views of the facility.

Address: 1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto

Official website: http://www.rogerscentre.com/

4 Art Gallery of Ontario

Art Gallery of Ontario DGriebeling / photo modified

The famous art Gallery Ontario (AGO) occupies a unique modern building on the west side of the city center. A whole series of temporary exhibitions are mounted throughout the year by this exceptionally well-stocked gallery. Highlights include collections of Canadian, African and Oceanic and European art. The museum also has a particularly impressive collection of Canadian paintings.

Address: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto

Official website: http://www.ago.net/

5 Casa Loma

Casa Loma is an extraordinary building reminiscent of medieval castle... It was originally built for Sir Henry Pellat, an eccentric Canadian multimillionaire who was one of the first to recognize and exploit the money-making potential of Niagara Falls. With about 100 rooms, including three dozen bathrooms, the house is now a museum. Visitors can look back in time to an era of European elegance and splendor. The Canadian Forward Castle is complemented by decked suites, secret passages, an 800-foot tunnel, towers, stables and five acres of gardens.

Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto

Official website: http://www.casaloma.org/

6 Toronto zoo

Toronto zoo

The huge Toronto Zoo with its collection of several thousand animals is located on the Red River, 40 km northeast of the city center. One of the main attractions is the Panda Show, which opened in Toronto in 2013, and is divided into several sections, each representing a major region of the globe. The North American section is unique for its spacious fenced-in fencing, huge bison park and impressive polarity. Some of the other attractions at the Toronto Zoo include the African Savannah and the Great Barrier Reef.

Address: 361A Old Finch Road, Toronto

Official website: http://www.torontozoo.com/

7 Saint Lawrence Market

Saint Lawrence Market

The St. Lawrence Market offers a variety of vendors selling a variety of food, flowers, and daily necessities. Hall of St. Lawrence was built in Toronto in 1850 and served as a public meeting and concert venue. The hall was rebuilt in 1967, but retained most its old charm. The building provides a unique atmosphere for the marketplace and is also occasionally used for film and television filming. The interior features a grand staircase and a gas-lit chandelier.

Address: 92 Front Street East, Toronto

Official website: http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/

8 Entertainment district

Entertainment District Jeff Samsonov / photo modified

Toronto's ride to New York's Broadway, Toronto's entertainment district, comes alive in the evenings. This is the place to watch major theater productions with the latest shows and musicals, concerts and other performing arts. There are also all kinds of restaurants and places to socialize, as well as hotels and shops. Main hub of activity in the Entertainment District Royal street.

Official website: http://torontoed.com/

9 Ripley's aquarium in Canada

One of the newest attractions in Toronto is Ripley's Aquarium, located at the base of CN Tower This fabulous facility displays all types of marine life, but the most impressive feature is the enormous underwater tunnel with a moving sidewalk. Visitors can watch the ocean world pass around them as sharks glide past and peaks linger on the roof of the tunnel above. This is a truly serene experience for all ages. Another unexpected moment is the jellyfish display, with a focus on creative lighting. In addition, sensory tanks with rays and little sharks allow hands-on experience. And for engineers, the concept open building also lets take a look at Life supporting system and filtration equipment operating on site.

Address: 288 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto

Official website: https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/canada/

10 town hall

Domination of the spacious Nathan Phillips Square with its bronze sculpture, Archer, by Henry Moore, is still the highly acclaimed new mayor's office. It was designed by the gifted Finnish architect Vilho Revell and built in 1965. The City Hall consists of two arched high-rise blocks, 20 and 27 stories respectively, wrapped around the lower central building topped with a flattened dome. In front of the square there is an artificial pond, which becomes a popular ice rink in winter. The area is beautifully decorated for the Christmas holidays.

Address: 100 Queen Street West, Toronto

11 Eaton Center

Eaton Center Michael Caven / photo modified

The huge Eaton Center is located in the northern part of the Central Business District. With its own metro station, this ultra-modern shopping complex spans several blocks and is constantly being renovated and expanded. Strangers can easily lose their way in the bewildering maze of department stores, specialty stores, boutiques, restaurants, cafeterias and eateries that crowd at different levels above and below ground level. The original Eaton department store opened in Toronto in 1869 and has grown into a huge retail business.

Official website: https://www.cfshops.com/toronto-eaton-centre.html

12 Distillery

Distillery District music2fish2 (eric lanning) / photo modified

The Toronto Distillery is a restored historic area that has evolved into a trendy entertainment and shopping district. Visitors will find charming boutiques, galleries, artist studios and restaurants. The Distillery District also hosts a variety of recreational activities, home to numerous venues and performing schools. it interesting place during the day or evening.

