I Drove Through Toronto, Canada. This Is What I Saw.

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  • čas přidán 13. 01. 2020
  • Toronto is a pretty city, and has some weird areas too!
    For this video, we drove into Toronto after crossing into canada near the Port Huron border crossing in Michigan, and then drove across the vast Canadian farmland areas into the city of Toronto.
    Toronto’s weather was WAY warmer than usual. On this day, it was 33 degrees fahrenheit. It snowed lightly for the several days we were in Toronto, but it never got below 23 degrees at night. Typically, this time of year, it’s closer to 17’.
    Toronto sits at the edge of Lake Ontario. Everyone we talked to said they couldn’t remember the last time Lake Ontario wasn’t frozen.
    We’ll begin the driving tour of Toronto. But we’ll preface it by drawing whatever generalizations we could surmise after three days in Canada’s largest city. It’s very modern, clean and diverse. All over downtown are newish looking condos, which dominate the Toronto skyline. We only saw one police officer the entire time we walked the city, and outside of a few sketchy homeless people - I saw no problems to speak of.
    We also spent a lot of time staring out the window at Toronto’s crown jewel, the CN tower. This building is 1800 feet tall, and every hour, it goes through a rapid light transition show which lasts for close to 10 minutes.
    We’ll begin this driving tour of Toronto on King Street in the center of downtown, and then drive the perimeter.
    We saw Front Street, on the far south side of downtown Toronto, which abuts Lake Ontario on the right.
    Toronto’s population is very diverse. Nearly half the population is considered European. About a third of the population is Asian, and 10% are black. According to the official census numbers, only 1% of the population is Arab, but that number seems very low according to numbers I saw on the ground. Perhaps they are not long term residents.
    Toronto’s overall population is close to 3 million people, putting it just about the same size of Chicago - our third largest city here in the US.
    Toronto is a very walkable downtown, evident by the look of its residents. While two-thirds of all Canadian residents are considered at least overweight, here in Toronto, you hardly ever saw someone overweight.
    This is the financial district in Toronto, where most of the large business offices are located. Half of the largest companies in the entire country are located in this one district alone. Toronto is home to the Canadian headquarters of many large banking and technology companies, including Apple, Coke, Citibank, Google, McDonalds, Microsoft and Intel.
    Now, we’re going to make a left and head west into old Chinatown, located towards the northern end of the metro downtown area. Toronto has many Chinatowns, but this one is old Chinatown. Which makes it better Chinatown.
    While on a stroll in Chinatown one evening, I made three purchases: a selfie stick which I would later use to film this drive, a candy bar from a seedy shop which was surprisingly very easy to obtain, and dim sum.
    Dinner took place at Dim Sum King on Dundas Street. It was very good and I ordered too much. I wound up putting a dumpling in my pocket for later.
    While at Dim Sum, I also spotted a fellow social media superstar, an Asian Tik Tok star named Kinda Korean, which would also be a great name for a Korean BBQ food truck.
    Canada is actually officially a bilingual country, with English and French the official languages. Some of the first European settlers here were French, and the French culture still impacts Canada today. While here, I also tried poutine, a French dish which consists of gravy, cheese, and french fries.
    Now, we’ll take a turn into the Kensington Market neighborhood of Toronto. Kensington Market is a walkable bohemian neighbourhood that draws artists and tourists to its indie shops, vintage boutiques and arts spaces. The Market is also home to a wide array of specialty grocers, bakeries and cheese shops. Hipsters frequent trendy bars, cafes and international restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. Students and families populate Victorian houses along tree-lined streets.
    That was borrowed from Wikipedia.
    Now, one final street we’ll visit is Queen Street West. Which goes west to east through the heart of downtown Toronto.
    Queen Elizabeth is still the Queen of Canada. Canada is both a constitutional monarchy and a federal parliamentary democracy with the Queen as the head of state. Canada was once a colony of Britain, but unlike many of England’s other colonies, Canada never experienced a sharp, clean break with the motherland. Though Canada now has full political independence from the U.K., the British monarchy is still part of the Canadian political system to this day.
    As such, technically Queen Elizabeth owns like 90% of all Canadian land. And, a lot of the money here in Toronto has Queen Elizabeth on it.
    This channel talks about America, different states, education, travel, geography and what it's like to live in different places in America.

Komentáře • 4,2K

  • @NickJohnson
    @NickJohnson  Před rokem +5

    Here's my entire Unboxing America Series: czcams.com/play/PLq-_cmf3H6yqgM1vGG305six5T7dqGURF.html

  • @Emanuel-kz9lw
    @Emanuel-kz9lw Před 4 lety +4635

    I live in Toronto why am I watching this lol

    • @Bellalina1622
      @Bellalina1622 Před 4 lety +74

      Same

    • @diymadness9688
      @diymadness9688 Před 4 lety +32

      Lol

    • @eeshan4494
      @eeshan4494 Před 4 lety +229

      Same here I guess I am curious for an outsiders perspective on the city

    • @whoisjaaxn2587
      @whoisjaaxn2587 Před 4 lety +14

      Lol for real

    • @rflxna3227
      @rflxna3227 Před 4 lety +24

      I saw the 121A bus passing on Spadina and lower simcoe, same one I take everyday :'D

  • @jasonlane7743
    @jasonlane7743 Před 4 lety +1932

    This video should be called “I drove around Spadina.”

    • @abdyrahemhussein9113
      @abdyrahemhussein9113 Před 4 lety +7

      I didn’t get that what does it suppose to mean

    • @romechy6014
      @romechy6014 Před 4 lety +65

      StormBreaker 3049 Spadina is a Street in Toronto

    • @elenilewis8220
      @elenilewis8220 Před 4 lety +8

      Deadassss

    • @LSOP-
      @LSOP- Před 4 lety +63

      "We're going to start on King street" actually starts at Spadina and the Gardiner, then Drives down Front.

    • @troillandford7679
      @troillandford7679 Před 4 lety +42

      I'd rather Spadina than Eglinton, man's gonna be stuck in traffic for a minute.

