ontario – Mark's Travel Journal

Local’s guide on Toronto places you should not miss

It can be challenging to decide where to go in Ontario’s capital city because there are so many hidden gems. While well-known attractions such as Nathan Phillips Square and the CN Tower are always exciting, Toronto has so much more to offer. If you wish to see the city in a new light, following the local’s guide can be beneficial. There are plenty of Toronto places you should not miss.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

The Ripley’s Aquarium, located near the foot of the CN Tower, is one of Toronto’s newest top attractions. This fantastic facility exhibits a wide variety of marine life. It’s one of the most popular family attractions in Toronto. If you’re wondering why this is one of the Toronto places you should not miss, you will find out once you visit it. It has the largest underwater tunnel with a moving sidewalk, which is just the most fantastic feature. As sharks glide by and sawfish linger on the tunnel roof, you can watch the water world unravel all around you. For people of all ages, this is genuinely both an exciting and relaxing experience.

Niagara Falls is one of the Toronto places you should not miss

Niagara Falls, Canada — If there’s one near to Toronto place you should not miss, it’s Niagara Falls.

An easy day journey from Toronto to Niagara Falls is well worth the time. In just over an hour, you can be standing on the edge of the falls. This is also a great honeymoon spot if you’re in the area. If you don’t want to drive yourself, a tour to Niagara Falls from Toronto might be more convenient. Tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a Hornblower Niagara Cruise, which takes you up close to the iconic Horseshoe Falls’ crashing wall of water.

Art Gallery of Ontario

If you’re looking for an insider’s guide to Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario is a must. The renowned Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of North America’s largest museums. The more than 95,000-piece collection comprises works from all over the world. This gallery has it all from European masterpieces to contemporary art and an excellent collection of Canadian art, including an extensive collection of Group of Seven works. Throughout the year, a range of temporary exhibitions is staged. If you’re keen on culture, you should not miss this Toronto place.

Dine in the Entertainment District or catch a show

The Entertainment District in Toronto encompasses a significant section of the city center. It’s home to several of the city’s most popular attractions, including the CN Tower, Scotiabank Arena, Rogers Centre, and several museums. Various things make it a Toronto place that you should not miss. It’s also known for its delicious food and, most importantly, live music. King Street West is where the majority of the action takes place, between Spadina Avenue and University Avenue. It’s Toronto’s version of New York’s Broadway. It comes alive in the evenings and is a terrific spot for nightlife. This is where you may witness major theater productions such as musicals, concerts, and other forms of entertainment.

Visit the animals at the Toronto Zoo

With around 5,000 animals, the Toronto Zoo offers an impressive and diversified array. Pygmy hippos, lions, tigers, giraffes, penguins, orangutans, and other animals can be found here. The zoo is separated into numerous parts, each of which represents a different part of the world. You definitely should not miss this Toronto place if you’re an animal lover.

Tour Casa Loma

Casa Loma, one of the best places in Toronto that you should not miss — If you’re able to, be sure to visit Casa Loma.

Casa Loma is an impressive building that resembles a medieval castle and stands on well-maintained grounds. It was built in 1914 for Sir Henry Pellatt, an eccentric Canadian multi-millionaire who was the first to identify and capitalize on Niagara Falls’ financial potential. It’s one of the Toronto places you should not miss because it makes for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The home is now a museum, with about 100 rooms and three dozen bathrooms. Visitors can travel back to a time when Europe was a place of grace and splendor.

Eat and Shop in the Distillery District

If you’re looking for a Toronto place that’s one of the favorite spots for locals, the Distillery District should go on your to-do list. It’s a restored historic district that has been turned into a hip entertainment and shopping spot. The landmark buildings are rich with charming stores, galleries, artist studios, and cafes. This is a fun location to visit at any time of year, day or night. The annual Toronto Christmas Market is one of the most famous of the many entertainment events here. Unique products are sold, and warm outdoor spaces are set up for people to gather around and enjoy themselves.

