48 HOURS IN TORONTO

TORONTO

43.6532° N, 79.3832° W

Toronto

Canada’s largest city is known for its cosmopolitan charm, varied arts scene and splendid foodie offering

On the western fringes of Lake Ontario sits bustling Toronto, a multicultural city where more than 200 cultures are represented in the city streets. With residents having roots in all corners of the globe, world foods, cultures and customs come together seamlessly to make the city what it is. Toronto’s arts scene is unrivalled, with a bountiful array of museums, theatres and galleries like the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the shard‑like structure of the Royal Ontario Museum, which unveils a fascinating history of Canada and beyond. Elsewhere, architecture dazzles, with old red brick juxtaposing against glass, and King Street West next in the pipeline with Frank Gehry designs for twisting skyscrapers extending up to 289 metres in the sky. Come evening time, the sun sets and casts a pink glow across the lake and twinkling city lights flicker on and set the stage for its nightlife.

Go online: Visit viking.com/expedition for more information on cruises that go to Toronto

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

In Toronto you must experience art, rich and diverse food, and the outdoors. Visit the bohemian neighbourhood of Kensington Market, where Victorian buildings house boutique shops and arts spaces and don’t miss Graffiti Alley, near Queen Street and Spadina Avenue, which features seven blocks of vibrant outdoor art, or the renowned Art Gallery of Ontario—this stunning building houses Canada’s greatest art collection of 95,000 works and includes paintings by European Masters such as Peter Paul Rubens, as well as photography, sculptures and rare books. The museum’s highlight is its vast number of works by the renowned Group of Seven, pioneered by several Canadian painters that were inspired by the Great Lakes region’s beautiful landscapes.

With over 8,000 restaurants, it would take you some 22 years to try them all if you tried a new one every night. A melting pot of cultures, Toronto’s cafés, restaurants and eateries feature influences from all corners of the globe. Explore the St. Lawrence Market, a paradise for foodies, you will sample a selection of international favourites as well as Canadian specialties such as peameal bacon sandwiches and Montreal‑style bagels. Check out the Distillery District, perched east of Downtown, it is one of the city’s most successful rejuvenation projects and today is visited for its hip bars, boutiques and outdoor galleries.

Get outdoors and see how people are reconnecting with nature on the shores of Lake Ontario, where more than 1,000 acres of land have been reclaimed, creating one of the best wildlife‑ watching areas in a large city. Explore Tommy Thompson Park by kayak or bike as you discover a surprising wealth of plant and animal life, including more than 300 species of birds.

Finally, you must visit the iconic CN Tower. One of the city’s most iconic structures offering the best views over the surrounding landscape. Head up for sunset and watch as the whole city bathes in a golden orange hue.

WHERE TO SHOP

Home to several vibrant shopping districts. Our top three are the Yorkville neighbourhood at Bay and Bloor Streets and the Eaton Centre where you’ll find your premium and department stores and Queens Street West for your more eclectic shopping. There’s also historic Yonge Street; a major thoroughfare since 1794, which runs from the harbour, north toward Bradford.

WHERE TO DINE

Toronto is best known for its diverse food that take cues from its environment. From pocket restaurants that experiment in new dining experiences; Sri Lankan, Tajik and Ethiopian to premium restaurants like Scaramouche, a Toronto favourite for 35 years, Canoe for haute Canadiana, or Richmond Station for flavourful and unpretentious dishes.

Clockwise,

from left: The Toronto skyline is dominated by the CN Tower, a communications and observation tower; Flatiron‑ style Gooderham Building; eat fresh Canadian dishes at the St. Lawrence Market; discover the bohemian neighbourhood of Kensington Market