Known for its wide boulevards, many skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, Toronto is the capital of Ontario in Canada. Located along Lake Ontario’s north western shore, it’s a dynamic metropolis with many green spaces. Ranging from the orderly oval of Queen’s Park to 400-acre High Park with its trails, sports facilities and zoo.
Founded in 1793 the city is often used as the jumping off point by those seeking to visit Niagara Falls about two hours away by bus or train.
Toronto is generally a pretty safe city for tourists to visit. In fact, Toronto was ranked second in the world in 2021 on the Safe Cities Index, making it North America’s safest city to visit.
Defining the Toronto skyline, the CN Tower is Canada’s most recognizable and celebrated icon.
Standing at 553 metres, the CN Tower on Bremner Blvd., is the tallest free-standing structure in the western hemisphere and one of Toronto’s most popular visitor attractions.
Marriott Downtown
We stayed in the Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre on Bay Street. From there it is an easy walk from the Scotiabank Arena, CN Tower, Rogers Centre, the University of Toronto and shopping at the iconic CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Billy Bishop Toronto Airport is less than two miles away.
The hotel offers pet-friendly guest rooms and suites with plush bedding, comfortable seating areas and deluxe amenities.
Stay fit while in Toronto in the hotels 24-hour fitness centre. Practice your golf swing in Par Bar Topgolf Swing Suite or take a dip in our rooftop indoor pool before joining us for a delicious meal at Trios Bistro.
We stayed in the hotel overnight and used it as our base to explore Toronto.
Our top tips for exploring Toronto include.
Eat Breakfast
Forget hotel offerings and instead set out for Eggspectations, with its welcoming and energetic bar and café ambiance. It offers a satisfying and diverse menu ranging from freshly prepared artisanal brioche French toast, thin French crepes, Belgian waffles, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, pastas, burgers, seafood, steak and of course eggs benedict!
St. Lawrence Market
In the centre of historic Old Town Toronto, close to the hub of today’s downtown sits three buildings that have served as Toronto’s social centre, City Hall and marketplace throughout the city’s history. A culinary hotspot featuring more than 120 merchants and farmers, the St. Lawrence Market complex is an iconic landmark. It offers visitors a sample of an authentic farmers’ market, and features changing exhibits dedicated to Toronto’s art, culture and history.
Distillery District
The Distillery District is a commercial and residential district east of downtown. It contains numerous cafés, restaurants, and shops housed within heritage buildings of the former Gooderham and Worts Distillery. The 13 acres district comprises more than forty heritage buildings and ten streets. And the largest collection of Victorian-era industrial architecture in North America. Shopping opportunities include everything from stylish fashions and trendy products to unique gifts and tasty take-home artisanal treats.
CN Tower
At 553 m, the CN Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the western hemisphere The CN Tower was classified as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1995. It took 40 months to build and cost CA$63 million. Beside a terrific view and a bevy of restaurants and bars the tower offers adrenaline junkies the ultimate rush. Trained guides lead walking tours outside the tower! During the walk, those with the nerve to do it will have the opportunity to lean back over the city! With nothing but open air between you and the ground. Not for us! But for those who do it offers an unforgettable photo op to share with friends.
Shopping at CF Toronto Eaton Centre
As the only metropolitan shopping mall in Toronto, CF Toronto Eaton Centre is both a tourist attraction and a great place to shop. Located just a few minutes from the attractions of downtown Toronto, like CN Tower, Eaton Centre is a must-do when you’re exploring the city’s centre. This iconic Toronto mall is a great place to start or end your downtown trip, with plenty of places to eat and shop.
Fine dinning
You cannot go wrong if you choose to visit China Town for good food. Do what we often do. Seek out the restaurant that has the longest queue of locals waiting for a table. That is how we found Koh Lipe, a restaurant named after the beautiful island in Southern Thailand. Warm, unfussy option serving classic Thai standards from rice to noodles, it showcases dishes from the region.
