Toronto is a vibe! Here’s why.

I was 17 the first time I travelled to Canada (by myself!). I loved it so much I’ve always wanted to return, and I finally managed to last year. My trip only confirmed what I already knew: Toronto is a vibe! Here are 6 reasons why you want to visit Toronto asap! 

By Giulia Daniele

@sleeponthesofaa

When I visited Toronto for the first time, I didn’t know much about the world overseas, having mainly visited Europe by then. I was scared, to say the least, but also buzzing with energy and curiosity. I just wanted to see how it feels to live in a big city with skyscrapers you can’t reach the end of and endless avenues crowded with millions of souls. 

So, I packed my suitcase, reassured my parents (mostly my mum), and hopped on that flight I had longed for so long. How did it go? Better than I could ever have expected! Toronto brims with many beautiful attractions, landscapes and events – it’s a vibrant, multicultural hub where the lives of many become one. 

Now, let me share with you 6 reasons why Toronto is simply a vibe!

1. Toronto’s art is beyond

Toronto has a rich artistic heritage; you don’t have to be an expert to appreciate it. I definitely am not, but I loved visiting the two main museums: the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario. 

The former is one of the city’s crowning jewels, housing over 3,000 fossils, minerals and rare gems. It also hosts rotating exhibitions from the Japanese-Canadian experience, which is believed to be among the world’s first portraits collection.

The latter is just as fantastic. It is home to over 95,000 works, making it one of North America’s biggest art galleries. The interior décor is a delight, with a wooden spiral staircase and a glued laminated timber gallery.

2. The food scene is to die for

If you love food as much as I do (and I really, really do), Toronto is the place to be. Food is integral to my travel experiences because it can say so much about the people. It means traditions and roots, one’s special bond to the homeland.  

If you’re walking down Toronto’s busy streets and your stomach tells you to have a break, here’s where you need to head: St. Lawrence Market. 

Cheap, comfortable and absolutely delicious, it’s a feast for the palate. Canada is famous for the poutine – French fries and cheese curds topped with gravy (yummy!). But if you don’t fancy it, you can choose from many other specialities. The customer service is speedy and friendly, and the food is next level. 

Kensington Market is another hotspot for food lovers. This bohemian neighbourhood offers some of the city’s best dining spots, from Latin American to Mediterranean. If this doesn’t tickle your appetite, why not shop around? Kensington Market is big on vintage and second-hand boutiques, so it’s worth a visit anyway! 

3. The Toronto Islands will steal your heart

This is by far my favourite place in Toronto. I always say that the city has it all – a bustling downtown, a lively marina, beautiful nature and nightlife. But the Toronto Islands are a cut above the rest. 

Let’s start with the ferry journey (which, by the way, only costs £5 – a steal!). There’s no better way to admire Toronto than from the water. The views are sublime – that’s pretty much the moment I fell in love with it. Bridges and pathways connect the 15 islands, so the best way to visit them is by bike. The rental is also super cheap, and it pays off. 

I biked for about two hours, back and forth, and stopped along the way to make every moment last a little longer. It’s one of those places you never want to leave, but even when you do, you know it won’t ever leave you. I took mental (and a few physical) pictures of each scenery; they’re the first ones that pop to mind whenever I think about Canada. 

4. The Toronto Blue Jays are iconic

The second time I visited Toronto, I decided I couldn’t leave without watching the Blue Jays play at the Rogers Centre. Now, let’s be clear – I know nothing about baseball. I thoroughly researched beforehand, so as not to show how clueless I was, but I doubt it worked. By the end, I knew the rules, but I’ll be honest – baseball isn’t for me.

What was incredible, though, was the atmosphere. The stadium is huge, so much bigger than it looks outside. Everyone cheered their favourite, singing along to well-known songs and chants, just having a great time. I joined in without knowing the words or the melody, but who cares when everyone else is so happy, regardless? They even won, so it can’t get much better!

5. Not to mention the Distillery District!

The Distillery District is another place that tops my list. This is unlike any other spot in the city. It was once the world’s largest distillery and became a popular neighbourhood brimming with quirky shops, pubs and art galleries. 

It feels like travelling back in time to the Industrial Revolution, with cobbled alleys, brick buildings and an all-around Victorian aesthetic. Live music always plays, so fun is guaranteed at any time of the year!

6. The nightlife is wild (in a good way!)

One thing I learned after my first trip to Toronto is that the city knows how to have fun (unapologetically). And this is what makes it so unique! Its welcoming, lively venues come alive at night with pop, rock, techno and metal music and a lot of dancing. 

It also hosts fantastic events like the Toronto Summer Music Festival in July, making the summer the best time to visit. Whether you want to dance your socks off or just have a few drinks with your friends while listening to live music, Toronto won’t disappoint. 

A trip to this Canadian powerhouse promises an unforgettable experience, and the people welcome you with an open heart. The vibe is playful, friendly and vibrant – all-around a very special one. 

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