For this particular post, I’m going to round up 5 of the top hiking trails in Toronto, but if you’re curious about more trails in and around the city, be sure to check out my friend Lauren’s amazing website OntarioHiking.com. It’s the go-to source for all the best hiking spots in Ontario. If there’s anyone who can weigh in on the best hiking trails here in Toronto it’s her and she’s helped me put together the list of top hiking trails in Toronto below!

Glen Stewart Ravine

The Glen Stewart Ravine is a hidden forest escape located right in the middle of a Toronto residential neighbourhood, and is a protected natural area in the Beaches. So, what makes Glen Stewart Ravine one of the beautiful hiking trails in Toronto? It’s one giant boardwalk trail through the forest. No matter where you go, you’ll be shaded by a canopy of red oak and maple trees overhead. While it’s not a super long path at 1.3km, it’s a great place to go for a short walk in nature. Glen Stewart Ravine is perfect for beginner hikers, families, and people of all ages. There are access points on either side of the Glen Stewart Park Trail from Glen Manor Drive East and Beech Avenue, and you aren’t far from the shops and restaurants on Queen Street East. It’s easy to fit this lovely, short walk into your other daily plans in the city as it should only take you about 20 minutes to walk this entire out-and-back trail.

Humber River Recreational Trail

In the city’s west end is one of my favourite hiking trails in Toronto, the Humber River Recreational Trail. This multi-use trail runs alongside the Humber River for over 13km. There are multiple access points, so you can hike as much or as little of the trail as you like. The trail is paved and well-maintained, with a little bit of elevation gain, making this trail perfect for all skill levels and ages. There’s quite a lot to see along the Humber River Recreational Trail from birding and wildlife encounters, to watching kayakers and canoers float on by. The trail is diverse in scenery and will bring you past parks, through wooded areas, under bridges, across the river, and past some beautiful street art before concluding at the Humber Bay Arch Bridge on the shores of Lake Ontario. What I love about this trail is that you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes. And with so many access points, you can make this a short outing or a full day hike.

Rouge Urban National Park

Next up, we’re taking you to a really unique park in the Greater Toronto Area that’s the first of its kind – Rouge National Urban Park. Located about a 30-min drive, northeast of downtown Toronto, Rouge National Urban Park is Canada’s first and only national urban park. The wide variety of natural, cultural, and agricultural landscapes makes it one of the most biodiverse parks in Canada. There are many hiking trails at Rouge Park across its expansive 79 square kilometres of land. To give you some reference, this is 23 times larger than Central Park in New York City! You can keep returning to Rouge Park over and over again for new hiking experiences each time you visit. I suggest checking out the Vista Trail for its two-level observation deck overlooking the forest and the river. The Mast Trail follows an old logging route from over 200 years ago. And the Orchard Trail features forests, wetlands, and the remnants of early European settlements. Before you visit the trail, download the official Parks Canada app for Rouge National Urban Park to access all of the trails and learn interesting details about the park as you hike.

Moore Park Ravine Trail

Now, for a trail that will keep you in the heart of the city but make you feel like you’re far from it all, head to Moore Park Ravine Trail. Running from Mount Pleasant Cemetery down to the Evergreen Brick Works, this 2km trail is a lush oasis in the city. The tree-lined canopy of maples, oaks and beech trees provide a lot of shade, making this a great option on a hot summer day. The gravel and earthen-packed trail is wide and flat, and runs alongside Mud Creek. On quiet days, it’s not uncommon to catch a glimpse of a deer or two as well. A landmark feature of the Moore Park Ravine Trail is the impressive Governor’s Bridge. Originally built in 1923, the towering bridge creates a beautiful juxtaposition of mother nature with urban construction. Access points can be found at Moore Ave, the pedestrian bridge at Heath St and Hudson Drive, Chorley Park, and the Evergreen Brick Works. If you want to extend your hike, there are a number of great trails that connect to the Moore Park Ravine Trail including Park Drive Reservation Lands Trail, the David Balfour Park Trail, and the trails at the Evergreen Brick Works.

Taylor Creek Trail

And lastly, with so many natural areas in Toronto, we’re going to wrap things up at one of the largest spaces in the city along the Taylor Creek Trail. Located in the east end of Toronto, this 3km trail runs through 182 acres of mature forest and along gently flowing rivers. The Taylor Creek trail is perfect for hiking and biking as there are both paved paths and narrower dirt trails. You’ll cross steel and wooden bridges where you can catch glimpses of the pretty waterways. The forests and marshes support a diversity of wildlife and regionally rare plants. There are also quite a few open grassy areas and picnic sites if you’d like to enjoy a picnic lunch on the way. You can access the park from Don Mills on one side and Victoria Park on the other, and it’s only a 10-minute walk from Victoria Park subway station if you’re taking the TTC. You can continue your hike beyond the Taylor Creek Trail on the east side towards Warden Woods or on the west side to the Lower Don Recreational Trail.

