Toronto is packed with fun activities in many different neighborhoods. If you are researching a trip to the city, the usual attractions that pop up tend to be visiting the CN Tower, seeing a Blue Jay game at the Skydome, or shopping at the Eaton Centre. All fun, but there is so much more to explore. Here are six activities you can do in different areas of Toronto that will leave a lasting impression, whether you live in the city or are visiting.
Go to the Art Gallery of Ontario For Free on a Wednesday Night
The AGO is a massive, stunning art gallery, with more than 68,000 works including European masterpieces, renowned Canadian pieces and an eclectic contemporary collection. General admission for adults is normally $18, but every Wednesday night the fee is waived from 6 to 8:30 pm. Browse one of the largest art museums in North America with over half a million square feet of fine art and impressive architectural design- absolutely free.
Where is the Art Gallery of Ontario? On the edge of Chinatown at 317 Dundas Street West, between McCaul Street and Beverley Street.
Go to Kensington Market and Shop for Vintage Stuff
This funky downtown neighborhood is dotted with fresh grocers, unique shops and trendy little cafes and restaurants. The narrow streets are best explored on foot and it is a great area to dig for second-hand clothing, jewelery or other little treasures. Walk along Kensington Avenue and check out popular second-hand shops Courage My Love and Exile Vintage, which are loaded with retro finds. For tasty authentic Central American fare, stop at Jumbo Empanada or try a homemade margarita at El Trompo, both on Augusta Avenue.
Where is Kensington Market? On Kensington and Augusta Avenues and Nassau Street, bordered by College Street, Spadina Avenue and Dundas St. West.
Go Skating at Harbourfront Centre's Free Outdoor Rink
Don’t have skates? You can rent them for $7 at the Natrel Rink, Toronto’s biggest outdoor skating rink on the shores of Lake Ontario. This beautiful rink is located within the Harbourfront Centre grounds, a popular destination for festivals and concerts in the heart of the city’s downtown waterfront. The Natrel rink hosts skate nights with celebrity DJs as well as several family programs, and is open seven days a week weather permitting.
Where is the Natrel Rink? On the waterfront at the Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West.
Go to the St. Lawrence Market and Buy $5 Filet Mignons
Or pick up some homemade stuffed sausage, Guinea fowl, free-range poultry or elk meat. The butchers in this bustling market offer an incredible selection of fine quality meats often at prices lower than the local supermarket. There are also dozens of cheese merchants including Olympic Cheese which offers more than 400 varieties from around the globe, as well as fresh fish markets and dozens of organic and gourmet goodies such as pates, dips, and olive oils. The famous peameal back bacon on a bun is available at every turn- try the one at Carousel Bakery, which has been in the market for over 30 years.
Where is the St. Lawrence Market? 92 Front Street East (at Market St.)
Go to the Eaton Centre and Find the Little Church in the Square
There is lots of great shopping in the city, from the posh boutiques in the Bloor and Yorkville area to the antique shops in Queen West. But the city's most sought-out shopping destination is the Toronto Eaton Centre, which attracts millions of visitors each year. For an immediate oasis of calm in a frenzy of shoppers, find the side exit from the mall which leads to a quiet courtyard. There you will find the Church of the Holy Trinity, a yellow brick 19th century church that the developers built around when the mall was constructed in the late 70s.
Where is the Eaton Centre? 220 Yonge Street at the south-west corner of Yonge Street and Dundas Street.
Go to SOMA in the Distillery District and Order The Spicy Hot Chocolate
This area once was the site of the largest production of whiskey and spirits in the British empire. Now this heritage district houses a collection of upscale shops, galleries and gourmet restaurants in the restored distillery buildings. Walk the charming cobblestone streets to Building 48, where the artisan chocolate shop SOMA is situated. Their spicy dark hot chocolate is a must-try for chocolate lovers with its infusion of Madagascar vanilla and chili peppers.
Where is the Distillery District? East of downtown Toronto at 55 Mill Street East, one block south of Front Street between Parliament Street and Cherry Street.
Fun Insider Tip
Toronto Mike keeps Torontonians in touch with what's going on in the city. From his latest thoughts on the Maple Leafs to his free weekly MP3, Toronto Mike offers sports, music and current event updates with a Toronto twist.
These activities will provide a great taste of Toronto for visitors and natives alike!
