The COVID-19 pandemic has turned everything upside down and left those who love exploring new areas and visiting new cities wondering what 2021 has in store for them. If you are looking to experience Toronto’s tourist attractions, festivals, parks, and attractions, you might not be able to do so right now because many of them are closed or restricted for the time being. However, that does not mean that you cannot get together with family and friends to experience some of what Toronto has to offer. We have compiled 4 of the best things to do in Toronto in 2021. All these activities are safe and perfect for friends, families, and couples. (Source: Dolly’s Cannabis)
Visit the Toronto Islands
If you are stuck in the city and want to escape it, you can go on a little adventure by taking a ferry to the Toronto Islands. There are over 10 islands but the three main islands, Algonquin, Center, and Wards, are more accessible than the rest of the islands. There are lots of safe outdoor activities and adventures on each island.
Center island, which is more popular than the rest, offers a long list of activities that you can engage in. You can go on a picnic, relax on the beaches and visit the popular Centerville Amusement park which features over 30 rises and a petting zoo.
The two other main islands feature beautiful gardens and 1900s cottages. This makes them perfect for picnics, walks, and bike rides.
Experience the Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is located about an hour from Toronto and is one of the most famous and well-recognized waterfalls in the world. There are lots of activities around the falls including boat trips below the falls, fantastic views of the falls from different observation points as well as the Clifton Hill entertainment district if you are looking for other types of tourist attractions.
Some other activities you can engage in include taking a scenic drive around the Niagara Parkway or walking the Niagara Boardwalk to watch the Niagara Falls below you.
Stroll Through Kensington Market
Kensington Market is one of the areas you must visit if you want to get an authentic feel of Toronto’s culture. Although Kensington Market is now a National Historic Site, it once was a Jewish market, meaning that there are some stories there worth exploring with the locals who have lived in the area for a long time. Kensington Market offers you an array of hipster bars, caf and restaurants, indie shops, and a tight-knit community of tattoo shops, galleries, artists, and rare book stores.
Some of the popular areas in Kensington Market may be closed due to the pandemic but you can still explore other attractions such as Tom’s Place, Number 8 Fire Station, and Bellevue Square Park. If you are interested in the type of art you can find here, you can find different eclectic car installations with one of the more famous ones being the psychedelic car.
Visit the Distillery District
If you want to enjoy industrial-style Victorian buildings while getting a glimpse into Toronto’s past, you should visit the Distillery District. The Distillery District used to be home to the biggest distilleries in Canada in the 1800s. The district has since been converted into a pedestrian-only neighborhood. Some of the attractions in the district include cafés, restaurants, shops, galleries, and breweries.
The distillery district remains a popular part of Toronto for friends and families to spend some time with one of its biggest attractions being the atmosphere. You can enjoy the calm and romantic summer nights or attend the always-interesting Christmas market. Even during the pandemic, it is still possible to enjoy a few festivals and exhibits, although their numbers have gone down severely.
The Distillery District is located close to downtown and is accessible via public transit.
Bonus: Go on a Bicycle Tour
Now that many of the attractions you might want to visit in Toronto are closed, exploring Toronto by bike is one of the best ways to see the city, explore some of its hidden gems and get a feel of all its sights and sounds. You can get in touch with one of the companies that offer Toronto bike tours and they will arrange the tour for you.
You will embark on your tour in the company of an experienced guide who will take you to Toronto’s neighborhoods and parks while telling you about its culture, history, and people. You might also get a chance to make a stop so you get to enjoy some of the food that local restaurants and cafés have to offer. If you are feeling adventurous, you can always rent a bike and go on a tour by yourself.
While we wait and hope that things will get back to normal and we will be able to visit some of the more famous attractions in Toronto, there are still a lot of things we can do and enjoy. All that is required is that you check beforehand to ensure areas are open and accessible and stay safe as you enjoy what this great city has to offer.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Wow, This year i am planning to visit Canada. Hope all these activities i will be able to do. I am excited. Thanks for sharing the information which is valuable for your readers.