Toronto’s Centre Island is a beautifully scenic place to spend an afternoon exploring.
Toronto is a dazzling city destination that attracts many visitors each year. One of the most rewarding ways of discovering the city is behind the wheel of a car. They drive on the right in Canada and the roads are generally well maintained.
As the city is set out in a grid pattern navigating the districts is straightforward, so those unfamiliar with the road network should not find it daunting. As the most popular mode of transport in Toronto is the car, there can be times, as in any big city, when road traffic is congested. Avoid this by driving outside of rush hour periods and staying off the roads during severe weather.
Visitors arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport, which is about 40 minutes away from the city, find renting a car the easiest travel option for independent self-drive transit. Visitors soon learn that having a car at their disposal creates a freedom to explore the wider region beyond Toronto, which is very beautiful and full of surprises for tourists.
Toronto city highlights
Before heading off beyond the city limits, check out Toronto’s talents. As the largest conurbation in Canada, it has all the energy and dynamism expected of a hub city. For arts and culture fans, the city is blessed with galleries, museums and theatres aplenty. See how the hand of superstar architect Frank Gehry has re-vamped the Art Gallery of Ontario, the largest in the country. It’s possible to spend hours in The Royal Ontario Museum to see specimens ranging from prehistoric times, to Ancient China, Medieval Europe and relics from Canada’s own history.
The Royal Ontario Museum has some of the oldest historical artifacts in the world.
Other places to include on a Toronto itinerary should be the iconic CN Tower for great views and enjoying drinks in the sky; the exclusive Yorkville retail district, a favourite spot for worldwide celebrities, catch a comedy show at Second City or visit to The Hockey Hall of Fame. Yes, all visitors find that the attractions in Toronto are diverse, varied and always interesting. There is literally something for everyone.
Traveling further afield
Making tracks outside the city, most people point the car in the direction of Niagara Falls. The great spectacle of the Falls awaits after an easy two-hour journey along the Queen Elizabeth Way. Photographs and TV images of the Falls will never prepare anyone for the true majesty of this natural wonder—it’s truly a sight to behold. From there, driving along the Niagara Parkway in either direction, towards Fort Erie or Niagara-on-the-Lake will be memorable for the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you.
Other scenic drives to recommend in Southern Ontario include exploring Jordan and the Niagara wine region, where leisurely trips between the wineries are popular. Alternatively, Collingwood is a two hour trip from the city and has year round appeal. In summer the beach, golf and cycling are popular and in winter it’s a thriving ski resort. For a pleasant diversion, venture into downtown Collingwood to dine, browse the unique shops and take in the charming Victorian and Edwardian architecture.
While visiting the Falls, make sure to take a drive over to sceneic Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Visiting Toronto by car is the ideal choice for those wanting a sophisticated metro break combined with an outdoor trip with lots of South Ontario fresh air and scenery. Indeed, for both city slickers and outdoor types, there’s something for everyone in the Toronto area.
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