Lucy and I were both very impressed with Toronto on account of its cleanliness, architectural design and the many sights and things to do including the CN Tower. The world’s tallest freestanding structure gives you breathtaking views over the city and beyond and, if you have nerves of steel, you can walk on the glass floor for a view 1,222 ft (342 m) below.
Another highlight not to be missed is a trip to the Toronto Islands, reached by a short ferry ride, where you can enjoy one of the best views to be had of the Toronto skyline. These tranquil islands with their beaches, picnic grounds, quiet walks, water inlets and secluded houses provide respite from the city. The best way to explore these islands is by walking or hiring a bicycle or a boat.
Other places of interest include:
Shopping
Toronto offers a wide selection of shops to suit all tastes and budgets. The PATH system is an interesting concept, with 16km of underground walkways, lined with different shops, and linking major attractions, shops and food courts. You can escape cold Canadian winters by going completely underground.
Niagara Falls
A trip to Toronto would not be complete without a visit to Niagara Falls. Book a coach trip in the city or take a train as we did, the journey lasting about two hours. However be prepared for delays at Niagara on the return journey, as you wait for the train to complete its customs check having crossed the US border.
Although I would not actually recommend the town of Niagara itself, the Falls are amazing and a trip on one of the Maid of the Mist boats, which gets astonishingly close to both the American and Canadian Falls and a walk through the rock tunnels behind the Horseshoe Falls are both not to be missed. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend a walk across the Rainbow Bridge into the USA. We only went so that Lucy could have an American stamp in her passport!
Accommodation
We stayed at the Days Hotel and Conference Centre - affordable and in a prime location. Rooms included air-conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, mini fridge and TV. I booked on-line so there is plenty of choice to browse for equally affordable hotels in downtown Toronto.
Eating
There are numerous places to eat but we loved the Rich Tree Market Restaurants, reminiscent of a Mediterranean market place where people “shop” for their meals from a variety of different stalls. Food is freshly cooked; the variety is immense, from a croissant and coffee for breakfast to Indonesian or Italian specialties for dinner. To top it all prices are very reasonable!
Getting there
We flew from Gatwick with Air Transat who also operate flights from other major UK airports.