Immerse Yourself in Toronto for 36 Hours
Toronto, a bustling city that is home to approximately 2.8 million inhabitants, reigns as one of the most populous cities in North America. Its appeal is unique; it doesn't showcase an overpowering metropolis vibe, but more of an amalgamation of diverse neighborhoods, each one sharing a spirit of inclusivity and an active street culture. In addition to being known worldwide for its high living standards, Toronto's allure as a travel hotspot has been surging recently. The beehive of renovation projects within the city have breathed new life into former industrial areas, and the dynamic culinary landscape consistently serves up boundary-pushing dining experiences. Transportation to this evolving city has been simplified, thanks to a new airport rail link inaugurated in recent years. Coupled with the advantageous currency exchange rates, it's a golden era to experience Toronto. A mere 36 hours in this vibrant city might offer just a glimpse of its beauty, but it's ample time to fall under the spell of its enchanting appeal.
An Oasis of Activities
1. Heading to the Marketplace, At 2 P.M.
Despite having a rather simple title, Kensington Market is an authentically diverse neighborhood spread across approximately 10 distinct blocks thriving with stores, eateries, grocers, and various other services. You can dedicate an entire afternoon exploring Baldwin Street's novel businesses. Start with the refreshing hibiscus and ginger kombucha on tap at Witches Brew for just 4 CAD. Make a stop at Tortería San Cosme for an appetizing conchinita torta (10.50 CAD), and then enjoy a cup of coffee, particularly served with an out-of-this-world brioche cinnamon roll over at Blackbird Baking Co.
As you continue your journey, you'll stumble across iconic vintage stores such as Flash Back and Sub Rosa selling items from the good old times. These include classic Levi’s, hockey jerseys, and leather goods. Further, you'll be able to discover unparalleled handmade paper products and unique gifts at Kid Icarus.
Maintaining the neighborhood's lifeblood is the long-standing spice, cheese, produce, and tea shops that offer an eclectic blend of shopping, Canadian heritage, and global influences. This multicultural retail landscape was recognized as a national historic site, affirming historical significance.
As your day draws to a close, make sure not to miss the magnificently painted Victorian houses on Augusta Street and the No. 8 Hose Station from 1878, a brilliant piece of architecture from yesteryears.
2. A Slice of Catalonia in the Heart of Little Italy, 5 P.M.
Introducing Bar Raval, a charming Barcelona-inspired pintxos and tapas joint that accommodates all your cravings at any time of the day, be it for a brief afternoon respite or for an evening indulgence. Open daily from dawn at 8 a.m. till late night at 2 a.m., it makes your mornings delightful with a blend of fragrant coffee and a varied selection of both sweet and savoury pastries. Sate your taste buds with their offerings of traditional Spanish cheese, the finest Galician tinned seafood, and mouthwatering charcuterie like the lomo Ibérico de bellota, a delectable dry-cured pork loin served all day. Enhance your experience with their meticulously chosen wine list. But the centerpiece of this unique dining locale is its enchanting Gaudí-inspired interior, an uncommon spectacle of whimsical wavering mahogany craftsmanship that steals your gaze as you relish a glass of fine Rioja.
3. Emerging Culinary Gems, 7 P.M.
Toronto's culinary scene is positively abuzz with the rising popularity of Izakayas, a casual, Japanese-style gastropub. Imanishi Japanese Kitchen introduces itself as one of the latest and greatest additions to the vibrant dining landscape. Tucked away in Little Portugal, this understated establishment discards ostentation for a more laid-back ambiance. Post up at their reclaimed wood bar, enjoy a yozu Tom Collins ($10), and let your taste buds explore sophisticated nibbles like the zesty tai carpaccio (14 dollars) and the delectable sweet corn tempura fritter (6.50 dollars). For those who find themselves wanting more, journey down Dundas Street West towards the Antler - a relatively fresh establishment that's quickly gaining accolades for a menu spotlighting game meats. Their boar, bison and deer burger (18 dollars) certainly confirms who's boss in the food hierarchy.
4. Embark on a Market Adventure, 8 A.M.
Start your day by plunging into the bustling hub of local gastronomy at St. Lawrence Market nestled in Toronto's Old Town. Aim to arrive shortly after its 5 a.m. Saturday opening to slice through mounting crowds. This time-honored marketplace, rooted since 1803, has witnessed Ontario farmers trading their fresh produce for more than two centuries.
