Toronto, a bustling metropolis known for its diversity, safety, and iconic skyline, often leaves visitors with a mix of admiration and critique. For locals, the daily grind may overshadow the city’s appeal, but for tourists, Toronto offers a unique experience of multicultural vibrancy and urban sophistication.
What Tourists Love About Toronto
Visitors consistently praised Toronto for its multiculturalism, friendly people, and sense of safety. Ben Than Soe, visiting from Boston, appreciated the city’s diverse and inclusive atmosphere, calling it “an eclectic gathering of different ethnicities.” Similarly, U.K.-based Aying Gardaer highlighted the non-judgmental and welcoming nature of Torontonians.
Safety was a standout feature for many. Lucas Pearson, from Berlin, noted how secure he felt walking at night compared to his hometown. Statistics support this perception: Toronto ranks as the safest major city in North America and the sixth-safest globally, according to The Economist’s Safe Cities Index.
Many also admired the city’s iconic landmarks, with the CN Tower remaining a major attraction. Visitors were awed by Toronto’s towering skyline, including Dublin’s Lena Walsh, who described the city as the largest she’d ever seen.
Critiques: Traffic, Green Space, and Cannabis Stores
While Toronto’s urban charm is undeniable, visitors pointed out several drawbacks. Traffic topped the list of complaints, with Gardaer describing the driving as “aggressive and scary.” Toronto is among the slowest cities for traffic, ranking second only to London, England, in congestion.
Visitors from greener regions missed the presence of lush landscapes. Khemchan Persaud from Guyana suggested the city invest in promoting nature walks, noting Toronto’s lack of connection to natural surroundings. This concern is backed by data: only 13% of Toronto’s land is green space, far below cities like Oslo, where 68% is dedicated to parks and gardens.
Another noticeable change was the proliferation of cannabis stores. Pedro, a tourist from Portugal, observed the abundance of marijuana dispensaries, outnumbering even Toronto’s iconic Tim Hortons locations.
What Visitors Wish Toronto Had
Tourists often compared Toronto to their home cities, identifying features they wished to see. Some visitors from Ireland and South America desired more expansive green spaces, while others like the Hamiltons from Jamaica expressed excitement about experiencing snow during a future visit.
Despite Toronto’s struggles with air quality during wildfire season, visitors like Daviender Bakshia from Delhi appreciated the city’s relatively clean air compared to heavily polluted regions.
Toronto Through Fresh Eyes
Tourists’ impressions underscore Toronto’s unique blend of strengths and areas for improvement. While locals may focus on construction, transit issues, or extreme weather, visitors often see a vibrant, diverse, and welcoming city with potential to enhance its natural and urban environments further.
For all its flaws, Toronto remains a destination that leaves a lasting impression on those who explore its streets.
