toronto - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-29T12:27:27Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/torontoThe Top 8 Musts of Torontohttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/toronto-ontario-canada-attractions-tourism-travel2023-11-29T16:40:00.000Z2023-11-29T16:40:00.000ZPatricia Harthttps://tripatini.com/members/PatriciaHart<div><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12258763090,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12258763090,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12258763090?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><br /> <br /> <strong>Canada</strong>´s most populous city (around 2.8 million, metro area 6.7 million) as well as the fourth largest by population in <strong>North America</strong> is wonderfully diverse and offers visitors a wide and varied menu. There are far more than eight great things to see and do in Toronto, but these are the absolute musts:<br /> <br /> </span></p>
<h2><strong><a href="https://www.cntower.ca/" target="_blank">CN Tower - Reaching New Heights</a></strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">One of the symbols of Canada and built in 1976 as the world's tallest freestanding structure (553 meters/1,815 feet), this iconic architectural wonder offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city., attracting some two million visitors a year. It´s home to several observation decks, a revolving <a href="https://www.cntower.ca/dine-at-360-restaurant/overview" target="_blank">restaurant</a> serving (fashionably sustainable) Canadian fare; an entertainment complex (at the base); and an <strong><a href="https://www.cntower.ca/brave-the-edgewalk" target="_blank">EdgeWalk</a></strong> that allows (securely harnessed!) people to stroll around an outdoor platform. (And by the way, the CN refers to <strong>Canadian National</strong>, the railroad which had it built.)</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.rom.on.ca/en" target="_blank">Royal Ontario Museum - A Cultural Gem</a></strong></span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">At this amazing institution - marking one century next year - dive into a remarkable collection of more than 13 million artifacts, from mummies to dinosaur skeletons, and explore the world's cultures through extensive displays of art and artifacts, spread across 40 galleries. Other highlights include superb collections of minerals and meteorites; Art Deco décor, design, and clothing; the largest collection of Chinese architectural artifacts outside <strong>China</strong>; a cool "bat cave," and myriad interactive and hands-on exhibits and activities. <br /> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12259124456,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12259124456,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12259124456?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:High_Park,_Toronto_DSC_0129_(17207727609).jpg" target="_blank">Lord of the Wings</a></span><br /> <br /> </span></p>
<h2><strong><a href="https://www.highparktoronto.com/" target="_blank">High Park - A Gorgeous Oasis, Especially Come Springtime</a><br /> </strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Founded in 1876, Toronto´s largest public park spans 161 mostly but not entirely hilly hectares (400 acres) west of downtown. Highlights include serene ponds and lakes; meandering trails; ornamental gardens; picnic areas; a <a href="https://www.highparktoronto.com/zoo.php" target="_blank">zoo</a>; three eateries including the <strong><a href="https://www.grenadiercafe.net/" target="_blank">Grenadier Café</a></strong>, an amphitheatre; tennis courts; a pool; playgrounds; a wintertime skating rink; a "trackless train" running tours through the grounds; and 187-year-old <strong><a href="https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/colborne-lodge/" target="_blank">Colborne Lodge</a></strong>, a Regency cottage now a museum with period furnishings. High Park is lovely all year round, but particularly comes alive in late April and early May, thanks to its stunning <a href="https://www.highparktoronto.com/cherry-trees.php" target="_blank">Japanese cherry blossoms</a>. </span></p>
<h2><strong><a href="https://casaloma.ca/" target="_blank">Casa Loma - Step into History</a></strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">"Hill House" (so named because it´s perched on an escarpment), located in the neighborhood of the same name, is an atmospheric Gothic-revival pile built in 1912 for financier <strong>Sir Henry Pellatt</strong> and these days much used as a setting for flims and TV shows. Its opulent rooms, secret passageways, and exhibits are open to visitors, and the estate also hosts a variety of concerts and other events. You can get a bite here, too, from simple café fare to more elaborate meals at the <strong><a href="http://www.bluebloodsteakhouse.com/" target="_blank">Blueblood Steakhouse</a></strong>; in addition, casual dining in its gardens is available from June through August. <br /> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12259130076,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12259130076,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12259130076?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/claramichelle/8031652602" target="_blank">claramichelle</a></em></span><br /> <br /> </span></p>
