Welcome to Toronto. It is a city that is alive and has all sorts of fun and entertainment. As soon as you step foot in the most happening city of Canada, Toronto attractions will blow your mind one after the other. From iconic landmarks to cultural hotspots, we’ve rounded up the top 5 places that showcase the essence of Toronto. Get ready to discover bustling squares, soaring towers, world-class art, and premier shopping destinations, all within walking distance from the Chestnut Residence. Let’s dive into what makes each of these places unique.
Nathan Phillips Square
1 minute walk from Chestnut
Watch out for the iconic TORONTO sign when you check in at Chestnut; the city’s most prominent square is beside the residence. It is said that visiting the town and not taking a picture at Nathan Phillips Square is a legal offence in Toronto (haha, joke). Located right next to the City Hall, this place is the uncontested centre of Toronto. Whether it be New Year or Canada Day, you are in for a fireworks display at the square. The place is packed with locals and visitors due to the many delicious street food-serving carts.
CN Tower
20 minute walk from Chestnut.
Canada’s most recognizable building, located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the 553-meter CN Tower building is impossible to miss. The sky pod on top of the tower is the highest viewing point in Canada, with views extending up to Niagara Falls and New York. Take the elevator up to the glass floor, which offers a bird’s-eye view directly down over the city. Dine at the exquisite 360 Restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner while you enjoy the breathtaking views.
For those of you looking for adventure, take the “Edge Walk” on a 1.5-meter-wide ledge around the outside edge of the central pod at a height of 265 meters.
CF Toronto Eaton Centre
A 5-minute walk from Chestnut.
The largest mall in downtown Toronto, the Eaton Centre, is a vibrant and premier shopping experience. Lose yourself in the fantastic variety of speciality shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafeterias, and department stores located on the mall’s upper and lower levels. In total, the Eaton Centre has more than 235 stores. This shopping mall has its subway station and extends over many city blocks.
Yonge & Dundas Square
A 5-minute walk from Chestnut.
Exit from the northeast corner of the Eaton Centre, and you’ll find yourself at Yonge & Dundas Square. With brightly lit LED boards reminiscent of Times Square, this intersection is the hub for all things Toronto, ranging from impromptu flash mobs to temporary art displays. The square sits on top of the Dundas subway station.
Art Gallery of Ontario
A 10-minute walk from Chestnut.
Experience art and culture by viewing Toronto’s most prestigious collection of art. The Art Gallery of Ontario houses 100,000 pieces of art ranging from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary art and Inuit items. There is also a vast collection of Canadian classics, such as works done by the Group of Seven. The most significant art piece in the building is the building itself. Designed by acclaimed architect Frank Gehry, the unique-looking building is a glass masterpiece mixing old and new architectural elements.
Conclusion:
Nathan Phillips Square, CN Tower, CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Yonge & Dundas Square, and Art Gallery of Ontario offer a wonderful Toronto experience, each within easy walking distance of Chestnut. Whether you’re into cultural attractions, shopping, or breathtaking city views, there’s something for everyone. Remember to visit Toronto’s famous landmark, Nathan Phillips Square, or walk up to the CN Tower for an unforgettable experience.
