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Nestled on the northern shore of Lake Ontario is the largest city of Canada – Toronto. Known for its high ranking on the Liveability index and home to a population of about 2.8 million people, Toronto is not only the financial, industrial and cultural hub of Canada, it is also known for its jaw-dropping natural attractions, that enthrals tourists from across the world. There are not many countries left in the world which can boast of natural wilderness as extensive as those found here. Read on if you are an adventurer and nature enthusiast with Toronto on your bucket list.
You will find more than 24 different flight options when you make your Delhi to Toronto flight bookings and make sure to check their website for visa requirement. Best time to visit Toronto would be around April and May, when the summer rush is yet to happen, and hotels are ready to offer good package deals. Similar deals, good weather and blazing fall colours could be a good reason to travel in September and October. Summer time is tourist time and it will be crowded everywhere. Winter, is very hostile and snowy. For obvious reasons, there are very few takers for the huge price cuts on hotels, but if you can brave it, enjoy the snow and various special events held at this time of the year. Remember to book hotels well in advance to get the best prices and make a note of the events you could pack in.
Enjoy on Toronto’s lakeshore
The sight of Lake Ontario is breathtaking, with many tourists mistaking it for an ocean at first glance. Cruising is the best way to enjoy the lake, with many operators offering day-trips to the Niagara Falls as well. Get sprayed by the mist and experience the thunderous descent of the world’s most well-known water fall. For those preferring non-touristy spots, try the Ball’s Falls or walk down the beautiful beaches to the picturesque lighthouse in Brighton.
Take a break from the city to Rouge National Urban Park
Rouge National Urban Park has been developed as a wilderness area in the city of Toronto. Covering more than 50 square kilometres, it is made up of historic agricultural lands, close to 1,700 different species of flora and fauna, well-preserved wetlands and forests. The ideal place to go hiking or river-side camping for a wholesome natural experience.
Long walks on the Scarborough Bluffs
Scarborough Bluffs are spectacular soil structures developed over 12,000 years, through sedimentary deposits. It stretches for over 15 kilometres along the shore of Lake Ontario. The area reminds one of the Cliffs of Dover and the best way to experience it is from the top of the cliff that forms the Scarborough Bluff Park. The trail below is also very popular with walkers. But do keep a look out for public safety warnings as the bluff gets eroded each year causing landslides.
Find yourself fascinated by butterflies
The Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat is very pretty place to spend time in. It consists of a variety of plant life – native wildflowers, trees, shrubs, hedges and grasses – to conserve the habitat of native butterfly species. The roughly 4-acre area is divided into areas like a short grass prairie, a wildflower meadow and a home garden. Each of these areas is designed to educate visitors about butterfly conservation.
Nature’s glacial park in the city
If you want to catch a sunrise, head straight to the Colonel Samuel Smith Park, which is located along the shorelines. It has plenty of greenery around and is considered a top spot for birdwatching in Toronto. If you are into ice-skating, then you could enjoy the city’s first trail dedicated to ice-skaters or head to the waterside for a bit of fishing.
Explore the beauty of ravine
The Glen Stewart Ravine is a forest comprising mainly of red oaks and red maple that gives refuge to migratory song birds. Visitors to these forests need to be conscious of the delicate balance between conservation and tourism. Areas are demarcated for walking and care should be taken to not go off-trail because that would cause the young saplings to be damaged.
Whatever the season, travelling can be a pleasure if it is planned well. So, book your flights from Delhi to Toronto now. For those who like to be close to nature, this is perhaps the ideal destination.