A thriving city with 2.5 million city residents and 5 million people who call the greater metro area home, Toronto is a famously friendly, vibrant and multicultural metropolis with abundant charms, sitting on the northern shores of Lake Ontario. Even during the city’s especially chilly winter season a bustling vibe survives, so it’s always a good time to book a room in one of many inviting Toronto hotels.
Things to See
When you approach Toronto by plane, one of the first things you'll notice is a tall, slender building jutting dramatically into the sky: The CN Tower. 1,815 feet tall (about three times taller than Toronto's Space Needle), it is a must-see for those who love skyward heights. Visit one of the tower’s three restaurants (Le Café, Horizons and 360) for a delicious meal, and sign up for the heart-pounding EdgeWalk if you’re looking for something more adventurous. This guided tour takes you on an open-air, hands-free journey high above the streets of Toronto while attached via safety harness to an overhead rail.
Gather your family, hop a ferry and head to Toronto Islands and Centreville Amusement Park, which has roughly 30 attractions perfect for young children as well as the young-at-heart. Bring your camera; the islands offer spectacular skyline views and are great options for a relaxing picnic.
Eaton Centre, a mall with more than 200 retailers, has serious shopping bargains. Also visit the city's multiple Chinatowns, admire the accomplishments of iconic athletes at the Hockey Hall of Fame and travel back in time at the Distillery Historic District. And don't be surprised if you make a few lifelong friends cheering on the Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre, or trying your first peameal bacon sandwich at St. Lawrence Market.
Hotels in Toronto
A host of new Toronto hotels have opened in recent years, maintaining an extremely welcoming environment for families. There are also quiet venues providing a serene atmosphere if you’re traveling for business or on a romantic getaway.
Where to Stay
Yonge Street is a surging and energetic scene where Eaton Centre and tons of other businesses are located. West Queen West is a hip, two-kilometer area known for shopping opportunities, and the Entertainment District is perfect for theater lovers—be sure to see a show at famed improve comedy venue The Second City if you stay there. Historic and charming, the Yorkville neighborhood has luxurious hotel and dining options. If a quiet, laid-back experience is your ultimate goal, seek hotels slightly outside Toronto's center, such as Roncesvalles Village or the area around St. Lawrence Market.
How to Get to Toronto
Toronto Pearson International Airport is about a 30-minute drive from downtown. If you’re traveling from elsewhere in Canada or the U.S. east coast, you may also consider Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. The ninth busiest airport in the country, it is located on the Toronto Islands, within the city.
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