Five things to do in Toronto

Canada’s largest city packs a punch, with iconic landmarks, a diverse culinary culture and easy access to the great outdoors. Words: Siobhan Reid

1

TAKE IN THE VIEW FROM THE CITY’S MOST FAMED LANDMARK

Rising 1,815ft above the city’s downtown core, the CN Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere. From the building’s glass-floored observation deck and SkyPod platform, visitors can take in hair-raising views of the city, and beyond to Niagara Falls and New York State.

2

FERRY OVER TO CENTRE ISLAND ON LAKE ONTARIO

This crescent-shaped island in Lake Ontario is a nature lover’s paradise, with formal gardens, walking trails, a huge beach and protected areas full of migrating birds. Firsttime visitors should check out the 200-yearold Gibraltar Point lighthouse (the oldest in Canada), while families can hit the attractions at the Centreville Amusement Park.

3

DAY TRIP TO NIAGARA FALLS

Less than an hour and a half’s drive from downtown Toronto, Niagara Falls makes for an ideal day trip. The iconic natural landmark — a trio of waterfalls spanning the border of the province of Ontario and New York State — is a sight to behold, with its cascading waters, misty haze and thunderous plunge. The highlight is Horseshoe Falls, one of the world’s highest-volume waterfalls.

4

VISIT KENSINGTON MARKET

Toronto is known for its eclectic culinary culture, and there’s no better place to get a taste than at Kensington Market, a quirky neighbourhood of hole-in-the-wall restaurants, atmospheric pubs, buzzy cafes and multicultural supermarkets, all set inside brightly coloured Victorian houses. There’s everything here from carnitas tacos and waffles to ackee and saltfish. Food lovers should also explore other diverse districts such as Little Italy and Koreatown.

5

KAYAK DOWN THE HUMBER RIVER

This tranquil river snakes along the west end of Toronto, emptying into Lake Ontario. There are many walking and biking trails that follow it, but the best way to soak up the marshy surroundings and abundant wildlife (keep your eyes peeled for beavers, blue herons and deer) is via a kayaking tour. The waters are ideal for beginners who want to improve their paddling skills.