Travel Guide: Toronto, Canada

Toronto, The 6ix, T-Dot, T.O, aka the best city in the world. So you’re traveling to Toronto for the first time and don’t know what to do, well you have come to the right place. Keep reading to see what you should do.

I’ve visited Toronto several times now and each time gets better than the last. You really can’t go wrong with Toronto, everything from the food, nightlife, activities, and people… the city has something for everyone.

Where To Stay:

1. Airbnb. This is a pretty obvious option but often times overlooked. I specifically knew that this time I wanted a view of La Tour CN or The CN tower. This meant that I needed to splurge of course, and I didn’t have the budget for a hotel splurge but had it for a roomy airbnb. If you’re strictly balling on a budget I would recommend looking at airbnbs/hotels in Scarborough or Etobicoke (in the GTA area but 15-20 mins close to downtown Toronto).

• If you’re curious, these are two of the airbnbs that I’ve stayed in the last two times I’ve visited: Click here and here! Both of these spots were in the Fashion District which is my favorite neighborhood because it’s close to King street which is where most of the bars and clubs are at or near. 

1. DoubleTree by Hilton. Close to Nathan Phillips Square, Yonge-Dundas Square, Eaton Centre, and Chinatown. I also heard the cookies they serve at the front desk are B O M B.
2. Thompson Toronto. If you feel like splurging a bit, this is your best bet. It doesn’t hurt that the rooftop has amazing views of the skyline with the CN tower, either.

What To Do:

1. CN Tour. Super touristy, may be super basic but if this is your first trip to the 6ix, you’ll want to say you did this. *not free*

2. Nathan Phillips Square. The heart of downtown. During the winter months it turns into a skating rink. The big “Toronto” lights up in different colors and makes for a good photo op. They have fun events during NYE, Nuit Blanche, and even Farmer’s Markets.

3. Kensington Market. The cool, hippie, and laid-back part of town. You’ll come across some dope stationary stores, restaurants, and weed shops. My recommendation is to visit “Pancho’s Bakery” and get a churro (tasted just like deep fried heaven).

4. Museum of Illusions. Super fun day activity or for a cute day date. Your mind will definitely play tricks on you as you enter the upside down living room and the infinity room. You will also have a chance to play poker with yourself and you’ll be able to see yourself as a giant or as a very small person…triiiippy. *not free*

5. Art Gallery of Ontario or The AGO. Find any art of your liking from European, Canadian, Contemporary, to Modern. The museum is pretty big so I would block off half a day to really explore it to it’s entirety. *not free*

6. Yonge-Dundas Square. The Times Square of Canada, but of course 100x cleaner and imo bigger and better looking. You’ll find stores, the eaton centre, and a variety of different restaurants.

7. St. Lawrence Market. Food hall, local grocery shopping, souvenir shops, etc.

8. Distillery District. A historic destination set in 19th century buildings. You will find your way into restaurants and shops on these cobblestone streets. Host of the Christmas Market every year in Toronto.

9. Her Majesty’s Pleasure. Okay, I’ll admit, I did not go here but it was right next to my airbnb and I saw it every time I walked out. A hip nail salon/wine bar. You get your nails done and get tipsy at the same time. Not to mention, the decor is on fleek. Perfect gift or “treat yo self” kind of thing.

10. Graffiti Alley. Dope alley way of full of creative art pieces. Perfect for an afternoon walk, mini photo shoot, and to take in the neighborhood.

11. Lavelle. I’ve had Lavelle on my list for about a year or so now and am so glad that I was able to check it out on my last visit. It’s a rooftop lounge with AMAZING views of the CN tour. Not to mention, during the summer this is an awesome hang out spot because it has a pool. If you’re hungry, they also have a restaurant on premise. But you absolutely have to come here for the views. 

12. Woodbine Beach. I’d only recommend this activity in the summertime but checking out the beach in Toronto is super cool and great for people watching. Woodbine beach is made up of alot of green spaces + the water. Families go out here to get some sun, play in the water, and even have picnics. When we arrived we stumbled acorss a volleyball tournament. Beware, the water here is super duper cold as it’s technically still lake water. 

13. Eye Candy Toronto. Cute little pop-up museum in Toronto! The space is super small but activations are colorful and beautiful works of art. Tickets are around $15 USD so it’s not terribly expensive for the experience + the photo ops. 

If you’re into nightlife like I am, here are some options I checked out that were worthy of a mention are: Regulars Bar (decor on 100), Baro (cozy bar with dope ass music), Belfast Love Public House (hiphop), Lost and Found (probably the best club in Toronto), Locals Only (Speakeasy style bar), and WildFlower (amazing decor, spacious, hiphop).

I hope that this helps you plan your next trip to The 6ix! If you have any questions about Toronto just reach out to me and I’ll help you out. 

xoxo,

Wynee

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