Events and Things to Do in Toronto This Summer
Toronto Blue Jays, Beaches Jazz Festival, Caribana, Centre Island
May 8, 2009
Trendy Queen Street West Stroll
A great way to begin a visit to Toronto is with a crawl along funky Queen Street West, which starts out more hipster than bohemian artist. Walk a block west of University Avenue along Queen Street West to take in big name clothing stores, snag a south-facing patio table at The Rivoli or local-favourite, The Black Bull, or nosh at the elegant Peter Pan restaurant at Queen and Peter Streets. Toronto's Textile District is located a block or two west of Spadina. Mixed into this 'hood, is great value and cuisine at bistros such as Taro Grill, Epicure Cafe, The Red Tea Box, and The Tequila Bookworm.
West of Bathurst Street, Queen Street becomes more eclectic with shops of local up-and-coming and already there fashion designers, cool home accessories, and more restaurants and bars, including new kid on the block, Vdara, and vegetarian foodies' hideout, Fresh. Head a few blocks west and end up at hipster heaven, The Drake Hotel (a misnomer, it's really a collection of bars, cafes and lounges although there are a few guest rooms). A table on the rooftop patio where local artsy types hang is a must.
The Molson Amphitheatre
The Molson Amphitheatre is one of the best outdoor venues to enjoy a concert, resting on the shores of Lake Ontario and nestled into Ontario Place. Before taking in a top-billing artist, visitors can enjoy the facilities of Ontario Place such as the Cinesphere, or just kick back at a lakeside cafe with a cool drink and watch the boats go by from the National Yacht Club. Scheduled acts at the Amphitheatre this summer include Pearl Jam, Incubus, Beyonce, Rise Against, The Killers and The Offspring.
Beaches Jazz Festival
After an ear-splitting evening, visitors to Toronto can chill and groove to the smooth sounds emanating from Toronto's two jazz festivals. The TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival's main stage is at Toronto's City Hall, Nathan Phillips Square while other acts are featured at various venues downtown. Running from June 26 to July 5, 2009, the festival includes big name acts such as Tony Bennett, Sony Rollins, Gary Burton Quartet with Pat Metheny, Branford Marsalis and Kool and the Gang.
For tourists visiting Toronto at the end of July, the Beaches International Jazz Festival runs from July 17-26, 2009 along the eastern lakeshore in the 'hood known simply as 'The Beaches'. Jazz acts play the main stage, which is situated in Kew Gardens next to the lake, and local bars and restaurants along Queen Street East. Most events are free.
Toronto Blue Jays
As at publication date, Roy Halladay and the Toronto Blue Jays were knocking the balls out of the park and in first place in the American League. There's no better place to enjoy a baseball game and a beer than at the Rogers Centre, home of the world-famous retractable roof that allows comfortable viewing rain or shine. Tickets in the outfield and bleachers can usually be purchased on game day at the Roger's Centre box office, but with the current red hot bats of the Jays, premium tickets should be ordered in advance.
College West Dining al Fresco
A few blocks north of Queen Street lies College Street West (or Little Italy as it's known by residents), which offers a spectacular array of outdoor dining. While Italian fare dominates the menus, other offerings include Thai and Indian cuisine. Local 'it' spots include Grace, Sidecar, Il Sorriso, Nirvana, and Riva Supper Club.
Caribana Parade
The Scotiabank Caribana Festival, the largest parade of its kind outside of the Caribbean, closes down a portion of a main artery (Lakeshore Blvd.) in order to accommodate the reggae rhythms and jump-up jigs of the parade attendees. Scheduled from July 14 to August 2, 2009 (with the parade on August 1), the Caribana Festival attracts numerous spectators worldwide and many of the events are free. Hotels book fast so plan ahead. Read more information on the Caribana Festival here.
Centre Island
Only a 20-minute ride across the Toronto Harbour, the Toronto Islands or Centre Island as it is generally known, is a virtual sanctuary in the city. Amidst the cottage atmosphere, pristine beaches (including a nude one), and sprawling parkland await. There is even an amusement park for the kiddies (children's ride pass is $21.00), which is wisely sequestered from the rest of the island. While there, rent a bike and cycle along the many bike paths skirting the Great Lake shores. Or rent a canoe or boat for a leisurely paddle along the island's inner lagoons. Body and soul can be replenished at lakeside oasis, The Rectory Cafe. Ferry ride is Adults $6.50, Seniors/Students (15-19 with student card) $4.00, Children $3.00.
Whether taking in the Caribana Parade, enjoying a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game at Rogers Centre, listening to the Beaches Jazz Festival, or checking out a concert at the Molson Amphitheatre, visitors to Toronto are guaranteed a fun-filled vacation with the many exciting summer events that Ontario's capital has to offer.
For information on Niagara-on-the-Lake, read here.
