I decided to visit Toronto for New Year’s Eve. It was an opportunity to explore this great city that I knew nothing about, whilst sneaking in a little time with my sister. Toronto is the most populous city in Canada and is the capital of the province of Ontario. Over 2.7 million denizens inhabit the city, and the number climbs to over 9 million with the surrounding area. The city sits on the shores of Lake Ontario, a factor that helps make it a hot spot for travel.
Call me naive but I did not expect Toronto to be so unapologetically modern. More so after having recently experiencing the old-world charm of Montreal and Quebec City. The difference is evident driving from the airport. Almost immediately, high rises dwarf either side of the highway. The buildings quickly turn from dated brick to shinier chrome, steel and glass, soaring higher, the closer to the city. Once downtown, sky-high office buildings contribute their long shadows to the sidewalks below. I also quickly realized that Toronto is the most multicultural city I have every visited, quick research confirmed this.
ACCOMODATION
As a Marriott hotel member Marriott Bonvoy Hotels | Book Directly & Get Exclusive Rates , I typically stay at a brand hotel in an attempt to maximize membership rewards. As a result, I booked into the Delta Toronto hotel Toronto, Canada, Hotel Downtown | Delta Hotels Toronto (marriott.com), a mere block or so from the water, and right in the heart of downtown. I chose the Delta primarily for its location as well as water views. Its only on arrival that I found out that it is located right next to the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Union Station, as well as the Scotiabank Centre. In fact, covered walkways and tunnels connect the hotel to the aforementioned sites.
I had booked a king corner room in an effort to minimize noise. At check-in, I was told that I had been upgraded. The room was supposedly a prototype of what all the rooms would eventually be after renovations. I also had card access to the Club lounge for breakfast, snacks as well as evening hors d’oeuvres for the duration of the visit. The room was magnificent. It was a corner room on the 44th of 46 floors. The bedroom was simple but roomy with expansive windows overlooking an office building. The piece de resistance however was the bathroom view: wall to wall glass held in place by steel girders with mostly unobstructive views of Lake Onatario from the deep free standing soaking tub, the sink, the black marble shower and yes, even the toilet set just behind the shower and sink for a little privacy.
To make my stay even more pleasant, the staff were responsive, friendly, professional and prompt. Location was ideal. The hotel is modern and aesthetically pleasing. All in all, it was the best hotel stay I have had in years.
GETTING AROUND
Like Montreal, Toronto boasts a well-established public transportation system. There is a subway that takes you all around the city of Montreal, there is the overhead train that takes you further afield, and yet also a fast transit train (VIA). Train stations are numerous, and you may find them using your phone map app. Purchasing tickets was simple. My sister and I did it at terminals inside the subway. We purchased single trip tickets for CA$3.50. There were also options for the day, week as well as month. I later purchased a VIA ticket to the airport (for $12) online. Trains are fast, clean, safe and a cheap way of getting around.
Buses supplement are also frequent, cheap and numerous. Alternatively, ride shares, limousine services or as well as traditional taxi companies are readily available. I used Beck taxi company for the entirety of the visit (outside of public transportation). The company was far the most reliable and consistent company I have ever used on my travels thus far.
Other forms of transportation include ferries to explore nearby islands. Pedal power is a readily available form of transportation. I noticed bike rentals all over downtown. Of course, walking is always an option.
THINGS TO DO
Toronto has plenty for visitors to do. The city has the 3rd largest theater district outside of London and New York. Alternatively, partake in the Toronto International Film Festival all year round at the TIFF Bell Lightbox TIFF – Toronto International Film Festival. History tours, day tours (particularly to Niagara Falls), ice skating, hiking and other outdoor activities also abound Exploring Toronto Green Spaces – HER//Excursions (herexcursions.com). Better yet simply soak in the atmosphere of this vibrant city and spend your days shopping and exploring PATH – Toronto’s Downtown Pedestrian Walkway – City of Toronto, the Toronto underground city. Or visit the world-famous St Lawrence Market St. Lawrence Market : Home (stlawrencemarket.com) and enjoy what it has to offer. Alternatively, take a day trip A Day In (Canadian) Niagara Falls – HER//Excursions (herexcursions.com).
