Summary
A Unique Tour of Toronto
As the world begins to recover from the pandemic, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore Ontario once again. With vaccinations rolling out and warm weather approaching, planning your visit to Toronto can now be exciting and rejuvenating. We recently took a private tour with our guide Varol from ToursByLocals, a socially distanced experience that ensured a safe exploration of the city.
Our Top Hotel Choices in Toronto
- Explore a full breakdown of the best places to stay in Toronto that cater to various budgets.
- Luxury: Ritz Carlton – Entertainment District: A stunning luxury hotel with views of the CN Tower.
- Mid Range: Chelsea Hotel – Just steps from Dundas Square, a perfect central location.
- Budget: Holiday Inn Toronto – Conveniently located with essential amenities.
Touring Toronto
Arriving at the Esplanade in front of the renowned Old Spaghetti Factory, Varol was ready for our 10 am adventure. This usually bustling area felt surprisingly quiet today. Despite the pandemic, local tours are starting at about $255 USD for up to three people through ToursByLocals.
Planning a Trip to Toronto?
- Essential guides to enrich your Toronto experience include:
ToursByLocals
Participating in a ToursByLocals experience provided us an incredible way to discover Toronto. With a local host guiding us, we were able to explore both famous landmarks and hidden gems. The tour cost is per vehicle, allowing up to five people for the price of one, making it an economical option.
This five-hour journey allowed us to cover numerous top attractions, all the while enjoying a rare opportunity to see the city with minimal crowds. Although we didn’t enter attractions due to current restrictions, the experience of sightseeing from the outside was still immensely rewarding.
Despite having lived in Toronto earlier, the pandemic had kept us from exploring the city as thoroughly as we would have liked. Throughout our private tour, we ventured from Toronto Harbourfront to Casa Loma, revisiting familiar stops and discovering new perspectives.
The tourism industry is hurting
Unfortunately, many in the tourism industry are still struggling with the impact of COVID-19. Our guide Varol had not conducted a tour in months, highlighting the fragility of the industry. The usually vibrant CN Tower and local museums were closed, with no sign of street performers or shoppers around.
When You are Ready To Travel, This is the Perfect Socially Distanced Toronto Tour
While it may not be the ideal time for travelers to visit Toronto, it was certainly an opportune moment for us to explore without the usual crowds. We maintained strict social distancing measures throughout the day by remaining isolated from others and avoiding indoor stops.
Varol lacked the need to coordinate parking for us, allowing for a seamless flow between attractions while ensuring we absorbed the sights at our own pace.
Things to See with Tours by Locals
The tailored nature of the tour allowed us to spend as much time as we desired at various landmarks. Our first stop at Nathan Phillips Square was driven by immediate necessity, but it quickly turned into an exploration of the iconic Toronto Sign and the beautiful city hall.
Iconic Toronto Skyline View
Our next destination was Polson Street, which offered a stunning view of the Toronto skyline, among the best places to catch this iconic vista without needing to use the ferry to the islands.
CN Tower and Railway
Next, we visited the Bremner & York area, showcasing famous landmarks like the CN Tower and historic railway museum. Due to fewer tourists, we could explore these significant sites at our exploration leisure, absorbing both history and fantastic views.
Distillery District
In the vibrant Distillery District, we walked through a lively atmosphere filled with shops and cafés, while Varol shared fascinating insights into its historical significance. Enjoying the space with few others made it a special experience.
Front Street
Continuing on our tour, we made brief stops at Front Street, featuring attractions such as the St. Lawrence Market. Here, the blend of history and modern developments creates a charming contrast reflective of Toronto’s vibrant life.
With fantastic views of the CN Tower, Front Street serves as an excellent starting point for any visit to Toronto.
Touring Toronto
With all attractions closed for interior visits, our focus shifted to viewing outdoor sites. This allowed us to enjoy Toronto from a fresh perspective, reminiscent of our previous travels. After multiple trips to renowned cities without stepping inside key attractions, we relished the opportunity to take in Toronto’s landscape.
Outdoor Toronto Attractions
Graffiti Alley
Driving through Graffiti Alley, now an extended artistic destination filled with vibrant graffiti, was a highlight of exploring Toronto’s creative side.
Kensington Market
Our route through Kensington Market revealed a somber reality; many local businesses were shuttered during the pandemic, reminding us of the challenges the community faced.
U of T
The University of Toronto’s campus serves as a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city, adding to the charm of any visit to the area.
Yorkville
Yorkville is a renowned neighborhood marked by luxury and culture. While popular attractions like the Royal Ontario Museum capture attention, it’s essential to enjoy the neighborhood’s vibrant lifestyle, complete with upscale shopping and dining.
Casa Loma
Visiting Casa Loma allowed us to appreciate the Edwardian architecture of this historic site, which also serves as a venue for various events and outdoor activities when it is welcoming visitors.
Overall, we discovered Toronto’s multitude of iconic and hidden gems, which was refreshing after spending limited time in the city previously. However, to experience some lesser-known sites, consider enlisting the help of a local guide.
Toronto Tours by Locals
This tour reminded us of the joy of exploring our own city. As restrictions begin to ease, private sightseeing tours may be an ideal way to reacquaint yourself with traveling. Tours by Locals connects you with guides around the world, check them out for a tour near you.
Planning a Trip to Toronto This Summer?
- Essential guides enrich your travel experience, offering valuable insights and tips.
Travel Planning Resources
For your next trip, consider utilizing these trusted travel resources.
Book Your Flights: Start your planning by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner.
Book your Hotel: Discover the best hotel deals through Booking.com or TripAdvisor.
Find Apartment Rentals: Get the best prices for apartment rentals using VRBO.
Travel Insurance: Don’t travel without coverage. Consider options like:
- Safety Wing – For occasional travelers.
- Medjet – For global air medical transport and travel security.
Book Your Activities: For walking tours, tickets, and more, we recommend Get Your Guide.
If you need further assistance planning your trip, check out our Resources Page for trustworthy travel companies we recommend.
