How to Enjoy The Best of Toronto

Toronto has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re into outdoor activities, history, or gastronomy, Canada’s largest city has something for you. As Canadian cities go, it is one of the most dynamic, with diverse neighborhoods and a cutting edge music scene. It’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to experience the best of Toronto but with this guide you’ll be able to get a great overview of much of the city has to offer.

Doors Open Toronto

Doors Open is a great way to sample Toronto’s abundance of interesting and unique venues. Hosted by the City of Toronto and usually running two or three days in late May / early June, it draws huge crowds every year. Typically, over 150 buildings, historic sites and other venues open their doors to the public and many offer free tours and activities so you can get a feel for the different areas of Toronto, as well as its impressive architecture and diversity of cultures. To find out when Doors Open Toronto happens in any given year and which venues are involved, check out their official website.

Visit the Art Gallery

Toronto’s art scene is interesting and varied, with a large and vibrant community of artists who continually produce fascinating works of art. Every year the Art Gallery of Ontario hosts several large international exhibitions as well as other collections visiting from other galleries around the world. The gallery also hosts smaller exhibits which are no less interesting and in addition, they regularly schedule lectures and performances from artists and curators around the world. With its stunning interior architecture, its wonderful collection of art and its free public programs, the AGO is a great place to spend a few hours taking in the city’s culture. Visit the AGO website here to buy tickets, sign up for a membership or learn more about their annual events.

Take a Boat Trip on Lake Ontario

Although Toronto is mostly known as an urban centre, it is located on the shores of Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes of North America. Taking a boat ride around the lake offers a wonderful way to experience the city’s beauty and diversity. Harbourfront Centre has regular boat cruises offering visitors the chance to explore Toronto’s harbour and islands; packages vary widely and include everything from short cruises around the harbourfront area to longer tours that take passengers further out into Lake Ontario. To find out more about their regular cruises and offers, visit Harbourfront Centre’s Boars Tours section.

Musical Theatre

Canada has produced some of the world’s most successful musical theatre stars so it shouldn’t be surprising that Toronto residents enjoy some of the highest standards of musical theatre anywhere in the world. Mirvish Productions is one of the city’s leading theatre companies with two venues in central Toronto. This powerhouse produces a range of hit Broadway shows each year including smash hits like Hamilton and Les Miserables as well as an eclectic programme of first-run productions in all styles of theatre. Check out the Mirvish website to find out what’s currently playing and purchase tickets.

Food in Toronto

Toronto has a dizzying array of restaurants offering all kinds of food from different parts the world – if you visit you’ll never have trouble finding something delicious to eat. Eating in Toronto is not just something that must be done quickly, but rather it is often an art form. To get an overview of some of the city’s best restaurants, check out this guide from Foodies Feed.

Whatever your tastes are you’re sure to find something to enjoy in this magnificent city. Toronto is always evolving so even if you’ve lived there for years there’s always something new to explore, always something new to experience – there really is something for everyone here!

Insider’s Guide to Toronto: How to Enjoy the Best of the City

If you’re looking to explore Toronto like a local, you’re in the right place. From hidden gems to off-beat destinations, Toronto has plenty to offer beyond its famous landmarks. Here’s our insider’s guide to the best that Toronto has to offer:

Local Attractions

While there are plenty of tourist hotspots in Toronto, there are several gems that locals ogle over. An absolute must-visit is the Graffiti Alley, a stretch of back alleys filled with an ever-changing collection of street art. Another local favorite is the Evergreen Brick Works, an urban park with a restored quarry that has gorgeous views of the lush Don Valley. We also recommend visiting Kensington Market, a vibrant neighborhood with an abundance of vintage shops, street food, and live music.

Dining Spots

Toronto is known for its multicultural food scene with a unique blend of flavors. Instead of dining at chains and standard tourist hotspots, check out Richmond Station, a farm-to-table restaurant that procures all of its ingredients from local farmers. If you’re a cheese lover, stop by Cheese Boutique, where you’ll find the finest local and imported cheese. And for the sweet tooths out there, don’t miss the famous butter tarts at Blackbird Bakery.

Cultural Experiences

Toronto is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, making it a world-class destination for arts and music. If you’re into theatre, check out the Edmonton Fringe Festival, known for its cutting-edge programming and a platform for emerging artists. Another must-visit destination is the Art Gallery of Ontario, home to over 90,000 works of art from around the world. Do not miss the Toronto Jazz Festival, which has been around for over 30 years and brings together world-renowned jazz musicians from around the world.

Local History

Toronto’s history is rich, dating back to the Indigenous People who called the area home. Check out the St. Lawrence Market, which dates back to 1803 and was once the heart of the city’s industrial district. Another fascinating landmark is the Toronto Island, which was originally a sandbar created by the city’s early settlers. Toronto Islands now has stunning parks, beaches, restaurants and one of the most scenic views of the skyline of Toronto.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For an extraordinary and off-beat experience, visit the spooky and mysterious Casa Loma, a massive Gothic-style mansion built in 1911 by one of Canada’s wealthiest men. You can also explore the underworld of Toronto through the tunnels of PATH, an underground network that connects numerous buildings in Downtown Toronto and a veritable shopper’s paradise. Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, take a ferry to the tiny nearby island of Algonquin where you can spend a few days in one of its wilderness cabins.

Explore Toronto with this insider’s guide and enjoy the best that the city has to offer. With its unique blend of cultures, history, and experiences, Toronto is sure to win you over.