Laala is frequently in Toronto, Ontario, for vacations and for the famous TIFF–the Toronto International Film Festival. She’s our expert on what to do in Toronto! Read more suggestions from Laala about the best things to do in Toronto.
What to Do in Toronto:
KENSINGTON MARKET
This eclectic neighborhood draws artists and tourists to its indie shops, vintage boutiques and arts spaces. The Market is also home to a wide array of Caribbean, Latino, European and Asian specialty grocers, bakeries and cheese shops. There are trendy bars, cafes and international restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. Victorian houses are along tree-lined streets and there are numerous health food stores.
http://www.kensington-market.ca/
TORONTO RAPTORS GAME AT SCOTIABANK ARENA
Canadians are crazy about their only NBA team. The Raptors slogan is “We Are The North”. Catch a game and maybe you’ll see Drake courtside!
https://www.nba.com/raptors/tickets
LAWRENCE MARKET
Voted one of National Geographic’s World’s Best Food Markets in 2012, this iconic market is so worthwhile. Try the gourmet foods, visit the artisan shops and even take a cooking class.
http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/
HIGH PARK
Toronto’s largest public park features many hiking trails, sports facilities, diverse vegetation, a beautiful lakefront, convenient parking, easy public transit access, a dog park, a zoo, playgrounds, eateries, greenhouses, picnic areas, and events throughout the year.
http://www.highparktoronto.com/
STROLL QUEEN STREET WEST & DO A TOUR
Queen St West is one of the city’s best strips. There are restaurants, cafes, pubs, shops, and even a great graffiti tour. The Tour Guys offer numerous daily tours by donation only. Their local guides are experts and you’ll learn so much about the 6ix.
https://www.tourguys.ca/toronto/
TORONTO ISLANDS
The Toronto Islands are located in Lake Ontario, a 13-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto. The Island is actually a group of 15 islands inter-connected by pathways and bridges. You can walk from one end of the Island to the other.
There are beautiful swimming beaches (including a Clothing Optional Beach on Hanlan’s Point!), sports facilities, bike, canoe and kayak rentals, a boating marina, large grassy fields for picnics, a theatre, nature paths, an amusement park and a charming 150 year-old community of 600 people living year-round in cottage-like homes.
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/toronto-island-park/
https://www.torontoisland.com/
TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5YVp_KKl7E&t=23s
This is the headquarters of the very popular Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). This venue occupies an entire city block on King Street in the heart of Toronto’s media and entertainment district. They have movie theatres, restaurants, a year round gift shop, and a café. Who knows? You might even rub shoulders with a celeb!
Reitman Square
350 King Street West
Toronto
HARBOURFRONT
Explore the famed Harbourfront/Lakeshore. Walk, bike or listen to music alongside the water. Explore the Melody Symphony Garden.
http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/
NUIT BLANCHE
Nuit Blanche Toronto is a free, annual, citywide celebration of contemporary art.
For one sleepless night, from sunset to sunrise, Toronto is transformed into an artistic playground for a series of exhilarating contemporary art experiences in unexpected public spaces. Since 2006, this award-winning event has featured nearly 1,400 art installations by approximately 4,900 artists. This “Death of the Sun” installation created by Director X for the 2016 Nuit Blanche went on tour with Champagne Papi, aka Drake.
https://nbto.com/
Laala Matias is an award winning filmmaker and blogger. Check out her website LAaLALand.
