Travel around Toronto with Bobby
Day 1Touching the Sky at the CN Tower
The first thing I had to do upon arriving in Toronto was visit the iconic CN Tower. I checked into my hotel, a cozy little spot downtown called The Fairmont Royal York, perfectly situated within walking distance of major attractions. After settling in, I hopped on the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), which made getting around the city incredibly easy and efficient. Stepping into the glass-front elevator at the CN Tower, I could feel my excitement building as we soared to the top. Once I reached the SkyPod, I was greeted with a breathtaking 360-degree view of Toronto’s skyline. The city’s skyscrapers, Lake Ontario shimmering in the sunlight, and the sprawling green spaces below were truly awe-inspiring.
After that heart-pounding experience, I strolled over to Harbourfront Centre. It’s a lovely area to walk around, with views of the water and plenty of street performers to keep you entertained. For dinner, I decided to indulge in some local cuisine at Canoe, a fine-dining restaurant on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower. Their take on Canadian cuisine is fantastic — the venison was tender, and the wild mushrooms tasted like they were picked fresh that morning.
“Start your trip with the CN Tower. It gives you a bird’s-eye view of the city and really helps you get your bearings. Don’t miss dining at Canoe for a true taste of elevated Canadian flavors.”
Day 2Art, Culture, and Street Food Adventure
After a restful night, I was ready to dive into Toronto’s cultural side. My first stop was the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). The blend of historical artifacts and cutting-edge exhibits was fascinating — from ancient Egyptian mummies to the vibrant dinosaur gallery, this place is a must-see. I spent hours wandering through the halls, marveling at the collection.
For lunch, I headed to Kensington Market, a bustling and colorful neighborhood known for its street food and vintage shops. I grabbed a Jamaican beef patty from a local vendor and paired it with a refreshing sugarcane juice. Kensington is a melting pot of cultures, with food stalls and small restaurants offering dishes from every corner of the world. It’s a feast for both your eyes and your taste buds.
As the afternoon rolled on, I walked to Graffiti Alley. The vibrant street art here is mind-blowing. Each mural tells a different story, and I spent a solid hour photographing the intricate designs.
I wrapped up the day with dinner at Bar Isabel, a cozy spot with a lively atmosphere. Their Spanish-inspired tapas — from grilled octopus to perfectly seared chorizo — made for a fun, shareable dining experience.
Kensington Market’s street food scene was diverse and exciting. I enjoyed a Jamaican beef patty and sugarcane juice, which was a tasty and budget-friendly option. Bar Isabel in the evening was a great choice for flavorful Spanish tapas.
Food
My stay at the Fairmont Royal York continued to be comfortable and accommodating, with attentive staff and a prime location.
Accomodation
Exploring the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) was a fascinating cultural experience, followed by the street art at Graffiti Alley, which brought the creative energy of the city to life.
Activity
“If you love art and culture, start your day at the ROM, but don’t miss out on Kensington Market for lunch. You can easily spend half a day here just wandering the streets and tasting everything!”
Day 3Nature Escape at Toronto Islands
After two days of urban exploring, it was time for a bit of nature. I caught a ferry from the harbor to the Toronto Islands. The islands are a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Renting a bike was the perfect way to explore — I cycled past beautiful beaches, tranquil lagoons, and lush parks. The views of the city skyline from the islands were nothing short of spectacular.
I spent the afternoon lounging at Centre Island Beach, soaking in the sunshine and enjoying the cool breeze from the lake. There’s a quaint café on the island called Rectory Café, where I grabbed a light lunch — a fresh salad and iced tea, perfect for the warm weather.
In the evening, I took the ferry back to the city and decided to check out Toronto’s Distillery District. This pedestrian-only area is filled with art galleries, boutiques, and some of the best restaurants in the city. I dined at Cluny Bistro, a modern French spot known for its stylish ambiance and delicious food. The duck confit was out of this world.
Lunch at Rectory Café on the Toronto Islands was simple but fresh and perfectly suited for the relaxed atmosphere of the islands. Cluny Bistro in the evening provided a delightful French dining experience, with the duck confit being a highlight.
Food
The Fairmont’s central location continued to be a major advantage, allowing for easy transportation to the islands and back, along with luxurious comfort.
Accomodation
Renting a bike and exploring the Toronto Islands was a peaceful and scenic break from the city. The views of the Toronto skyline from Centre Island were nothing short of spectacular.
Activity
“The Toronto Islands are a must for anyone looking to escape the city without going too far. Bring a bike or rent one there — it’s the best way to see everything!”
Day 4Exploring Toronto’s Nightlife
For my last day, I wanted to explore a mix of history, shopping, and nightlife. I started the day at Casa Loma, a stunning castle in the middle of Toronto. The architecture is breathtaking, and the gardens are meticulously maintained. Wandering through the grand halls made me feel like I’d stepped back in time. It’s hard to believe such a majestic place exists right in the heart of the city.
In the afternoon, I made my way to Queen Street West, one of the trendiest shopping streets in Toronto. This area is packed with quirky boutiques, art galleries, and trendy cafes. I picked up a few souvenirs and enjoyed a latte at Dark Horse Espresso Bar, a local favorite.
As the sun set, it was time to experience Toronto’s nightlife. I made my way to King Street West, known for its vibrant bar and club scene. I started with cocktails at Lavelle, a rooftop lounge with incredible views of the city. As the night progressed, I headed to Rebel, one of the city’s largest nightclubs. The energy was electric, with people dancing to live DJs and enjoying the pulsating lights.
Queen Street West offered a mix of trendy cafes, and I enjoyed a latte at Dark Horse Espresso Bar. Later, I had cocktails at Lavelle, a rooftop lounge with both great drinks and stunning views, followed by a night of dancing at Rebel.
Food
Once again, the Fairmont Royal York delivered on luxury and location, allowing me to easily transition from daytime explorations to nighttime excitement.
Accomodation
Casa Loma was a stunning historical site, and exploring its grand halls felt like stepping back in time. The lively nightlife on King Street West, with rooftop drinks at Lavelle and dancing at Rebel, was the perfect way to end my trip.
Activity
“Toronto’s nightlife is incredibly diverse, but King Street West is where the action is. Whether you’re looking for a rooftop drink or a night of dancing, this area has it all.”
Summary of My Trip
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Toronto is a city that offers a rich blend of culture, adventure, and modern conveniences, making it an appealing destination for all types of travelers. From iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods to an incredibly diverse food scene, the city delivers a variety of experiences. After spending time here, I’ve come to appreciate the balance Toronto strikes between being an exciting urban hub and a peaceful retreat. Here’s how I would rate the city based on my experience:
Attractions
Value for Money
Cuisine
People and Culture
Accommodation
Cleanliness and Environment
Transportation
Shopping
Safety
Overall Experience
Travel around Toronto with Bobby with More Details
I shared my personal experiences and impressions of Toronto on my blog page. If you want to explore the city in a more in-depth and comprehensive way, you can check out my other content full of detailed information and special tips.
I dined at Canoe, a fine-dining restaurant with stunning views and fantastic Canadian-inspired dishes. The venison was tender and flavorful, and the service was impeccable. A great introduction to Toronto’s culinary scene.
Food
The Fairmont Royal York provided a perfect balance of comfort and convenience. The classic décor and spacious rooms made it an ideal spot to relax after a long day of exploring the city.
Accomodation
Visiting the CN Tower and soaking in the views from the SkyPod was the perfect way to kick off my trip. The experience was exhilarating, and the panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario were unbeatable.
Activity