Tariff-hit Canadians could do with a hug right now, and you can be sure of a warm welcome in Toronto, the country’s largest city, which has a famously welcoming population, and a trendy (but not too try-hard) vibe.
It’s one of the most multicultural cities in the world, and a melting pot of cuisines. Among its 140 recognised neighbourhoods are three Chinatowns, a Koreatown, Greektown, Little Italy, Little Portugal, Little India and Little Jamaica.
Plus, a new direct flight with Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow, and a strengthening pound, mean it’s a great choice for a long weekend. Here’s how to spend 72 hours there.
Day one
The CN Tower
There’s only one way to get your bearings and that’s with a trip up the CN Tower, the icon of Toronto’s skyline. Completed in 1976, it was the world’s tallest free standing structure for 32 years until the Burj Khalifa in Dubai took the crown.
Two million visitors a year take the ear-popping lift to the observation decks. If you are feeling brave try the EdgeWalk, a full circle, hands free journey around the outside of the Tower, 116 storeys above the ground.
You can have lunch in “360 restaurant” which completes one rotation every 72 minutes. Dining includes complimentary access to the main observation level. cntower.ca
The Distillery District
Founded in 1832, and once home to the largest distillery in the world, this favourite Toronto hangout is a great place to spend a couple of hours. You’ll feel as though you are stepping back in time to the Victorian era thanks to cobbled streets and huge brick and timber industrial buildings.
It’s a great fusion of old and new, with Gooderham and Worts Distillery now transformed into art galleries, boutique shops and cafes. thedistillerydistrict.com
Kensington Market
If your vibe is more boho than artisan, head to this eclectic and vibrant neighbourhood and stroll past colourful wall paintings, vintage stores and organic food shops. Stop for a coffee at Augusta Coffee Bar and do some people watching. There’s a wonderful mix of cultures here and a real sense that everyone is welcome and celebrated.
Pop into a second-hand bookshop or check out a tiny art gallery, or when the sun is shining enjoy live music and street performances. kensingtonmarket.to
Dinner at Kost
After all that walking you will be ready for dinner. If you are after a view head to Kōst, 44 stories above the city’s entertainment district at the top of the funky Bisha hotel. Inspired by Mexico’s Baja Peninsula the menu is reminiscent of the Californian coastline. The Tacos - and the rooftop pool - are terrific. kosttoronto.com
For dessert find a street stall selling Beaver Tails. No beavers are harmed in the making of this Canadian treat! The deep fried, hand stretched pastry resembles a beaver’s tail and can be topped with something sweet like cinnamon and sugar of chocolate spread.
Day two
Niagra Falls
Given Toronto is only a 90 minute drive away (traffic permitting) from the Niagara Falls, it really is worth the trip especially as the dramatic, thunderous natural wonder is best seen from the Canadian side.
Six million cubic feet of water tumble over the falls every minute at peak flow; you can delight in the feel of the rumble under your feet and the spray on your face. Take a short helicopter flight over the falls with Niagara Helicopters for a unique perspective. niagarahelicopters.com
Alternatively take a boat trip to the base of the falls, go in a tunnel behind them, or zip line across!
Two Sisters Vineyard
You might not associate great wine with Canada but it is something of a hidden gem, and the Niagara Peninsular is the country’s largest wine region. 20 minutes from the falls is the hugely welcoming family owned Two Sisters Vineyards where you can have a tour and then lunch. Canada is world-famous for ice wine made by pressing naturally frozen grapes creating a rich, syrupy dessert wine. www.twosistersvineyards.com
On your way back to the city pull up in Niagara-on-the-lake, considered one of Canada’s prettiest small towns with independent shops, Victorian architecture and a popular theatre scene.
See some live entertainment
You will feel like a real local if you get to watch some ice hockey, though getting a ticket to see the Toronto Maple Leafs requires some planning. Failing that, check out the interactive games against virtual players at the Hockey Hall of Fame which is dedicated to the sport. hhof.com
Alternatively see if the Toronto Blue Jays have a fixture at Rogers Centre by the waterfront. They are Toronto’s Major League Baseball (MLB) team. Grab a Blue Jays cap or Jersey and you’ll be welcomed by the fans in no time.
The Rogers Stadium opens this summer, it’s a huge outdoor concert venue — if live music is more your thing. rogers-stadium.com
Day three
Take a bike tour
Just minutes from the city’s busy downtown are the relaxed Toronto Islands — 15 interconnected islands that make up North America’s biggest car-free community. Locals have made the short ferry crossing over the water for 200 years for fun and relaxation.
I took a bike ride with Toronto Bicycle Tours and as I pedalled past homes, a haunted lighthouse and a nudist beach, the expert guides explained the history of the island’s somewhat bohemian residents. It’s also an opportunity to gaze back at the distinctive city skyline. torontobicycletours.com
St Lawrence Market
Toronto is a melting pot of cultures and that’s reflected in the city’s remarkable food scene. St Lawrence market was established in 1803 and is fascinating for both food and history lovers. Guided tours (with tastings) are popular, as are the many live events held there — but it’s also great to just meander. I joined the queue of salivating locals wanting a sandwich at Stack’d deli kitchen and wasn’t disappointed. stlawrencemarket.com
Not far from the market, and behind Toronto’s Flatiron building, is Berczy Park. Enjoy the fountain made up of dog sculptures all eyeing up a huge bone.
Beaches neighbourhood
If it’s summertime make your way to the Beaches neighbourhood for a stroll along the bench-lined boardwalk and an ice cream. Dine at The Eastside Social, famous for its oysters eastsidesocial.ca
The details
Virgin Atlantic flies direct between London Heathrow and Toronto with return economy fares from £391 per person, including complimentary food, drink and in-flight entertainment. For further information visit virginatlantic.com or call 0344 8747 747
The luxury 1Hotel is a great choice for both its location and sustainability cred. Rooms from £245 a night for a king room. 1hotels.com