Tips to Ensure You Have a Safe and Fun Hike

1. Research your trail ahead of time – know the access points, the distance, and any markers you may need to follow along the way.
2. Wear comfortable shoes with good support, especially if you’re going to be hiking over varied terrain.
3. Always bring water, you do not want to get dehydrated on the trail.
4. And as the saying goes – leave no trace, only footprints. Don’t litter, don’t leave any garbage, whatever you bring in should also come out with you.

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Check out the Cherry Blossoms in High Park

Nothing captures the beauty of spring like a flowering cherry blossom tree. For me personally, this is what I look forward to most about spring and the best place to see them in Toronto is in High Park. Believe it or not, the cherry blossom trees in High Park were actually a gift from the Japanese Ambassador to Canada. In 1959, Toronto was presented 2,000 sakura trees from the citizens of Tokyo as a gesture of appreciation for supporting Japanese-Canada refuges during WWII. Today, you can find the cherry blossom trees lining the High Park Trail, creating an almost canopy-like effect of delicate white cherry blossom pedals. Be warned though, every year thousands of people descend on the park, crowding the paths, snapping selfies and filling up Instagram feeds everywhere. To avoid the crowds, visit the park on a weekday in the early hours of the day. If you’re coming on the weekend, leave your car at home and bring your patience! The cherry blossoms only last for about 2 weeks, so keep your eye on this site, which has been predicting the blooming of the trees for years.

Head Outside and Cycle Toronto’s Bicycle Trails

The arrival of warmer temperatures means it’s time to soak in some Vitamin D we’ve sorely been missing during the winter months. My favourite thing to do once the weather warms up is to hop on my bicycle and explore the city from two wheels. Toronto has a number of dedicated trails for cyclists, runners, and hikers from the Humber River Trail which starts north of the 401 and runs all the way down to Lake Ontario to the Martin Goodman Trail which spans the width of the city and beyond. Check out the above video for the Top 5 Bicycle Trails in the City!

Go For A Hike Without Leaving Toronto

If you prefer to keep both feet firmly planted on the ground, then get active by going for a hike. Believe it or not, you don’t have to leave the city to reconnect with nature. There are a number of multi-use hiking trails within Toronto from trails that run alongside creeks to ones that’ll have you feeling like you’ve escaped the city. Check out the video about for the Top 5 Hiking Trails in Toronto!

Step Inside Some of the City’s Most Significant Buildings During Doors Open Toronto

Every year, for a weekend in May, the city of Toronto literally opens its doors to the public. Since 2000, Doors Open Toronto has celebrated the architecturally, historically, culturally, and socially significant buildings across the city by allowing the public free access. Many of the sites offer free, guided tours, exhibits and displays. This is one of my favourite events in the city because I get a chance to check out buildings normally off-limits to the public. Don’t forget your camera if you love photographing architecture like I do! This year, more than 100 buildings across the city will be participating throughout the city and it’s all going down on May 25 & 26, 2024 from 10am – 5pm.

Take A Free Walking Tour with Tour Guys

My favourite tour company in the city, Tour Guys, has expanded their free walking tour program just in time for Spring! In addition to their ‘Old Town History Tour’ and ‘Downtown Toronto Tour’ they were running last fall, 2016 includes 2 more free walking tours centered around food and graffiti in the city. On the ‘Food Tour’, you’ll step inside the St. Lawrence Market and learn about our regional foods, meet some of the vendors who have been selling their products in the market for decades, sample some of the food, and learn about the history of the area. The tour does not include food, however some vendors will provide some small samples for you to try. On the ‘Graffiti Tour’ you’ll head to Queen Street West and our famous Graffiti Alley, where you’ll find the largest concentration of graffiti and street art in the city. You’ll learn about the history of modern graffiti, the different styles and techniques, the city’s policies towards it, and no doubt discuss the ‘art’ vs. ‘vandalism’ debate that surrounds it all. Note: Although the walking tours are free, the tour guides are working for tips. So if you enjoyed the experience, don’t forget to show them how much!

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1. The Bentway Skate Trail

First up, it’s one of the most unique top skating rinks in Toronto – The Bentway Skate Trail. What makes it so unique is that it’s built right under the Gardiner Expressway, beside the Fort York Visitor centre. The 220m skating trail weaves it’s way around the pillars of the Gardiner Expressway and you get this amazing cathedral affect with the Gardiner towering above you. The Bentway does a wonderful job of incorporating community events, offering free skate rental nights, free hot chocolate nights, skating lessons, and more. You do have to register for the free skating lessons, so be sure to visit The Bentway’s website for more.

