Toronto, Canada

Downtown Toronto Weekend Getaway

We spent a lovely long weekend in Toronto recently and we jam packed our time with lots of walking and trying to experience the very best of what this vibrant city has to offer! Here are a few we personally visited.

St. Lawrence Market. This vibrant marketplace has been a Toronto institution since 1803, and its a cool way to spend an afternoon. We went at lunch time so it was incredibly busy. It’s a great spot to grab a bite, stock up on fresh produce from the local farmers, and pick up some meat, cheese, fish artisanal bread and much more. The south market is the historical market and the north market is brand new this year.

Attend a Toronto Blue Jays game at Roger Centre. It was fun to see a game and roam around to watch the last innings at one of the several bars with great views of the field. The roof was closed unfortunately. Architecturally, the stadium is well-known for being the first to have a fully retractable motorized roof, as well as an annexed 348-room hotel attached.

Ascend the CN Tower for panoramic vistas of Toronto, if you are brave you can walk the perimeter OUTSIDE.

“I always tell people that if I move anywhere it would be Toronto.”

— Kendrick Lamar

Explore Kensington Market, a vibrant and historic neighborhood with diverse shops, cafes, and a unique atmosphere.

Stroll through the Distillery Historic District, a revitalized former distillery area now filled with boutiques, galleries, and eateries. The Distillery District is also home to the Canadian brewery, Mill Street Brewery. Their brewpub here is a popular spot.

visit the stunning Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). The AGO is home to over 90,000 artworks and is one of North America’s most distinguished art museums. The interior alone is worth the visit.

Rush Lane, officially known as Graffiti Alley, is a vibrant outdoor art gallery that encompasses a few street blocks worth checking out this colorful creativity.

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Immerse yourself in natural history and world cultures at this renowned museum.

Check out Berczy Park. Right next to the Gooderham Building is Berczy Park, a charming little park in the heart of the city. If you are a dog person you have to check out its whimsical fountain featuring a collection of cast-iron dogs surrounding and gazing at a golden bone atop the water fountain! It’s a great spot for a photo op.

University of Toronto Campus: Take a stroll through the beautiful grounds of one of Canada’s leading universities, admiring the architecture and green spaces. Take the Philosophers walk which is a lovely park on the campus.

“The fact that over 50 per cent of the residents of Toronto are not from Canada, that is always a good thing, creatively, and for food especially. That is easily a city’s biggest strength, and it is Toronto’s unique strength.”

— Anthony Bourdain