Toronto is a bit of a weird city for tourists. It’s not huge like New York or London. Yet, it’s not so small that you could walk the entire city in a day like Quebec City or Sorrento.
Toronto as a city is also fairly new to the tourist scene. Sure we’ve been hosting international travelers for decades but it didn’t really become a ‘cool’ place to visit until New York Times named it one of the 52 best places to visit in 2016.
The beautiful thing about travelling to Torontois that you don’t need a whole lot of time to see the city’s highlights. I’ve put together a quick walking guide to help you see the best the city has to offer in one day:
Union Station
For most travelers this will be the place to start. Whether you’re coming into the city via UP Express, Via Rail or the GO you’ll end up at Union Station. Take a gander to the top floor and admire the interior of this beautiful building. It’s one of my favourite places to people watch.
Fairmont Royal York
This place is not just a hotel, it’s one of the city’s top landmarks. Located right across the street from Union Station, step inside to take photos of the grand staircase or the book that Queen Elizabeth II signed during her stay.
St. Lawrence Market
The St. Lawrence Market is Toronto’s most famous indoor food market. If you have the time and the empty stomach, it’s definitely worth going inside. Make sure you try the infamous Peameal Bacon sandwich from the Carousel Bakery. There’s also a mouth-watering bakery located on the lower level that you also can’t miss.
Yonge-Dundas Square
This is like the mini Times Square. Filled with bright billboards, cheesy restaurants and lots of shopping, you’ll want to add this square to your list. My recommendation is to grab a drink at Jack Astor’s or Milestones for the best view of the square. If you love shopping, pop into the Eaton Centre.
Nathan Phillips Square
Just West of the Eaton Centre you’ll find Toronto City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square. Two years ago the city put in a Toronto sign, similar to the IAMsterdam sign and the spot has been popular ever since. In the winter Nathan Phillips Square turns into a giant outdoor ice rink and in the summer there are festivals here every couple of weekends.
Kensington Market
Toronto’s hipster paradise, also known as Kensington Market. The best time to visit is in the summer when you can walk around the busy streets and visit the outdoor food shops. The Blue Banana is a personal favourite place to wander through. It’s a store filled with all sorts of knick-knacks.
Tiff Lightbox
On your way back to Union Station stroll past the Tiff Lightbox and ‘restaurant row’. If you’re lucky enough to visit Toronto during the TIFF festival, this is where you’ll find all of the biggest celebrities. Not visiting during TIFF? That’s okay you’ll find the cities best theatres and restaurants in this area, perfect for a night out.
CN Tower
Last but not least, you cannot miss the CN Tower, Toronto’s tourist jewel. No matter where you are in the city you’ll be able to see this massive building. You can head up to the top and enjoy the beautiful views, have dinner in the 360 restaurant or even dangle off the side of one of the world’s tallest buildings in the SkyWalk.]
There you have it, your ultimate guide to seeing Toronto in one day.