The Bentway Skate Trail is open 7 days a week, though during the weekdays it’s only open in the evenings. Skate rentals and sharpening are available, and some skate-aid devices can be used on a first-come-first-serve basis. There are washrooms onsite plus a small concession stand for a quick pick-me-up.

In Summary:
Hours: open evenings and weekends
Programming: Free Hot Chocolate Mondays, Free Skate Lesson Tuesdays, and Free Skate Rental Fridays
Skate Rentals Available: $12/adult, $10/youth (includes helmet)
Washrooms and a small concession stand onsite

2. Colonel Samuel Smith Skating Trail

Next up is my personal favourite skating rink in Toronto – Colonel Samuel Smith Skating Trail. It’s located along the waterfront in the city’s west end. This figure-eight shaped trail near the historic Power House Recreation Centre takes the claim as Toronto’s first ice skating trail. It’s also one of only a few spots in the city where you can skate in nature. The 250m trail will have you skating your way past trees and wetlands. Inside the Power House Recreation Centre you’ll find washrooms, a change room and cubbies to store your things, but there are no skate rental facilities. The Colonel Samuel Smith Skating Trail is open 7 days a week.

In Summary:
Hours: open 7 days a week
No skate rentals available
Washrooms, changeroom, and cubbies onsite

3. The Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail

This next spot brings us back to downtown Toronto – the Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail. Although it’s located in downtown Toronto, it doesn’t feel like you’re in downtown Toronto. There’s certainly a cozy vibe to this spot at College Park, which makes it one of the top skating rinks in Toronto. The oval-shaped skating path is tucked in amongst the towers at Yonge and College Streets and is named after the Canadian figure skater who won gold at the 1948 Winter Olympics. There is a 1,500-square-foot wood and glass pavilion where you’ll find washrooms and a warming centre. There are no rental facilities available so you do have to bring your own skates. The Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail is open 7 days a week.

The Downtown Yonge BIA will be bringing back their #SkatesAndSounds DJ Nights every Friday night from 5pm-8pm in the month of February. Each Friday, a different DJ will be spinning the themed-tunes which will also include a free skate-lending program, family programming, and more.

In Summary:
Hours: open 7 days a week
Programming: #SkatesAndSounds DJ Nights every Friday in February from 5pm-8pm
No skate rentals available
Washrooms and changeroom onsite

4. The Evergreen Brick Works Skating Rink

In the east end of the city, you’ll find another top skating rink in Toronto – The Evergreen Brick Works Skating Rink. It’s located on the site of a former quarry and brick factory. The skating rink takes over one of the old brick factory buildings with only the exposed beams left overhead. You’ll weave your way around snow-covered gardens on an ice surface that features a sustainable cooling system call ECO Chill. Skate rentals and skate sharpening services are available and when you’re finished, pop into the Picnic Café for a tasty bite afterwards. The Evergreen Brick Works Rink is only open on the weekends and there is paid parking onsite and even a free shuttle service to and from Broadview Station.

The Evergreen Brick Works skating rink will be hosting DJ Skate Nights on Saturdays for the first time this year. From 6pm-10pm until February 17, 2024, skate to some of your favourite tunes. There will be food and beverages to purchase, plus lawn games, smores and firepits. There’s also an Apres Skate Lounge in the Young Centre where you can warm up in after skating.

In Summary:
Hours: Public skating open 9am-12pm on Saturdays and 1pm-5pm on Sundays
Programming: DJ Skate Nights every Saturday from 6pm-10pm until February 17th, 2024
Skate rentals available: $5 suggested donation
Washrooms, concession stand and dine-in cafe onsite

5. Nathan Phillips Square Ice Rink

And last but not least – Nathan Phillips Square Skating Rink. Located right in the heart of downtown Toronto you’ve got City Hall and the iconic Toronto sign as it’s backdrop. It’s hands down, the most popular rink in the city, so consider visiting during the week if you want to avoid the crowds. At night it’s particularly magical with all the twinkly lights overhead. There are benches all around the rink to lace up but not much in the way of lockers, so don’t leave valuables unattended. Washroom facilities are not available onsite either, the closest public washrooms can be found in the Eaton Centre just east of Nathan Phillips Square. There are skate rentals available as well as skate sharpening services during the week. The Nathan Phillips Square Rink can be enjoyed 7 days a week.

In Summary:
Hours: open 7 days a week
Programming: DJ Skate Nights every Saturday from 6pm-10pm until February 17th, 2024
Skate rentals available: $15/adult, $10/children
No washrooms
Concession stand onsite

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Restoule Provincial Park

Restoule Provincial Park is located just southwest of North Bay. All the chatter you’ll find online is that it’s quite the hidden gem in the area, and it really is. Tucked along Highway 534, Restoule Provincial Park spans an area of over 26 square kms. Stormy Lake is found entirely in Restoule Provincial Park, along with Clear Lake to the north and Restoule Lake to the south. The park features 2 sandy beaches, a variety of camping options, including car camping, walk-in camping, and even backcountry camping, lots of trails for cycling (over 8kms of double and single track trails with a large range in difficulty) and hiking, plus endless opportunities for paddling and exploring the park from the water.

