lofty views and sharks
Day 1: Morning: Consider staying at the new Union Hotel, which opened in early 2025 occupying the building of the ex-Strathcona Hotel. The boutique property offers convenient access to downtown attractions.
Make the short walk to Union Station and cross the SkyWalk to the CN Tower. Take the elevator up 114 floors for wraparound views of the city and its islands. For an additional $11, you can head up another 33 floors to the top of the tower – the highest observation platform in the western hemisphere.
Next to the CN Tower is the family-oriented Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, with themed sections that include the marine life of the Great Lakes region; Dangerous Reef, with nurse sharks that swim overhead; and Dragons, with skinks, geckos, green iguanas and Cayman; and Stingray Pool.
Afternoon: Head to St. Lawrence Market, now open longer and on Sundays, for a freshly-brewed coffee. For lunch try Quik Sushi or Stack’d Deli Kitchen for its sandwiches, soups and salads. Then pick up some honey, maple syrup or horseradish mustard for gifts to take home (who knew that 90% of the world’s mustard is grown in Canada?).
Evening: Head east along Front Street to The Esplanade and take the leafy pathway to The Distillery District. Once a derelict collection of Victorian Industrial buildings, this is now one of Canada’s premier arts, culture and entertainment destinations. It has over 40 boutique shops, artisanal stores, bakeries, pubs (with live music), and eateries. You might even see models walking the cobblestones for a fashion show
pizza and dinosaurs
Day 2: Morning: Jump on the city’s sightseeing hop-on, hop-off bus or alternatively take a gentle stroll along King Street West to Spadina Avenue and up to Chinatown. Walk on to Kensington Market, in one of Toronto’s oldest neighbourhoods, and browse the flea market and one-off shops selling arts, jewellery, second-hand leathers and clothes. Pick up a bite at one of the many Latin American and Asian food outlets.
Afternoon: Or for a snack on the go stop at Fresca Pizza and Pasta on College Street. This tiny spot serves up delicious – and very large – pizza slices for $5 (£2.95). There will likely be a queue outside, but it will be worth the wait. Then walk up to Bloor Street and visit two very different museums. The Bata Shoe Museum charts the history of footwear through the ages – everything from ancient Egyptian sandals to boots that have stepped onto the moon to the history of cowboy boots.
Then drop into the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), where the stars are the dinosaurs in the Dawn of Life Gallery. The child-friendly Threatened Species gallery features creatures including a rhino, bison, giant panda, Arctic Fox and leatherhead turtle.
Evening: Head to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and take the short boat ride to Ward’s Island. The Riviera is a casual restaurant with outdoor seating. Or spend the evening in one of Toronto’s many expansive sports pubs such as the Loose Goose or Scotland Yard.