  • @mj24672
    @mj24672 Před 2 lety +22

    I’m 75 and have lived in all parts of Toronto all my life. I’ve never had a problem. People are nice and helpful. Never a problem going out at night. We are very lucky.

  • @StefanG5
    @StefanG5 Před 2 lety +4

    I love the way you presented this video. You don't blabber like most CZcams film makers, you just show us what you saw with nice music playing in the background. This was very pleasant to watch.

  • @xibalbadoom1837
    @xibalbadoom1837 Před 4 lety +554

    Some of the most “sketchiest” people aren’t homeless..

    • @richardcovello5367
      @richardcovello5367 Před 4 lety +36

      Like mayor john tory?

    • @samiab6077
      @samiab6077 Před 4 lety +3

      hi I will move to Toronto in October. who are the sketchy people/place to avoid?

    • @EuroGuy85
      @EuroGuy85 Před 4 lety +10

      Damn right! He drove past the sketchy people's offices right there at queens park and city hall

    • @Esp_mathias
      @Esp_mathias Před 4 lety +5

      @@samiab6077 jane and finch regent park po driftwood

    • @GoodnightMoon2011
      @GoodnightMoon2011 Před 4 lety +24

      @@samiab6077 Americans

  • @100ksubsbycommentingchalle4
    @100ksubsbycommentingchalle4 Před 4 lety +2219

    You should have visited Jane and finch it is an extremely historic and upscale neighborhood in Toronto with one of the best malls in North America

    • @imjustnia1692
      @imjustnia1692 Před 4 lety +353

      Lmao want him to get robbed ? 😂

    • @patifinka4699
      @patifinka4699 Před 4 lety +94

      Ahhhhha ... how about massage parlour at Wilson and Dufferin .

    • @storm123eagle
      @storm123eagle Před 4 lety +147

      Try a few of these places rexdale regent park vern block. Make sure you talk to people with your windows down

    • @patifinka4699
      @patifinka4699 Před 4 lety +76

      Shotsfired Mandown - the best place ever . Especially after 10 pm.

    • @joshfrench5858
      @joshfrench5858 Před 4 lety +11

      Lmao

  • @mary1326
    @mary1326 Před rokem +17

    I was born and raised in Toronto. I'm 58 and my dad worked downtown when they were building the CN Tower. Near the top there is a piece that they let kids sign before it was lifted and put into place. My dad's been gone since 2006 and every time I see the tower I think of my dad. It's an expensive city, and we have our share of issues but it's diverse and interesting and I wouldn't live anywhere else. Thanks for doing this video. I loved it.

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Před rokem +1

      Hi Mary. Great! You dad sounds like a great guy ❤️

  • @TravelwithTasha393
    @TravelwithTasha393 Před 3 lety +129

    I was in Toronto for a week a couple of years ago, and I've discovered that you have to be outside of the tourist area to really fully experience a town. I had my own apartment in a residential neighborhood, and I loved it!!!

    • @Nick-wi3kd
      @Nick-wi3kd Před 2 lety +2

      . . . A week?

    • @MissionHomeowner
      @MissionHomeowner Před 2 lety +1

      @@Nick-wi3kd Furnished short term rental?

    • @emmab5370
      @emmab5370 Před rokem

      Nice! I'm glad you liked it. What neighbourhood did you stay in?

    • @sda9995
      @sda9995 Před rokem

      You said town😳 no it’s a city 😊

  • @peterrezba995
    @peterrezba995 Před 4 lety +585

    I've been living in Toronto since 1970's and Lake Ontario never freezes. Because of its great depth, the lake as a whole never freezes in winter.

    • @syncmaster915n
      @syncmaster915n Před 4 lety +27

      I lived in Toronto during the late 80s. One year Lake Ontario was partially frozen and they held ice canoe races on the lake. Sunday shopping was still outlawed then so the lake front as well as Chinatown were the only places opened (as tourist destination) on Sunday.

    • @blackpillcommando4927
      @blackpillcommando4927 Před 4 lety +10

      Peter Rezba: People living in Toronto don't usually go out into the lake to see that. Most people think the lake freezes over because it DOES freeze over close to the city and the shorelines on East and West sides which I may link a picture for you of me looking back at the city from out on The Leslie St. Spit and the whole harbour areas and also out a ways from The Islands is frozen which is what most landlubbers like me would see.

    • @richardcovello5367
      @richardcovello5367 Před 4 lety +14

      Not true! the lake has had at least 2 years in the past 20 with 75%+ ice coverage; the last was 90-95%.
      It was the result of global warming.

    • @borzica
      @borzica Před 4 lety +2

      I think that was satire my friend

    • @karma1007
      @karma1007 Před 4 lety +3

      I don't go by the lake that often. But about 7 yrs ago, I did walk on it because it was frozen and it was March 🤷🏾‍♀️

  • @TheLovinjourney
    @TheLovinjourney Před 4 lety +926

    Toronto in the summer is absolutely gorgeous. That's when ou should have come.

    • @joeygagliardi7380
      @joeygagliardi7380 Před 4 lety +31

      Totally Agree, you can really enjoy every bit of it in the Summer.

    • @Rebel940
      @Rebel940 Před 4 lety +11

      Funny I’m going during the summer lol

    • @diymadness9688
      @diymadness9688 Před 4 lety +3

      I second your opinion

    • @sheevpalpatine2128
      @sheevpalpatine2128 Před 4 lety +5

      Toronto is extremely beautiful in the summer less so in the winter because its only beatiful outside the major cities and population centres, or most parks and nearby conservation areas.

    • @tassosplatis2143
      @tassosplatis2143 Před 4 lety +21

      @@Rebel940 there's a good buzz in Toronto (Canada in general) during summer because of the harsh winter.
      You'll have a great time

  • @nonokayakjack
    @nonokayakjack Před 2 lety +64

    Never mind the lack of ice on the lake. That time of year it usually becomes virtually impossible to get around town due to the CN Tower becoming limp and laying across most of the major streets.

