12 things to do in Toronto that you won't read in a guidebook

Ellen Stewart discovers how to live like a local in Toronto as Canada celebrates its 150th birthday
Throw away your guidebook and live like a local in Toronto Paige Lindsay
Ellen Stewart4 July 2017

The Trump name is about to be scrubbed from Toronto’s skyline forever after the new owner of a high-rise hotel and condo development reportedly paid millions to break off a branding contract with the American President’s company. If this is what Gavin meant when he told Liz, "Toronto is just like New York but without all the stuff" in that episode of 30 Rock, then count me the hell in.

The move exactly encapsulates what the city stands for: comfortably cool and unafraid of progression.

The Toronto you’ve probably heard about – with its Hockey Hall of Fame, its CN Tower, its distilleries and its Poutine – is just half the fun. The best thing about Toronto is Torontonians. Here’s how to get in the mix and live like a real local:

1. Learn what a patio sipper is and execute accordingly

‘We have a patio!’ reads quite literally every sandwich board in the city. The term loosely translates to British English as ‘beer garden’ while including terraces, roofs and balconies.

It’s illegal to drink on the street in Canada, so you won’t see revellers spilling out into the street and/or road as you do in UK cities. Instead Torontonians flock to patios to sip beers, frosé (frozen rosé) and Caesars (like a Bloody Mary with clamato juice). Feeling fancy? Head downtown to the Ritz-Carlton DEQ Terrace and Lounge for stunning views of Simcoe Park, complimented by an extensive cocktail menu.

For something more casual hit Bar Raval on College and make sure to order the Squid a la Plancha.

2. Eat all you can at all-you-can-eat brunch… while listening to bluegrass

Sunk below street level on the effortlessly cool Ossington Ave is The Dakota Tavern, a dimly-lit surreal escape from reality. What the venue lacks in mobile phone reception it makes up for in an abundance of pancakes, home fries and bottomless coffee.

Pop in on a weekend between 10am and 2pm and you’ll be treated to all you can eat ‘family style’ breakfast as the house musicians sing about love and loss while strumming the banjo.

Bluegrass brunch at The Dakota Tavern Ellen Stewart

3. Drink your way through a flight of beers

Four beers are better than one, as the old saying goes. So make sure to sample a flight at one of Toronto’s micro-breweries. Bandit Brewery in Roncesvalles offers a diverse selection of craft beers, served up alongside posh pub grub… plus it has a huge patio.

4. Throw an axe while listening to 90s rock

Like darts, but far more satisfying. Throw an axe at a target to the sound of Green Day and Alice in Chains at BATL on Villiers St. Even the most delicate of wallflowers will find themselves shouting joyful obscenities when an axe strikes bullseye.

Lose friends and alienate people in a head-to-head axe throwing challenge BATL

5. See a cult classic at the cinema

Whether your idea of a great movie is 50s film noir or 90s favourite She’s All That you won’t be disappointed by the schedule at The Royal Cinema on College. Originally built in 1939 the Art Deco theatre is a sight to see in itself.

6. Veg out at Planta restaurant

Absolutely everything on the menu at Planta in Yorkville is plant-based… but don’t go calling it vegan. “We don’t want to isolate ourselves by calling it a vegan restaurant when some of the staff doesn’t live by the vegan lifestyle,” said co-owner Steven Salm when the place opened in 2016. Perhaps that’s why the coconut ceviche could genuinely pass for fish or why you won’t find any tofu in your dessert. You’ll never be more convinced by a fake burger.

7. Indulge your low-key Harry Potter obsession

Torontonians have proved that themed bars (particularly Harry Potter themed bars) don’t have to be tacky. Blink and you’ll miss the nod to Hogwarts at The Lockhart cocktail bar on Dundas St West, meaning you can drink a ‘Better beer’ with your muggle mates while maintaining your cool.

A Gin Weasley cocktail at The Lockhart Ellen Stewart

8. Get a hand-rolled ice cream in Kensington Market

Tucked away in what locals call the ‘Camden of Toronto’ is a little stall called Nice Pan… and it’s worth a visit just for the ‘gram. Made from fresh and locally sources fruits and berries your order is rolled out right in front of you on a -30C ice pan and topped with a squirt of whipped cream. Order the chef’s special and make sure to take a picture.

Hand-rolled chocolate ice cream from Nice Pan Ellen Stewart

9. See a local band at The Smiling Buddha

Even on a Wednesday night there’s a proper buzz at this bar in Little Italy. Known locally as the spot for showcasing emerging indie rock acts like Ollie DelMastro, The Detours and Howlin’ Circus, the drinks are cheap and the crowd is lively. Come to The Smiling Buddha for the jams and stay for the new friends you’re bound to make before ‘last call’.

10. Sample some mash-up world cuisine

Sushi burrito anyone? How about Hungarian Thai? Torontonians love a bizarre yet genuinely tasty food mash-up. If you find yourself longing for a Pad Thai with a side of chicken schnitzel, this city has you covered.

11. Grab an egg custard in Little Portugal

If raw fish in a floury tortilla doesn’t do it for you head out to Little Portugal and find yourself a pastel de nata in one of the family run bakeries. The Nova Era Bakery on the corner of Dovercourt and Bloor has been making the delicacy for 25 years and it shows.

12. Take the elevator up the CN Tower

Right, so the CN Tower isn’t exactly under the radar. In fact, it was the world’s tallest building from 1976-2010 and boasts 1.5 million visitors a year. But brave the crowds and take the glass-fronted elevator up to the top of the tower and you’ll be treated to the most breath-taking view of Lake Ontario and the city sprawling beside it.

Take a trip to the top of the CN Tower Getty Images
Getty Images

For more information and to plan your trip to Toronto visit seetorontonow.com.

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