Colourful, cultural Toronto
Flights to Toronto take you to a cosmopolitan lakeside city bursting with atmosphere. This stimulating city is packed with artistic attractions and festivals, so you’ll never be short of things to do.
Explore a skyscraper-filled skyline, where quirky neighbourhoods and sumptuous food await.
Toronto is a great city to simply wander around, built on the banks of Lake Ontario, one of five Great Lakes of North America.
Visit the pedestrianised Distillery District to spend hours exploring 19th century buildings and cobbled streets – it’s now a creative hub with independent shops and galleries.
Night and day, the downtown area’s major-league sports venues and theatres are packed events. For families, a visit to Ripley’s superb Aquarium comes highly recommended.
Book Toronto flights with Etihad to see this exciting, diverse destination for yourself.
Reasons to visit Toronto
Be a culture vulture
Toronto is renowned for its world-class culture and arts scene. The city is full of museums and galleries, and you’ll find live performances in theatres, bars, parks and on the street. The Royal Ontario Museum is a great place to start your cultural tour of Toronto – it tells the city’s story from the time of the dinosaurs.
Frank Gehry’s Art Gallery of Ontario is another popular destination, thanks to its huge collection of Canadian art. Arrange plane tickets to Toronto in September to catch the world-famous Toronto Film Festival, which brings up-and-coming directors and Hollywood A-listers to the city each year.
See Toronto from the air
Toronto is famed for its skyscrapers, with almost 300 already in situ and more being built. The best known is the CN Tower. Head up for incredible, vertiginous views over the city and Lake Ontario from its floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s the best place to begin your trip and get a feel for the city.
If the views aren’t enough, take a look at EdgeWalk. Only for the brave, you’ll walk around the outside of the tower at 1,168 feet above the ground, attached to the building by a harness. If that’s not for you, the tower’s revolving restaurant, 360, offers a more relaxed way to enjoy the view.
Splash about in Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario turns Toronto into an outside oasis. In summer, you can sunbathe on its beaches or head out on a kayak or stand-up paddle board to explore the lush islands. If you have the time, take a day trip to the spectacular Niagara Falls on the other side of the lake, around two hours away.
In winter, the water often freezes and is sometimes used by locals for ice skating. If it’s not frozen over during your trip, you’ll find more than 50 outdoor skating rinks in the city, including one right on the lake at the Harbourfront Centre.
Flying to Toronto: FAQs
Where is Downtown Toronto?
Downtown is Toronto’s oldest area – located right in the heart. Yonge-Dundas Square is the city’s hub. It’s a great place for shopping and is flanked by attractions including the Eaton Centre, Ed Mirvish Theatre and Citytv building. Other areas of Downtown include upscale Yorkville, Harbourfront, the Entertainment District and international enclaves including Little Italy.
What should I see in Toronto?
The CN Tower is considered a must-do and serves as a popular starting point for many Toronto visitors. Make sure you spend time wandering through Downtown and exploring its various characterful districts. Visit High Park, too – it’s the perfect place for a summer picnic and, in winter, cross country skiing.
What food is Toronto known for?
Toronto boasts international cuisine from the many different cultures that call it home. Asian and fusion food is highly regarded, with a mix of street food and upscale restaurants. The city’s Chinatown area is known for its authentic Chinese dishes. If you’re looking for something uniquely Canadian, give poutine a try – that’s fries with gravy and cheese curds.