  • @TheStevo427563
    @TheStevo427563 Před 3 lety +22

    Toronto is definitely the cleanest city I've ever been to. Beautiful.

  • @at1212b
    @at1212b Před 4 lety +448

    I live here and find this vid strangely soothing.

    • @nozecone
      @nozecone Před 4 lety +4

      I think we all live here, don't we?

    • @deborahvictoriaedwards5188
      @deborahvictoriaedwards5188 Před 4 lety +5

      DELUSIONS many suffer from...

    • @nozecone
      @nozecone Před 4 lety +2

      @@deborahvictoriaedwards5188 ... you mean ... it's like that movie? ... you know - that MOVIE!

    • @muchmusicmcquade
      @muchmusicmcquade Před 4 lety

      Probably cause not a real outlook rather from tourists

    • @romes19
      @romes19 Před 4 lety +2

      A familiar place is comforting

  • @yasmeenm6435
    @yasmeenm6435 Před 4 lety +640

    I’m from Toronto, watching this during quarantine so I can remember what it’s like to be in the city

    • @stephengonsalves9705
      @stephengonsalves9705 Před 4 lety +7

      I'm watching this video right now thinking the exact same thing.

    • @jesseroberts1041
      @jesseroberts1041 Před 4 lety +6

      I'm watching it so I know what I'm getting into when I have to go there for the Miku Hatsune concert...which sadly..might not happen this September now :(

    • @vellgotitt2054
      @vellgotitt2054 Před 4 lety +7

      Your beautiful by the way from Massachusetts Boston sending love to you ❤️

    • @rrostoyarik8579
      @rrostoyarik8579 Před 4 lety

      So truuuee

    • @pacoheineck5565
      @pacoheineck5565 Před 4 lety +1

      Lol same

  • @tramlad2
    @tramlad2 Před 2 lety +15

    Loved Toronto, spent 6 weeks there staying in Davisville in 1981, great city, and the people were so helpful and friendly, would love to return to look over the many changes in a brilliant city.

    • @thomasanderson5929
      @thomasanderson5929 Před rokem +1

      It's turned to shit since. It's basically New India nowadays. Traffic is insane. Rent is as bad as New York except people still make about 50k CAD a year. Housing is even worse. Still only has two pathetic subway lines.

  • @jenniferdaulby5519
    @jenniferdaulby5519 Před 2 lety +5

    Thanks for this channel Nick. Thanks for taking us to Canada. I live in Australia and have visited the USA twice - first to Boston & Rhode Island (to watch the America's Cup - the year Australia won), second to Seattle (to visit a friend & to look about the state). Love "visiting" all the different places with you.

  • @leafs34
    @leafs34 Před 4 lety +1510

    The fact you voluntarily drove around downtown is hilarious to me because I avoid it at all costs

    • @thegamingwolf8755
      @thegamingwolf8755 Před 4 lety +51

      Not to mention with the construction of the so called metro link or whatever is called, which has being in construction for five years now sigh.
      That might make the traffic a lot more bad.

    • @shawndaversa1628
      @shawndaversa1628 Před 4 lety +22

      W - ok but you lost to your own Zamboni driver

    • @ashleymailer6376
      @ashleymailer6376 Před 4 lety +18

      At least he didn’t hit up Eglington

    • @ryanbarth863
      @ryanbarth863 Před 4 lety +3

      W - is Eglington the East Hasting of Toronto?

    • @BlueHeron654
      @BlueHeron654 Před 4 lety +2

      @@ryanbarth863 no

  • @afitztru
    @afitztru Před 4 lety +663

    I am so shocked by people on here complaining about Toronto. I have lived in lots of places in U.S. and I pretty much hate everywhere and don't really like people. My son took me for a week last August to your city and I loved loved loved it!!!! We walked, took transit and drove all around city it was great. Even the homeless you complain about were nice compared to where I live in states. If you don't like it work to change it but realize you have it better than most. My son asked where I want to go next and I told him " of course back to Toronto!". See you next August!

    • @EraLuna13
      @EraLuna13 Před 4 lety +52

      So happy you enjoyed our city!

    • @HelloFriendComTech
      @HelloFriendComTech Před 4 lety +89

      Toronto's not so bad if you have the money to live there. Average cost for a condo is $647K, a town house is $836K and a detached home is 1.3 million. The housing market is getting out of control here and it's making people unhappy, not so bad for people who had the money to buy before the prices started to skyrocket, but its rough for allot of people, especially young people. Recently I even read that Toronto and Vancouver are the least happy cities in Canada.

    • @JordansAlwaysOntheGo
      @JordansAlwaysOntheGo Před 4 lety +34

      Ruby June Toronto is definitely a nice city...but in my opinion the homeless people are definitely quite bad there lol, my first day there I was with a friend and a random homeless lady pushed my friend and knocked her phone out of her hands; her phone ended up getting cracked..

    • @afitztru
      @afitztru Před 4 lety +8

      JOT that's terrible I am sorry that happened.

    • @afitztru
      @afitztru Před 4 lety +24

      Matt L I know that feeling. It's like where do people get all that money that's outrageous! Where do regular people live when it is like that? I think I need to visit more of Canada. I just really liked the diversity and the people weren't jerks. The recycling is great along with the transit. Just loved it.

  • @mariocasella4816
    @mariocasella4816 Před 10 měsíci

    Hey Nick, I think your videos are fantastic. You're one of the few producers who knows when to shut up and let the video do the talking. I love the panning left to right and back, the maps placed just often enough, and the informative dialog that is always interesting with a dash of humor. You are brilliant. Keep up the good work.

  • @andrewmanzanares6618
    @andrewmanzanares6618 Před 2 lety +1

    I live and work in Toronto and I'm super familiar with all these places, but when you're seeing it from the eyes of a visitor, it becomes new for some reason haha. Thanks for driving through our city!

  • @EvaristeWK
    @EvaristeWK Před 4 lety +142

    I stumbled upon this channel with this vid, and now I'm bingewatching all the vids lol. Love your sense of humour and the Mappy fam!

