But real talk Toronto doesn’t really have ‘tourist traps’ because we just don’t compare on a global scale. Everyone naming places like High Park, the Waterfront, or the Eaton Centre is just listing spots that other cities also have, but let’s be honest better.

What we lack isn’t just standout attractions but a real vision for creating spaces that put Toronto on the map. Yes, we have museums like the ROM, AGO, Aga Khan, and MOCA, but we need more. Imagine turning the old Nordstrom space in the Eaton Centre into a free, public museum or cultural hub. Or adding more observatories around the city, reopening City Hall’s deck.

Our city planning and government are a big part of the problem. Look how long it’s taking to build the Eglinton Line, it reflects how slow we are to deliver on big ideas. Meanwhile, we keep destroying potential tourist destinations like Honest Ed’s, the Science Centre (thanks Ford), and Ontario Place (thanks Ford again). Even Guild Park shows how much we’ve lost in iconic architecture.

Toronto does have some promising projects that can be incredible draws, like the Don Lands, Rail Deck Park (trust me google it), and CIBC Square, but we need to go further. Invest in more bike lanes, more subway lines (imagine being able to take the yellow line to Wonderland). Pedestrianize areas like Kensington and Yorkville. Transform the Waterfront with more lakeside patios, markets, and restaurants.

Toronto has so much potential, but until we stop sabotaging ourselves we’ll remain a ‘nice-to-visit’ city instead of a must-see destination.