Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto 325 Bay St, Toron
Toronto Travel Guide
Toronto, a Native Indian word meaning 'meeting place' is an apt name for this exuberant city, the largest in Canada, home to people from all over the world. Toronto is a remarkable city - unbelievably clean and safe, it represents a tantalising melange of history, business, art, culture and nature. The busiest port in Canada, it is also the national hub for banking, publishing, communications and manufacturing. A heady cocktail of art galleries, magnificent skyscrapers, heritage buildings, amusement parks, impressive museums -- Toronto has plenty to enthrall visitors. The tremendous ethnic diversity lends a distinctive charm to Toronto - the world in microcosm is represented here.
How to Get to Toronto
How to Get to Toronto by Air
Fly into Pearson International airport, the busiest in the country, on any major national or international airlines. The airport is 24 km northwest of downtown and is connected to the city by bus and taxis. You can hire a car if you wish. The smaller Toronto City Centre Airport is served by Air Canada commuter flights. A free airport shuttle bus connects to the city.
How to Get to Toronto by Rail
VIA trains to Toronto stop at the Union Station. Advance booking can get you discounted fares. VIA services are available from Montreal, Ottawa, Sudbury, Niagara Falls and London. Ontario Northland trains serve northern Ontario towns. Amtrak services are available from Buffalo, Chicago and New York City.
How to Get to Toronto by Bus
You can drive in across the bridge from the American town of Buffalo. You need a valid driver’s license and a car insurance policy. Roads are good and driving easy. In the city, parking may be a problem and will be expensive. There are both express bus services as well as slow bus services from all over Canada to Toronto. Greyhound operates a service to cities like Bufallo, Detroit and New York in the US.
Where to Stay in Toronto
Toronto Downtown
Central business district of Toronto, Ontario – the Downtown Toronto is bounded by Bloor Street to the north, Lake Ontario to the south, the Don River to the east, and Bathurst Street to the west. Downtown Toronto is a hub for various cultural as well as business activities and hence offers a range of accommodations that suit both the business as well as leisure traveller. If you are travelling on budget you can get accommodations that suit your pocket as well.
The Metropolitan Hotel Toronto
Located in the heart of Downtown amidst the city’s buzzing shopping districts, the hotel is an ideal place to stay if you are looking for a soothing retreat after your day of shopping or attending meetings. The hotel with its supreme luxury environs offers travellers a memorable experience they will remain with them forever.
The Sutton Place
Situated in the hub of Downtown Toronto, the hotel is few minutes from all the major attractions of the area and offers its guests an experience of old world charm along with the comforts of modern technology.
The Best Western Primrose Hotel
Known for its reasonable price, the Primrose Hotel is an ideal place to stay if you are looking for a luxury at an affordable price. Located in the centre of Downtown Toronto, the hotel with its stylishly done up décor is in the close proximity to all the major shopping districts and financial districts of the area.
Best Time to Visit Toronto
While Toronto has a lot to offer visitors at anytime of the year, the best time to visit this city is during the months of June to October.June to August is regarded as summer season in Toronto, with temperatures averaging between 25 to 28 degrees Celsius. Whilst these months attract maximum tourists due to the many outdoor activities, sightseeing and festivals which take place, the weather does tends to be hot and humid, especially in the months of July and August. Thus be prepared to brave the heat and rush of tourists if travelling during these months.
Off-tourist season in Toronto is during the winter months of November to March. Like most of Canada, Toronto too experiences below zero temperatures and few feet of snow, during the prime of its winter months. These months however are a delightful time to visit for those interested in winter sports and activities, with the added advantage of discounted travel rates, being off-peak season.
April and May is spring time in Toronto. These months witness the end of snowflakes and the low temperatures which characterise the city during winter, and give way to the blooming flowers and landscape, with mild weather and warm sunshine. Add to this the relatively lower rates and lesser crowds, spring too is a good time to visit Toronto, as one also gets to avoid the extreme temperatures.
Sightseeing in Toronto
CN Tower
The highest freestanding building in the world. This city landmark is also one of the most visited sites -so be prepared for queues to get to the observation decks on top. The view from here is simply stupendous -- hope for a clear day or night.
Skydome sports stadium
Is another architectural marvel -the first of its kind with a fully retractable roof. Take a tour of this massive stadium where you can fit in eight 747 planes -- get an idea of the size.
Museums and art centres
Regardless of whether you have a shoe fetish or not, check out the Bata Shoe Museum, itself designed to resemble a lidded shoebox. The George R Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art has some stupendous ceramics from different periods of history while the excellent Museum for Textiles boasts of some great textiles, especially from Tibet and Southeast Asia
The Ontario Science Center
Is another popular place where children can learn more about the world around them. Christmas is a special time for kids with interesting exhibits at the magnificent Casa Loma, a 98-room mansion built in the early part of the twentieth century by Sir Henry Pellat. At other times, the house and the spectacular gardens around it make for an interesting visit.
Shopping in Toronto There are plenty of markets in Toronto where you can easily spend a couple of hours browsing around the stores and picking up some good deals. The best is the cheery, colorful, multicultural Kensington Market. Other markets include the St. Lawrence market, the Antique Market and Harbourfront. And of course, there are the malls and department stores.
Festivals and Events in Toronto
In May, it is time for the Toronto International Powwow; June brings the Caravan festival, a cultural extravaganza, the Queen's Plate horse race, the Gay pride day Parade and the Du Maurier Downtown Jazz Festival. Soul & Blues Festival starts July on a musical note which only gets better with the International Picnic, the Molson Indy car race, the Fringe Theater Festival and the Mariposa Folk Festival. Dance to some reggae and calypso during the Caribana in August and check out the Canadian National Exhibition in the same month. Come September, it is time for creative excellence -the International Film Festival is on . October brings the world renowned International Festival of Authors.
Toronto Travel Information
What to Pack
In summer light summer clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a camera and rolls of film to capture those wondrous sights. In winter enough warm clothes and snow boots.
