Hear about travel to Toronto, Ontario as the Amateur Traveler talks to Erin Hynes from PinaTravels.org and the Alpaca My Bags podcast about her hometown and Canada’s largest city.
Why should you go to Toronto?
Erin says, “I always tell people to come to Toronto because the city truly has something for everyone. The city has amazing museums shopping, incredible food, nightlife. It’s also just surprisingly green. If you like the outdoors, there’s a lot you can get up to in the city from kayaking to hanging out in parks. What I personally love about the city, and I think what’s kept me here so long is how diverse it is. Every neighborhood is unique and I really just love wandering the various neighborhoods and seeing what I could find. So yeah, it’s just such a vibrant city and really you’ll find whatever it is you’re looking for here.”
Welcome to Toronto, a diverse and captivating city in Canada that offers a plethora of attractions, experiences, and cultural landmarks. Let’s embark on a journey through the city’s most remarkable sites.
No visit to Toronto is complete without a trip to the iconic CN Tower. This towering structure dominates the city’s skyline and offers panoramic views of Toronto and its surrounding areas. If you’re looking for a vibrant public space, head to Yonge–Dundas Square, often referred to as “Toronto’s Times Square.” This bustling intersection is a hub of activity, featuring live performances, festivals, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Shopaholics will delight in the Toronto Eaton Centre, a premier shopping destination in the heart of downtown. With over 200 stores, this massive mall offers a wide range of fashion, electronics, and dining options. For theater enthusiasts, the Ed Mirvish Theatre is a cultural gem that showcases Broadway shows, musicals, and performances that captivate audiences.
Toronto City Hall, with its distinctive twin towers, is an architectural masterpiece worth exploring. Located in Nathan Phillips Square, it serves as a central gathering place and a symbol of Toronto’s civic pride.
Nearly half of the residents of Toronto were born in another country which gives the city a great collection of ethnic neighborhoods. Chinatown invites visitors to experience a vibrant community filled with traditional Chinese restaurants, markets, and cultural celebrations. Be sure to visit Little Italy, where you can savor delicious Italian cuisine and experience the vibrant atmosphere of this lively district. Koreatown, Toronto, is another cultural hub, offering authentic Korean cuisine and a lively street scene.
Or venture to Kensington Market, a bohemian neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of vintage shops, international cuisine, and vibrant street art. P
To navigate Toronto’s vast transportation network, visit TTC.ca, the official website of the Toronto Transit Commission. It provides information on subway, bus, and streetcar routes, allowing you to easily explore the city’s many attractions.
Culture enthusiasts will appreciate the art and history found in Yorkville. This upscale neighborhood is home to the Royal Ontario Museum, renowned for its diverse collections that span art, history, and natural sciences. The Bata Shoe Museum, a unique institution dedicated to footwear history, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of shoes.
For a taste of grandeur, venture to Casa Loma, a majestic castle perched on a hilltop. Explore its lavish interiors, and lush gardens, and enjoy stunning views of the city. Spadina Museum, a restored 20th-century mansion, provides a glimpse into Toronto’s past through its elegant rooms and beautiful gardens.
For entertainment seekers, Toronto’s Entertainment District is the place to be. Home to numerous theaters, clubs, and restaurants, this vibrant area comes alive with energy during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), attracting film enthusiasts and celebrities from around the world.
Escape the bustling city and retreat to Toronto Island Park, a serene oasis located just a short ferry ride away. Explore the beaches and picnic areas.
For side trips, Erin recommends Niagara Falls. Also for nature enthusiasts, Petroglyphs Provincial Park and Algonquin Provincial Park are must-visit destinations. Petroglyphs Provincial Park, located just a few hours north of Toronto, showcases ancient rock carvings created by Indigenous peoples. Algonquin Provincial Park, known for its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and canoeing.
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Show Notes
pinatravels.org
Toronto
Welcome to Petroglyphs Provincial Park
Algonquin Provincial Park
CN Tower
Yonge–Dundas Square
Toronto Eaton Centre
Ed Mirvish Theatre
Toronto City Hall
Chinatown
Rol San Restaurant
Kensington Market
Pow Wow Cafe
Little Italy
Koreatown, Toronto
Ramen Isshin
Café Diplomatico
TTC.ca
Yorkville
Royal Ontario Museum
Bata Shoe Museum
Casa Loma
Spadina Museum
Toronto Entertainment District
TIFF – Toronto International Film Festival
Toronto Island Park
The Annex Hotel
Neighbourhood: The Beaches
Cabbagetown
Parkdale
Distillery District
Toronto Winter Village
Toronto Raptors
Toronto Bluejays
Trinity Bellwoods Park
High Park Toronto
Christie Pits Park
Niagara Falls Canada
Behind the falls
Aurora, Ontario
Petroglyphs Provincial Park
Kingston
Kingston, Ontario – Episode 87 – Amateur Traveler
Civil Liberties
DROM Taberna
4 Days in Toronto Itinerary: What to See + Things to Do
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4 Responses to “Travel to Toronto, Ontario – Episode 852”
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Tags: audio travel podcast, ontario, podcast, toronto
John Belyea
Says:June 12th, 2023 at 12:54 pm
Really enjoyed Erin talk about my adopted hometown. Like Erin, I too moved here from Ottawa and have come to really love the city. A couple of minor corrections. Erin spoke about the Toronto sign at Old City Hall, one of Toronto’s oldest buildings. Old City Hall is across the street from New City Hall and that is where the Toronto sign is. The Bata Shoe Museum was built by the Bata family who made their money making shoes – Bata brand is sold worldwide. Casa Loma was built by Sir Henry Pellatt who went broke building the palatial home. And I disagree with Erin’s comment that downtown Toronto doesn’t have much to offer – there’s so much including the St. Lawrence Market, amazing restaurants and the oldest buildings. Very vibrant as so many condominiums have been built in the core with tens of thousands now living downtown. Personally, I would avoid Yonge Dundas Square and the Eaton Centre – very touristy and offers nothing that one wouldn’t see in a mall anywhere else. Agree that the neighbourhoods are best to visit to experience the city. The Beaches is another one. Lots of other great museums to visit including the Art Gallery of Ontario and the new Little Canada Museum near Yonge Dundas Square (perhaps the only reason to go in the area). Erin also didn’t mention Toronto’s Path system. An huge underground city connecting 75 buildings and more than 1,200 stores, restaurants and services. Best to visit during the workday Tuesdays through Thursdays. You can go from Union Station to the Eaton Centre and beyond. Also fun to visit the Yorkville neighbourhood which is full of high end stores and good restaurants. So much to see and do!!
Chris Christensen
Says:June 13th, 2023 at 7:47 am
Thanks John!
Nick Iula
Says:March 22nd, 2024 at 12:02 pm
Hi Chris, big fan of your podcast and this is my first time commenting. This is episode did a nice job explaining many things to do in Toronto, but missed the most popular past time and passion in all of Toronto…that is the sport of hockey. If in season, you must see a Toronto Maple Leafs game. Another must visit is the Hockey Hall of Fame. Visit the Stanley Cup, see the busts of the best hockey players of all time and play some of the interactive exhibits. A must for anyone visiting the city of Toronto.
Chris Christensen
Says:March 23rd, 2024 at 8:43 am
Thanks Nick. Seems like an oversite 🙂