Cheap tickets to Toronto

As Canada's largest city, Toronto has all the excitement of a cosmopolitan global metropolis, yet a laid-back and friendly attitude that is quintessentially Canadian. The city stands on the shores of glistening Lake Ontario – so large it looks like a sea – and boasts beautiful green spaces, historic neighbourhoods full of character and a thriving cultural scene. It's also a multicultural mosaic, so going on package holidays in Toronto can even be like visiting several other parts of the world at once!

A flight to Toronto is actually just a quick hop over the Atlantic – there's only a four-hour time difference between the city and the UK, so jet lag isn't a big problem during weekend trips to Toronto. After booking a flight to and hotel in Toronto, you'll fly to Pearson International Airport (YYZ), which is only 25 minutes from downtown via the Union Pearson Express train. When flying from Cork to Toronto, remember to buy some Canadian dollars before you go, or pop by a cash point once you arrive.

May is a great time to book a flight to and hotel in Toronto. The month brings both the Hot Docs documentary film festival and Tastemaker Toronto food festival, two of the most premier events of their kind. Summertime is a top choice for flights from Dublin to Toronto, with long sunny days and hot weather making the beaches on Lake Ontario all the more inviting. The season is also packed full of festivals celebrating everything from jazz music to comedy to the region's excellent beer. In autumn, visitors can enjoy the incredible transformation of foliage into fiery colours throughout the city's parks.

With both a bustling urban centre and the majesty of nature right at its doorstep, Toronto offers plenty to suit all tastes. Head to eclectic and bohemian Kensington Market for street art, boutique shopping and unbeatable people watching. To get active, head to the lakefront for swimming and watersports in the summer, or to Harbourfront Centre Natrel Rink for ice skating in the winter. Take a break from sightseeing in High Park, the city's largest green space, home to a café, small zoo and walking trails. Sports fans won't want to miss a Blue Jays baseball game in summer or a Maple Leafs ice hockey game in winter.

City breaks in Toronto wouldn't be complete without a trip up the iconic CN Tower for unbeatable views of the city and lake. Families and culture seekers will want to head to the Royal Ontario Museum to get their fill of fine art, mummies and dinosaurs. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, home to over 450 species of aquatic animals, also makes a great destination for families. Enjoy the atmosphere and of the Distillery District, home to North America's largest collection of Victorian industrial architecture and some of the city's best boutique shopping and restaurants. Ambitious travellers can also take a day trip to the famous Niagara Falls, which is only 1.5 hours from Toronto.

Taste the world without leaving the city

Toronto's incredible cultural diversity makes it an adventurous eater's paradise. Let your taste buds travel:

• Grab a streetside gyro in Greektown
• Try tabletop barbeque in Koreatown
• Fill up on egg tarts in Little Portugal
• Spice things up with a vindaloo and buttery naan in Little India
• Polish off some pierogies in Little Poland

St Lawrence Market is also a foodie must-see, with plenty of Instagram-perfect fresh produce, bread and artisanal goods beneath its historical roof. Toronto also has a thriving craft beer scene, and the city's many microbreweries make a great place to get to know the Great Lakes' beer culture.

What souvenirs can you bring back home from Toronto?

Finish off package holidays in Toronto by bringing a little bit of Canada back with you. Classics such as maple syrup and maple cookies are popular choices, and Ontario ice wine can also make a great unusual souvenir for wine connoisseurs back home. Kensington Market and the Distillery District are also full of unique and quirky boutiques offering fashion and accessories from local designers.