Hop On Hop Off Bus
I took the City Sightseeing bus Toronto’s #1 Tour Operator – City Sightseeing Toronto on arrival as a city crash course, if you will. I purchased the ticket online (via a different company), and with help from my phone map app, I walked to the meeting point on Eaton Square. I managed to enjoy and take a few pictures the square (reminiscent of Times Square) before having to board the bus. The conductor scanned the voucher on my phone and gave me a printed ticket that she stressed not to lose as it was proof to reboard the bus if I got off. While the tour typically makes 19 stops, a couple were skipped due to construction. I understand that in summer, the tour also includes a ferry ride around the harbor.
I hoped off at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) stop to explore China Town and Kensington Market. The bus would not be back for another 2 hours. ROM sits on the edge of China Town. I found a vibrant neighborhood replete with restaurants, and grocery shops. I salivated my way through the roasted duck hung on a window, varieties of dim sum on offer as well as Chinese pastries.
Finding the Kensington market was a smidge challenging. I was looking for a large building filled with little stores. Instead, I eventually stumbled on a street leading off the main boulevard. Only then did I realize that the market is actually a small neighborhood of grocery stores, unique shops and eateries. The area has a small bohemian feel, that makes it a fun and worthy place to visit. Just keep in mind that there are no defined restrooms.
Food Tour
I booked a 3-hr food tour that promised to deliver a sampling of local cuisine. The tour guide took us around a city block, showing us buildings and telling us a bit of a history of the city. We eventually reached St. Lawrence Market. The guide us informed us that it would be the site of our food tasting.
We started out with an option of tea or coffee from a local artisan. A short walk brought us to a sandwich shop. We were going to sample the peameal sandwich, purported to have been invented at the market. I had never heard of it before and looked forward to trying it. The sandwich consists of cured pork back rolled, originally, in crushed peas, but is now rolled in yellow cornmeal. Consisting of slices of bacon stuck inside of a honey mustard covered bun, it was simple but enjoyable enough. My only bone of contention was having to literally choke down the sandwich while standing by the counter, before moving on to the next part of the tour. Half of a cream cheese covered, freshly baked Montrealer bagel came next. I enjoyed it.
Afterwards, the guide took us to the lower level, to a quiet corner with tables. Here, she gave us three types of maple syrup to sample. Butter tarts were the next tasting. I only managed to take 2 bites before storing it. After all the other carbs, the sugar rush was doing me in. The tour culminated at a local brewery, a couple of streets away. The objective was to try a local beverage, the Cesar. I had to decline this tomato juice, hot sauce, clam juice concoction reminiscent of a bloody Mary. I had a cocktail instead. The final tasting was a classic poutine.
The tour was enjoyable enough. It did provide a little snapshot of local cuisine and the guide was great. The food however, was uninspired and repetitive. It was too carb-rich for me. Having to stand around the market and eat while trying to stay out of the way of shoppers was also awkward. The tour often felt rushed. In particular eating the sandwich, then again when she gave myself and another visitor our tarts then immediately started walking to the next stop because she had already given the rest of the party their tarts first. This happened at the brewery again when she was ready to go before I had finished my cocktail and another couple had finished their flight of beers. Unfortunately, I would not want to repeat this tour.
Bata Museum
I love footwear. I’m not an absolute fanatic mind you, but I do like shoes. The idea of seeing shoes from a historical context sounded interesting. I bought a ticket online for CA$14. Finding the open shoe box building was easy enough as it’s located a few minutes from the subway.
There was no line on this New Year’s Eve afternoon. The exhibits were interesting, funny, fun, cool, futuristic and yes, downright ugly. The linkage of footwear to the development of civilization over time was fascinating. I enjoyed the outing. It is a good way to get out of the rain and cold for an hour or two.
FOOD
Toronto is a foodie mecca Eating like a Torontian – HER//Excursions (herexcursions.com). Yes, I know I’ve stated this before for other cities; it in no way diminishes the fact that Toronto is a must for foodies. The vibrant city’s multicultural nature makes for creative fearless chefs that who are not afraid to create magical food scene. Consider that per 2016 census, at least 51% of the Toronto population are minorities. Not surprisingly, this opens up the door for experimenting with flavors and cuisines. More to the point; I will happily travel to Toronto just to eat. It was that great.
SAFETY
I found Toronto to be safe for a solo, black woman traveler. This includes walking around the city, on the train as well as in taxis. The residents either mind their own business or are friendly.
MISCELLANEOUS
The city of Toronto thoughtfully provides restroom (washrooms/toilets) facility information on this website Public Washrooms – City of Toronto.
