Being a born and bred Torontonian, I have a few favourite things to do in town. This Toronto bucket list is great for both travellers and dwellers of the city:
Toronto Reference Library
Wander between the bookshelves at the Toronto Reference Library, take time to smell a book or two, and read about a subject you have always been curious about. The library hosts different events, has a fun bookshop, and great coffee at Balzac’s! This is a must for a bookworm’s Toronto bucket list.
Pan Am Path
Rent a bike or strap on your walking shoes and look out for some animals along this path. Walking through Toronto’s different neighbourhoods is a refreshing way to see the city. For the nature lovers out there, this a great day-long adventure to enjoy either alone or with some friends.
Galleries and Museums
The constant rotation of new exhibitions in the city rules out any excuse to sit out a visit to a gallery or museum. The city has many galleries and museums to choose from so be sure to slip a few into your schedule.
Steam Whistle Brewery
Another must-do is Steam Whistle Brewery. They have pretzels and free beer samples which are the perfect size for a snack. You can also join for a tour of their facilities. If you are looking for souvenirs, they have some groovy bottle openers you can buy for your beer buddies back home.
CN Tower
This would not be a Toronto bucket list without the CN Tower. Take a selfie standing right under the CN Tower and see if you can manage to capture one that does not give you a clear view of your nostrils. The best views are not always from above.
St. Lawrence Market
Pick up some of your favourite foods from this market and for a light lunch by the lake. Markets all over the world are fun to explore. It is important to get a taste of this Canadian one.
High Park
If you are there during Shakespeare in High Park season, grab a picnic blanket and pay what you can to join the show. Canadian Stage collaborates with York University to put on these plays and they do an excellent job in the High Park Amphitheatre.
Otherwise, you can take a walk through the park, smell some flowers, and hug a tree. This green space in the city will give you yet another perspective of Toronto.
The Lakeview
Open 24 hours, this restaurant has been around for over 80 years! You can rely on this place to always be open for some hot and good food in a laid-back environment. Be sure to check this off your Toronto bucket list when you visit for a late-night meal.
Skating at Nathan Phillips Square
In the winter, rent or bring some skates to the park and jam out to some music on the ice with some chilly and friendly Torontonians.
In the summer, have a hot dog (they have veggie options) or some fries by the fountain in the sun. You will also be able bask in the glow of the glorious Toronto sign which will not be left off this list.
See a Show
This Toronto bucket list will not skip a chance to see a show. Make your way to the Four Seasons Centre of the Performing Arts for a ballet or opera. Or, if musicals are more your thing, go see the very Canadian show Come From Away! We can all welcome a chance to feel at one with fellow audience members and shed a tear (from laughter or sadness) for a moving story.
