Totally Toronto - Destination Special with Paul Theroux and Caroline Aksich

This week on The Travel Diaries, we’re heading to Toronto for a special episode exploring Canada’s largest city through the eyes of two fascinating guests.

I have such fond memories of visiting Toronto, from its wonderfully diverse neighbourhoods and fantastic food to that extraordinary skyline overlooking Lake Ontario. It’s a city that can sometimes be overlooked by British travellers, but one that deserves a trip in its own right.

First, I’m joined by Toronto-based journalist Caroline Aksich, contributing editor at Toronto Life and author of Frommer’s EasyGuide to Toronto, Niagara and the Wine Country. Caroline shares her insider’s guide to the city, from restaurants worth planning a trip around to favourite neighbourhoods, hotels and hidden gems.

Then, legendary travel writer Paul Theroux joins me to offer a different perspective. His latest book, True North, takes him on a journey across Canada, a country he has been visiting for more than 70 years. We discuss his memories of Toronto, how it has evolved since his first visit in the 1980s, and the people and communities that shape its cultural identity.

Along the way, we discover what makes Toronto “the world in a city”, explore its connection to nature, and talk about the Toronto Islands, where beaches, leafy cycling paths and skyline views await just a short ferry ride from downtown.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or dreaming of a return, this is an invitation to get to know Toronto a little better.

Destination recap

• Trinity Bellwoods, Toronto
• Queen West, Toronto
• Ossington Avenue, Toronto
• CN Tower, Toronto
• 360 Restaurant, Toronto
• Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Toronto
• Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto
• Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto
• University of Toronto, Toronto
• Yorkville, Toronto
• Four Seasons Hotel, Toronto
• Park Hyatt, Toronto
• The Hazelton Hotel, Toronto
• The St. Regis, Toronto
• Le Germain Hotel, Toronto
• King West, Toronto
• Ace Hotel, Toronto
• 1 Hotel, Toronto
• Edulis, Toronto
• Yan Dining Room at Hong Shing, Toronto
• Little Jamaica, Toronto
• Little Italy, Toronto
• Koreatown, Toronto
• Chinatown, Toronto
• St. Lawrence Market, Toronto
• Carousel Bakery, Toronto
• Toronto Islands, Toronto
• Centre Island, Toronto
• The Drake Hotel, Toronto
• Sky Yard at The Drake Hotel, Toronto
• Rhum Corner, Toronto
• Bar Vendetta, Toronto
• General Public, Toronto
• Patois, Toronto
• Lao Lao Bar, Toronto
• Niagara Falls, Ontario
• Muskoka, Ontario
• Fairmont Royal York, Toronto
• Khazana, Toronto

And for even more inspiration, neighbourhood guides, events and practical advice, do head to DestinationToronto.com.

Thanks so much for listening and I’ll see you next week.

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