Things to do in Toronto
We’ve put together a few recommendations in case you’ve got a bit of extra time in the city and are looking for some something to do!
Festivals/Events
TIFF – The 40th incarnation of the Toronto International Film Festival runs Sept 10-20, but you can be guaranteed some celebrity sightings in the days leading up to it! (Grabbing a drink in Yorkville will increase your odds). And even if you’re not in town for the festival, TIFF’s year-round home at the Lightbox on King Street West is well worth a visit, screening everything from blockbusters to arthouse to the classics.
The CNE – Carnival games, fried food, rides and an air show… What more could you want?!
Restaurants
There is NO shortage of great places to eat in the city. Below we’ve listed a few of our personal favourites:
Smith – One of our favourites in the Church/Wellesley Village. Make sure to ask for a spot on their back alley patio. Moderately priced elegant comfort food, and they do a great weekend brunch. Oh and try the Minimalist cocktail (Nick’s favourite).
Terroni – In the mood for something a little more upscale? With no fewer than 6 locations around the city, if you’re craving fantastic modern Italian fare, one of their outposts is worth a try. Our usual go-to for a date night is La Bettola Di Terroni for a little slice of Sicily.
Tabule – One of our east side favourites for some middle eastern flavours. The Jallab Marrakech cocktail is a must, as are their mezze platters. The dishes are affordable and great for sharing.
Fresh – Looking for fast, delicious, healthy vegetarian food? (Nick always is). Fresh has 4 locations in the city that are always jam packed. Try one of their delicious juices. Simon recommends the Buddha bowl with Soba Noodles.
Need some more options? Check out Toronto Life’s guide to the 20 best new restaurants of 2015 for some more options.
Museums/Galleries
AGO – The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America, with more than 80,000 works in its collection, which spans from 100 A.D. to the present. Be sure to check out the Canadian Collection to see some stunning works by the Group of 7, and the collection of Henry Moore sculptures in the permanent collection. The AGO is easily identifiable from the street thanks to it’s 2008 addition designed by (former Torontonian) Frank Gehry.
ROM – The Royal Ontario Museum is one of the world’s leading museums of natural history and world cultures. The building itself is worth a look. An interesting (and polarizing) fusion of past and present, with Daniel Libeskind’s crystalline addition bursting out of the original Neo-Romanesque building. It’s become an iconic addition to the corner of Bloor Street and Avenue Road in Yorkville.
The Great Outdoors
The Don Valley – Toronto is a city of ravines, but you would be excused for not knowing they were there. But it’s definitely worth the effort to seek one out. We highly recommend a walk, run, or bike ride through the Don Valley trail system. A perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for an afternoon! And while you’re down there, why not check out…
Evergreen Brickworks – A former clay quarry and brick manufacturing plant from Toronto’s industrial past has been reborn as a community environmental centre with a weekly farmers’ market, an art gallery, a cafe, a garden centre and some beautiful trails and picnic areas. You might also recognize the location from Nick and Simon’s engagement shoot 😉
Trinity-Bellwoods Park – No Toronto summer weekend would be complete without a trip to this park. On a sunny day it’s guaranteed to be packed to the brim with way-too-cool-for-school hipsters sipping craft beer, sitting on blankets and maybe playing some kind of sport. I haven’t done a great job of selling it, but trust us it’s worth a visit. There are also regular art shows and other community events that take place here.
See the map below to find your way:
