Canada’s Toronto, sitting on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, is the country’s most populous city, and it is also the fifth-largest city in North America. Toronto is home to a multitude of businesses, as well as thriving arts and culture scenes. Indeed, Toronto is one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in the whole world.
Toronto is known for its majestic skyscrapers and sky-high buildings. The city also has various cultural institutions, museums, galleries, historical sites, and more! Interesting neighbourhoods, like Greektown and Kensington, attract many tourists. And, not to forget, Toronto is home to the grand Casa Loma. And, without further ado, here are the best ways to explore the bustling city of Toronto with some terrific day trips:
Niagara Falls Evening Lights Day Trip from Toronto (from 132 USD)
The famous Niagara Falls actually consists of three waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. These waterfalls flow through the international border between Canada and the United States. Niagara Falls has the highest flow rate in the world, with a vertical drop of more than 165 feet (50.3 metres)! Horseshoe Falls is also the most powerful waterfall in North America. Many people from all over the world visit Niagara Falls to be enchanted by the amount of beauty that it has to offer. Not just a pretty face, Niagara Falls are rich in hydroelectric power as well.
Explore the best that Niagara Falls has to offer with a day trip from Toronto. Viator’s 9-hour trip begins with an afternoon pickup from your hotel on an air-conditioned coach. On your way, sit back and enjoy the scenic drive through the Niagara Peninsula, which consists of beautiful orchards and vineyards. The tour will also include wine tasting at a local winery, if time permits. You will then be taken to the beautiful neighbourhood of Niagara-on-the-Lake, where the cruise awaits you. Once on the cruise, you’ll start your wet and wild journey towards the Niagara River. You can also opt for the cabin seat, where you can just relax and enjoy the scenic views of Whirlpool Rapids, the Table Rock Centre, and the Horseshoe Falls. Additionally, there will be a gourmet buffet provided at the Fallsview Dining Room. You can savour the buffet dishes while enjoying the magnificent, colourful evening illumination show while your cruise is at the base of the falls. On Fridays and Sundays, there will even be a fireworks display!
Niagara Falls Evening Lights Day Trip from Toronto
Price: from 132 USD
Duration: around 9 hours required
Contact: +1(702) 648-5873
Website:
Niagara Falls Freedom Day Trip from Toronto (from 102 USD)
With this day trip, visit the historical town of Niagara-on-the-Lake before heading to the main attraction, Niagara Falls. You’ll also be taken to one of the major tourist attractions in the area, Clifton Hill. There, you can expect an abundance of hotels, restaurants, gift shops, museums, and even haunted houses! The local street is a favourite amongst visitors, especially families and youngsters, who consider it as an amusement area, with vibrant nightlife too.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is located in Southern Ontario, and its the mid point of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. This town, located directly across from the Niagara River, is the only town in Canada that has a Lord Mayor. Most of the town was destroyed after the fierce battle during the War of 1812. American soldiers burnt parts of the town down as they withdrew to Fort Niagara. After the war, the citizens of the town rebuilt most of the landscapes that attract many visitors today, such as former military sites like Fort George, Navy Hall, and Butler’s Barracks. Niagara-on-the-Lake is also home to dozens of wineries, as well as art galleries, antique shops, golf courses, and more.
If the weather is bad and boat trips aren’t operating, you’ll get a chance to watch the short movie “Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic” at Niagara Falls IMAX Theatre. During your return to Toronto, you’ll visit the Whirlpool State Park that overlooks the spectacular Niagara Whirlpool and the Floral Clock, which is one of the largest in the world.
Niagara Falls Freedom Day Trip from Toronto
Price: from 102 USD
Duration: around 9 hours required
Contact: +1(702) 648-5873
Website:
Small-Group Toronto Beer Tour (from USD 74.0)
Did you think we were going to leave out a beer-tasting tour of some sort? You thought wrong! This 4-hour walking tour will have you taste the best beers of Toronto and learn about the city’s beer history, while strolling through the streets of Old Town Toronto. Old Town Toronto is located in downtown Toronto and was, interestingly, the first named neighbourhood of Toronto. The neighbourhood is home to many buildings that date back to the 19th century, mostly just two to three storeys tall. You’ll visit three of Old Town Toronto’s classic pubs, while learning about how beer played a huge part in Toronto’s history, through the war and depression eras, and more. The ever-friendly tour guide will be there to recommend you the best beers, including those from the popular award-winning Mill Street Brewery.
You’ll also visit the very popular St Lawrence Market that consists of over 100 vendors. From bakers to butchers and artisans, have a taste of the samples while chatting with the locals. After that, you’ll head to the Distillery District, one of the major tourist attractions in Toronto. Home to countless cafes, restaurants, and shopping areas, this district was designated as the National Historic Site of Canada in 1988. There are over forty heritage buildings located in this district, making it home to the largest collection of Victorian-era industrial architecture in North America. Buildings such as the Gooderham and Worts Whiskey Distillery was also once upon a time the largest distiller of alcoholic beverages in Canada.
