In terms of Canadian cities, Toronto takes the cake as the most diverse and multicultural of them all. The greater Toronto area (GTA) has a growing population of over 5 million people who come from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds worldwide. This makes the city a great way to experience Canada’s multicultural identity and a must see spot for travelers.
The city is beloved for its vibrant nightlife and prominent LGBTQ+ community and celebrations. The Toronto Pride festivities take over the city each summer, and the streets become crowded with people celebrating, partying, and embracing Queer culture. The event is one of the biggest in the world and includes multiple days of parades, marches, and street parties. It is a truly joyous celebration that holds so much meaning and importance to the local and global community. We highly recommend you attend Toronto Pride at least once in your life.
While visiting the city, travelers can explore Kensington Market. The street market spans multiple blocks and operates in both the summer and winter months, offering visitors a taste of Toronto’s diverse cultural backdrop. Cuisine and art from around the world are all jam packed into the bustling alleyways, and hidden gems are ready to be found everywhere, hiding in plain sight. A local secret is The Jerk Spot, a hole-in-the-wall Jamaican restaurant. It’s true that the best food is always found in the most unassuming restaurants, and this place is no exception.
There is no doubt that Toronto is a remarkable city. It’s multicultural identity and embracing of diversity makes it one of the most rich and rewarding cities to visit in North America. No matter what time of year you visit (although we recommend the summer months), there is no shortage of restaurants to try, bars to go to, and amazing people to meet. Click here to watch the Toronto episode of FLY BROTHER with Ernest White II, available for streaming now at PBS.org.