Toronto - Nomadic Nurse Notes

After our journey to the Niagara area, Tiff and I found ourselves in Old Toronto. We stayed at a great little Airbnb – Wits End – with fantastic hosts, Tom and Donna, and it was very conveniently located close to shops and restaurants and the streetcar, yet far enough out of the heart of the city to feel less busy.

Toronto, the largest city in Canada and the capital of the province of Ontario, with a 2022 population of over 3 million, is a vibrant and multicultural metropolis situated on the shores of Lake Ontario. Its iconic skyline is punctuated by architectural marvels like the CN Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city and beyond. Toronto has a thriving arts and entertainment scene, with world-class museums, theaters, and galleries showcasing everything from contemporary art to historic artifacts, including an area of the city dedicated to graffiti art. The city’s diverse neighborhoods each offer their own distinct character and charm, from the bustling streets of downtown to the trendy boutiques of Queen Street West and the cultural enclaves of Chinatown and Little Italy. With an abundance of green spaces, including the expansive High Park and the Toronto Islands, as well as a vibrant culinary scene and a lively nightlife, Toronto really does offer something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

Some of the places we visited in Toronto were:

The CN Tower. Located in downtown Toronto, this tower is an iconic symbol of the city and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Completed in 1976 after three years of construction, it stands at 1,815 feet tall, and for over three decades, it held the title of the world’s tallest free-standing structure and tallest tower. The highest observation deck in the tower is at 1,465 feet, and, of course, we went there. Sadly, the EdgeWalk isn’t open during the winter, but walking the edge of the tower 116 stories above ground would be exhilirating during the summer!
Graffiti Alley is a famous spot for street art, and definitely a highlight for Tiff. We were pleasantly surprised to find that is actually a stretch of alleys in the Queen Street West neighborhood filled with colorful graffiti and murals. And I mean FILLED! People come here to see the ever-changing artwork and take photos. It’s legal to paint here, so artists often create new pieces, making it an evolving outdoor art gallery. It’s a very cool spot to explore if you’re into urban art and want to see some vibrant and creative expressions.
Toronto’s Distillery District is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of the city. Once home to the Gooderham and Worts Distillery, one of the largest distilleries in the world, the area has been meticulously preserved and transformed into a pedestrian-friendly district filled with charming cobblestone streets, Victorian-era buildings, and industrial chic architecture. Today, the Distillery District is a cultural hub renowned for its arts, culture, and entertainment. Not much was happening when we were there as it was a Monday, but the area was beyond cute, and I can imagine that the outdoor dining and drinking during the summer is just delightful.
Little Canada is a distinctive tourist destination, presenting visitors with a miniature representation of the country’s most notable landmarks and landscapes. Little Canada was by far our favorite place in Toronto! Modeled after miniature villages worldwide, Little Canada features meticulously detailed dioramas showcasing various regions and landmarks of Canada, from bustling city streets to serene rural scenes. With realistic elements like moving vehicles, changing weather conditions, and ambient sound effects, the miniatures offer an immersive and interactive experience for visitors. Beyond entertainment, Little Canada serves an educational purpose, providing insights into Canadian history, culture, and geography. It celebrates Canada’s cultural diversity and indigenous heritage, aiming to foster national pride and unity while representing the country’s rich tapestry of traditions. We spent several hours exploring the miniature displays, guided by informative exhibits and guided tours, making Little Canada a captivating journey through Canada’s vast and diverse beauty in miniature form. One of the neatest things about Little Canada was that we were able to find all of the places we had already been as well as the places we were going. It also gave us additional ideas! As if this wasn’t enough fun already, they include a scavenger hunt for Maurice the Moose in your visit. Maurice hides himself in multiple places throughout Little Canada, and finding him was often a challenge. They also have what they call a “Littlization Station,” where you can have 3D images of yourself taken and miniature you’s created! Yes, we did this, too. I plan to put us at the Ice Hotel, so if you ever visit Little Canada, be sure to look for Tiff and I in addition to Maurice!
The St. Lawrence Market in the heart of downtown Toronto is a historic and bustling marketplace renowned for its diverse array of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and artisanal goods. Established in 1803, the market has a rich heritage and is one of the city’s oldest and most beloved institutions. Divided into three main buildings—the South Market, the North Market, and St. Lawrence Hall—the market offers an eclectic mix of vendors, ranging from farmers and butchers to bakers and cheesemongers. Visitors to St. Lawrence Market can explore the stalls and aisles, sampling an array of locally sourced produce, international delicacies, and culinary delights. The market is also a hub of activity and community, hosting events, cooking classes, and food festivals throughout the year. We didn’t do much at this market, in part because we didn’t have much room to bring stuff home, but it was definitely neat to see. It was easy to see why locals love it with the huge variety of food and goods available.
Nathan Phillips Square is a busy public square located in the heart of downtown Toronto, directly in front of Toronto City Hall. Named after Nathan Phillips, the former mayor of Toronto who oversaw the construction of the new City Hall in the 1960s, the square serves as a hub of activity and events throughout the year. Its prominent features include the iconic Toronto sign, a large, illuminated structure spelling out the city’s name, which has become a popular backdrop for photos. The square also boasts a reflecting pool that doubles as an ice rink in the winter months, offering recreational opportunities for skating enthusiasts, and there was no shortage of people enjoying the ice rink while we were there! Surrounding the square are various cultural institutions, including the Toronto City Hall and the Toronto Eaton Centre, as well as numerous restaurants, shops, and hotels, making it a focal point for both locals and tourists to gather, socialize, and enjoy the dynamic energy of downtown Toronto.
High Park, located in the western part of Toronto, is the city’s largest public park and a beloved natural oasis for residents and visitors alike. Spanning over 400 acres, the park offers a diverse range of recreational activities and natural attractions. Its lush green spaces, meandering trails, and scenic gardens provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, while its numerous sports facilities, including tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and soccer fields, cater to active enthusiasts. It is also home to a very small but growing zoo. Bonnie and Clyde, the two capybaras at the zoo, came with an interesting story. In 2016, these two busted out of the zoo, and the city spent weeks trying to find them. Obvisously, they were eventually found and returned to the zoo. Also at High Park, we were able to see the maple leaf display despite everything being dead, so I can only imagine what it looks like with live plants. Nonetheless, the maple leaf and the zoo were the highlights of the park for me. With its natural beauty, recreational amenities, and cultural attractions, High Park stands as a cherished green space and a true gem of Toronto’s landscape.

Overall, our time in Toronto was very well-spent. Bit cities really aren’t my thing, but I must say that Toronto really does offer a lot. And really, I can’t wait to get my little me with my bestie!