Bored in Quarantine? Dreaming of your next holiday? Aren’t sure where to go?  We have the place for you. Next stop (when all of this lockdown is over), is Toronto, Canada. 

This is a friendly article written by Samantha Odo.

Curving around the shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto is the biggest and most diverse city in Canada. People of all ages, cultures, and interests can find plenty to do here and plenty of beautiful places to see.

Since everyone is in the same boat right now and can’t travel, try planning a visit to Toronto so you’re ready to go the minute lockdown is lifted. Here are 10 beautiful places to see in Toronto: 

1. The Toronto Islands

One of the best things about Toronto is the abundance of green spaces dotted around the city. But right across the water from the lakeshore are the Toronto Islands. So, if you want a little break from the hustle and bustle of North American big city living, it’s just a ten-minute ferry ride from the heart of downtown to these bubbles of serenity. 

Bring a bicycle and glide through green fields and tree canopies with Lake Ontario glittering all around you. Bring a picnic and check out all the fun at Centreville Amusement Park. Or just sit and chill for a while in front of the spectacular view of the Toronto city skyline. 

2. Kensington Market

Beauty isn’t confined to nature alone.  If you want to absorb the wonderfully diverse atmosphere Toronto has to offer, take a stroll through the bohemian Kensington Market on the weekend.

From urban artwork and street performance to incredible food and vibrant music, this is where Toronto really comes alive.  

3. Trinity Bellwoods Park

Image Source: cntraveler.com

There is an amazing sense of welcoming community spirit at Trinity Bellwoods Park. The 38 acre park is located on the west side of the city and boasts an extensive community centre, a multitude of sports pitches, an ice rink, and plenty of paths to meander around.

It’s a hugely popular spot, especially during the summer when locals gather for outdoor movies and a host of other events, festivals, and markets. Take a stroll at sunset and lay back on the grass to take in the incredible view of the city at night.

4. Distillery District

With its red brick buildings and cobbled streets, the Distillery District is a truly unique spot in the downtown core. 

This historic area is now home to beautiful restaurant verandas, artisan bakeries and coffee shops, and boutique shopping, as well as theatres and art galleries. If you’re visiting in winter, you’ll be lucky enough to wander around the quaint Christmas market that fills the streets at that time of year.

5. The Lakeshore

Get some fresh air and picturesque views of Lake Ontario down by the Lakeshore. A stroll around the harbourfront at Queen’s Quay West offers bars and restaurants where you can relax on the waterfront.

If you’re the more active type, enjoy the scenery with a bike ride, or venture out onto the lake itself in a kayak. For the ultimate Lakeshore experience, book a dinner cruise on one of several ships that offer this unique dining experience.

6. Crothers Woods

If you really want to step out of the city and into nature, make your way for a walk around Crothers Woods. Come sun or snow, this 52 hectare stretch of woodland looks great all year round.

There is a loop that’s an easy walk to take, even for beginner level hikers. Or you can take one of the more adventurous trails. Either way, it’s a fantastic place to spend an afternoon winding around the woods. Even though you’re just a stone’s throw from downtown, the tree canopy offers a peaceful escape.

7. Cloud Gardens

You don’t have to wander through a jungle to enjoy the sound of a running waterfall. Cloud Gardens is one of Toronto’s best kept secrets, and really is an oasis at the heart of the downtown core. Located just off Yonge Street this meeting of city and nature is free to visit and just a five minute walk from the Eaton Centre.

The man-made waterfall thunders down five whole stories of the building from where it starts, while the heated conservatory on the upper level of the garden’s belvedere is an interesting touch.

8. Tommy Thompson Park

This park is billed as “Toronto’s Urban Wilderness” – a fitting title for the park that includes over 300 species of birds on the northern end of the Leslie St. Spit. It’s a real treat for the birdwatchers among us, and those of us who enjoy unique outdoor spaces.

In between catching glimpses of wildlife, visitors can take advantage of the park trails for hiking, running, and cycling. The park was actually born out of man-made land that was originally built up for industry use along the lakeshore. Now, it’s yet another green haven in the city, showing Toronto’s commitment to bringing beautiful natural spaces to urban living.

9. High Park

Far from being a series of repetitive green spaces, each Toronto park has its own unique offering. For High Park, that would include the popular High Park Zoo and the famous sight of the many Cherry Blossom trees in the spring. 

There’s no better place to run, walk, or relax in Toronto. You can even stop into the gorgeous Grenadier Cafe for a coffee on the terrace to enjoy the sunshine.

10. Glen Stewart Ravine

The Beaches is an upmarket residential area of Toronto. That’s where you’ll find the local beauty spot Glen Stewart Ravine. An elevated boardwalk runs through the ravine, and you’ll soon feel nicely secluded amongst the tree canopy and steep banks either side of the trail. 

Whatever time of year you choose to visit Toronto, these ten beautiful spots are sure to capture your imagination. Here’s to hoping that the lockdown ends soon so you can visit sooner rather than later!