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Před 4 lety +17

      MAPPY loves YOU!

    • @mikerussell7825
      @mikerussell7825 Před 3 lety +1

      @@NickJohnson That's where Camp Rock 2 the Final Jam was shot in witch is the film

  • @dorianloganToronto
    @dorianloganToronto Před 4 lety +263

    "Judging people from my car" - the movie.

    • @bobbbxxx
      @bobbbxxx Před 3 lety +4

      LOL! Who would visit a city and just drive around making judgements about the entire population? That is no way to discover any city unless you visit Dubai or some suburban city.

    • @nonmagicmike723
      @nonmagicmike723 Před 3 lety +11

      I didn't hear any judgements. Just plain descriptions on race, foot traffic, and overall fitness.

    • @baileybuckley4796
      @baileybuckley4796 Před 3 lety

      @@nonmagicmike723 right ✅

    • @user-dv6gw6ig9k
      @user-dv6gw6ig9k Před 2 lety

      Hi, hello, the picture is so handsome! Much like a star.

  • @Tiqerboy
    @Tiqerboy Před 2 lety +8

    Thanks for the memories. I lived in Toronto from 1990 to 1997 so much has changed since I moved away but I was able to recognize the main landmarks. When you got to that old building at the end of Bay St. that is the City Hall next to it, built in 1965, quite something to see.
    You crossed Huron St in Chinatown. I lived there, further north towards Bloor St in three separate houses.
    Had I settled down there, I'd be a millionaire many times over. Real estate has gone through the roof since I lived t here.
    One final thing : I used a bicycle to get around anywhere in the downtown core, certainly everywhere you drove. It was almost always way faster than driving a car. I imagine that's still true today. I also bicycled all through the winter too.

  • @kerznerquienez1210
    @kerznerquienez1210 Před rokem

    Moving to Toronto soon and this video made me so much eager to land into this vibrant city!
    Thanks for this wonderful tour!

  • @averroez7830
    @averroez7830 Před 4 lety +12

    I lived in Toronto for about 2 years absolutely loved it, people are very kind, hope to come back some day

  • @blaqceeza
    @blaqceeza Před 3 lety +91

    Toronto is truly a summer city. Respect to @Nick Johnson for displaying the splendours of Toronto, but to truly capture the vibrance of Toronto, one would really need to re-do this video in the summer. Post quarantine of course!

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Před 3 lety +10

      hey it was sunny that day!

    • @nanakin48
      @nanakin48 Před 2 lety +4

      @@NickJohnson You missed the Beach area .. one of the oldest and most beautiful spots.

    • @skeliskull
      @skeliskull Před rokem +3

      Every northern city is a summer city

    • @jimdraven2432
      @jimdraven2432 Před rokem +2

      @@NickJohnson also maybe drive through other areas and not just downtown

    • @panchogeorocks
      @panchogeorocks Před 11 měsíci

      100% agree! i love visiting Toronto in the summer months and definitely a different vibe

  • @kamleshvatish1201
    @kamleshvatish1201 Před 3 lety +1

    Very very good presentation..thank you so much

  • @rhondaborean9724
    @rhondaborean9724 Před rokem +1

    Great little video of my city. I used to live downtown for many years on the east side of the city and then moved to the burbs in the west 20-years ago. It was nice to see all my favourite haunts again!!!

  • @mikesteele9911
    @mikesteele9911 Před 4 lety +17

    Well done for the very small section of Toronto that
    you covered. There is so much more like Yonge Street the longest street in the world and one of Toronto's biggest tourist attractions. Yorkville, Greek Town, The Beaches, Harbor Front, Uptown, Little Italy, Liberty Village, Distillery District, Leslieville, Bloor West Village etc

  • @thefozzybear
    @thefozzybear Před 4 lety +244

    I grew up in Toronto and I love my city but unfortunately it is getting very expensive to live here. It's becoming the NYC of Canada with rent prices sky rocketing. Have to work 2 jobs or just move out.

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Před 4 lety +43

      Yes and dining and entertainment is expensive as well

    • @leeb.7188
      @leeb.7188 Před 4 lety +62

      So rents are too high but your politicians are bringing in more immigrants? If you vote for these fools, you have no one to blame but yourself!

    • @jameschampken770
      @jameschampken770 Před 4 lety +30

      @@NickJohnson to be honest dining out and entertainment costs are expensive in many places across Canada. It's the property prices that are skyrocketing in Toronto that is making Toronto particularly more expensive then many other cities to live in.

    • @TerenceMichaelReeves
      @TerenceMichaelReeves Před 4 lety +78

      The price of rents have nothing to do with immigration. There's been a significant amount of development over the past few years, and most of it has been in the form of luxury condos which current residents and immigrants alike cannot afford.

    • @tripdiz1341
      @tripdiz1341 Před 4 lety +76

      Lee B. No politician is importing people. Its called immigration. Where people choose to come here. Dont get brain washed by conservative talking points.
      But what you’re lamely describing is the refugees from syria. Those unfortunate people would die if they continued living in a war zone.
      Im not going to reply to you when you @me with your propaganda & conservative views. I voted liberal twice - voting out your pm harper and his 10 year reign. I was born here in this city, many moons ago (i mention this cause i know you’re going to instruct me to return home lol)

  • @prickayeey8420
    @prickayeey8420 Před 3 lety +86

    I love toronto, its such a modern underrated city. It gives me a bay area vibe in the summer, n a nyc vibe in the cold. Idk how to explain it.

    • @quantumhelium
      @quantumhelium Před 2 lety +7

      Very astute observation.

    • @deo8375
      @deo8375 Před 2 lety +1

      The vibe u get in the winter when the streets are empty and there’s snow everywhere is second to none can’t be explained

    • @ch1ckmom217
      @ch1ckmom217 Před 2 lety +1

      I have never been to Toronto but I used to live in the Bay Area and been to NYC and it legit reminded me of both places. I know your post was from a year ago but it's good to see that I wasn't the only one thinking that, lol.

