5 Things to See and Do in Toronto

You've probably heard about the CN Tower and perhaps the Toronto Raptors or Blue Jays. But there are so many other cool things to do in Toronto. Many are taking notice too, as the city recently broke tourism records.

Here's one long-time resident's look at a few things you should check out on your next visit.

Don't forget, with the struggling Canadian dollar Americans are getting everything at roughly a 25 percent discount these days.

Distillery District

This area of classical, 19th-century industrial architecture was once home to the Gooderham and Worts distillery. It was quasi-abandoned for a long time but was restored a couple of decades back and is now one of the most popular areas of the city for visitors and locals alike.

You'll find unique shops and fun restaurants, including El Catrin, which offers fine Mexican food and excellent, table-side guacamole. Balzac's Coffee Shop in the Distillery District has tons of atmosphere and a cool balcony where you can sip your coffee latte and watch the action below your feet. For my money, it's the best coffee spot in the city. You'll also find Mill Street Brewing. The Distillery District Christmas Market is a fantastic winter experience as well.

River Valleys and The Brickworks

Toronto's river valleys act as the green lungs of the city. You'll find acres and acres of leafy forests and quiet streams that tumble towards Lake Ontario. There's no better place to get an understanding of the vibrancy of the city and its ethnic mix than to take a trip to Sunnybrook Park or High Park in the west end and watch families on a summer weekend.

You'll find folks tossing frisbees and playing soccer or cricket as they fire up the coals and get ready for an afternoon feast. There are wonderful walking and biking trails all through the city's vast parks system. The Evergreen Brickworks is a lovely spot in the Don Valley River Valley, close to downtown, with great food, nature displays and a Saturday Farmers' Market. Sunnybrook Park can be reached by bus from the Eglinton subway station.

Toronto Islands

Ferry boats ply the calm waters between downtown Toronto and three different docks on the Toronto Islands. The east end of the islands has beautiful cottages and striking homes of all shapes and sizes, many with lush, English-style gardens and incredible views of the city skyline. Look for the quiet leafy Rectory Café on Ward's Island. Centre island has an amusement park kids will enjoy and a pier that juts out into Lake Ontario. There's also an excellent beach, with warm water in summer.

There's an old lighthouse off to the west as you get towards Hanlan's Point. Here you'll find dozens of boats bobbing in quiet waterways and also a clothing optional beach. So be forewarned.

At the north end of Hanlan's Point, in a small grassy area, you'll find a statue to baseball slugger Babe Ruth. Ruth made his name with the New York Yankees, but he hit his first professional home run at the old Maple Leaf Stadium here on the island when he was playing in the minor leagues.

New Hotels

Toronto is in the middle of a hotel boom, with several terrific new options to choose from. The new Bisha Hotel is a posh spot in the city's entertainment district, just steps from the home of the Toronto International Film Festival and a one-minute walk to great live theatre venues. Rooms are sleek and sexy, and the rooftop pool is probably the best in the city.

One of the floors was designed by rock star Lenny Kravitz, and the on-site restaurant from celebrity chef Akira Back is truly sensational. Hotel X is a new property in the city's Exhibition Place district and features a chic rooftop bar and pool and relaxation area as well as a stadium-style movie theater. It's also tied to a massive new sports complex with indoor tennis, hot yoga and more. It's part of the Library Hotel Collection, which includes fine hotels in New York City and some of the highest-rated properties in Europe.

A mile or so east of downtown in the trendy Riverside/Leslieville area, the new Broadview Hotel has stunning rooms and several awesome patios with amazing city views. It's quickly become one of the hottest spots in the city. The Civic restaurant serves wonderful food and has a great atmosphere. The old Holiday Inn Yorkville is being transformed into a Kimpton Hotel and should open in July. Also new this year is the Anndore House, a boutique property near Yorkville and the Bloor Street shopping district. Robert De Niro has plans for a Nobu Hotel in downtown Toronto.

The Guild Inn

This is a little out of the way, probably a 20-minute drive from downtown. But it's a wonderful, evocative spot. The property is a former hotel that's now a popular event space for weddings and other special functions. There's also a bistro. The buildings-which were recently given major additions and renovations feature lovely stonework, big windows and a fine patio- are set in a beautiful park that sits on the edge of the Scarborough Bluffs, with marvelous views out over Lake Ontario.

The park has a sculpture garden that's filled with bits of old buildings from all over Toronto; graceful arches from long-forgotten bank buildings and Grecian/Roman-style columns. It's a great spot for surprising Instagram photos.

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