In Canada, the Victoria Day long weekend means that cities across the country are offering a bunch of activities over the the three day holiday.
Toronto, Canada’s largest city, has a bunch of great things to do during this time. Here are some of our personal recommendations to properly explore and enjoy this vibrant city.
Restaurants:
Fishbar (17 Ossington Avenue)
Offering a fresh tapas menu, Fishbar offers a lot of choice to seafood lovers. A bit more on the pricier side, we recommend trying the lobster Mac N Cheese!
Fresh (multiple locations)
If you’d like to opt for something lighter and healthier, Fresh offers delicious vegan dishes that provides quality ingredients. We recommend trying their soup of the day. You’d like a heartier meal? Try out their Buddha Fresh Bowl with a side of quinoa onion rings. Enjoy smoothies? Fresh also has a large selection of smoothies that will be able to satisfy your needs.
Parks
Trinity Bellwoods
Trinity Bellwoods park is a local favorite for Torontonians. Close to the downtown core, it’s a great place to go on for a stroll or sit back and do some people watching. Over the course of the summer, the park becomes host to numerous cultural events so there’s always something going on. Feel free to take part in the Yoga class on Wednesdays at 6:00PM or to enjoy a refreshing drink (or two) at nearby Bellwoods Brewery.
High Park
High Park is hard to beat during the early springtime when the cherry blossoms are in full display. Besides from being one of Toronto’s largest parks, High Park offers plenty of picnic areas, canopies, hiking trails and sports facilities. The park also has playgrounds, some smaller restaurants and even a zoo making it the perfect place for families!
Shopping
The Old Faithful shop (886 Queen St. W)
This shop offers timeless pieces that have been hand selected by Walter Manning and Savannah Olsen. The shop stocks simple, high quality goods for everyday living.
Less known neighborhoods worth exploring
Distillery District
The Distillery District is the place to be for architecture and history buffs. Walk around the district’s pedestrian streets without seeing the time fly by! With plenty of micro-breweries, boutiques and coffee shops, you can find yourself believing you might actually be in Europe. The district holds festivals year around, so make sure to check out their calendar to know all the latest events being held in the district.
Queen West
Vogue Magazine named Toronto’s Queen West neighborhood the second hippest in the world after Tokyo’s Shimokitazawa. Take your time to enjoy the different shops, restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques on one of Toronto’s liveliest streets.
Coffee Shops
Odin Café + Bar (514 King St. East)
This Instagram-worthy spot offers a beautiful modern decor as well as being equipped with a terrace just in time for the start of summer. This Scandinavian-inspired café offers a special menu along with a small selection of beers and wines. However, the café isn’t open on all seven days of the week so make sure to check out their schedule before heading out!
Jimmy’s Coffee (multiple locations)
What separates Jimmy’s Coffee from the rest? Their succulent americanos. A statement that is generally agreed with the locals, the quality is uncontested. We also recommend the nutella croissants and toblerone shortbread cookies to accompany your coffee.
Bakeries
Uncle Tetsu’s Cheesecake (598 Bay St)
Opened last year, Uncle Tetsu has amassed a cult following in the neighborhood. Their delicious cheesecakes along with their madeleines have been the talk of the town! Not as rich or dense as New York style cheesecakes, Uncle Tetsu’s cheesecakes are extremely tasty!
The Tempered Room (374 Queen St. W)
This French Bakery takes their customers’ satisfaction very seriously. Parisian born, the owner offers Torontonians the best that France has to offer; croissants, pies, mousses, cake, éclairs and much more. Everything is prepared in shop by a chef baker, you won’t regret it!
Momofuku Milk Bar (190 University Avenue)
Two words: Crack Pie. Everyone is talking about it, you must try it out!