If you’re like me and hiking is your jam, there are 2 trails you can’t miss. The Rangers Point Trail is an easy 860m loop trail that’ll act as a great introduction to the landscape and views you’ll enjoy at the park. The trail is mainly flat, with some elevation gain as you near the shores of Stormy Lake. The views from the point are gorgeous and on a clear, calm day, the mirrored effect from the lake is incredible. Pack a lunch to enjoy at one of two picnic sites with views of the Stormy Lake Bluff and historic Fire Tower.

Speaking of which, the Fire Tower Trail is the most popular trail in the park and definitely worth the hype. It runs 4.1km in total and is best if completed counter-clockwise. Taken at a leisurely pace, you’ll spend about 2 hours on the trail. You’ll begin in a red pine forest (a great spot to snap some pics), and continue across boardwalks and up a few rocky spots to Amber Lake for a rest stop. From there you’ll continue past the historic Fire Tower and on to an incredible panoramic lookout atop the 100m Stormy Lake Bluff. The view from the lookout is spectacular. Probably one of the best lookouts from an Ontario Park. Take a few moments or enjoy a lunch break and soak in the beautiful scene.

For more information about visiting the park in the fall, check out Restoule: a fall colours paradise. Restoule Provincial Park is open until October 10^th, 2023.

Bonnechere Provincial Park

Another option to enjoy the fall colours without any of the crowds is to visit Bonnechere Provincial Park. It’s located in the north-east part of the province, just outside the Ottawa Valley. The drive alone to Bonnechere Provincial Park is incredibly beautiful, especially during the fall season. Depending on where you’re travelling from, you’ll spend the majority of time along 2-lane highways that weave and snake their way to your destination.

Bonnechere Provincial Park sits on the shores of Round Lake and boasts a huge sandy beach. Cutting through the park is the Little Bonnechere River. It flows from Algonquin Provincial Park to Round Lake and has significant natural and cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy the park for the day or book into one of their car-camping sites, rustic cabins or even a full cottage. The sites are generous in size and offer a good amount of privacy. I highly recommend booking into a site that sits on the river’s edge. The views are gorgeous.

In terms of recreational offerings at the park, consider paddling along the Little Bonnechere River. Canoe and kayak rentals are available through the Park Store on a first-come first-serve basis. If you prefer to stay on land, the McNaughton FIT (Footprints in Time) Trail is an easy 2km out and back loop trail that follows the Little Bonnechere River. It pays tribute to the Indigenous caretakers of the land with interpretive signage, detailed information, and 12 points of interest along the way, including two restored park ranger cabins.

Bonnechere Provincial Park also believes that camping should be for everyone and therefore includes a number of amenities for those with accessibility needs. There are 2 barrier-free camp sites (meaning they’re level, and close to water and comfort stations, often with a paved path), barrier-free access to the beach with Mobi Mats and all-terrain wheel chairs suitable for use on land and in the water for free use, and 2 accessible trails, including the brand new Nàdòbìkana FIT Trail near the boat launch site.

One thing you can’t miss at Bonnechere Provincial Park is the cute Free Little Library near the Park Shop. But this isn’t just any Free Little Library though. It’s a Free Book Tree Library! That’s right, a library cut into a large tree trunk with a huge canoe resting on top. Leave a book or take a book, and grab your selfie with the tree library before you go!

Being located so close to the Ottawa Valley, Bonnechere Provincial Park is also the ideal spot to set as your home base while you explore the surrounding area. The Bonnechere Caves, Pembroke, and the Town of Renfrew are all nearby. Check out how to use Bonnechere as a basecamp to explore the nearby Ottawa Valley to learn more. Bonnechere Provincial Park is open until October 15^th, 2023.

*This post is sponsored by Ontario Parks, all views remain my own.

The post 2 Ontario Provincial Parks to Enjoy the Fall Colours Without All the Crowds appeared first on seeyousoon.ca.

To do that, I called upon some of Toronto’s top Instagrammers to recommend their favourite spots in the city. No one knows Toronto’s best angles better than these guys and gals. These are the people you’ll see out at the crack of dawn, in the middle of a snow storm, after a heavy rainfall, and snapping away as the sun sets for the day. Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time or looking for a new spot or two, check out the best photography spots in Toronto below. And be sure to follow each of these creators on Instagram. Their feeds are incredible!

The Toronto Islands

Just a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto are the Toronto Islands. Made up from a collection of 15 smaller islands, the Toronto Islands is one of the most popular spots amongst photographers. There’s beaches, nature, and of course, that iconic Toronto Skyline shot.

