Toronto, Canada and Beyond
By Rabaa Saleh Abdulrahman
Coming to Toronto is one big adventure. While staying here, you will be able to see different summer festivals. Even if you decide to come in the winter, you can enjoy the Canadian skiing experience all over the country. There’s a variety of activities you can enjoy during the weekdays and weekends too. Once June starts, Canada’s Wonderland opens its doors to visitors, activities on Toronto Island start, and Dundas Square will be full of people.
Starting in July, every weekend will be dedicated to one country, and Dundas Square will host one big event for each. Many countries start competing to represent their cultures, music, food and traditional clothes.
But what if you are not interested in such things, or you feel like a change of scenery? In this case, I can say pack your bag, count your money, and get ready to go far beyond Toronto’s city limits.
Here are some ideas:
1- Algonquin Provincial Park
Algonquin Park is one of the most famous places in Ontario. It’s located two hours drive north of Toronto. The park is located in a transitional zone between two types of forests with a diversity of plants and animal life. During your stay, you can go camping, hiking, and canoeing.
Also, Muskoka is located to the east of the park, and according to the [National Geographic Traveler website] , it is ranked as number one in the “10 Best Trips of Summer”.
To go to Muskoka you will have to arrange your own transportation, but if you decide to go to Algonquin Park itself, you have the choice of driving or renting a cabin for a couple days, or you can go with ISX for one day, which costs $80. For more details check ISX.ca .
2- New York City.
If you come to Toronto and you have a US visa, New York City is a must-see! Many students in ILSC Toronto center are already planning to visit the ‘Big Apple’.
Astrid, an ILSC student, describes New York as an amazing place with different sights such as Times Square and the Rockefeller Center. But when I asked her to compare it to Toronto, she said, “It’s not as safe as Toronto, and people are not as nice.” So readers, be careful when you talk to New Yorkers!
However, if you decide to visit the USA and you do not have a visa, you can use [the Visa Waiver program (VWP)] . According to travel.state.gov, “VWP enables nationals of 36 participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business (visitor [B] visa purposes only) for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa” .
Some of these countries are Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
3. Vancouver
It might be costly, but it is worth it. Once you go there and see the beauty of the mountains on one side and the sea on the other side, you will know that you spent your money on the right place. According to Ahmed, a student who has visited the city, “Vancouver is much smaller than Toronto, but the best thing there is that they care about nature. When you go there, you will see public transportation running on electricity.
However, the percentage of people driving luxury and sports cars there is much higher than Toronto. One of the best things is that the wild animals are friendlier than in Toronto. For instance, you can go near raccoons there without being afraid of them attacking you.”
If you decide to fly there, try to book your flight as early as you can to make sure you get the cheapest price. The usual cost of the round trip is between $900 to $1900 depending on the season, the airline, and the date.
4. Montreal
Also, Muskoka is located to the east of the park, and according to the [National Geographic Traveler website] , it is ranked as number one in the “10 Best Trips of Summer”.
To go to Muskoka you will have to arrange your own transportation, but if you decide to go to Algonquin Park itself, you have the choice of driving or renting a cabin for a couple days, or you can go with ISX for one day, which costs $80. For more details check ISX.ca .
2- New York City.
If you come to Toronto and you have a US visa, New York City is a must-see! Many students in ILSC Toronto center are already planning to visit the ‘Big Apple’.
Astrid, an ILSC student, describes New York as an amazing place with different sights such as Times Square and the Rockefeller Center. But when I asked her to compare it to Toronto, she said, “It’s not as safe as Toronto, and people are not as nice.” So readers, be careful when you talk to New Yorkers!
However, if you decide to visit the USA and you do not have a visa, you can use [the Visa Waiver program (VWP)] . According to travel.state.gov, “VWP enables nationals of 36 participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business (visitor [B] visa purposes only) for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa” .
Some of these countries are Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
3. Vancouver
It might be costly, but it is worth it. Once you go there and see the beauty of the mountains on one side and the sea on the other side, you will know that you spent your money on the right place. According to Ahmed, a student who has visited the city, “Vancouver is much smaller than Toronto, but the best thing there is that they care about nature. When you go there, you will see public transportation running on electricity.
However, the percentage of people driving luxury and sports cars there is much higher than Toronto. One of the best things is that the wild animals are friendlier than in Toronto. For instance, you can go near raccoons there without being afraid of them attacking you.”
If you decide to fly there, try to book your flight as early as you can to make sure you get the cheapest price. The usual cost of the round trip is between $900 to $1900 depending on the season, the airline, and the date.
4. Montreal
Montreal is one of the most beautiful cities in Quebec. Once you go there, you will notice a different life style than Toronto. You cannot ignore the fact that people will start to speak to you in French instead of English. The lifestyle of Montreal is good for those who like the nightlife. Montreal is famous for its nightclubs so do not forget to check one out before you go back to Toronto. Other beautiful things about this city are its coffee shops and its architecture. Most of the buildings there are old.
In general, this trip is suitable for those who want to relax, enjoy the day by walking around the city and enjoying the beautiful views of the old buildings there. Oh, and don’t forget the nightlife!
In general, this trip is suitable for those who want to relax, enjoy the day by walking around the city and enjoying the beautiful views of the old buildings there. Oh, and don’t forget the nightlife!
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