A Toronto Travel Guide

(Insert Canadian National Anthem here)

First of all, just got my grades back and I made the Dean’s list…WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER. Especially because there was one class I thought I was going to epically fail halfway through the semester. Then I stopped going to class and did better on all the exams once I stopped caring. Now how the hell does that happen? Also, kids, don’t try that at home.

Summer is right around the corner (and here for us college students), so that has me thinking about my favorite summer memories and locations. You all know I am much more of a naturey-hikey kind of girl, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love cities. Especially cities with character and good blogging activities. My favorite being Toronto, Canada. Besides the whole “you can’t hate a Canadian” stereotype, Toronto is a clean city with minimal tourism traps and enough adventure to stay sane in all the commotion.

It’s easy to fit in with the locals, unique, accommodating, and perfect for a city budget adventure. I can say Toronto has my urban heart. The mountains are always calling, but sometimes I want to get fancy and shower every day like a normal human being.

Toronto Island Park

Just off the coast of Toronto is an archipelago of islands that make up Toronto Island Park. The 15 islands strung together make up parks, biking paths, beaches and neighborhoods to the thousands of residents who call them home. A ferry ride from the downtown marina in Toronto will take you to one of three drop-off points, Ward’s Island, Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point.

To catch the sunset with the Toronto skyline, take the ferry line to the Ward’s island drop off, which gives a clear shot for the show. Once night rises, catch the ferry back across the bay and gleam at the nightline from the bay boat. This is a scene not to be missed.

Kensington Market

Markets, college kids and old hippies, parks and playgrounds, art shops and boutiques. I heard of this spot from a friend, and when I got there I realized exactly why he loved it so much. It’s quiet and brings you away from the rest of the city.

Brightly painted houses, distinct architecture and blissful gardens line the streets. The area is prime for a college kid hangout, but most of the neighborhoods are made up of established and creative adults who enjoy characterizing their village. I also bought bacon chocolate there so maybe that’s why I love it so much. Mmmmmm.

Casa Loma

Move aside Canada, your unofficial Queen Shalee is here to live in this castle and not do any governmental work because she doesn’t like that and she just wants to play in the gardens and create ear-bleeding tunes on the organ and snuggle with the tiger rug that she named Kevin…all hail!!!

The castle was constructed in 1911 by a financier who wanted a palace to call home. Today it is open to the public with gardens and free roam of the castle all the way to the top tower. It comes complete with an audio guide to learn about each of the 98 rooms history that was once the largest private residence in Canada.

O’Noir

Sitting on a bluff high above California, I once thought about what it would be like to be blind for a very long time. I thought about how different the world could be and how the simple gift of sight allows me to share my experiences with you.

I’ll let you read about my post dedicated to this experience. If you are looking for a humbling experience, head to O’noir to dine in darkness with a wait staff who are all legally blind. Step into their world, and see darkness in a whole new light.

Easy on the Fifth

Social night club with games like cornhole and bocce ball are aimed at twenty to thirty-somethings looking to socialize, share stories, have a few drinks and dance. Being in the city, everyone wants to go out and hit the town. The atmosphere begins very relaxed and progresses to high energy by the end of the night.

Hint: shots are expensive…don’t do it. Wait for the free shots to come out with sparklers in them. Free and sparklers? You heard it here, folks!

Places to stay

Canadiana Backpackers Inn has been voted a top hostel around the world. Travelers can’t pass up the free pancake breakfast, wine social nights, and take full advantage of their laundry room and movie theater. Prices are reasonable and it’s located between King and Queen Street…it doesn’t get any better than that.

Places to avoid

Dundas Square and the CN Tower if you’re looking to ditch tourists and unreasonable prices. Dundas Square is the ‘Times Square of Canada’. It’s really not, just an overcrowded and over-advertised block of mall clothing stores and expensive ice cream. And I love ice cream.

The CN Tower is better to see from a distance. The only reason I was remotely interested in paying to go to the top was to do the CN Edge Walk. Visitors can walk and lean out over the edge of the tower while being tied to a bar on the building. Fears, heights and adrenaline? Sounds like my thing! And it totally was until I realized they were expecting people to pay $195 for 20 minutes on the edge. LOL. No thanks!

Before I go…

Summer is the best time to visit Toronto and get the most of its biking, walking, exploring, and adventuring. Even at night, the streets are alive and safe. I have never had a bad experience there…except for the guy in a pickup who kindly showed me his middle finger on the freeway. It was a nice middle finger…didn’t appear broken or anything. Not sure why he wanted me to check it out.

Have you ever been to Toronto? What did or didn’t you like? Where did you stay?

Happy Travels!