@argenel

“One of the main reasons why I love visiting the Toronto Islands is the peace and quiet that it can provide. Only a quick ferry ride from downtown, I find visiting the islands to be a good way to hit the “pause” button on the hustle and bustle of daily life. As someone who loves the outdoors and lives in a big city, the Toronto Islands provide an opportunity to reconnect with nature, as you go about exploring the many pathways and bridges that can be found there. On top of that, this area offers some of the most beautiful photo opportunities and views of the city and of the island itself, making it the perfect place to escape the city at pretty much anytime of the year.”

Trillium Park

Looking to get that Toronto skyline shot but don’t have time to visit the Toronto Islands? Then head to Trillium Park. Located on the eastern part of Ontario Place, Trillium Park is one of Toronto’s newest green spaces. This 7.5-acre park is located right on the waterfront and features a 1.3km trail, gardens, lookout spots, and even a fire pit.

@jayeffex

“Trillium Park is one of my favourite spots to photograph in the city. It used to be a parking lot and has now been transformed into a beautiful park enjoyed by joggers, picnic goers, families, and everyone in between! It’s easily accessible and has one of the best views of the city skyline. Whether you’re watching planes take off from Billy Bishop Airport or enjoying Canada Day fireworks, I always recommend this place to everyone!”

Colonel Samuel Smith Park

There are a few spots west of downtown Toronto that also offer great views of the city especially for those amazing sunrise shots, starting with Colonel Samuel Smith Park. As one of the city’s largest waterfront green spaces, Colonel Samuel Smith Park is ideal for those photographers who love photographing nature and birds. The nearby yacht club also provides opportunities to snap some of the boats or to get those cool reflective water shots on a calm day.

@kristupha

“Colonel Samuel Smith Park is west of downtown Toronto by Humber College. It’s far enough to provide solace from the city without committing to a longer trip elsewhere. I like shooting here because of how tucked away it is; there are lots of trees to block light pollution from the city and a wide view of the dark sky over Lake Ontario, which really helps with astrophotography – my favourite time to shoot! For the early birds, check out sunrise at Whimbrel Point. The view of the morning sun is surreal over the Toronto skyline.”

Humber Bay Park

Another great photography spot just west of downtown Toronto is Humber Bay Park. It’s divided by Mimico Creek, creating an East and West Park and offers nature photography opportunities along with skyline views of Toronto. Both sections of the park jut out into Lake Ontario and features walking trails, rock beaches, waterways and a butterfly habitat.

@JakeGrahamPhoto

“As a Toronto-born landscape photographer, I love being able to show the contrast of the natural and human worlds. I find the best place to capture this in the city to be Humber Bay Park East & West. In the winter months, the full moon rises perfectly behind the city’s skyline at sunset, allowing for a unique & reflective winter experience along the shores of Lake Ontario. With Toronto’s skyline growing rapidly, each return visit to the park offers a changing perspective.”

Humber Bay Arch Bridge

At the mouth of the Humber River is the Humber Bay Arch Bridge, a 456-foot-long pedestrian bridge that’s used by cyclists, joggers, and walkers. Its award-winning design features two steel-pipe arches and geometric shapes, great for shadow-play photography. This remarkable piece of architecture creates a stunning contrast with the surrounding nature, resulting in beautiful photographic opportunities.

@smaku

“The Humber Bay Arch Bridge is an iconic landmark in Toronto’s west end, located just east of Humber Bay Park East. The architecture is striking and offers a great opportunity for photography, particularly during sunrise when passersby are silhouetted by the warm glow of the sun rising behind them. You can walk around the area to find several different and unique vantage points of this bridge, and catching it with pedestrians makes it even more of a beautiful shot. Just don’t forget to pack your patience.”

The Waterfront

@Mke11y

“Toronto’s waterfront is one of the most dynamic places in the city, especially for photography. During the summer there’s always events happening, attracting tons of people that make for some great candid shots blending nature and city life. While not void of activities, the area is drastically different during the winter. With less people around, it’s a quiet retreat from the downtown core much like the islands, but without being fully disconnected from the city. Regardless of the season, it’s always a great place to watch/photograph the sunset and planes landing at Billy Bishop Airport.”

Historic Distillery District

The Historic Distillery District is another favourite photography spot in Toronto. Home to the former Gooderham and Worts distillery, the largest in the world at one point, is now a pedestrian only arts and entertainment district. The wonderfully preserved Victorian industrial buildings create a unique backdrop that you can’t find anywhere else in the city. The Historic Distillery District hosts various festivals throughout the year and is often used in film and television productions.

@jgazze

“The historic cobblestone streets of the Distillery District present an endless possibility of photographic opportunities. The former whiskey distillery is filled with historical buildings which present great architecture. Not into buildings? The pedestrian only paths have endless corners and alleys to create interesting vantage points for portrait shoots or dramatic scenes with minimal planning.