Gaining Global Recognition
Its present-day avatar, lauded as the premier food market globally by National Geographic, provides a tantalizing smorgasbord of bakeries, delis, and confectionery. For a start try the famed St. Urbain Bagel. Then move on to the notable cheesemongers, Scheffler’s, Olympic Cheese Mart, or satiate your sweet tooth at Eve’s Temptations.
Local Legend and Celebrity Espousal
The market is also home to the legendary Carousel Bakery, famed for its uniquely Canadian peameal bacon sandwich. This simple yet delightful delicacy comprising thick cuts of pork heaped on a kaiser roll has enraptured the taste buds of renowned culinary names including Anthony Bourdain and Emeril Lagasse, reinforcing its culinary importance.
5. A Tranquil Adventure on Ward’s Island, 10 A.M.
Despite the city’s reputation for urban landscapes, Toronto also embraces a prominent presence of verdant havens. These range from locally beloved community green spaces like Trinity Bellwoods, to lush wilderness parks like High Park, and unique organic wonders like the Leslie Street Spit and network of urban ravines. One particularly enticing escape though, located away from the city hubbub is Toronto Island. This intriguing location is favored during the heat of the summer and yet it becomes a calming and serene retreat in the cooler seasons.
Embark on a refreshing 10-minute ferry journey which will transport you to the Ward’s Island terminal - the single point of entry during the winter season, primarily serving the tranquil residential area close by. Toronto Island offers you an exclusive opportunity to relish solitude complemented with the breathtaking city vistas, extensive green expanses, and a picturesque 1.5-mile lakeside boardwalk along Lake Ontario that invites leisure strolls. The famous Rectory Café, handily located just steps from the boardwalk, remains open throughout the year offering delectable salads that are sure to impress. Ferry services regularly operate every half an hour, assuring easy access for visitors.
6. Immerse Yourself in History, 2 P.M.
Within the boundaries of the Distillery Historic District, a time capsule of the Victorian age unfolds. Here, one can buddy up with 47 heritage buildings, with the oldest ones narrating tales of the 1850s. Rightfully celebrated as the largest trove of Victorian industrial architecture in North America, it's a historical haven and a fitting testimonial to its industrial past. And by paying odes to its historical roots, the former Gooderham & Worts Distillery site, a crumbling relic until the onset of the millennium, has found a resplendent new avatar as a 13-acre cultural hub. The precinct's brick-paved arteries pulsate with captivating artistic endeavours and its factory edifices offer retail therapy with an eclectic assortment of charms.
At the heart of it is the Distill - a delightful trove that proudly presents Canadian creations, from artisanal jewelry to designer attire. For those with an eye for art, three eminent galleries showcase an array of creative expressions: the Arta, Corkin, and Thompson Landry. This creative haven also hosts prolific artists and their studios, allowing you a glimpse into their artistic world.
Also laying claim to a culinary heritage is El Catrin – a strikingly modern Mexican cantina, which prides itself on its delectable ceviche and a captivating two-story mural, the brainchild of Oscar Flores, a renowned street artist from Mexico. What's more, the journey here will not be complete without a trip to Soma Chocolatemaker - famous for its decadently delicious truffles. A perfect finale to your exploration of Toronto's historic district, these truffles serve as a delicious testament to the artistry of the district.
7. Exploring Artistic Expressions, 5 P.M.
In Toronto, urban artistry has transitioned from an underground movement to being a core element of the city's identity and communal pride. This transformation has been propelled to a significant extent by organizations like StreetARToronto. Colourful sonic booms of artistic creativity are visible throughout the city, with Rush Lane, located just slightly beneath Queen Street West and nestled between Spadina and Portland, being the crowning glory. This graffiti-filled side street, lovingly dubbed Graffiti Alley, is a definite must-visit. The artistic pieces boast a wide range of styles, from the somber and eerie — intricate bone sculptures, to vibrant and joyful — captivating comic book illustrations, and even the mystical — a mesmerising underwater scene that extends across a multi-storey building. Each artwork will change your perspective on the capacity for expression held in an aerosol paint container.
