From affordable flights to scenic paddle-boarding – why you need to visit Toronto this summer
ZIPPING through the streets with the wind in my hair and the sun on my face, I felt excited and free.
I can’t even remember the last time I rode a bicycle, but here I was making my way through the streets of Toronto on two wheels, exploring North America’s fifth biggest city.
With the help of our tour guide, Terence from Toronto Bike Tours, we visited the city’s key landmarks including the CN Tower, the St Lawrence and Kensington Markets, and the cool Distillery District.
As someone who usually explores a new city by foot, bus or underground, getting to grips with Toronto by bike was a new and more environmentally friendly experience.
Plus, you can cover more ground and our two-and-a-half-hour tour fairly zipped by.
But it wasn’t the only way I pushed myself out of my comfort zone during the trip, as I also got to see the city from the water thanks to a paddleboarding lesson.
A short ferry or water-taxi ride away from the city, on Lake Ontario, are a group of 15 small islands called Toronto Island Park or The Toronto Islands.
Ward Island is home to Toronto Island SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) — and strapped into my life jacket, I was soon paddling out on to the lake with the impressive skyline in front of me, before manoeuvring back to shore.
It’s a fantastic way to see the city as well as the nature and wildlife close by, including turtles, red cardinal birds, and beavers.
The islands come alive in summer, with the beaches making the location a dream for any city-dweller miles from a coast.
I was nervous to try paddleboarding but, with gentle encouragement from our amazing guide, I managed to stand up on the board and paddle for, well, a few moments.
I soon fell into the lake — which thankfully wasn’t as deep as I had thought — but tried again and finished the class feeling immensely proud of myself.
I had worked up quite an appetite and, thankfully Toronto has a wealth of incredible restaurants to choose from.
One of the highlights was the thickest pancakes I’ve ever seen — at Mildred’s Temple Kitchen — which despite their depth were incredibly light and drizzled in delicious maple syrup (what else?).
Seasonal, local produce was everywhere.
The city is the first in Canada to have its own Michelin guide and last autumn 75 restaurants made the cut, with 13 awarded coveted stars.
While my trip came before the awards, everywhere I ate was something special.
Richmond Station delivered mouthwatering lamb with a sweet garlic cream, crispy lamb croquette and spiced-tomato chutney.
Dessert was an incredible cake made up of popcorn and fudge-swirl ice cream covered in salted caramel, pretzels and graham-cracker crust.
All washed down with a delightful Canadian rosé fizz.
Meanwhile Marben introduced me to a tasty cod-tongue starter and a wheat-berry risotto with asparagus, which adorned many of the menus during my visit because it was in season.
I was staying at 1 Hotel Toronto and its restaurant, 1 Kitchen, served up locally sourced meats including bison.
There’s even an on-site garden so the chef can grow his own vegetables.
The hotel is in the heart of the city’s Fashion District — where historic old textile factories and warehouses have been converted into unique fabric stores, clothing boutiques and artist studios.
The stunning interiors of the hotel feature wooden furniture crafted and carved from native felled and dead trees, with plants everywhere.
On the roof is a fabulous pool, perfect for a morning swim as the sun rises from behind the CN Tower just a short walk away.
But if you want to explore the city without the sporty element, Toronto can cater for that too.
Foodies will love the tour, with Chopsticks & Forks, around Kensington Market.
The area is hugely popular with locals and tourists alike and has plenty of vintage shops as well as the food.
While learning the history of the market from our guide, we sampled spicy Jamaican patties, moreish cheese empanadas, classic bagels, lightly battered fish and chips, and a refreshing iced tea and gingerbread biscuit.
If you want to walk off all the food, another must is checking out Graffiti Alley just off the popular Queen’s Street West, with its shops, cafes and bars.
The array of different colours, designs and messages is impressive, and a great photo opportunity for street-art fans.
Before I knew it, it was sadly time for home.
I travelled with Air Transat, who fly from Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow to Toronto.
As I took my seat, I felt reinvigorated after my action-packed foodie trip.
There’s a freshness and conscientiousness to the city which, combined with its international vibe, and fun opportunities to explore, make it perfect for a short break.
GO: TORONTO
GETTING THERE: Air Transat flies from Gatwick and Manchester to Toronto with return fares from £381pp.
See airtransat.com or phone 008 0087 2672 83.
STAYING THERE: 1 Hotel Toronto offers rooms from £369 a night, visit 1hotels.com/toronto.
OUT & ABOUT: Toronto Bike Tours – adults from £90, children from £20. See torontobicycletours.com.
Toronto Island SUP paddleboarding from £45pp. See torontoislandsup.com.
Chopsticks & Forks Food Tour, adults from £71, children from £34. See chopsticksandforks.com.
MORE INFO: See destinationtoronto.com.