Toronto Local Beer Tour: 2 Beers at 2 Unique & Historical Pubs
Duration: 4 hours
Toronto Tall Ship Boat Cruise (from USD 32.0)
In this 2-hour tour, you’ll get to experience setting sail on Toronto’s Tall Ship Kajama, which was a 1930s-built ship at the Nobiskrug Shipyard in Rendsburg, Germany. Its major role was to trade general cargo, and the ship has sailed the areas of Bilbao in northwest Spain, northern Norway, and even above the Arctic Circle. It was originally named Wilfried, when it was owned by Captain Wilhelm Wilckens when he operated the ship from the home port of Hamburg from the years 1930 until 1960. In 1960, Captain Andreas Kohler Asmussen of Egersund, Denmark, took ownership of the ship and renamed it Kajama, after his two sons and his wife: Kaywe, Jan, and Maria. During the mid-70s, Kajama was converted into a strictly motor-driven vessel. Finally, in 1999, the Great Lakes Schooner Company of Toronto took ownership of Kajama when she underwent major restoration. Today, she is sailing Lake Ontario at the Toronto Harbour and provides public trips and hosts educational programs and corporate events.
While sailing, you can have the chance of helping the crew raise the sails on the 3-masted 1930s schooner, or just sit back and relax at the bar. Enjoy the scenic views of the Toronto Islands and the skyline and, of course, explore the historical sailing vessel. Look forward to the main draw of this tour, when the crew fires the ship’s cannon! There is also an on board restaurant where you can savour some delicious food.
Toronto Tall Ship Boat Cruise
Duration: 2 hours
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Culinary Walking Tour of Greektown or Leslieville (from 69 USD)
Greektown, also known as The Danforth, is a neighbourhood located in Toronto. It is named after an American contractor, Asa Danforth, who designed Queen Street and Kingston Road. The neighbourhood is home to much beautiful architecture, with some buildings dating back to the early 1900s. It was also one of the many major settlement areas for Greek immigrants to Toronto after World War I. Due to the influx of immigrants, Danforth was referred to as the largest Greektown in North America, and, in 1993, it was officially renamed as Greektown on the Danforth. This neighbourhood is home to numerous restaurants, boutiques, cafes, and shopping areas. In mid-august, Danforth Avenue hosts the annual Taste of the Danforth Festival, which is Canada’s largest street festival. You can savour international foods such as Shanghai dumplings, Turkish pizza, Greek wine, homemade Greek dishes, and more!
With this culinary walking tour, you can choose to explore either Greektown or Leslieville. From the start of the 20th century, Leslieville has welcomed several new restaurants, shops, and cafes. Today, it is one of Toronto’s most frequented neighbourhoods. In this tour, you’ll explore the small village of Leslieville, which dates back to the 1800s. You will sample amazing Ontario wines, seafood, organic artisan breads, shortbread, and ice cream while walking along Queen Street East. You’ll also get to learn about the history and culture of Leslieville along the way.
This tour will be conducted in a small group with a maximum 12 people, to ensure a personalised experience.
Culinary Walking Tour of Greektown or Leslieville
Price: from 69 USD
Duration: around 3 hours required
Contact: +1(702) 648-5873
Website:
Small-Group Walking Tour of Toronto's Kensington Market and Chinatown (from USD 59.0)
Discover two of Toronto’s places that are bustling with colour and multicultural influences on a 2-hour walking tour, and explore Kensington Market and Chinatown.
Kensington Market is in downtown Toronto. It became a National Historic Site of Canada in 2006. One of the more well-known places in Toronto, its market is the area’s main attraction. You’ll find a wide variety of food shops; from poultry vendors to bakeries and even cheese shops, you’ll find something to tempt you. There are also clothing stores and restaurants offering different ethnic goods. Popular shops include Blue Banana, Courage my Love, and Good Egg.
Chinatown is another neighbourhood located in downtown Toronto. As you would probably expect, you’ll notice many Chinese influences on its structures and atmosphere. It is mainly people with Chinese ethnicity who live in the area. First developed in the 19th century, today, it is one of the largest Chinatowns in North America. There are several shops, restaurants, and historic structures located around the neighbourhood, and you can learn more about the local culture and history.
The tour starts at McCaul Street and Dundas Street West, at the large Henry Moore sculpture beside the Art Gallery of Ontario. It ends at Dragon City Shopping Centre.
Toronto Kensington Market, Chinatown Small-Group Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Island Twilight Bike Tour (from USD 83.15)
If you’re looking for a laid-back trip that still enables you to experience the best views that Toronto has to offer, getyourguide has just the trip for you. In this 3.5-hour trip you can combine a boat ride, cycling, and walking, and also enjoy the stunning views of Toronto’s sunset. Additionally, you can soak up the tranquility in the largest car-free neighbourhood in North America.
The trip takes you to historic landmarks, such as Gibraltar Point Lighthouse and the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, and you can admire many beaches, cottages, and parks around the area. Learn about the history and prominent events of the city that date back to almost 200 years ago, and chat with the locals along the way.
The bike ride will be conducted at an easy pace, with plenty of stops along to way to appreciate the beautiful sights, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced riders. It is also led by expert city riders. Cycling essentials, such as snacks, water, bike lights, helmets, and the actual bikes are provided.
Toronto Islands: Morning or Twilight 3.5-Hour Bike Tour
Duration: 3.5 hour
Not just about Niagara Falls
Toronto has so much more to offer than just Niagara Falls, although, you should definitely not skip the awesome waterfalls! With its rich history and variety of vibrant cultures, Toronto’s neighbourhoods, culinary scene, and nightlife Toronto has many enticing qualities to please tourists and locals alike.
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