Terry Ward
Updated on: October 9, 2024 12:52 pm GMT
Fresh Perspectives: What Tourists Really Think of Toronto
Toronto is often seen through the eyes of its residents, who may take the city’s virtues for granted amid daily complaints about traffic, public transit, and construction. However, a recent inquiry into the impressions of visitors has revealed a strikingly different outlook on the Canadian metropolis. What do tourists appreciate? What improvements do they suggest? As it stands, a significant number of tourists find the city to be larger, brighter, cleaner, and safer than they anticipated.
Understanding Tourists’ Impressions
In July alone, nearly a million visitors flocked to Toronto, eager to explore its landmarks and culture. The Toronto Star recently took to the streets to gather insights from tourists, collecting a range of perspectives based on their experiences in Canada’s largest city. From discussions in line for the iconic CN Tower to casual conversations at City Hall, the feedback has painted a multifaceted portrait of the city.
What Tourists Love About Toronto
- Diversity and Friendliness: Visitors repeatedly emphasized their appreciation for Toronto’s eclectic mix of cultures. Ben Than Soe from Boston noted, “It’s a mixed, eclectic gathering of a lot of different ethnicities.” This sentiment was echoed by Aying Gardaer, who stated, “Everybody’s so friendly, and nobody’s judging.”
- Safety: Many tourists felt a sense of security while exploring the city, especially at night. Lucas Pearson from Berlin expressed his relief, stating, “Berlin is very dangerous at night. Here, I feel safe.” Toronto ranks as the sixth safest major city globally, according to the Economist’s safe cities index.
- Cleanliness: Most respondents acknowledged Toronto’s cleanliness, with many praising the city’s maintenance. However, some noted isolated issues, like Lena Walsh from Dublin, who mentioned, “I saw a lot of trash everywhere.”
Areas for Improvement
While the overall sentiment towards Toronto is largely positive, visitors did voice some criticisms:
- Traffic Conditions: A consistent point of concern among tourists was the traffic. Aying Gardaer criticized the “aggressive driving” and heavy congestion, comparing it unfavorably to what she experiences in the U.K. Daviender Bakshia from Delhi shared a similar view, mentioning that Torontonian roads felt congested.
- Green Spaces: Some argued that the city lacks sufficient green areas. Visitors from regions known for their natural beauty expressed disappointment at Toronto’s limited access to parks and nature. Khemchan Persaud from Guyana suggested an investment in promoting nature walks to enhance the city’s offerings.
- Increasing Cannabis Stores: The rise of cannabis shops was also noted. Pedro from Portugal remarked on the number of marijuana stores compared to his previous visit twelve years ago, asking if they were indicative of a shifting urban landscape.
Visitors took note of Toronto’s impressive skyline, which features numerous towering buildings that impart a great sense of scale.
City vs. Perception: A Disconnect
Interestingly, there seems to be a disconnect between how residents perceive Toronto and how tourists view it. While surveys over the years have indicated that Canadians often fear crime more than necessary, tourists express relief and security while navigating the city. For instance, a 2017 survey showed that over half of Canadians think Toronto is unsafe. In stark contrast, international travelers highlighted the city’s safety and welcoming atmosphere.
The Outlook on Air Quality and Weather
While some tourists enjoyed Toronto’s mild summer weather, the air quality did raise concerns, especially in light of the severe wildfires that briefly affected visibility last summer. Daviender Bakshia from Delhi praised Toronto’s air over his home city’s severe pollution levels, underlining a positive aspect of their experience. Tourists are beginning to notice the city’s initiative to implement “clean air spaces,” designed to help residents and visitors with air quality.
Reasons to Return
Many tourists left with fond memories and a desire to revisit. Dickey and Shirley Hamilton from Jamaica expressed their plan to return in winter to experience snow for the first time. Others, like Brazilian visitors Bruno and Kelly Joia, mentioned the city’s summer warmth while not being enamored by it, indicating possible seasonal preferences in their travel plans.
Final Thoughts
Despite some criticisms, tourists appear to leave Toronto with a greater appreciation for the city than perhaps its residents might feel. The fresh eyes of visitors provide invaluable testimonials to the characteristics that make Toronto a noteworthy destination. From its cultural diversity and safety to its iconic landmarks, there is much to celebrate, even as opportunities for improvement continue to loom large.
For more information on what makes Toronto stand out, visit the official Toronto website to explore the city’s events, attractions, and improvements being made across urban infrastructure.
Stay updated on Toronto’s changing scene by following @bcohenn for cool insights and news!