My absolute favourite time to go is during the Toronto Christmas Market or their annual Toronto Light Festival. You can get great shots of seasonal upbeat fun or gorgeous contrasting ‘light’ installations. A great contrast of modern chic and classic history.”

Brookfield Place

When it comes to architecture shots around Toronto, one of the most photographed interior spaces is Brookfield Place. Located in the heart of Toronto’s Financial District, Brookfield Place is an office complex that houses the Hockey Hall of Fame. This is also where you’ll find the Allen Lambert Galleria, a 6-story atrium with soaring ceilings and curved steel arch beams. It was designed to resemble a forest canopy or tree-lined avenue and has also been featured in television and film productions.

@ramona.c

“One of my all-time favourite spots is Brookfield Place. The architecture has always captivated me. And they always have great art installations and exhibits. Every year around Christmas, I love walking through it when it’s lit up. It’s always such a peaceful space to walk through. And even though it’s captured in a similar way by almost everyone, I never get tired of it.”

St. Lawrence Market & Gooderham Building

Just east of Toronto’s downtown core you’ll find the St. Lawrence Market. For over 200 years, the St. Lawrence Market has been selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and was named the top food market in the world by National Geographic in 2011. The main building on the south side of Front Street offers a number of photo opportunities, from the architecture of the building to the excitement of a working market on a busy Saturday morning.

Within the St. Lawrence neighbourhood you’ll find the Gooderham Building. This Flatiron Building is another favourite subject for Toronto photographers. Looking west you’ll get one of Toronto’s most iconic shots with the Gooderham Building framed by the towering financial buildings and the CN Tower.

@punkodelish

“For as long as I can remember, my father and I have woken up early on Saturday morning for our weekly visit to the St. Lawrence Market. It’s a wonderfully historic part of the city and it’s truly charming before the crowds arrive. The Gooderham (our Flatiron) makes an impressive statement and is far and away my favourite building in Toronto. It’s become an old friend that I visit and photograph in every season, rain or shine, snow or fog…and everything in between.”

Aga Khan Museum & Ismaili Centre

@pameladg8

“Toronto is rich with so many different cultures and religions that it gives us the opportunity to learn about them all. The Aga Khan Museum, the Ismaili Centre, and the gorgeous gardens surrounding both buildings can easily provide hours of education and entertainment. Not to mention the stunning modern architecture and photo opportunities! I spent hours wandering around soaking it all up. Aga Khan is a museum mainly devoted to Islamic art and culture, while the Ismaili Centre is a religious, social and spiritual building. Check them out for their new exhibitions, tours, talks & performances!”

Riverdale Park East

If you’re on the east side of Toronto looking for another angle of Toronto’s skyline, head to Riverdale Park East. This 18-hectare park is a recreational hub year-round; with baseball diamonds, a running track, tennis courts, a pool, and a children’s playground, plus an ice rink and one of the best toboggan hills in the city during the winter months. It’s from this hill, sloping down from Broadview Avenue, that you get another impressive view of the city.

@ashtontekno

“My favorite spot is Riverdale Park. I love the spot because you can get a wide and compressed perspective. Also, you can get the different seasons, Fall, Winter, Summer and Spring and each time it will look different. Also, sunset and nighttime changes the mood.”

Evergreen Brick Works

And last, but certainly not least, is the Evergreen Brick Works. Located in the Don River Valley, this former quarry used to make bricks for some of the most notable buildings and homes in Toronto. Today, the Evergreen Brick Works is a cultural centre and community hub with a focus on sustainability and the environment. There are weekend farmer and artisan markets, a cafe, art exhibitions, gardens, walking trails, and even a skating rink during the winter months.

@lisarobertsonpics

“Toronto offers so many different and beautiful locations to take photographs. I feel very lucky to live in a city that has so many options – there is something for everyone. My favourite corner of the city to explore with my camera is the Evergreen Brick Works. As a nature lover, the Brick Works is the ideal place to find peace and beauty while stepping away from the busy city, plus it’s open all year long. The numerous trails and pathways provide lots of opportunities for photographs. Birds, wildlife, incredible trees, flowers and ponds – this place has everything. A short hike to the top of the hill will even provide you with a spectacular view of the city. Enjoy!”

Did we miss any of your favourite photography spots in Toronto? Leave them in the comments below!

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1. Journey Behind Niagara Falls

A popular way to experience the Falls is to take a boat tour with Hornblower Niagara Cruises, but they don’t operate year around, so instead, another experience that is equally as exhilarating and that’s Journey Behind the Falls. Descending 125 feet down into the bedrock, you can explore the 130 year-old tunnels that run behind Niagara Falls. There are 2 viewing portals cut into the rock giving you the chance to see and feel the roar of the water crashing down right in front of you. From the observation deck at the base of the Horseshoe Falls, watch as over 2,800 cubic meters of water pours down every second, travelling at 65 kilometers per hour right in front of you. The experience is self-guided and takes about 45-minutes to complete, and don’t forget to wear water-protective clothing because you will get wet.