<h2><strong><a href="http://www.kensington-market.ca/Default.asp?id=home&l=1" target="_blank">Kensington Market - Bohemian Bliss</a></strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Just west of downtown, one of Toronto´s older neighborhoods - dating back to the early 19th century - is today vibrant, hip and very walkable, with an eclectic blend of Victorian architecture; vintage and food shops; boutiques; <a href="http://www.kensington-market.ca/Default.asp?id=arts-community&l=1" target="_blank">arts spaces and galleries</a>; market stalls; bars; cafés; and international restaurants (take a food tour!). Plus on Sundays (except in winter) part of it is closed to car traffic, making for an especially delightful roaming and browsing experience. <br /> </span></p>
<h2><strong><a href="https://www.stmichaelscathedral.com/" target="_blank">St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica - Spiritual Splendor</a></strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">For a serene and spiritual experience, explore another Gothic-revival landmark, which opened its doors in 1848 in downtown´s <strong>Garden District</strong>. This Roman Catholic minor basilica features intricate woodwork and awe-inspiring stained-glass windows, and even if you don´t attend a service, you can enjoy a moment of quiet reflection in this beautiful sanctuary.<br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12259144286,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12259144286,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12259144286?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/es/foto/vista-del-paisaje-urbano-de-toronto-v%C3%ADa-toronto-centro-de-la-isla-durante-la-puesta-gm1072354134-286970291?phrase=toronto+islands" target="_blank">tigerstrawberry</a></em></span><br /> <br /> </span></p>
<h2><strong><a href="https://www.destinationtoronto.com/things-to-do/outdoors-and-recreation/toronto-islands/" target="_blank">Day Trip to the Toronto Islands - Nature's Retreat</a></strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">A chain of small, car-free islands in <strong>Lake Ontario</strong> south of town makes a great escape, and just a 13-minute ferry ride away to the largest, <strong>Centre Island</strong>, where in addition to shops, amusements, and dining spots you can enjoy sandy beaches, lush parks, and scenic walking/biking trails. We'll guide you on the best ways to experience this oasis and avoid crowds during your visit.<br /> </span></p>
<h2><strong><a href="https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/" target="_blank">Day Trip to Niagara Falls - Nature's Masterpiece</a></strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Just an hour-and-a-half drive away, this spectacular natural wonder is rightly one of North America´s oldest tourism meccas, and the Canadian side is widely agreed to be more interesting to visit than the U.S. side. In addition to witnessing the power and beauty of <strong>Horseshoe Falls</strong> and others; taking the <a href="https://www.cityexperiences.com/niagara-ca/city-cruises/niagara/" target="_blank">boat excursion</a> right up to it; getting a bird´s-eye view from the <strong><a href="https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/whirlpool-aero-car" target="_blank">Whirlpool Aero Car</a></strong>; and checking out the <strong><a href="https://nfexchange.ca/museum" target="_blank">Niagara Falls History Museum</a></strong> to learning more about perhaps the world´s most famous waterfalls. Naturally there are plenty of fine places to eat, shop, play, and (should you care to overnight) stay.<br /> <br /> <br /> Have you been to Toronto and seen any of these fantastic places? Leave us your thoughts and suggestion in the comments section. And if you haven´t been, go ahead and <a href="https://www.traveljunction.ca/flights/cheap-flights-to-toronto-yto" target="_blank">book your flight to Toronto</a> for a memorable journey to a remarkable destination! And for more information, check out <strong><a href="https://www.destinationtoronto.com/" target="_blank">DestinationToronto.com</a></strong>.<br /> <br /> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> </span></p></div>Toronto's 5 Best Neighbourhoods to Live in as Well as Visithttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/top-neighborhoods-toronto-ontario-canada2020-10-24T06:56:46.000Z2020-10-24T06:56:46.000ZRudolf Novakhttps://tripatini.com/members/RudolfNovak<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009489470,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009489470,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009489470?profile=original" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/es/foto/kensington-market-toronto-gm1214143993-353129194" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Daxus</em></span></a><br /> </p>