    • @cojo4373
      @cojo4373 Před rokem

      Who is underrating it? It ranks highly throughout multiple categories.

    • @robertsitch1415
      @robertsitch1415 Před rokem +1

      @@ch1ckmom217 yes it has been trying to catch up with NYC in many ways.

  • @martinc8057
    @martinc8057 Před rokem

    I am from Toronto and love your videos of the states, it was cool to see your take on TO.

  • @GraceGordon1
    @GraceGordon1 Před 4 lety +389

    You missed Yorkville, the Beaches and Parkdale, among others!

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Před 4 lety +46

      I know it's a big city!

    • @sheevpalpatine2128
      @sheevpalpatine2128 Před 4 lety +45

      @@NickJohnson you also passed by front street area and the sports complexes without mentioning THE TORONTO RAPTORS ARE THE 2019 NBA CHAMPS

    • @gavinn.4060
      @gavinn.4060 Před 4 lety +12

      Parkdale is one of my favourite parts of the city. I’m from Roncesvalles and go there for school, they have the best Tibetan food out of the whole city

    • @fragmentedman3735
      @fragmentedman3735 Před 4 lety +21

      lmao good thing he missed Parkdale

    • @RFM-
      @RFM- Před 4 lety +1

      Ya the whole thing about his videos are the downtown core.
      As for the Beaches all the stores are BOARDED UP on Queen St east, there an eye sore - Oggi Jeans, Fitzgerald's bar, St Louis Bar and Grill etc etc etc.

  • @beektormaing
    @beektormaing Před 4 lety +291

    “Every man wears skinny jeans”
    *me from Toronto wearing sweatpants 24/7*😕

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Před 4 lety +11

      You're NOT HIP! Haha jk you're hip

    • @wl03bu
      @wl03bu Před 4 lety +3

      I wear sweatpants that look like denim.

    • @ogilvieds
      @ogilvieds Před 4 lety +5

      Oooh, loook at Tooorontooo. They can afford sweatpaaants. -Calgary

    • @wmmk86
      @wmmk86 Před 4 lety +1

      I only wear sweatpants

    • @therapist6328
      @therapist6328 Před 4 lety

      @@ogilvieds
      Toronto track pants are Louis Vuitton and cost $1400. The bums here wear Jordan's and SB Dunks.

  • @idcraw
    @idcraw Před 3 lety +2

    Joined the CF 40+ years ago and love seeing how my home town has grown still and always a Leaf fan.

  • @TheCaptainLulz
    @TheCaptainLulz Před 3 lety

    I live 2 hours north of TO and we had much the same, it was probably the warmest winter I remember and Im 40. You picked a good time to come.

  • @thecase1975
    @thecase1975 Před 4 lety +6

    Great job! Been away for 2 years, I see why I moved but at the same time I miss it so much! Great to go through Kensington again.

  • @theelexgrahameshow2023
    @theelexgrahameshow2023 Před 4 lety +8

    Glad I saw this vid. At 10:20 is one of my favorite spots, I used to work at the School one street over from where you turned, it's on Denison. I love that area, so many good places for food. Glad you enjoyed it, part 2 should be in the summer for Jazzfest in the Beach, yeah you didn't come to the Beach.

  • @claryp1509
    @claryp1509 Před rokem

    This is one Canadian city on my bucket list. Thanks for this great video.

  • @marvwatkins7029
    @marvwatkins7029 Před 2 lety

    Amazing Nick visits Toronto in the dead of Winter too. Kudos.

  • @AdonisContreras
    @AdonisContreras Před 4 lety +4

    I live in the suburbs of Toronto, and i appreciate your perspectives of this great city, thank you.

  • @NGANSTURR
    @NGANSTURR Před 4 lety +28

    From Toronto & still clicked the video 😂. It was a soothing video for some reason.

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Před 4 lety +5

      Except for my annoying interruptions you could fall asleep to it

  • @wandahall4435
    @wandahall4435 Před 3 lety +1

    A treat I missed.. Much 💖 to You & Mappy!!!

  • @MrHubb1
    @MrHubb1 Před 2 lety

    Thank you so much for making this video. I live in a small town in the Kootenay region of BC Canada 🇨🇦 and I've never seen Toronto so this was really cool.

  • @erikswanson5753
    @erikswanson5753 Před 4 lety +7

    Nice job. You really threw me at the start giving the temperature in Fahrenheit. You also passed by many iconic buildings without a mention, old and new City Hall for example, Union Station and the Royal York Hotel. But as you can see, the city is very liveable and very walkable.

  • @crappieco.4075
    @crappieco.4075 Před 4 lety +12

    I've been quite the fan of urban/suburban style areas, and this video really makes me wanna live there. Thank you for making this.

  • @williamwalksTO
    @williamwalksTO Před 2 lety

    Thank you for sharing this interesting and unique video!

  • @quantumhelium
    @quantumhelium Před 2 lety

    Hey Nick you have a good personality and a very unique videography/cinematographic style. Happy for you that you achieved success doing what you enjoy.

  • @chrisb2844
    @chrisb2844 Před 4 lety +4

    I love Toronto, and Nick that was a great tour, love the fact that you did this in the winter months also, now I want to move there!!

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Před 4 lety +1

      Me too it's pretty expensive though

  • @btbees1
    @btbees1 Před 3 lety +17

    I've never been to Toronto. Thanks for the interesting tour, Nick.

    • @user-dv6gw6ig9k
      @user-dv6gw6ig9k Před 2 lety

      Hi, the picture is so handsome! Much like a star.

  • @WizenedVariations1
    @WizenedVariations1 Před 3 lety +1

    What a great city! And you have to see it in the dead of winter. That's when Toronto is pure Canada. And go to Montreal in January and feel the vibes of that great city.

  • @sweetcitywoman2004
    @sweetcitywoman2004 Před 2 lety +1

    I really appreciate you took the time to film Toronto.