2. Zipline Niagara Falls

Next up is an activity for the adventure lovers and one of the coolest ways to see Niagara Falls – ziplining. Run by Wildplay Niagara Falls, you’ll fly down a 2,200 foot zipline from a height of 220 feet, reaching speeds of about 70 km/h. You’ll get panoramic views of the American Falls, and the Niagara Gorge, before concluding at the base of the Horseshoe Falls. Many people ask me if you can take pictures or videos while you’re ziplining. The short answer is no, but if you can show that your camera can be tethered or attached to you in some way (think wrist strap mount for a GoPro) then you’ll likely get the a-ok.

3. White Water Walk The Niagara River

After the water passes over the Horseshoe Falls and American Falls, it flows down the Niagara River through the Niagara Gorge. To get a front row seat, take a stroll along the White Water Walk. Running along the shoreline, this 300-metre boardwalk is situated where trillions of gallons of water are forced through at an accelerated pace, resulting in Class 6 white-water rapids. You can make your way along the boardwalk at your own pace, learn about the history of the Niagara Gorge and how it was formed hundreds of millions of years ago, and take a break at one of the viewing platforms. Give yourself about 45-minutes for this self-guided experience and don’t forget your camera for some awesome photo opportunities.

4. Whirlpool Aero Car

At the end of the rapids, the Niagara Gorge widens before making a sharp 90 degree turn. This causes the waters to spin and swirl in a clockwise direction. This natural whirlpool is best viewed from above and the only way to do that is from the Whirlpool Aero Car. Suspended about 200 to 240 feet above the river below, the Whirlpool Aero Car has been operating over the Niagara River since 1916. Riders will be transported across the river in the antique cable car and will be treated to 360 degree views of the Niagara Gorge and the swirling whirlpool below. Interestingly, although the Whirlpool Aero Car travels between two points on Canadian soil, you’ll actually pass over the Canadian-American border 4 times during the trip. But don’t worry, you won’t need your passport.

5. Niagara Falls From the Air With Niagara Helicopters

The fifth and final activity I’m going to recommend is the most epic of them all and well worth the splurge – a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls. Soaring high above the landscape below, Niagara Helicopters offers an experience like no other. For 12 minutes, you’ll get a birds’ eye view and see just how incredible Niagara Falls truly is.

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Purchase Tickets in Advance

The first major change is the requirement to purchase your tickets in advance online. Tickets now have a timed entry, to ensure an even flow of visitors throughout the day. But once you’re inside, you can stay as long as you like.

Hand Sanitizer and Face Masks

Once you enter the doors, you must sanitize your hands. Automatic hand sanitizer dispensers are also readily available throughout the aquarium. Masks or some sort of face covering is mandatory, including children 2 years and older, and must be worn throughout your duration inside. You’ll then self-scan your ticket and then you’re welcome to start exploring.

Physical Distancing and Traffic Flow

Physical distancing markers are placed throughout the space and some of the exhibits now have stanchions set up to direct the flow of traffic.

There’s a lot to see and experience in the aquarium. Covering a total of 130,000 square-feet and containing 5.7 million liters of water, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada has 13,500 exotic sea and freshwater creatures, representing more than 450 species. There are interactive and educational exhibits throughout to learn all about them and their environments. Some of the exhibits include Canadian Waters, Rainbow Reef, and my favourite, Planet Jellies.

The Dangerous Lagoon

The main attraction is the Dangerous Lagoon, a moving sidewalk that guides you through an underwater tunnel while sharks and fish swim beside and overhead. They’ve now revamped the experience as a ‘ride’ with surfboards painted on the moveable walkway to keep the 6-ft physical distancing space between groups. This spacing of visitors actually created a bit of a bottle neck with a lineup of people waiting to get through. I’m hoping with time, this will improve as this was the only time in the aquarium where I felt people were not adhering to the 6-ft distancing.

It takes 15 minutes to complete the entire moving sidewalk and I found I got that same awe-inspiring feeling watching the sharks and fish glide past me as I’ve had on previous visits. You’re not encouraged to get off your board, unless you want to exit the exhibit, and if you want to ride again, there is a hallway short cut at the end that’ll let you loop back to the start. In the past, I’d easily go through this exhibit multiple times, but depending on the lineup, you may only have the patience to do this once.

Interactive and Touch Zones

In terms of their Zones, some are open and some remain closed. Interactive zones are open but you must sanitize your hands before and after. Some of the touch zones are also open but the kids play zones and the café are currently closed. The dive shows are also not running at this time, but you can still pet the sting rays and watch the shark feeding every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at 1pm.

