Weekend City Guide: Toronto

Culture & History

• Distillery District: Experience the blend of history and modern culture in this unique heritage site.

• St. James' Cathedral: Marvel at the architectural beauty and historical significance of this iconic church.

• Casa Loma: Discover the elegance of Toronto's very own castle and its past.

Markets & Shopping

• St. Lawrence Market: Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere and fresh local produce of this beloved market.

• The Well: Explore this modern, mixed-use development that's redefining downtown shopping.

Sports & Entertainment

• Theater: Take in a live performance at one of Toronto's renowned theaters.

• Hockey Hall of Fame: Explore the history of hockey and get close to the Stanley Cup.

• Toronto sports: Join the local sports culture at a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey match or Raptors basketball game.

Nature & Adventure

• CN Tower: Get a bird's eye view of the city and if you're brave, walk along the EdgeWalk.

• Rouge National Urban Park: Connect with nature and wildlife on a free guided tour through expansive parklands.

Day Trips:

Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake

• Start your day with an early morning drive out of the city, renting a car for the scenic journey to Niagara Falls. Try to arrive early enough to catch one of the first Niagara City Cruises boats of the day (it can get pretty crowded later in the morning), which will take you up close and personal with the falls.

• Remember to wear comfortable shoes that can handle getting wet and pack a towel and a change of clothes so you can enjoy the rest of your day comfortably.

• After the cruise, take some time to explore the grounds, dare to zip line across the gorge for an adrenaline rush, or simply enjoy the stunning view and pick up some souvenirs at the gift shop.

• For lunch, drive to historic The Olde Angel Inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Order their famous fish & chips and don't hesitate to ask the staff to share the Inn's old ghost story.

• A short 5-minute drive from the Inn, you’ll find several of the region's renowned wineries. Begin at Peller Estates, join a tour to learn about their wine-making process which includes generous samples and a visit to their 10Below Ice-wine Lounge. I suggest reserving this tour at least 1-2 days in advance.

• Next, visit Stratus Vineyards, a winery known for its sustainable practices and exceptional wines that capture the essence of the region.

• End your day at Wayne Gretzky Estates and take the tour (be sure to ask for a taste of Wayne Gretzky's No. 99 Icewine). After the tasting, unwind on the patio, and if you're feeling snacky, grab a bite from one of the on-site food spots to top off your day trip.

Breakfast & Brunch:

• Simpl Things: A cozy spot offering a down-to-earth brunch menu perfect for starting your day.

• Jimmy’s Coffee: Known for its laid-back atmosphere and robust coffee, it's ideal for a caffeine fix paired with a light breakfast.

• Eggspectation: With a diverse menu, this place takes your breakfast and brunch expectations to new heights.

• Aloette: A chic bistro serving elevated brunch classics with a contemporary twist.

Lunch & Dinner:

• Madrina Bar y Tapas: Classic tapas and creative cocktails in an almost-hidden corner of the Distillery District.

• 1 Hotel Kitchen: Focuses on farm-to-table dining with a menu that changes seasonally to highlight fresh, local ingredients.

• Alo Restaurant: Offers an exquisite fine dining experience with Michelin-rated tasting menus.

• Terroni: A Toronto staple for authentic Southern Italian cuisine.

Drinks:

• CKTL & Co.: An NYSE-inspired cocktail bar with a great happy hour menu and an innovative pricing model that fluctuates based on “market demand”.

• Mother: Delivers perfect twists on classic cocktails. Order the Symbiosis experience for a unique, interactive drink session.

• The Shameful Tiki Room: A lively spot for authentic tiki drinks, complete with festive, Polynesian-themed decor. (You won’t find orange or pineapple juice in the mai tai’s here - real tiki aficionados know!)

• Trinity Market Snack + Wine Bar: A trendy spot for natural wines and gourmet snacks.

• Flora Lounge: Don’t underestimate this hotel bar. Home of the best Espresso Martini I’ve ever had. Flora Lounge uses house-made syrups and premium ingredients for quality cocktails.