  • @tyronestreete7676
    @tyronestreete7676 Před 4 lety +22

    Toronto grew organically, that is it annexed many smaller places and larger places like townships. To truly get Toronto explore the old towns and villages like West Toronto Junction, Weston and Forest Hill etc. Explore the old townships or inner suburbs like North York, Scarborough and Etobicoke etc.
    And explore neighbourhoods like Cabbagetown.

  • @rosolenn
    @rosolenn Před 4 lety +182

    Was this done on a Sunday? Doesn't seem like much traffic.

    • @mindfloodnc
      @mindfloodnc Před 4 lety +15

      Traffic is nuts -- combination of cars and foot traffic from office workers going home to the train station not good.

    • @arjunsecondary
      @arjunsecondary Před 4 lety +16

      definitely is. judging from the timing of some shots it was morning too. and like any metro area, weekday mornings are busy. this was very light traffic and definitely not a weekday.

    • @weetikissa
      @weetikissa Před 4 lety +6

      There are simply too many cars. People taking up so much space in traffic is ruining it for everybody.

    • @unknownpirate3290
      @unknownpirate3290 Před 4 lety +5

      Ya he was there for 3 days... all of them where Sunday.

    • @johnutube5651
      @johnutube5651 Před 3 lety

      @@unknownpirate3290 LOL

  • @mikeryan2070
    @mikeryan2070 Před 3 lety +1

    What A Beautiful City. Nick Iv Watched almost Every Video You Created. But WOW

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Před 3 lety

      Mike!! ❤️❤️ did you even watch the us state flag one??

    • @mikeryan2070
      @mikeryan2070 Před 3 lety

      @@NickJohnson I watch alot of your Videos. Your a Genius. Geography is a great interest of mine. Even though I rarely leave Chicago. Mappy is to funny. Late for Work. Gotta go.

  • @manuelepasqualini1429
    @manuelepasqualini1429 Před 2 lety

    I loved watching this video. I went to Toronto in October 2016 and I absolutely loved the city. I found it very clean with a relaxing vibe. I would love to go back.

  • @patriciaramsey9454
    @patriciaramsey9454 Před 4 lety +3

    Toronto looks like a great place to live. Thank you for driving around the different neighborhoods.

  • @y.x.782
    @y.x.782 Před 4 lety +3

    Great touring video, I live in Toronto and yet I found this quite entertaining to watch.

  • @jacquelinewalker5006
    @jacquelinewalker5006 Před 3 lety +3

    From I was a child I've always wanted to visit Canada thanks for this.

  • @izzykitty7247
    @izzykitty7247 Před 2 lety +13

    I’m so proud to be Canadian guys! I love Canada!

  • @masscar3284
    @masscar3284 Před 4 lety +81

    Kinda cool seeing someone that's not from around here giving their take on our beautiful city. Hope u enjoyed ur stay...... Go Raptors!!!! 🤗😄🙃

    • @mattX5
      @mattX5 Před 4 lety

      Season1 better2 oh get over it. Go back to wherever you live if you don’t like our Canadian winters.

    • @jameschampken770
      @jameschampken770 Před 4 lety +2

      @Season1 better2 Toronto has very similar weather to cities like Chicago and Deteoit.
      Vancouver has very similar weather to Seattle and Portland.
      Other cities like Motreal or Ottawa are closer to weather like Minneapolis.
      Its not as if the Northern Cities in USA are way warmer. It's when you get further South that the changes are very different.
      It's not as if Canadians cant travel to warmer climates in the winter months like they do in Northern USA cities.

  • @Canadianshaker1234
    @Canadianshaker1234 Před 4 lety +6

    I worked in downtown Toronto for over 30 years. I spent a great deal of that time walking around the financial centre for my job. I retired in 2005. I still spend time there but your video tour of my home town was good to remind me of the places I worked and enjoyed. Thank you. As people have said, visit in the summer, it's even better. Thanks for coming. I suggest parking your car and walk around. It gets even better.

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Před 4 lety +1

      I stayed for three days

    • @khankirpola2698
      @khankirpola2698 Před 4 lety

      2005 or right around there was the last year that the BIG SMOKE was 'ok'

  • @sinebar
    @sinebar Před 3 lety +29

    I live in Toronto now with mom who was born here. I left the US when the Pandemic hit. I got out just in time. I'm a US and Canadian citizen.

  • @Erintii
    @Erintii Před 2 lety

    I lived in Toronto five and half years. This video brings back good memories.

  • @mjcard
    @mjcard Před 4 lety +9

    That was my old neighbourhood for 25 years. So glad to see this little drive around. Haven’t lived there for 25 years but I see not much has changed except for the new street cars.

  • @BenjaminKanarek
    @BenjaminKanarek Před 4 lety +39

    I am born in Toronto and am always amazed by the ever changing cityscape. I now live in Paris, France.

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Před 4 lety +6

      So....which do you like more?

    • @BenjaminKanarek
      @BenjaminKanarek Před 4 lety +23

      @@NickJohnson Totally different. As I am a fashion photographer, there are only 3 or 4 cities in the world I can live, New York, Paris, Milan or London. I did live in NY and Milan, but finally landed in Paris. What does always impress me about Toronto is how friendly the people are and how low the crime levels are and lets not even start on the clean streets. Don't throw paper on the street, not unless you want a hefty fine. Paris and Montmartre in Paris where I live is so picturesque. I think that Paris and Prague are two of the most beautiful cities in the world.

    • @fusionsauze713
      @fusionsauze713 Před 4 lety

      Benjamin Kanarek it’s changed so much man

    • @stefflouis
      @stefflouis Před 4 lety +3

      Benjamin Kanarek I am from Paris (Saint-Paul). I live in NYC now. I would love to visit Toronto. Tired of NYC.

    • @joelcollins5586
      @joelcollins5586 Před 3 lety

      @@BenjaminKanarek toronto blows those away lol

  • @buffbuff5016
    @buffbuff5016 Před 2 lety +39

    I lived in Toronto for 4 years while going to University…what a fabulous time I had. I never was afraid to walk downtown even late at night. You just have to be aware of your surroundings just like anywhere. Thank you for this!

    • @isyude
      @isyude Před 2 lety

      Is it expensive to live there?

