Our Fun Facts about Toronto

Located on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario (one of the five Great Lakes), Toronto is only 40 miles from Niagara Falls and 335 miles from New York City, as the crow flies.  Toronto sits further south than points in 15 US states, and is at a similar latitude as Florence, Italy.

 
There are 37 National Historic Sites in Toronto. Some of the most famous include Union Station, Fort York, Gooderham and Worts Distillery  - Distillery Historic District, Kensington Market, and Spadina House.

The CN Tower is the tallest structure in the Western Hemisphere, standing at 1815 feet tall. It was the world’s tallest freestanding structure for 32 years  from 1975 but was  dethroned in 2007 by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Thanks to its incredible height, you can see Niagara Falls from roof of the main pod on a clear day. You can walk CN Tower’s Glass Floor at 1115 feet, and you’ll be reassured to know that it is capable of withstanding the weight of 35 moose at a time. The highly recommended 360 Restaurant completes a full rotation every 72 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the ever-changing panorama over the course of a delicious meal…and a glass of wine from the highest wine cellar in the sky. Finally - adrenalin junkies can tackle the EdgeWalk, 116 storeys high, where with the reassurance of an overhead safety rail and harness system, you can physically lean back for a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Lake Ontario.

 
St Lawrence Market is ranked by National Geographic as the best food market in the world. It was founded in 1803 - making it one of the oldest markets in Canada – and continues to be a must-visit attractions.  Here you can sample unique foods such as kobassa and sausages at Ukrainian Store Dnister, tapas at Scheffler’s, and the famous peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery. Visit the Market Gallery on the second floor of the South Market on The Esplanade and view awe-inspiring work by talented local artist, or take a walking tour to learn more about the history of the St. Lawrence Market. The North Market transforms into a farmers’ market on Saturdays and an antique market on Sundays.

Sticking with the foodie theme, The MICHELIN Guide 2024 includes 100 restaurants, including one restaurant with two MICHELIN Stars, 15 with one MICHELIN Star, 23 Bib Gourmands, 61 Recommended restaurants, and two with a Green Star.

The PATH is the largest underground shopping and entertainment complex in North America with over 1200 stores, dining and entertainment.  It’s a 17 mile network of underground pedestrian tunnels and elevated walkways connecting more than 70 buildings, eight hotels, six subway stations and a railway terminal, not to mention the Hockey Hall of Fame. It’s perfect for navigating the downtown core in those colder winter months or simply if it’s a bit wet. Don’t be afraid to ask directions, you’re in one of the friendliest places in the world!

The Toronto Islands weren’t always islands …Now accessible by ferry, the Toronto Islands were once a peninsula. Two powerful storms in 1852 and 1858 separated the islands from the mainland and created the body of water now known as the Eastern Gap. The Islands are a popular destination for visitors and residents alike, reached by a 13 minute ferry ride. There are beautiful swimming beaches, bike and kayak rentals, nature paths and large grassy fields for picnics, an amusement park and a charming 150 year-old community of 600 residents.

Toronto has (n’t) the longest street in the world… it was reported as such until the 1900’s but then Yonge Street was separated from Highway 11 and The Guinness Book of Records rescinded the title (awarding it to Australia's Highway One). Yonge Street (pronounced young)  is still a great place to explore from the waterfront to Yonge-Dundas Square, north to Yorkville and beyond. One focal point is the intersection of Yonge and Dundas, where the Eaton Centre shopping mall is ever popular. Keep exploring to discover quirky independent shops and hidden gems among the casual restaurants, and stop for lunch at the rather lovely Queen and Beaver Public House.