Look north to Toronto for big city fun in Canada’s beauty | road trip

If you’re looking for the perfect getaway—one that’s easy to access and packed with fun cultural attractions, big-city excitement, and culinary adventures—look north.

Toronto, the fourth largest city in North America, has plenty to see and do year-round, attracting 27.5 million visitors of all ages each year. Our recent four-day trip to this multicultural city was full of great activities, great food and lasting memories. Plus, we’re happy to say that Toronto is an affordable city, and the US dollar goes a long way.

Eager to visit somewhere across the Atlantic, we decided on Canada’s largest city for a late spring getaway. After an easy one-hour and 20-minute direct flight from Toronto Airport, we zipped downtown to our hotel, Cambridge Suites, aboard the modern and affordable UP Express, which took us to Union Station in less than half an hour. . We checked into our centrally located accommodations and immediately walked to the world famous CN Tower. We purchased a cost-effective, five-attraction CityPASS, and this was the attraction we were most looking forward to.

In the year Opened in 1976, the 1,815-foot-tall CN Tower at Dubai’s Burj Khalifa held the record for the world’s tallest freestanding structure for more than 30 years until 2007. The CN Tower remains the tallest free-standing structure on Earth in the Western Hemisphere. In 1995, it was declared one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

A signature landmark of Toronto’s skyline, it attracts more than two million visitors each year and features several observation decks, a revolving restaurant and entertainment complex. As we made reservations for our mid-week visits, we were surprised that the crowds weren’t too intense, and we got to experience the amazing view of the city from the top. From the breathtaking views at the CN Tower, you’ll realize just how big Toronto really is.

And while it reminds one of New York City, Toronto is actually much smaller (2.8 million people versus NYC’s 8.5 million). British actor Peter Ustinov once said that Toronto is “a Swiss version of New York.” Meaning, it’s cleaner, feels safer and runs more efficiently (public transportation is a breeze here). Also, the people are constantly helpful and pleasant. There is no downside to running away from here!

There is so much to do and see in this amazing city. Here are a few we can recommend:

· Book a show. Toronto has a thriving theater district with several beautiful theater districts including the 1907 Royal Alexandra Theatre. Also the role of Jerry Goffin in the Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. The biggest buzz on the stage this summer is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which opened at the Ed Mirvish Theatre. Featuring an all-Canadian cast, the largest theatrical production in the city’s history is being staged. There are many other upcoming shows worth checking out in Toronto (Hamilton (It will hit the city in early 2023.)

· Rejoice in your hearts; We had many great meals during our stay; A few real highlights. Billed as the number 1 “Canadian comfort food” on our list, it turned out to be sap. We enjoyed it so much we ate here twice, with the traditional chicken pot pie, and the fish and chips getting rave reviews. They also have delicious homemade desserts; Check out the Canadian Butter Tart. SAP also offers popular weekend specials. Another culinary highlight of our tour was an elegant lunch at Italian Trattoria Milano in the famous Manulife Center, a shopping and dining hub. The casoncelli alla bergamasca – handmade ravioli with roasted veal and ameretti in a light butter sauce – was a winner, as was the incredibly attentive service from our server, Mario. In the year Founded in 2002 by Italian Oscar Farinetti, Italia has a unique concept: gathering high-quality, affordable food in an informal setting to eat, shop and learn. The first Italia opened in 2007 in Torino, Italy. There are now more than 35 locations worldwide. Enjoying food here is a unique and unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for a special dinner, check out Sassafraz, a booze-worthy restaurant specializing in French-inspired Canadian cuisine. For breakfast, we kept it simple, enjoying a quick and delicious meal at Sunset Grill. But the place for coffee and donuts is Tim Hortons. This is Canada’s Dunkin’ (but better, of course). There are over 150 locations in downtown Toronto alone. I should mention some “Tims” in the US, including one in South Jersey (Stratford).

· Practice. We enjoyed many of the city’s cultural attractions during our trip. The immersive Frida Kahlo was a real highlight – a fascinating glimpse into the art and soul of this talented and tormented artist. In the same building is the immersive Klimt exhibit, which explores the colorful, unique work of Austrian artist Gustav Klimt. We loved the Royal Ontario Museum, which houses art, world culture and national history and is the most visited museum in all of Canada. Included as part of our CityPASS ticket, we were taken through a number of fascinating exhibitions. Don’t miss the four massive totem poles, one of which is 80 feet tall, the most famous of its kind from the 19th century. (Purchased in the 1920s, the pillars could not be seen until the museum was expanded in 1933. Around them). After leaving the Royal Ontario Museum, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll through nearby Queen’s Park, one of the many green spaces in the city center. Hockey fans You’ll want to see the Hockey Hall of Fame, housed in an 1885 bank building that was lovingly restored in the early 1990s. It contains artifacts, statistics and the holy grail of hockey – the Stanley Cup. The beautiful Casa Loma is another popular attraction. The Gothic Revival palatial mansion and garden was built in downtown Toronto between 1911-1914 as a (very wealthy industrialist) private home.

· Have fun with the kids; Fun for both adults and children, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, located near the CN Tower, is a must-visit. In the year This exciting, state-of-the-art aquarium opened in late 2013, where visitors can get a close look at more than 15,000 marine and freshwater creatures. There’s even a jazz night, the second Friday of the month, included with admission. Another great attraction for families is Centerville Amusement Park located on Toronto’s Island Park. One of the city’s small coastal islands, it’s accessible by boat and is home to beaches, gardens, boating activities and hiking trails.

· Shop ’til you drop: There’s some great shopping in Toronto, especially in two key areas, Hudson’s Bay and the blocks-long, four-story-tall Eaton Centre. “The Bay,” as locals call it, is huge, and the main luxury department store in the city, while The Eaton Center is one of Toronto’s most visited tourist attractions and is home to more than 230 shopping centers in North America. Shops and restaurants. For a more “down home” experience, don’t miss the historic St. Lawrence Market. From flowers to delicious cheap lunches, this huge market has something for everyone – and all at great prices too. On a walk there, don’t miss Birchy Park’s dog rule, which honors man’s best friend. Follow a cat that is part of the sculpture!

· Explore neighborhoods: Toronto, like most major cities, has some great neighborhoods worth exploring. If you’re interested in funky-chic shops and food markets, check out Kensington. It has been transformed from a collection of former Victorian industrial buildings into a center of charming shops and restaurants, along with the Distillery District, Chinatown and Greektown (also known as the Danforth).

Toronto is less than a 90 minute drive to Niagara Falls, which is a huge plus for any visit here. (On a clear day, you can sometimes make out the fountains from the CN Tower). Bottom line: There’s something for everyone in this fun, tourist-friendly city. We will be back.

Nicole Penciro is a freelance writer based in South Jersey and a member of the Travel Journalists Association of North America.