    • @markferguson7563
      @markferguson7563 Před 2 lety +3

      Buff,
      On my two trips to Toronto in 2006 and 2008 confirm the safety perspectives, unlike it is in the US. However, as far as cities go - and I've been to a few around the world - I gave it about a 5 out of 10. But judging in those ubiquitous and, moreover, those ghastly condos that have sprung up I will reduce it to a 4.
      Alas, Toronto/Canada has, as it is here in Sydney and Melbourne/large scale immigration agendas to BOOST GDPs, primarily aimed at Chinese. The result being they've established culturally-insular colonies. Thus, it's not cultural enrichment but transmorgification.
      But apart from that matter, these cabals of condo complexes are badly constructed and, worse still, future Petri dishes for pandemics. To assuage those factors consult the studies by Professor Ted Kesick of Toronto University.

    • @C7y323
      @C7y323 Před 2 lety +6

      Yeah sure Toronto is nice in certain areas downtown just like any city but I've gotten jumped 3x around my neighbourhood, I just don't carry cash and hide my card in my shoe nowadays lmao... Don't live near Rexdale peeps

    • @purpl3grape
      @purpl3grape Před rokem +3

      To be fair someone got gunned down in public after a bluejays game a few days ago.
      A few years ago some crazy guy ran down a bunch of people in North York.
      8 years ago, some lawyer was also gunned down near the Annex which is one of the 'nicer' neighborhoods. Long time ago, shooting in Eaton Centre.
      Also, a couple years ago, there was a serial killer who targeted the Church-Wellesley Neighborhood..
      The downtown is sketch af at night. There are people who don't have much to lose just roaming the streets at night. Those fuckers sometimes have cursing fits in the middle of the night, waking up everyone. Those fuckers piss and shit in some places you never think off. Oh yea one time I was walking out, and someone had left a butt plug out on the stairs leading up to a Scotiabank... with what looked like mucous and shit all over the ground..
      I think Iqaluit is looking pretty good now.

  • @clintonwilliams4570
    @clintonwilliams4570 Před 2 lety

    Thanks. Very educational vlog, living just north of Toronto over 20 years and saw here more of city than ever before, hardly venturing downtown. Anyhow, you did break a red traffic light at 19:17, so be careful on our roads! Blessup breda!

  • @thehouseofcm
    @thehouseofcm Před 4 lety +4

    I like your commentary and also that you let images do the talking, good job. It seems like a cleaner and much more wide spread New York. Looks so cold to me though.

    • @skyshadow37
      @skyshadow37 Před 4 lety

      Not much more widespread it’s pretty dense but yeah pretty accurate. Climate is the same as NY tho. Toronto summers may even get hotter. We have really humid hot summers

  • @joranedawkins8392
    @joranedawkins8392 Před 4 lety +88

    ive lived in toronto since september (i go to uoft!) and i still got unreasonably excited recognizing so much of the city in this vid... it will always feel incredible to finally be a resident of my dream city:,)

    • @joranedawkins8392
      @joranedawkins8392 Před 4 lety +1

      @succulent kool-aid lollll my bfs from kitchener n ive been a few times so i know what it's like

    • @symz81
      @symz81 Před 4 lety +4

      @succulent kool-aid fentanyl has taken a grip of the city. Im from kw and it wasnt that bad 10-15 years ago but its pretty bad now. Lots of break and enters to feed ppls addiction...

    • @K1ddkanuck
      @K1ddkanuck Před 3 lety

      @succulent kool-aid I grew up in Kitchener. You have my condolences. I have lived in Toronto for almost 15 years now, and I'll never go back.

    • @fil1329
      @fil1329 Před 3 lety

      In Kitchener u can still get home after work in time......the GTA is crazy traffic
      Toronto has much worse areas than kitchener .....even Scarborough is worse.....

    • @stevedavenport1202
      @stevedavenport1202 Před 3 lety +1

      I want to visit. I collect Canadian cities...been to Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary.

  • @_Just_Another_Guy
    @_Just_Another_Guy Před 2 lety +2

    I did my undergrad in downtown Toronto a little over a decade ago (time flies!). So many many great memories attached to a lot of downtown locations.
    I often frequented the Spadina Chinatown and Kensington Market with my arsty hipster friends from uni. And of course Eatons Mall. Dundas Square was always noisy and busy but me & my friends would often eat out at one of the many restaurants up & down Yonge. Every frosh week there'd be a free parade ferry picnic and concert to the Toronto islands. At City Hall we'd go ice-skating as a group during winter. Then over on the east side of the city there's an old theater where they'd show new and classic movies for the low price of $5 (this was 2010's prices).
    So much nostalgia seeing this video. I haven't been back in downtown since graduating since I live in one of the GTA towns surrounding Toronto but maybe I'll visit sooner or later.

  • @donswanson3322
    @donswanson3322 Před rokem

    thanks for you"re coverage of this great Canadian city, i've lived here for 3 years coming from a small town, and deliver downtown and recognize all these area's, good times for sure, some crazy people but 95% are good

  • @TheCanuckBrothers
    @TheCanuckBrothers Před 4 lety +151

    I live in Toronto and sometimes I forget just how cool of a city it really is cause I am so used to it!

    • @udderworld
      @udderworld Před 4 lety +10

      So true. I just moved out of Downtown a few months ago and its a HUGE change. No more late night runs to get fast food, haha! I'd have to drive 5km.

    • @tetispinkman9135
      @tetispinkman9135 Před 2 lety +2

      Go to 3 world country for week or two, especially to asia, there are a lot of cool things to do, but the chaotic traffic and architecture is really bad, and you will understand how good toronto is.. or go to europe, Switzerland or norway will show that toronto isn't ideal

    • @Amaling
      @Amaling Před 2 lety +4

      @@tetispinkman9135 you're right. Toronto isn't ideal, but when there's only a small selection of cities an arguably zero cities the size of Toronto nicer than Toronto I can't complain lol
      With that being said, I will be moving to Europe within a few years 🙃

    • @PinoyAbnoy
      @PinoyAbnoy Před 2 lety

      @@tetispinkman9135 is toronto souless with suburban sprawl and "stroad" too?

