Downtown
Toronto - Ontario
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Our visits: So far 3 visits in October 2002, October 2021, and October 2025
Union Station
Description: The history of Union Station began in 1914 when construction began despite material shortages during World War I. When the station officially opened in 1927, it was the largest in the city. In 1975, Union Station was designated a National Historic Site as a classic example of a Beaux-Arts style railway station. The station was designed by Ross and MacDonald, one of Canada's most renowned architectural firms at the time.
For the GPS: 181 Bay St. W , Toronto
Our rating: We didn't spend much time at Union Station. We arrived here on the UP Express after dropping off our car at the airport. The station is very clean and made a good impression on us.
Nathan Phillips Square
Description: Nathan Phillips Square lies in front of Toronto City Hall and is named after Nathan Phillips, who served as mayor of Toronto from 1955 to 1962. The square was designed by Viljo Revel, the architect of City Hall, and landscape architect Richard Strong. It opened in 1965. Today, the square hosts concerts, art exhibitions, a weekly market, and other public events. During the winter months, the water basin becomes a skating rink.
For the GPS: 100 Queen St. W , Toronto
Our rating: Unfortunately, we didn't have much time to spend at Nathan Phillips Square during our visit to Toronto. We arrived early in the morning and the light wasn't ideal, but we still wanted to take a quick look at the square. The Toronto Sign and the other works of art are definitely worth a short detour, even if there's nothing going on in the square.
Dundas Square
Description: Dundas Square is the central square in downtown Toronto. It is located at the intersection of two major streets, Dundas and Yonge St. Because of the huge advertising billboards and lights, the square is also known as Toronto's Times Square. It is also home to the Eaton Center, a huge shopping mall with over 230 stores.
For the GPS: 100 Queen St. W , Toronto
Our rating: Huge places like this aren't really our thing. There's just too much going on. Too many people and vehicles create a stress that we don't need on vacation. The Eaton Center, on the other hand, is great. Especially when it's raining, it's a great way to spend the day. The mall is so big that it almost feels like a city of its own.
Berczy Park
Description: Berczy Park is a small park in downtown Toronto. At its eastern end is the Gooderham Building, a heritage-listed building that is considered an example of a “flatiron building.” Its western facade is adorned with a huge mural. The park is named after William Berczy, an architect and surveyor.
For the GPS: 35 Wellington St. E , Toronto
Our rating: On our walk through downtown, we stopped here to take a look at the pretty fountain with the dog sculptures. Unfortunately, the Gooderham Building was completely covered, so we could only see the mural on its back side. On the way to St. Laurence Market, we passed a Banksy street art and the Shoreline Commemorative. This sculpture marks the former shoreline of Lake Ontario.
St. Lawrence Market
Description: In 1803, Lieutenant Governor Peter Hunter ordered the construction of the first permanent wooden market. After a fire, the market was replaced by the new St. Lawrence Hall in 1850. From 1845 to 1899, it served as Toronto City Hall. Today, it mainly houses retail stores and market stalls.
For the GPS: 93 Front St. E , Toronto
Our rating: St. Lawrence Market is great. Fresh food is appetizingly displayed everywhere you look. There are also numerous small food stalls offering all kinds of dishes. Of course, we had to try a real Toronto specialty: the peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery. It wasn't the best we've ever had, but it was still quite tasty. If you're visiting Toronto, don't miss this market.
Scotiabank Arena
Description: Scotiabank Arena is a multi-purpose arena in downtown Toronto. It serves as the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs (ice hockey) and the Toronto Raptors (basketball). Whether for sporting events or concerts, it can accommodate almost 20,000 spectators.
For the GPS: 40 Bay St., Toronto
Our rating: When you're in Canada, you have to go to at least one ice hockey game. We had the opportunity to do so in Toronto, so we went to see the Maple Leafs play against the New York Rangers. It was fun, especially since the home team won.