The Clean Team

One thing I was really impressed to see was a dedicated Clean Team. These individuals were constantly walking around the aquarium cleaning surfaces – railings, glass walls, and various surfaces. We all know excited kids and even big kids can get and how challenging it can be to stop them from touching things, so you can rest assured that the surfaces are cleaned very often.

One other thing to point out is that the gift shop is currently only accepting debit and credit cards, no cash.

As I mentioned at the start, you must purchase your timed entry ticket in advance. Visitor capacity has been reduced to just 30%, so to ensure availability, purchase your tickets online ahead of time. Early mornings appear to be the best time for minimal crowds.

Overall, I was really impressed with the new safety measures Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada has put in place. I didn’t feel like it impacted the overall experience greatly and I was impressed to see everyone wearing masks and keeping their physical distance as best as possible. But if you’re still unsure about a visit, you can bring part of the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada experience right into your home through 4 live cameras showing live feeds of the sharks, jelly fish, Rainbow Reef and Ray Bay.

Note: this post was sponsored by Attractions Ontario. All views and opinions remain my own.

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Stretching 553-meters into the sky, the CN Tower is Toronto’s most iconic landmark. It dominates our city’s skyline and on a clear day, it can be seen up to 160km away. It was built in 1976 and at the time, was the world’s tallest free-standing structure. In 1995, it was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, by the American Society of Civil Engineers. It’s impressive engineering allows it to withstand winds up to 418km/hr and on average is struck by lightning 75 times per year. The CN Tower is one of the most popular spots for visitors to see.

Security Measures

Upon arrival, you must first clear security. This isn’t new. Security measures have been in place for years and involve bag inspections and clearing a metal detector. New security measures now include completing a self-assessment for symptoms of COVID-19, wearing a mask or other face covering at all times, and having your temperature checked. Temperature checks are done through thermal cameras and are non-invasive. I actually had no idea my temperature had been checked, it was that discreet.

Contact Tracing Form

Once inside, hand sanitizer was available. It’s not mandatory to use upon entry but it is highly encouraged. I then had to fill out a Contact Tracing Form. This is to keep track of visitors for each particular day in the event a visitor tests positive for COVID-19 afterwards. To protect your personal information, forms are kept locked in a vault for 21 days, and if no issues arise they are shredded.

Elevator Protocols

Then I made my way to the elevators to head up to the Look Out Level. Only 4 people are allowed in an elevator at a time, or 1 family/social group. Attendants no longer ride the elevator with you, which they used to do to provide you with fun facts about the elevators. But for employee safety, this aspect has been removed. There are plans to digitize this experience to play in the elevators instead.

Stepping inside one of 6 elevators, I’m whisked up to the Look Out level 346-meters above me in just 58 seconds. With glass panelled walls and floor, I watch as the city gets smaller and smaller below me, my ears popping in relation to our elevation. I step off the elevator and am greeted by an attendant that explains some of the new measures in place – keep 6ft apart from other guests, the VUE Bistros, Le Café, and the 360 Restaurant remain closed, and the staircases connecting to the Glass Floor and Lower Observation Deck are now single direction.

In this new normal that we find ourselves in, there’s one thing that remains the same – the impressive views you get from the Look Out Level.

Floor to ceiling windows open up to the sprawling city, all thanks to a major renovation back in 2018 allowing visitors of all abilities the same unobstructed viewing experience. I watch as the cars make their way through the city streets, the planes come and go at the Billy Bishop Airport, and the clouds drift through the towers of the Financial District. It’s quiet, calm, and feels a bit like watching a bustling city through a fish bowl.

Special Exhibits

The CN Tower often showcases exhibits on the Look Out Level. Currently, there’s a special photo exhibit on display called ‘114 Stories x 114 Storeys’. It explores the facts and the fiction behind 10 of Toronto’s best known landmarks, including Fort York, Yonge Street, Ontario Place and Kensington Market. I love seeing old photographs of Toronto and learning new things about the city, like the fact that there was a full hotel on the Toronto Islands until it burnt down in 1909. The exhibit is a collaboration with the Toronto Public Library and includes recommended reads for each of the featured landmarks.

Purchasing Tickets

In order to control the number of people in the CN Tower at any given time, you have to purchase a timed ticket. These tickets indicate at which time you may enter the CN Tower and once you’re in, you may stay as long as you like. Tickets should be purchased in advance online but there are also kiosks setup by the entrance of the CN Tower. Overall, I didn’t feel like the experience had changed in any drastic way. I’m always impressed by the views and I felt at ease and safe throughout my entire time. In fact, I found it was a more enjoyable experience as the crowds from past visits no longer exist.

*Note: my visit to the CN Tower was sponsored by Attractions Ontario. All views and opinions remain my own.

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