Toronto's Thrilling Edgewalk and Global Cuisine Make It the Perfect World Cup Host
Toronto's dynamic spirit and multicultural charm are set to shine as it prepares to host six matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The city, once home to writer James March, offers a unique blend of adrenaline-pumping adventures and diverse culinary experiences that captivate visitors from around the globe.
Edgewalk: A Heart-Pounding Experience High Above the City
At the CN Tower's Edgewalk, participants don fire-engine-red jumpsuits and harnesses for a 30-minute walk along the tower's edge, 356 metres above ground. "I love heights, man!" exclaimed one enthusiast, though the experience can be daunting with coal-black rainclouds looming over Lake Ontario. From this vantage point, Toronto fans out below, offering an oddly comforting view of the bustling metropolis.
Rediscovering a City of Diverse Neighbourhoods
March first arrived in Toronto in 2011, drawn by its international character, with over half of its three million residents born outside Canada and more than 180 languages spoken. While attractions like the Royal Ontario Museum impressed, it was the neighbourhoods that truly captivated. "There's definitely a neighbourhood mentality here," says Saro Yacoubian, co-owner of Taline, a Lebanese-influenced Armenian restaurant in Summerhill. This area, north of Yonge and Bloor, showcases Toronto's global bazaar of cultures, where Armenian dishes like manti dumplings and vochkhar lamb chops are just another Wednesday night.
A Culinary Tour Through Multicultural Toronto
Toronto's food scene is a highlight, with diverse offerings across its neighbourhoods:
- Portuguese bacalhau on Dundas St West
- Polish dumplings on Roncesvalles
- Korean BBQ on Bloor St West
- Peking duck in Spadina's historic Chinatown
Kensington Market remains a microcosm of the city's edgy, multicultural spirit. "Kensington Market is a microcosm that represents everything Toronto is about," says guide CJ, leading food tours through art-splashed streets filled with vintage stores, dive bars, and affordable bites like Jamaican beef patties and fried chicken.
Sports and World Cup Preparations
As a football fan, March initially dismissed local sports like ice hockey and baseball but became a Toronto Blue Jays fan by summer's end. The team nearly won the World Series championship last October, with affordable tickets at the Rogers Centre stadium downtown. For the World Cup, Toronto Stadium is expanding its capacity from 28,000 to 45,000, adding grandstands and suites. The Bentway, a transformed underpass, will host the official FIFA fan zone with arts and music events.
Embracing Toronto's Welcoming Spirit
"The diversity, the multiculturalism. That means everyone is welcomed, recognised, and respected," CJ adds, reflecting the city's inclusive atmosphere. From the Loose Moose pub with its screens and pints to the glittering Bisha Hotel, Toronto offers experiences for all. As March notes, the city reminds him of happiness, much like AA Gill felt about New York. Next time, though, he might opt for the CN Tower's indoor viewing deck over the Edgewalk.
