20 Things to see and do in Toronto

2. Niagara Falls
   
   No trip to Toronto would be complete without a visit to Canada’s side Niagara Falls, visit one of natures most amazing sites as more than 168000 m3 of water cascades over the crest of the falls every minute. There are plenty of options year-round when visiting the falls, guests can take a full day tour from Toronto that includes a professional guide, roundtrip transportation and wine tasting at a local winery. Activities whilst at the falls like ziplining or the more famous Hornblower cruise that takes you into the depths of Niagara are an experience worth taking. Depending on your itinerary, spending a few nights in a hotel with spectacular views of the falls is an experience in itself. The falls are illuminated with a themed light show every night and depending on the time of the year you may be treated to a fireworks display. If the hotel views are not satisfactory enough take to the skies in a Helicopter for unapparelled views of the Niagara river, Canadian Horseshoe Falls and American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
   
   From Toronto: Niagara Falls Day Tour with Optional Boat Cruise
   
   

3. Ripleys Aquarium
   
   A family fun day out in any city Aquariums bring the sea and marine world to your doorstep. Ripleys Aquarium of Canada is no exception, with various exhibits including Rainbow Reef, Canadian Waters, Ray Bay, Dangerous Lagoon, Planet Jellies and many more featuring over 20000 animals. Throughout the year the Aquarium offers new themed exhibits and one-off nightly events celebrating special occasions. Located downtown South East of the CN Tower, tickets can be purchased at the entrance or as part of the city pass where you can save or several Toronto attractions.

4. Toronto Islands
   
   The Toronto Islands are a chain of small islands in Lake Ontario, located just offshore from the city’s downtown. The islands are a popular recreational destination for locals and visitors that offer a tranquil getaway from city life. Plenty of trails, paths, beaches and green areas are dispersed across the islands as well as parks, restaurants and playgrounds. One of the best ways to see the islands is to rent a bike and cycle the designated paths and take in the landscape. Getting to the island is fairly straight forward with ferries and water taxis operating from the downtown at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. Ferry tickets can be purchased at the terminal or online, (insert pricing)
   
   If you opt for the ferry don’t forget to grab a spot at the back of the boat on the upper deck and capture the fabulous Toronto skyline as you leave the harbor. Photographers willing to stay till beyond sunset will get a memorable shot of the illuminated city skyline reflected in the lake.

5. Kensington Market
   
   Accessible from College street onto Augusta Avenue, Kensington Market is a vibrant area of the city home to a variety of restaurants, bars, boutiques and art spaces. Take a walk down the streets where you will be spoilt for choice with an array of dining options from all over the world. Check out my choice of places to dine and drink in Kensington. Murals and artworks line the walls and neighborhood and If you have the chance, visit on the last Sunday of every month from may till October. The street is shut to vehicles allowing pedestrians to walk freely amongst the food venders, artisan stalls and performers for the full Kensington experience.

6. Toronto plane or helicopter tour
   
   Standing at the top of the CN Tower is impressive enough but flying right over it will be pure exhilaration. Take an aerial tour around the Toronto waterfront as you ascend to over 2000 ft and enjoy the spectacular view of landscape below. Available either by plane or helicopter you won’t be disappointed with this adventure leaving a lasting memory.
   
   14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto
   
   Exhilarating 120km Aerial Tour of Toronto with iflyTOTO

8. St Lawrence Market
   
   One of the first places I visited after landing in Toronto, located on Front Street East in the downtown of Toronto, St Lawrence Market is a major public market featuring a vast array of food vendors, artisan producers and gift shops. Foodies will be spoilt for the choice at the options available with local, fresh seasonal produce to be enjoyed within the premises or at home. Personal favorites to try are the lobster roll or peameal bacon sandwich.

10. Canada’s Wonderland
    
    As a kid growing up in Blackpool I am no stranger to amusement parks, the sea breeze, thrill of the roller coasters and various food items to indulge on between rides. Feeling nostalgic about your own childhood or simply introducing the family to the thrills and spills of a theme park, Canada’s wonderland has plenty on offer for everyone.

11. City Hall
    
    Navigating the streets of downtown Toronto will eventually lead you to Nathan Philips square. The distinctive building that overlooks the square is Toronto City Hall, or the New City Hall is the seat of municipal government of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. One of Toronto’s most famous landmarks and a great photo opportunity to include in your memories, the city’s name stands bold reflecting in the water as arches hang overhead.

12. Explore the city trails and parks
    
    One of the great things about living in Toronto over the last four years is discovering parks, trails and landscapes that nestle within the urban environment. The various paths offer a retreat from the daily grind and a chance to unwind whist taking a relaxing walk. Some of my favorite locations include:
    
    High Park
    Lower Don River
    Evergreen Brickworks
    Etienne Brule Park
    Riverdale Park

14. Live Events
    
    The Scotiabank arena previously known as the Air Canada Centre is Canada’s premier sports and entertainment venue and home to the NHL’s Toronto maple Leafs, NBA’s Toronto raptors and the NLL’s Toronto Rock. Hosting a wide range of sporting and musical events across the calendar year the Scotiabank arena is a great venue to immerse yourself in live entertainment. Another great venue for live performances is the Budweiser Stage. An open-air setting that’s host the likes of Kings of Leon, Lauren Hill, Muse and so much more in recent years. A truly absorbing place for artists and fans during the summer months. Baseball fans can experience game day at the Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays. Check out the calendar for schedule events and more information about planning your visit through the links below.
    

17. Art Gallery of Ontario
    
    Wandering through the Art Gallery of Ontario, whether the permanent collection or a special exhibition, never gets old. Toronto is lucky to have one of the largest art museums in North America, with a collection of more than 90,000 works of art. The collection is comprised of Canadian, European, contemporary art, photography, and more.

18. Royal Ontario Museum
    
    The striking building located at 100 Queens Park is the Royal Ontario Museum, founded in 1914 the ROM showcases art, culture and nature from around the world and across the ages. Among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America, Canada’s largest and most comprehensive museum is home to a world class collection of 13 million artworks, cultural objects and natural specimens, featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. New exhibitions are featured throughout the year that make the ROM a fun and educational day out for all the family. Tickets can be bought at the museum or online directly through ROM.
    
    

19. Hockey Hall of Fame
    
    Toronto’s premier hockey attraction is home of the Stanley cup and the best of hockey, guests can go one – on – one against life size, animated versions of today’s greatest goalies and shooters. Call the play by play of some of hockey’s greatest goals, view hockey flicks like Stanley’s Game Seven and get up close and personal with the Stanley cup. Explore the largest collection of hockey memorabilia in the world – a museum and entertainment destination like no other, the Hockey hall of fame is fun for the whole family and kids of all ages.

As a British expat you soon start to miss some home comforts you take for granted that have been on your doorstep for years, for me growing up by the sea in sunny Blackpool this would be fish and chips. On Kensington market there is a great fish and chip shop called Fresco’s Fish and Chips serving all your chip shop classics. If you are in the Leaside area of the city visit the Olde Yorke Fish and Chips, classic menu, cozy environment, chippy style takeaway and local pub in dining experience. Olde Yorke is a great place to dine eating some of the best fish and chips in the city. For a truly great British pub experience visit The Queen and Beaver on Elm Street. They serve a wide variety of British classic pub grub, local favorites and an authentic full English breakfast (with black pudding). The pub is also a great place in the city to watch the football (soccer), they normally show a feature game in the upstairs bar area and other games in a separate space on the first floor. Whether is a quick bite and a beer or a hearty lunch, this place has it all.