Relocation to Toronto

If you have fallen in love with some of these Toronto places that you should not miss, you’re not alone. Of course, you can permanently relocate here if you wish to spend more than a holiday exploring it. Hiring a moving company would be the best way to go about this affair. Once you’ve made up your mind, reach out to experts that’ll help you plan everything out. Luckily, there’s a wide variety of reliable Toronto movers for your to choose from.

Enjoy nature at High Park

High Park is one of the Toronto places you shouldn't miss if you like nature — If you’re looking for Toronto places you shouldn’t miss and you love nature, High Park is a must.

Finally, if you’re someone who loves nature and taking road trips with your family and friends, you’ll love High Park. Swimming and wading pools, playgrounds, picnic spots, and a picturesque train journey are all available. Additionally, there are replicas of 19th-century gardens, a Coach House, and the Howards’ Tomb on the grounds.

Where can you stay in Toronto during your visit?

The most fabulous area to stay in Toronto for sightseeing and entertainment is right downtown, in the heart of the activity. From here, you’ll have no trouble visiting all the Toronto places you should not miss since many of the major attractions are within easy walking distance.

Things To See and Do in Ottawa

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Canada’s capital city is beautiful and dynamic, which makes it very interesting to explore. It’s also one of the most multicultural cities in the country. If you like discovering magnificent architecture, world-class museums, and strolling through quiet parks, you’ll love this place. This charming city is located along the Ontario side of the Ottawa River, right across from Quebec. Its downtown is lively and inviting, and it’s great for walking or riding a bike. Here’s our list of the most interesting things to see and do in Ottawa.

Explore the Rideau Canal

While walking through the center of Ottawa, you can’t miss the Rideau Canal. It’s one of the city’s most popular attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

During the summer, Rideau Canal is filled with boats. The pathways surrounding it are crowded with walkers, cyclists, and runners. You can tour the canal by boat, and cruising is one of the best ways to experience it. There are more than 30 notable sights along the canal. For those who like to stay fit while traveling, there’s the option of canoeing and kayaking as well.

If you happen to visit Ottawa in the winter, you can still get out on the Canal. Your experience will be totally different but not less impressive, as this canal transforms into the world’s largest skating rink. In case you need a break from the cold, visit the nearby heated huts and stands selling hot chocolate and other beverages.

Visit Parliament Hill

The magnificent Parliament building is an architectural masterpiece, built in Gothic style. It’s located right in the heart of the city center, overlooking the Ottawa River. A gorgeous garden surrounds the structure and attracts many tourists.

The complex and its surroundings are the sites of various national celebrations and shows throughout the year. Guided tours are available in English and French, and they last from 30 to 60 minutes. The highlights of this place are:

The observation deck of the Peace Tower offering the best view of the city
Changing of the Guard ceremony which happens every summer day at 10 AM (June to August)
Northern Lights Sound and Light Show (during the summer months)

Canada's Parliament Buildings in Ottawa — Parliament hill is one of the most popular attractions in the city.

Head to the ByWard Market

The ByWard Market in Ottawa is one of the oldest and biggest markets in the country. It’s also conveniently located in the city center. There are main buildings surrounded by open-air stalls offering a wide choice of goods. This colorful, charming place is where you’ll find the most beautiful flowers, the best maple syrup, and delicious fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as other grocery items. There are plenty of restaurants, fast food kiosks, coffee shops, galleries, and boutiques in the ByWard neighborhood. All of this makes it a great place to discover more about the local culture, tradition, and culinary scene.

Learn about Canada by visiting museums and galleries

Ottawa is home to many national museums and galleries worth visiting, where you can experience the true spirit of Canada, such as:

Museum of History
War Museum
Museum of Nature
Science and Technology Museum
Agriculture Museum
Museum of Contemporary Photograph
The National Gallery of Canada
The Portrait Gallery of Canada

As you can see, there’s something for everyone’s age and interest, from those who like history, science, and technology to those who admire art in all its forms.