  • @sankagrero2042
    @sankagrero2042 Před 4 lety +3

    Come in the summer! And thanks for showing off our city!

  • @garyjedwards1677
    @garyjedwards1677 Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks for sharing this I know a few people that live in Ontario they love it

  • @mary1326
    @mary1326 Před rokem +2

    Next time you're in Toronto...head to Yonge Street down by Lake Ontario and drive north. Yonge Street is an amazing display of shops, restaurants and people.

  • @osobasic
    @osobasic Před 4 lety +3

    I live in downtown Toronto, great vid. Also, love that you bought a shatter bar!!

  • @lukaskrtek5212
    @lukaskrtek5212 Před 4 lety +4

    Very calm and peacefull video. Just like Toronto!

  • @davidb8259
    @davidb8259 Před 2 lety +12

    For a City of 3m it’s incredibly safe compared to most US Cities .

    • @AgentPerry8018
      @AgentPerry8018 Před 2 lety +3

      @KA you realize not every US city is dangerous right?

  • @dk7934
    @dk7934 Před 3 lety +7

    While you missed more spots then you caught, it can't be helped as Toronto has so many interesting areas. And it was still fun to watch.

  • @mc00776
    @mc00776 Před 4 lety +3

    Thank-you for doing a video about Canada! Hope you had fun, I live close by Toronto.

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Před 4 lety +2

      Like in the USA or Canada?

    • @mc00776
      @mc00776 Před 4 lety +1

      @@NickJohnson
      Canada, eh! Lots more of Toronto to see plus, the GTA is huge! There is Oakville, Hamilton, Burlington to name a few. Come back in nicer weather, you will not be disappointed.

  • @argopunk
    @argopunk Před 4 lety +4

    I think I saw myself waiting for a streetcar on Spadina. Back in January when I still had to go into work. Cool video.

  • @CalienteDesign
    @CalienteDesign Před rokem

    I lived in TO for five great years. Culture, live music clubs, awesome food and excellent transportation. Miss it.

  • @JesusCommando
    @JesusCommando Před 3 lety +17

    Loved my time in Toronto; I’m from Scotland and I’ve been about but Toronto is easily the best ‘big city’ I’ve been to 👍🏼

  • @wilsarne1253
    @wilsarne1253 Před 4 lety +9

    People complaining about the city should try to live somewhere else and then come back and let us all know. I’ve travelled to a lot of spots and Toronto will always be where my heart is. It’s home.

  • @varshauppalapati4581
    @varshauppalapati4581 Před 4 lety +7

    This video is actually therapeutic, it's 2:30 am and I'm falling asleep, with no anxiety. So thanks xx I wanna feel the same way the video is made, calm and flowly, yet informative✨

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  Před 4 lety +2

      Well there are quite a few others that I did so try another one next time you want to chill 😉

    • @varshauppalapati4581
      @varshauppalapati4581 Před 4 lety

      @@NickJohnson I sure will,and also great choice of music.

  • @lakelili
    @lakelili Před 3 lety +1

    Its been a dozen years since I lived in TO and it is interesting to see how much has changed.. and what hasn't.

  • @Justsayingthat
    @Justsayingthat Před 3 lety

    So happy you came to visit my home town!

  • @MannyExploresVlog
    @MannyExploresVlog Před 4 lety +12

    I went there the first week of January and it was much warmer than I expected, really beautiful city.

    • @scholarlyanalyst7700
      @scholarlyanalyst7700 Před 4 lety +1

      Manny Explores What city do you live in?

    • @MannyExploresVlog
      @MannyExploresVlog Před 4 lety +1

      @@scholarlyanalyst7700 Newark, New Jersey

    • @scholarlyanalyst7700
      @scholarlyanalyst7700 Před 4 lety +2

      @@MannyExploresVlog OK. Well Newark, New Jersey is warmer than Toronto but Toronto's not the arctic, either. It's winter climate is MUCH milder than Minneapolis (to use one example), and has almost precisely the same weather as Milwaukee Wisconsin (year-round). Someone from Milwaukee would feel right at home in Toronto (temperature-wise, at least!).

    • @ericyuan9718
      @ericyuan9718 Před 4 lety

      Beautiful? Maybe compared to New York or Newark, but for a major city Toronto is rather plain looking at best.

  • @SomeDayDreamer
    @SomeDayDreamer Před 4 lety +4

    It 's always nice to see home from a visitors perspective...

  • @johnutube5651
    @johnutube5651 Před 3 lety +2

    I live in Toronto's outskirt suburbs, still part of Toronto. Watching this during Emergency time now. I Don't drive in downtown much due to traffic congestion there. It is nice to watch those areas without driving across. Nice.

    • @lpt98
      @lpt98 Před 2 lety

      Etobicoke?

  • @simonlee8154
    @simonlee8154 Před 2 lety

    I've never been to Toronto other than the airport so this drive tour's amazing.

  • @cartier2312
    @cartier2312 Před 4 lety +8

    Can’t wait to see part two ⏳

  • @lucky247365
    @lucky247365 Před 4 lety +3

    The weather temps this year is more in line with our normal temps of being around 32 F in winter. Last two winters it was well below seasonal so you picked a better year to come.

  • @kermit9978
    @kermit9978 Před 2 lety

    Yes, Doc Martens are VERY popular. I've been wearing mine since I was 13 and I'll never stop! From my cold dead feet! lol ;)
    Glad you enjoyed our city! Come back anytime!

  • @charlesdegrace1565
    @charlesdegrace1565 Před 3 lety +1

    I love this video, thank you.

  • @Ivessssssss
    @Ivessssssss Před 4 lety +10

    Aaaaah my dream place to live in

  • @heatherr0420
    @heatherr0420 Před rokem +1

    I feel very soothed watching this video

  • @sonnynayar
    @sonnynayar Před 2 lety

    Just saw this Video. Love it. Cheers from Toronto