Toronto is a big city. It's no New York, but it's physical size can make the task of checking everything off your list daunting (especially with our somewhat lack-luster transit system). Toronto is a hustling and bustling city with a population of over 2.6 million diverse inhabitants, and no shortage of things to see and do.
One of the things that I love about Toronto (as do many others) is the fact that it's so multicultural. Any type of food or reminders of home can pretty much be found in the city, probably in one of the unique neighborhoods that exist within its limits. Chinatown and Little Italy are common neighborhoods in most cities but what about Little India or Greektown? Or Koreatown or Portugal Village? Or even Little Malta or Poland? It's pretty incredible to walk the streets and encounter different cultures along the way. As you probably already know, food is the way to my traveling heart and many of the top things in Toronto you can't miss revolve around it...
So to thoroughly experience Toronto, you are going to want to visit these 5 places:
St. Lawrence Market
The Market consistently tops all of the lists for what to see and do in Toronto, and it's with good reason. Markets are undoubtedly my favorite things to explore in every city, and the St. Lawrence Market is still one of the best I've ever seen. 120 vendors share their artisanal and lovingly crafted goods and foods. You have to try the fresh meat and cheese vendors, but don't fill up on samples before having a peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery. This has to be one of my favorite things at the Market. Or a veal sandwich. Or the burrata cheese. Oh man, it's so hard to choose. The Market is open Tuesday-Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday), with varying hours so make sure you plan accordingly. You don't want to miss it.
Why is this experiential? You are smelling the fresh food - bread, cheese, pasta and getting to try free samples along the way. You can even experience Canadian favorites (um, favourites) like Maple Syrup (slightly overdone, but necessary) and Peameal Bacon (Canadian Bacon, eh?).
The Distillery District
The Distillery District is an area just East of the downtown core that now features cafes, shops, galleries and restaurants in the buildings that once housed the Gooderham and Worts Distillery. It's been recently designated a National Historic Site. It's pretty much busy all-year round with different events, festivals and markets occurring. If you're coming to Toronto in the wintertime (bless you, child...for being such a brave soul), you have to check out the infamous Christmas Market. It's definitely the busiest that time of year. However, the picturesque white twinkly lights adorning the Christmas tree and draped from building to building along with all the mulled wine you can drink make it tolerable. I have been lucky enough to spend December in Northern Germany, where the Christmas Markets house tiny stalls selling gingerbread cookies, mulled wine, beer, and other treats. Although very Canadian, the Distillery District does a good job at emulating the real thing. There are several great restaurants in the area, but they are quite touristy in my opinion. Nevertheless, I have enjoyed many a good time at Mexican resto El Catrin, a few beers at Mill Street Brewery, and some frog legs at Cluny Bistro. Make reservations (no matter what time of year).
Why is this experiential? The Distillery District is one of the few National Historic Sites that hasn't become kitschy or overplayed. It started in 2003 and still remains a great place to experience culture (and food) in a unique venue. It's great to take photos and just enjoy the place that you're in. .
Kensington Market
Many of my artsy high school friends had been going to Kensington Market for years. A hippie-esque village near Spadina and Dundas, it has also recently become a National Historic Site. Kensington is charming and features unique shops, dynamite clothing, vintage finds and little treasures along the way. One of those treasures has to be Wanda's Pie in the Sky Bakery (I told you this would all be about food). Wanda's is a little bakery that's famous in Toronto. She serves freshly baked pies, cakes, puddings plus sandwiches with house-made bread and all the fixings. Stop in and have a slice of pie. You won't regret it. Along with Wanda's you will find other coffee shops (no Starbucks here!), health food stores, and one of my favorite recent finds - The Cocktail Emporium. It's a snazzy little shop selling everything you need for perfect cocktails and great gifts to bring home with you.
Why is this experiential? Wandering around a vibrant neighborhood is practically the definition of experiential travel. Plus the people you will experience will be worth the endeavor, I promise.
Toronto Island
Toronto Island is a fan-favorite for Torontonians and tourists alike. Most popular in the summer months, the ferries that run back and from from the Harbourfront are always busy. The island is great for bike riding, picnics or even lounging on the beach. The beach and the lake water is monitored by health controls, so it is technically safe. I grew up believing that if you took a dip in Lake Ontario you would grow a third extremity, so I typically avoid partaking in any water activities on the island. If you are tired of the beach, you can take a stroll along the paths that are lined with the infamous cottages that have a 30+ year waiting list for people to lease from the City of Toronto. If you have kids (or if you're just a big one at heart), the island also has a small amusement park and petting zoo called Centreville (only operates during the summer months). Or just rent a tandem bicycle to explore the island's many paths. A trip to the Island is a perfect way to spend a sunny summer day.
Why is this experiential? Although quite a touristy spot, Toronto Island is still popular with locals who want to escape the busy city on summer afternoons. Not many people think of Toronto as a "beach" destination, but tell that to the folks back home when you show off your tan!
High Park
I've been going to High Park since I was a little kid. It was one of my grandparents' top spots to take me to. I used to play on the playground, check out the animals at the zoo and then go feed the ducks. You're definitely not allowed to feed the ducks anymore. (Whoops). High Park is one of the largest green spaces in the Toronto area, and it is located West of the downtown core. For that reason, it's a bit more subdued, and it's a perfect spot to take a stroll, bike ride or practice your downward dog in an outdoor yoga class. The trees are giant, the grass is green and it's an ideal place to clear your head after a busy day. High Park is well known for its Cherry Blossoms, which bloom every year around late April, early May. They only last for about a week and half (or sometimes shorter). During this time, the park is full of tourists snapping their Instagram photos of the pretty pink petals.
Why is this experiential? There's nothing more experiential than having a picnic in a local park or people-watching on a Sunday afternoon. Slow down and experience the quieter side of Toronto.
There you have it. My top 5 things to not miss in Toronto. Have you been to Toronto before? What are your favorite things in the city?