Ottawa architecture panorama — Ottawa has plenty of national museums and galleries worth visiting.

Book a biplane flightseeing tour

Did you know that you could fly in a World War II Biplane? Yes, you can! It’s one of the best things to see and do in Ottawa. You can experience it if you visit the Canada Air and Space Museum in the summer months. During an approximately 25-minute flight, you’ll pass over the Ottawa river, the Gatineau Hills, the downtown, and the Parliament. It’s an incredible experience, and what’s most amazing is that you’ll sit in an outdoor cockpit in front of the pilot because he is in the back.

Relax in Gatineau Park

For a little break from the city and its highlights, head to Gatineau Park – a peaceful oasis and a national treasure. It offers a variety of activities for all seasons. You can enjoy comfortable Ottawa and go hiking, biking, camping, cross-country skiing, or swimming. There are also various heritage sites and beautiful nature everywhere around.

While here, don’t miss scenic Champlain Lookout for the best view from the Gatineau Hills over the Ottawa Valley. One more attraction that shouldn’t be overlooked in Gatineau Park is the Mackenzie King Estate. You can explore the paths surrounding it and peek into its restored cottages which feature various interactive exhibits.

Couple sitting on a bench during Fall in the park in Ottawa, Canada — When in search of relaxing things to see and do in Ottawa, head to one of many peaceful parks.

Watch a sports match

Ice hockey is Canada’s national winter sport, and lacrosse is its lesser known national summer sport. Ottawa has several professional sports teams, and if you’re passionate about sports, you should complete your visit by watching at least one match.

Canadian Tire Centre is a multi-purpose indoor arena that hosts various sports matches and a must-see for sports lovers. One more place worth visiting is the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame, located in the Heritage Building of Ottawa City Hall.

TD Place Stadium is the place where you can see Canadian football. Baseball fans can head to the Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Park to watch a match.

Moving to Ottawa can be an excellent choice

There are many reasons why one should decide to move to Ottawa, and there are many possibilities once you do it. Apart from unique things to see and do in Ottawa, keep in mind that you’ll be living in a city with great job opportunities, excellent healthcare, great schools, and various cultural activities year-round, as well as great entertainment for all generations.

If you decided to move to Canada’s capital, be sure to leave enough time for a stress-free preparation. To save time and make the process more effective, you should consider hiring a reliable moving company that has all you need for your Ottawa-based relocation. Then you can choose from a wide selection of moving services, such as packing services, storage solutions, and much more. When you finally settle in, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city and discover many of its gems by yourself.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re planning to visit Ottawa only for a short time as a tourist or you plan to relocate to the city permanently, you’ll be delighted by its charm. The number of things to see and do in Ottawa is almost limitless, so there’s guaranteed fun for every season and each person. Good luck with exploring, and good luck to those who come to stay!

Best places to experience the true spirit of Canada

January 5, 2021March 3, 2021markstraveljournal38 Comments

The Canadian natural and urban landscapes are undeservedly neglected in many travel plans. However, if you are looking for the best places to experience the true spirit of Canada, you have stumbled upon a guide that will list and explain why the home of maple syrup (among other things) should definitely be on your travel horizon.

Essentially, this is a big country that boasts one of the most mesmerizing and impressive landscapes in the world. On the one hand, you can encounter lakes, mountains, and other natural sceneries of indescribable beauty. On the other, Canadian cities are a perfect starting and finishing point on your trip. They offer you a chance to experience incredible architectural gems in a progressive and liberal society. Read on to find out more about the most breathtaking and exciting places in Canada you should visit on your next trip to the Great White North.

Toronto

If you are looking for the perfect city to start your Canadian journey, Toronto is the place for you (and my hometown). It is one of the largest and culturally most important cities in this country. Toronto’s distinguishing landmark is the CN Tower which you must have seen if you have ever received a postcard from Toronto.