Official website: http://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/

13 High park

High Park City Toronto / photo modified

The High Park is a huge green space with sunken gardens, hanging basket gardens, nature trails, natural ponds and streams. The 165-acre country property originally owned by Howards was transferred to the City of Toronto in 1873. This fact included the fact that the park was to remain “for the free use, benefit and enjoyment of the citizens of Toronto, and it can be called High Park.” Animal pendants, swimming and swamp pools, playgrounds, picnic areas and a scenic sightseeing train. The grounds also include the restored 19th century gardens, the Coaching House and the Howard's Tomb.

Every year, the Canadian company Stage releases a performance in the theater under open air in Toronto's High Park in July and August, known as "Shakespeare in the Park".

Official website: http://highparktoronto.com/

14 Ontario Science Center

Science Center Ontario? Ick Harris / photo modified

The Ontario Science Center is a family-friendly attraction with many interesting exhibits to keep kids entertained. It occupies an area overlooking the Don Valley, about ten kilometers northeast of the city center. Designed by the virtuoso architect Raymond Moriyama, this modern building was completed in 1969. Visitors to the center are exposed to the latest advances in technology, telecommunications, optics, biology, physics, space travel and meteorology and much more, all presented in an immersive and imaginative way. ... The focus is on attendee participation, many interactive displays, and widely used computer and other equipment.

Address: 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto

Official website: http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/

15 Toronto

Ferry trip from Terminal Queen 's Quay to the Toronto Islands, about a kilometer offshore, is a prelude to an entirely enjoyable walk. The islands have wonderful walks, as well as the possibility of rowing, sailing, swimming and other types active rest. Pier and the odd cluster of weekend homes brings variety with it. In summer, the islands are home to numerous outdoor events. Favorable visibility offers stunning views of the Toronto skyline. Centerville Amusement Park located upon Center Island, one of the Toronto Islands, and offers many attractions for children. Toronto Ferry Service runs from Queen's Quay and travels to each of the main islands of Toronto.

Where to stay in Toronto for sightseeing

For sightseeing and entertainment, the best place to stay in Toronto is right in the heart of the city, right in the heart of the event. The hotels listed below are highly rated and located in good places in downtown Toronto, within walking distance of many major attractions.

  • Luxury hotels: At the top of the luxury class is The Ritz-Carlton, with a convenient central location close to the entertainment and financial districts. Opened in 2014, Delta Toronto Hotel is conveniently located near the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium and Rogers Center. The hotel offers beautiful views of Lake Ontario. Near shopping complex Eaton Center and the famous Toronto City Hall and winter ice rink are the Hilton and Sheraton - both luxury hotels with beautiful indoor / outdoor pools.
  • Mid-range hotels - At the top end of the middle selection is the waterfront Radisson addict. it perfect place especially in summer, close to many lakeside restaurants and the extensive promenade pedestrian area and within walking distance of CN Tower and other attractions. The hotel also has an outdoor pool. Novotel is another a good choice, on the Esplanade close to the St. Lawrence Market and trendy outdoor restaurants with summer cuisine. North of the Esplanade and within walking distance of the financial district and many attractions is Holiday Inn Express, another quality mid-range hotel.
  • Cheap hotels: WITH good location Chinatown, on the east side of downtown, has an inexpensive Super 8. A few blocks north of the popular Yonge and Dundas Square is The hotel Saint James, which is always highly acclaimed. The Comfort Inn City Center is less centrally located but offers good value if you don't mind walking a little further or taking public transportation.

Tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to Toronto

  • Sights: When it comes to sightseeing in Toronto, you can't beat the Toronto CityPASS for value. This is a nine-day pass that starts the first day you use it and offers discounted entry to some of Toronto's top attractions, including the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Zoo, Casa Loma, and the Ontario Science Center. For getting to the rides or just for general sightseeing, the best option is Tounto City hop-on hop-off tour. This is a three-day pass that allows you to explore the city at your own pace from the comfort of a double-decker bus. If you have purchased the CityPASS, you can stop and see all of the locations listed on your pass.
  • Day trips: If you haven't been to Niagara Falls, a trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto is a must. It is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Canada and is only an hour and a half away. This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation to Niagara Falls, boat ride at the foot of the falls, buffet reception, visit observation deck Whirlpool Rapids and a stop at beautiful city Niagara-on-Lake.