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7 reasons Toronto is the next big city you should visit

They have much more than just maple syrup in Canada, you know.

HOW MUCH DO you know about Toronto?

Probably not as much as you should. Toronto, the province capital of Ontario, is the most populous city in Canada – it’s multicultural, cosmopolitan urban centre on a beautiful lake, full of cool things to do. A lot of people simply don’t know how much Toronto has to offer for a big city break.

If you want to get ahead of the curve and get off the beaten track then you should definitely be checking out what little-known delights Toronto has tucked away for you to find.

1. Architecture

Toronto has a beautiful skyline. As Canada’s commercial centre, many of the country’s largest firms and banks are based there and the Financial District contains many of the city’s most prominent buildings. The city also boasts the Art Gallery of Ontario, redesigned by famous architect Frank Gehry.

Toronto Skyline The skyline - taken from Leslie St spit veggiefrog veggiefrog

Toronto: Royal Ontario Museum The Royal Ontario Museum featuring the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, designed by Daniel Libeskind The City of Toronto The City of Toronto

2. Cinematic cityscape

Due to Toronto’s beautiful cityscape, it is often used as a location for Hollywood blockbusters that are set in Chicago or New York. Think Patrick Bateman stalked the streets of Manhattan? Well, actually, American Psycho was filmed in Toronto – as well as the movie Chicago, Good Will Hunting and Get Rich or Die Tryin’.

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3. Birthplace of stars

Toronto has given the world a disproportionate amount of famous people – many of whom you initially might assume are American were actually born in Canada. Proud Toronto stars include Drake, Jim Carrey, Mike Myers, Will Arnett and Eugene Levy.

AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

4. Multiculturalism

Toronto is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the entire world. Over 140 languages are spoken there – with 30 per cent of Toronto’s residents speaking a language other than French or English.

Anton Bielousov Anton Bielousov

And this multiculturalism has led to…

5. Amazing food

As Toronto is such a melting pot of different cultures and nationalities, they have varied and brilliant cuisine on offer. Plus, they boast traditional Canadian foods too – like poutine, peameal Canadian bacon and, of course, the humble maple syrup.

Stewed beef short ribs Stewed beef short ribs from Linda Modern Thai heatherjoan heatherjoan

6. Festival ready

Toronto is home to North America’s largest street festival – Caribana, a celebration of Caribbean culture. 2 million people come to Toronto’s shores for it every year, with 1.3 million attending its final parade. It lasts for two weeks and starts this year on the 31st of July.

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7. Skiing and Niagara are just a hop and a skip away

For the more adventurous – the kind of people who are looking for something a little more intense than just a city break – Toronto still has lots to offer. You can ski in lots of resorts just outside the city, or take a trip to nearby Niagara to see the famous waterfall.

Jorge in Brazil Jorge in Brazil

It’s never been easier to hop over the pond. Aer Lingus will fly direct to Toronto from the 12th of April from €239 each way including taxes and charges. That means it’s now even more worthwhile and easy to explore everything the city has to offer. Check out how you could fly for less today at aerlingus.com.

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