When it comes to its tourist potential, Toronto’s transportation system makes movement through the city impeccable, with a network of subways, street cars, and roads. However, if you get bored with Toronto’s bustling urban energy, you can always take the ferry across the harbour to the nearby Toronto Islands.

a Toronto skyline with skyscrapers and CN Tower — The famous CN Tower dominates the Toronto skyline

Banff

If you are looking to visit the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff is a great resort town to start your hiking, biking, or skiing journey from. It is located in the Banff National Park, the first national park established on Canadian soil. As for what it can offer to its visitors, Banff is a town that is brimful of small, local cafes, restaurants, art galleries, shops, and other tourist amenities. You can find the beautiful Mount Norquay towering over this little town and the famous Lake Louise just an hour away from Banff.

Icefields Parkway

Icefield Parkway is a world-famous 144-mile double-lane highway drive between Jasper and Lake Louise. What makes it so epic is that this road offers an incredible overview of the Canadian Rocky Mountains while taking you through orchards, waterfalls, lakes, and other intact natural scenery. This route is fantastic for those who enjoy hiking and camping in breathtakingly beautiful Canadian nature.

a big lake at the foot of mountains in Canada, symbolizing the best places to experience the true spirit of Canada — Canada is home to supreme vistas and natural sceneries.

Vancouver

Vancouver is another big Canadian city that should be on your priority list, especially if you are visiting western Canada. This city is famous for its multiculturalism and green living. Around 50% of its citizens speak languages other than English, making it a truly inspiring and eclectic city. As for what you can do besides the essential sightseeing around the city, Vancouver is a well-known stop for any serious skier given its nearby world-renowned ski resorts such as Whistler Blackcomb. The local city council continuously strive to achieve the best living standard by pioneering and incorporating green design ideas into the city’s infrastructure.

In fact, a rising number of US citizens are moving to Vancouver and other Canadian cities to pursue a cleaner, more humane way of living. If you are considering moving to Canada from NYC, be mindful that you might need to hire an international relocation company to help you get here from NYC, with the necessary vehicles and equipment.

Cape Breton

Cape Breton is a unique part of the province of Nova Scotia located on the east coast of the country. It is one of Canada’s most beloved road trip destinations because of its amazing landscapes that line the famous Cabot Trail – a 186-mile route through the Cape Breton National Park. You will be able to see fantastic nature from Cape Breton’s lookout points, picturesque fishing villages, and one of the most breathtaking scenic routes in the world. A drive through Cape Breton is one to not be missed.

Prince Edward Island

This lovely eastern province and island is famous for its green hills, red cliffs, and amazing seafood everywhere you go. Also, given that most locations in Canada are oriented towards active vacations such as walking or hiking, this island is the perfect getaway where you can relax and enjoy the island scenery. This island is also huge in the golfing world due to its many golf courses available for play. Beside these luxurious, upper-class amenities, the island is also famous for its seal population – as many as four different species of seal inhabit its shores throughout the year.

Niagara Falls

colorful waterfalls and a tree — Niagara Falls are an incredible sight any time of the year and the best place to experience the true spirit of Canada

And, last but certainly not the least, the amazing Niagara Falls. There is hardly a person who has not heard of this collection of waterfalls on the United States and Canada border. The Niagara Falls are indeed a natural wonder that merits at least a day of your attention, especially if you are staying or moving to Toronto in the future.

The waterfalls – Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls – make up an astounding six million cubic feet of water that splash downward every minute. This makes the word wonder in the phrase “natural wonder” a literal description of what experiencing the Niagara Falls is like.

All in all, we hope this short guide has helped you visualize the best places to experience the true spirit of Canada. Of course, there are many more amazing spots which you can visit, especially if you enjoy spending your holiday in the great outdoors. Don’t forget Quebec, Newfoundland and the other provinces and territories (coming in a future post). Whatever your favorite places are, we are confident you will love every minute spent in this beautiful country. Just make sure you stay safe and healthy during your travel.