Typical Toronto

Our Local Expert Says:

Check out Kensington on the last Sunday of each summer month, when the streets are shut down to car traffic and there are open-air concerts and art displays. These Pedestrian Sundays are definitely the most lively and interesting day of the week.

Description:

Kensington Market is one of Toronto's most diverse neighbourhoods. It is designated as a national historic site in the city and is best to explore by foot or bike. The Market itself has a variety of goods and is home to a happening art scene. In the 1960s and 70s, it became Toronto's home for counter-cultural thinking and a meeting point for eco-politics. Visitors to Kensington can relax and let the neighbourhood move them along - through the bakeries, butchers, bulk vendors, cafes and vintage clothing shops that line every square inch of storefront space.

Our Local Expert Says:

The street is prime for people watching and shopping. Grab a coffee or a beer in the summer and sit outside on one of the many patios to watch as some of Toronto's most eclectic residents cruise by.

Description:

Queen West, and particularly the strip between University and Spadina avenues, is well-known as Toronto's hub for trendy fashions and young hipster crowds. Out of town youth eagerly flock to this part of Queen to hang out near the Much Music headquarters and to shop and eat their way through the big name designer shops and cafes that line the street.

West Queen West, which lies west of Bathurst Street, draws a more alternative, artistic crowd and, while increasingly gentrified, it remains relatively untouched by large bands of visitors. Uber-trendy designer, vintage and decor shops as well as galleries and really good independent cafes dominate the streetscape here. This is a great part of the city to grab leisurely brunch before spending the afternoon roaming the neighbourhood's bookstores, boutiques and taking a stroll through Trinity Bellwoods Park.

Our Local Expert Says:

The 360 is a heavy hitter among the wine and dining awards this year, including "Most Romantic," and the "VQA Award of Excellence"

Description:

The award-winning 360 Restaurant sits 351 metres (that's 1,151 feet) above street level and touts itself as the "world's highest wine cellar". Patrons are lured by the spectacular, rotating view in the CN Tower that compliments the 360's acclaimed fine dining menu. Chef Peter George and his team emphasize high-end Canadian cuisine and have created a menu that specializes in market-fresh options. Aside from altitude and ambiance, the 360 Restaurant has garnered serious attention for its wine list. With more than 550 Canadian and international options, a 9,000-bottle storage capacity and a tasting table, it is a sommelier's heaven. Looking for a place to eat after indulging in the views of the CN Tower? You are already there. It's a little on the pricey side, but if you feel like splurging, it's definitely worth it.

Our Local Expert Says:

Queen's Quay (pronounced key) has a great lake front trail that is great for cycling, rollerblading, or walking. It is always bustling with locals and tourists and is particularly nice in the early evening as the sun begins to set.

Description:

Queen's Quay is part of Toronto's harbor-front neighborhood and it is one of the most active places in the summer. There is a festival almost every weekend through July and August so plan ahead and check the schedule to see what grabs your interest. The area also has several art galleries and shops as well as a small manmade beach on Lake Ontario. The neighbourhood has also been changing in recent years; a condo boom in the city has drastically increased the number of residents calling Queen's Quay their home.

Our Local Expert Says:

Harbourfront has a really comprehensive website that outlines all of the upcoming events. It's worth heading down to Harbourfront for one of the festivals, especially the Hot and Spicy Food festival if you're in Toronto in August. Harbourfront's events are always packed with entertainment, good food and lots of people.

Description:

Open-air concerts, food fairs and festivals of every description typify summertime at Harbourfront. During the more inclement months, a full facility including theatres, art galleries, lecture and workshop spaces, and concert venues keep patrons' cultural cravings sated.

This ten acre waterfront property provides access to two Toronto marinas and the boardwalk; it is also host to an estimated 4000 events each year. The Harbourfront Centre, located in the heart of the property, is a non profit organization committed to making its milti-disiciplinary arts and cultural events available to as diverse a group as possible. The Centre offers a full slate of educational programs to cover all age ranges and interests: from school groups to niche craft workshops, lectures and reading series.

Harbourfront is accessible by the Queens Quay West streetcar from Spadina Avenue and Union Station. It is also an access point for ferries to Toronto Islands.

Description:

If you like eating with the lake breeze in your face, then this Newcourt Centre restaurant overlooking the Toronto Harbour is the place for you. Featuring two patios for summertime delight, the atmosphere is casual in keeping with the family-friendly service and prices. This is a good place to rest your weary feet after a morning touring of the various offerings at the Harbourfront Centre. The menu is very eclectic, ranging from chicken and seafood to pasta. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily.

Description:

This entertainment complex features one of the most happening nightclubs in the city, a 750-seat Tides restaurant and Nightclub and huge waterfront patio. Along with this the Polson Pier also has a two-level golf driving range open all year round, beach volleyball and a three-person bungee ride for the adventurous. You can also do a little rock climbing, shoot some pool, or play a game of three-on-three hoops. The nightclub, with state-of-the-art sound and laser lighting, is open May through to first weekend in October. Many people arrive at the Polson Pier on their boats and dockage is provided.

Description:

Located right in the midst of the shopping and fashion district, this state-of-the-art 18-storey hotel goes out of its way to accommodate both holiday travellers and those on business. The hotel features four restaurants including Characters, JW's Steakhouse and Parkside as well as the Lobby Lounge for a relaxing drink at the end of the day. For business travellers, there is Marriott's exclusive "The Room That Works" concept: 217 rooms each have two-tiered work stations, halogen lighting and ergonomic chairs.

