When you are visiting a city for a short time, it’s tempting to pack every second with activity, which results in exhaustion. We recently spent 48-hours in Toronto, and although we resisted the urge to “see it all” we still crammed a lot of experiences into one weekend. The secret is to strike a balance between active and more relaxed pursuits so that you can enjoy your surroundings without wearing yourself out.
One Toronto Weekend, So Much to Do!
About one-sixth of Canada’s population resides in Toronto (population 2.9 million). It’s big! There is a lot to see and do. Fortunately, Steve and I have family in the home town of Drake, the Raptors, and the CN Tower. When we visit, we know we’ll be back, and this takes away the pressure of choosing the best way to spend our time. I love this kind of travel. It allows you to get to know a city more intimately by taking your time and filling the spots between sights with just hanging out and observing. Here’s the no-rush itinerary from our recent trip that might inspire some ideas for a Toronto visit of your own.
Day One – Art, Food, Comedy
Graffiti Alley
Despite years of watching comedian Rick Mercer deliver his signature “rants” while striding down this colourful back lane, I’d never seen Graffiti Alley in person. The one-kilometre stretch is located in the city’s Fashion District running south of Queen Street West from Spadina Avenue to Portland Street.
The alley’s art is a product of an initiative called StreetARToronto, which started in 2012 as a way to reduce tagging and graffiti vandalism. The goal was to foster creative murals and street art that would engage the community and make Toronto more beautiful.
Starting our weekend ambling alongside gritty back lane walls embellished with whimsical scenes set just the right tone. This was going to be an anything-goes weekend.
Rooftop Snack at Bar Hop
Toronto’s skyline is littered with hidden rooftop restaurant and bar terraces. It’s fun to see a new view of the city unfold as you take your seat at a rooftop perch.
After a couple of hours of exploring Queen Street West, it was time for a snack. The terrace at Bar Hop offered more than three dozen craft beers on tap as well as a handful of ciders. We munched on two giant soft pretzels with a wheat ale dip that incorporated Jarlsberg and cheddar cheeses. Delicious combo!
Art Gallery of Ontario
Fortified by our Bar Hop stop, we headed next to the AGO, which is one of the best places to see works by established and emerging Canadian artists. Thanks to a recent successful crowdfunding campaign, the gallery now also hosts an exhibit by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama entitled Infinity Mirrored Room – Let’s Survive Forever.
This trippy exhibit, featuring mirrored orbs arranged on the floor and hanging from the ceiling, explores the concept of infinity and the endless potential of humanity. Visitors can access the room with general admission to the AGO but must register for a time slot at a digital kiosk just past the ticket desk. A maximum of four people can enter the room at once, and you are ironically allowed only 60 seconds to experience the magic of infinity. Be camera ready!
Dinner at Ricarda’s
We complemented our art-filled day with dinner at Ricarda’s. This Mediterranean restaurant and event venue is nothing short of stunning. Before sitting down at our table, we wandered through the adjacent Queen Richmond Centre grand atrium, where Ricarda’s caters events. Soaring white x-shaped frames mix with the wood beams and red brick that were part of the original 100-year-old factory once housed on the site.
The atmosphere inside Ricarda’s is equally elegant and spacious. Our server was exceptionally attentive and engaging, and the menu is well worth the slightly upscale prices. The pistachio-quinoa crusted rack of lamb I ordered was outstanding as was the preceding charcuterie board we ordered. I’m told the Sunday live jazz brunch is fabulous.
Laughing it up at The Second City
John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Catherine O’Hara all earned their improv chops at The Second City along with scores of other actor/comedians. We snagged tickets for the 10 p.m. show and settled in for a couple of entertaining hours of scripted and unscripted fun.
I’m glad we got to the venue a bit early because it’s fun to explore the photos on the walls of famous Second City alumni back in the day. It makes you wonder if you’ll see a performer poised for similar greatness.
Day Two – Boutiques, Bikes, Beach
Grabbing a Ride with Bike Share Toronto
After a delicious and laidback homestyle Sunday brunch with family, we set off to explore beyond bustling Queen Street using Bike Share Toronto. Steve and I have used local bike shares in many cities around the world and find they are an affordable, fun way to see any destination.
Bike Share Toronto is quite straightforward to use. You simply register with a credit card using the program’s app and select the pass that fits. You can get a one-way ticket, or a one- or three-day pass. Locals can get an annual membership for just $99. We opted for a seven dollar one-day pass. Note, if you have a few people in your group, you don’t all need to register. One person can book up to four riders using the app.
Once you’re signed up, go to one of the bike share kiosks (there are a few in each neighbourhood) and use the app to get a code to unlock one of the bikes. Off you go!
The only hitch with using a bike-share program is that they limit you to just 30 minutes of riding. If you go over that, you get hit with a fee (in this case $4 for each additional 30 minutes). However, you can dock the bike at the nearest kiosk before the time is up and immediately take out another one, which is what we did the couple of times our destination took longer to reach.
Unique Shopping in the Distillery District
When I asked for suggestions for what to do in Toronto on the TagAlongTravel Facebook page before our trip, a few followers suggested The Distillery District. Steve and I had been to this historic area shortly after it opened in 2003 and agreed it was time to check it out again.
This is a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The buildings on this site once housed a whiskey distillery, and today feature interesting independent restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. The cobblestone laneways are restricted to pedestrians, making it easy to stroll from shop to shop.
Broadview Hotel Pit Stop
Cycling is thirsty work, so, en route to our next destination, we stopped in at the Broadview Hotel in Toronto’s East End for a skyline view and a beverage. Gorgeous!
This posh boutique hotel had a previous life as Jilly’s Strip Club, but you would only know that if you happen upon the fun illustrations on the wall lining the stairs from the top floor restrooms. The building was constructed in 1891 and became derelict in recent years before undergoing an extensive restoration in 2014.
The rooftop bar’s gin, watermelon, and lime slushy struck the perfect balance between boozy and refreshing. After a leisurely break, we were ready to get pedalling again.
Last Stop – The Beach!
Our last stop on our 48-hours in Toronto was Kew-Balmy Beach. In my books, when you can indulge in urban life in the morning and be at the beach within a short bike ride in the afternoon, that’s living!
Strolling the broad boardwalk along the sandy shore with a rum and raisin ice cream cone in hand from Beaches N’ Cream was a perfect postcard moment. We gazed at families picnicking, people balancing on standup paddleboards, tennis players on a nearby court, and many happy dogs out for a day at the beach with their humans! It was a relaxing way to end our trip.
Until next time, Toronto. Thanks for a fantastic 48 hours!
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We are hoping to return to Canada in Spring with stops along major cities including Toronto. This detailed post/guide will definitely come in handy. Love the street pics!
Have fun! Toronto is in my top 5 Canadian cities. Such a vibrant vibe.