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<p>Often opening up a new chapter in our lives can be daunting. Especially when it's moving and finding the best place for a new beginning. Fortunately, the capital of Ontario province and Canada's largest city (pop. 2.7 million) is a welcoming as well as vibrant place to live. No wonder it's the first choice in the country for young professionals and immigrants. Its culture, history, and energy pervade various neighbourhoods in and around centre city, and here are the top five examples:</p>
<p> <br /> <strong><a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/toronto-distillery-district-and-local-art" target="_blank">The Distillery District</a></strong></p>
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<p>East of downtown, one of Toronto's most historic districts has its origin in a whisky distillery founded in 1832, and so much of its quaint architecture dates from that Victorian era. After the distillery and many of its other businesses closed, it began to be redeveloped in the early 2000s, and today it's an Instagram darling, with brick-paved streets are lined with charming shops, galleries, and restaurants. </p>
<p> <br /> <strong>East Chinatown</strong></p>
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<p>This part of Toronto's east end is,one of several Toronto Chinatowns in the city's east end, and the only one to have a traditional Chinese arch, built in 2008). As you'd expect, it's characterized by lots of Chinese groceries, produce shops, and restaurants. But in the last three or four years has also attracted a growing number of new shops, bars, cafés, and restaurants started by newcomers - whom by the way are welcomed by longtime locals, as are visitors from outside the city. East Chinatown is also quite safe, and relatively cheap in terms of living costs - even if you choose to eat out frequently.</p>
<p><br /> <strong>Scarborough</strong></p>
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<p>About a 30- to 40-minute train or car ride east of downtown, this pleasant, good-size borough of Toronto has some lovely natural attributes, a location on the Scarborough Bluffs overlooking the Rouge River and a good size park with wilderness-type areas. But it's perhaps best known for its firendliness and ethnic diversity - which means lots of great multiculti dining and so forth. And the rent here is amazingly cheap compared to other outlying areas (for example, check out listing examples at <a href="https://condomapper.ca/" target="_blank">Condo Mapper</a>). </p>
<p> <br /> <strong>Kensington Market</strong></p>
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<p>Several blocks west of downtown, one of Toronto's oldest neighborhoods is these days another vibrant, multiculti, as well as somewhat bohemian hotspot to visit and live (top). It's certainly highly Instagrammable, with its Victorian architecture; charming cafés; cool galleries and shops (including amazingly cheap thrift and vintage shops); artsy bars; and diverse eateries. Funky and fun! (And by the way, the large Toronto Western Hospital is also located here.)</p>
<p><br /> <strong>West Queen West</strong></p>
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<p>Several blocks southwest of Kensington Market, this long, narrow district is another one giving off a indie "too cool for school" vibe - hip and extremely diverse, as well as safe and welcoming. There's a huge choice of predictably cool bars, bistros, cafés, shops, and eateries, and West Queen West is also known for its offbeat street fashion and colorful street murals. Also funky and fun!</p>
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<p><strong><em>More about Toronto on Tripatini:</em></strong><br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/plenty-of-canada-cool-in-toronto-eh" target="_blank"><em>Plenty of Canada Cool in Toronto, Eh?</em></a><br /> <em><a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/toronto-distillery-district-and-local-art" target="_blank">Toronto's Distillery District & Local Art</a></em><br /> <em><a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/6-best-toronto-dining-deals" target="_blank">6 Best Toronto Dining Deals</a></em><br /> <em><a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/picnic-toronto-canada" target="_blank">8 Best Parks for Picnics in Toronto</a></em></p>
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