Our Local Expert Says:

Pace yourself! This place is huge. Check out the flagship Roots store.

Description:

The Eaton Centre used to be home to Canada's largest department store Eatons. While the Eatons corporation went out of business in 1999, the Centre has retained the name and reputation as the go-to commercial hub in Toronto's downtown. This massive mall is framed by Yonge, Dundas, Bay and Queen streets, and is home to over 200 stores.
The Roots flagship store is great stop for tourists wanting to check out some iconically Canadian clothing; among the copious other options, shoppers will find enough apparel, footware, music, book, technology and food options to fill their hours and drain their wallets with ease.

Our Local Expert Says:

This place is highly populated by tourists, but enjoy a cold Canadian beer and watch the people go by. It also has an all you can east pasta bar during the week.

Description:

Located in the Toronto Eaton Centre shopping mall and overlooking Trinity Square, this restaurant definitely lives up to its name, offering grilled fish, steaks, chicken and salads. For the shoppers in the crowd, a good place to stop for a bite before resuming the battle. It's a wild and vibrant room, full of high energy and good spirits. The menu is mostly bistro-style with offerings such as City Grill Greek salad, homestyle meatloaf, and grilled vegetable pizza. Unique is their one-price wine list and the strictly Canadian beer policy.

Description:

Not only does this street designate Toronto's east-west split, it is also the city's longest artery. In face, Yonge is known as the world's longest street, stretching from Lake Ontario to the town of Rainy River, more than 1900 km away. Used as a trail by the Hurons, the road came to be an official passage in the 1790s. Today it is a beehive of activity, with businesses lining both sides; especially in the section between Front and Lawrence. One of Toronto's three subway lines operates along this thoroughfare.

Description:

Named after the late Nathan Phillips, Toronto's "Mayor to all the people," this architectural delight is located at the foot of City Hall. It is the focal point for many events throughout the year, including the First Night Toronto festival every New Year's Eve. During the summer it is home to many outdoor entertainers and live bands. For more information, call ahead.

Our Local Expert Says:

Towering over Old City Hall on the other side of Nathan Phillips Square, Torontonians had mixed reactions to the this new piece of architecture in the core of the city. Both city halls are worth a quick stop at least, if only to join in the debate about which better represents Toronto's culture and population. The backdrop of Nathan Phillips square is also worth checking out, as it is home to many festivals, concerts, and art shows.

Description:

In the middle of downtown Toronto are the new and old city halls. This area also includes Nathan Philips square which is turned into a skating rink in the winter. Although this area is quite touristy, it's still worth checking out and taking in some of Toronto's interesting architecture. Don't plan on spending a full day here but it is certainly something to see when you're in town.

Description:

Opened in 1899 as chief meeting place for Toronto politicians, this Romanesque Revival structure was built by the same man who conceived Casa Loma. The beautiful gray and brownstone exterior has the faces of many of the city's former politicians etched near the roof line. A large stained glass window inside the marble interior represents the late Victorian ideas of progress and pride. And, at the time it was built, its clock tower was one of the highest in the world. Today, the historic structure is used as a Provincial Court Office while also hosting civic weddings.

Description:

As the capital of Ontario, Toronto is home to the provincial legislative assembly. Completed in 1892, the majestic Richardsonian Romanesque Legislative Buildings in Queen's Park have served as a meeting place for the Ontario government ever since. You can take a free guided tour (in English or French) viewing the exhibits on the history of parliament, stroll through the buildings and grounds and, when the legislature is in session, you can watch the proceedings from the public galleries with a guest pass from the information desk.

Description:

In existence for more than 40 years and located since its opening in the very competitive Yonge and King area, this restaurant has done extremely well adapting to the ever-changing needs of its clientele. The restaurant attracts businesspeople, professionals, and the theatre crowd. It also acts as a neighbourhood dining spot with a loyal clientele, some of whom have been patrons since it opened in 1959! The menu has a great meat selection of house specialties including BBQ Back Ribs, Baked Oysters, Rib Steaks and Rack of Lamb.

Our Local Expert Says:

On a summer evening, the Distillery patios are a great place to hang out and soak in Toronto’s history.

Description:

The Distillery District has exploded onto the Toronto map as a major centre for the city's theatre and live culture scene. The area boasts a number of performance venues and is the official home of many of Toronto's acclaimed small theatre companies.

Visitors can wander freely through the brick-laid, pedestrian-only streets, and they can explore the art studios and gallery spaces that fill the former Gooderham & Worts buildings. A burgeoning restaurant industry and the local Mill St. microbrewery attract foodies to the area, while the thriving cultural production scene makes the Distillery district a stronghold of information (and important destination) for anyone interested in the what's-what of the Toronto art world.

Don't forget to drop by SOMA Chocolatemaker, where you can sip on the richest, most chocolaty hot chocolate in the city, test one of the scrumptious handmade chocolates, and even watch them being made through the glass-paneled chocolate kitchen.

If oysters in the half shell and great wine are your thing, you my want to check out Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill for a slice of heaven.

The Distillery district is framed to the west by Parliament Street and to the... read more