8. A Mystery to Sip or Savor?, 6 P.M.
In the world of innovative mixology, BarChef, the brainchild of cocktail maestro Frankie Solarik, stands in comparison to what CERN is to the realm of adolescent physics learning. The ambience plays an important role too, it's almost like stepping into a cozy, dimly lit chamber where alcohol mixtures are transformed into fascinating sensory experiences. Moving past the traditional, here you would find specials like the hickory-infused Manhattan with vanilla notes, which quite literally emanates smoke, priced at $45. The seasonal drink menu has incredible creations that not just resemble the flavors of each season but are actually presented with elements of nature like foliage and soil to enhance the sensory experience. Some of their popular seasonal concoctions include 'Spring Thaw' and the Essence of Fall priced at $30. The drinks may seem overly indulgent and expensive, but ask yourself, when was the last time you had a tactile experience of tasting an entire season in a glass?
9. Culinary Delight in Canada, 8 P.M.
A stroll along the kinetic Queen Street West proves to be an unmissable component of the Toronto experience. The pulsating strip, filled with an array of bars, boutiques, art showcases and eateries, can be likened to a living, ever-changing organism. Nestled amongst them is Montgomery’s, an unsuspectingly bold establishment offering exquisite farm-to-table dining experiences since its opening in August. Where rustic charm meets understated elegance, the decor mirrors its dynamic menu selection manifesting a deep appreciation for Ontario's indigenous ingredients. To give just a glimpse, customers are enamoured by dishes such as the aromatic goose creton served with crispy bread (12 dollars) for the meat-lovers, the velvety steamed new potato adorned with preserved roe and rich Brie de Meaux cheese (9 dollars), and a humble yet inventive combination of raw veggies accompanied by spinach dip and a purple sweet potato miso (7 dollars) for the health-conscious.
10. Hit the Junction, 10 A.M.
A longstanding prohibition on alcohol sales in the Junction neighborhood was overturned in 1997, and the area, named for its proximity to an intersection of four railroads, has since emerged as one of the hippest districts in the city. Coincidence? This former manufacturing hub is now an easygoing mix of restaurants and shops, many specializing in Canadian-made goods. Standouts include Helen & Hildegard, offering herbal and organic skin care and shaving products; Gerhard Supply, with minimalist and military-inspired men’s wear and denim from Canadian labels like 18 Waits and Naked & Famous; Opticianado, offering a chic assortment of new and vintage eyeglass frames; and Pandemonium, for new and used books and vinyl. Refuel with espresso at Crema Coffee or brunch at 3030 Dundas West or the Hole in the Wall, a British style gastro pub that is as cozy as its name suggests.
11. A Step Back to the Architectural Past, 2 P.M.
The iconic Casa Loma, both regal and a tad daunting in its Gothic Revival grandeur, was built back in 1914 as a home for the financiers, including Sir Henry Mill Pellatt. This gargantuan edifice spanning 64,700 square feet has often been chosen as a filming set due to its eeriness. For instance, it acted as the perfect backdrop for Fox’s recent remake of the Gothic-themed “Rocky Horror Picture Show”. Casa Loma is a stunning mansion housing 98 rooms adorned with rich art and decor. For a complete appreciation of the beautiful Toronto cityscape, the top floors offer an unbeatable panorama. If you don't want to spend on an entrance fee of 25 dollars, you'd still have a good time. The castle's exterior is worth exploring, and don't miss the scenic urban views from the nearby Baldwin Steps. So while you travel around the castle, remember each brick resonates with a history that dates back more than a century!
Lodging
Le Germain Hotel Toronto (30 Mercer Street; legermainhotels.com/en/torontomercer) on Mercer Street, is one of two Toronto locations of this Canadian boutique hotelier. Located in the downtown entertainment district, across from the Second City comedy theater, it offers a centralized home base for exploring. From 225 dollars.
The 229-room, all suite Cambridge Suites Toronto (15 Richmond Street East; cambridgesuitestoronto.com) is centrally located downtown, close to subways and attractions like the St. Lawrence Market. Portico, the hotel’s restaurant, is pricey but quite good. From 177 dollars.
If you're looking to explore further, there are other delightful accommodations available in other parts of the city like North York. You can find a wide range of choices to suit any budget and need at http://www.ontariocahotel.com/en/near-north-york-dr133638/
For those who are not limited to Toronto, and plan to explore the wider landscapes of Canada, there are countless options to choose from. You can find and book via tophotels.com from an incredible selection of Canadian hotels to suit every traveler's needs.