by Global Urbanist

Created on: May 26, 2010

Places tourists should avoid in Toronto, ON
 
Toronto's high ratings in livability and quality of life make it a challenge to list places tourist should avoid when visiting the city.  The crime rate is very low and fairly dispersed throughout the city.  The murder rate ranges between 3-4 per hundred thousand which is equivalent to Anaheim or San Jose California.  Even the neighbourhoods noted for their crime in Toronto (Malvern, Parkdale, Jane-Finch, Jamestown, and Regent Park) are not no-go zones by American standards.  The crime in those neighbourhoods is rarely random.  The neighbourhoods are just as bustling as the rest of the city and a stroll through will not warrant any uncomfortable attention.

 
There are however specific places and circumstances tourists could avoid to not detract from their visit.
 
-Toronto's roads
Poor street signage, inefficient traffic signals, and contention with cyclist and pedestrians at every corner make Toronto difficult to navigate with a car compared to most in North America.  Avoid driving as much as possible for a less frustrating stay.
 
-University Avenue when walking
Institutional buildings of hospitals, insurance companies, and government line the avenue and make for an uneventful stroll.  The broad avenue's noisy traffic and unaccommodating crosswalks leave the impression of a big unreceptive city.
 
-Sidewalks when cycling
Adults are expected to cycle on the street, and those who go on the sidewalk often get dirty looks.
 
-Chinatown on a hot day
Unless you are into potent smells, avoid Chinatown around Spadina and Dundas on a hot day.
 
-Ravine parks in summer twilight
The Humber and Don Valley Parks stretch across the city and make for nice escape from the urban environment.  In summer time however the bugs that come out during twilight have you searching for the sterile comfort of the concrete jungle.
  
-Beer Stores
Personal alcohol can be purchased at the Beer Store or the LCBO chains.  The Beer Store is meant for bulk purchases with little selection.  The more interesting variety in alcohol browsing for a tourist is at the LCBO.
 
-Lake Ontario for swimming
Most of the year the water is too cold to consider.  Even if the top layer is deceivingly warm anything below two feet deep is 4' C.  Should a heat wave roll through, then the fresh water is a perfect environment for algae blooms that bring about beach closures.  Unless you plan to visit a waterpark or pool, you can leave the bathing suit home.
 
-Nathan Phillip's Square (City Hall) when learning how to ice skate
The ice rink is very crowded throughout the winter making it difficult for those trying to learn to ice skate.  Harbourfront and College Park offer more space for those learning how to skate.
 
-Cinema's on Tuesday nights
Movie goers crowd the cinemas on Tuesday nights to take advantage of discounted ticket rates traditionally held on that night.  Just remember to give yourself extra time like a Friday or Saturday night if you choose to see a movie on Tuesday night.

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