Toronto: The Canadian NYC
You may have seen in my bio and other places that I’m from DC, but I’m also a Canadian citizen! 🇨🇦 So hello to yearly trips up north.
If you enjoy NYC like I do, you will absolutely LOVE Toronto. And if you find NYC overwhelming, you’ll still love Toronto because it’s basically the less populated, cleaner, nicer sister of New York. Toronto is Canada’s biggest city and ultimate cultural melting pot. It’s got world-class museums, amazing food, and hockey obsession levels that are off the charts. Whether you're exploring its vibrant neighborhoods, skating in the winter, or sipping a double-double from Tim Hortons, Toronto knows how to keep things interesting—and the easy-to-use metro system makes getting around a breeze!
A few favorite places
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) – One of Canada’s top museums, and right now, it’s extra fancy thanks to the Christian Dior exhibit. If you love fashion, history, or just really pretty dresses, don’t miss it. Plus, the museum itself is a work of art, with its striking mix of classic and modern architecture.
The Miniature Museum of Toronto – A hidden gem! This place is packed with incredibly detailed tiny worlds, from historic homes to fantasy scenes. If you love intricate craftsmanship, this is a must-see.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada – Located right next to the CN Tower, this aquarium is surprisingly massive. Walking through the underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks and stingrays? 10/10 experience.
Hockey Hall of Fame – Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or just here for the vibes, this place is peak Canadian. You can see the Stanley Cup, test your goalie skills, and learn about some of hockey’s greatest legends.
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) – One of the best art museums in North America. Whether you’re into classic European paintings, Indigenous art, or contemporary masterpieces, the AGO delivers. Plus, the Frank Gehry-designed spiral staircase is an attraction in itself.
Food points
Toronto has a million delicious restaurants, but there are a couple things that are just simply Canadian:
Tim Hortons. Grab a double-double (coffee with two creams, two sugars) and a box of Timbits (donut holes, my fav) to snack on while exploring the city. It’s a Canadian rite of passage.
Poutine. It originally came from Quebec, but you’ll find it all over Canada! There’s been numerous adaptations over the years, but the original is french fries, gravy, and cheddar cheese curds all together in a bowl. DELICIOUS.
If visiting in the winter
Toronto transforms into a skater’s paradise. Top rinks include:
Nathan Phillips Square – Skating in front of the famous Toronto sign? Iconic.
Harbourfront Centre – A scenic rink right by the lake.
The Bentway – A unique skating trail underneath the Gardiner Expressway (because why not?).
Extras
A couple things I experienced for the first time that aren’t specifically Canadian activities:
Indoor skydiving. It takes place in a vertical wind tunnel, where powerful fans create a cushion of air strong enough to keep you floating mid-air. It’s a bit of a strange experience as the wind is insanely strong, but it’s fun and should definitely be tried at least once!
Sensory deprivision tank. It’s a dark, soundproof pod filled with body-temperature water and tons of Epsom salt, making you float effortlessly—like a human cork. The goal? To eliminate all external distractions (sight, sound, touch) and let your mind totally relax. I absolutely LOVED it. Since the water matches your body temperature, you start to lose the sensation of where your body ends and the water begins. It’s like being in a dreamy, weightless state, where your mind can completely unwind. 10/10 recommend.
Toronto is vibrant, diverse, and full of surprises. Whether you’re geeking out over dinosaurs at the ROM, marveling at tiny masterpieces, or eating your way through Kensington Market, Toronto has something for everyone—and with its convenient metro system, getting from one adventure to the next is effortless.
Samantha Shammas, Author
A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.
