Toronto is like a giant pot of soup where a variety of spices blend in a rich broth infusing the cultural life with a unique flavour, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the world. I know how diverse and lively it is since I lived there for years and although I’m a nomad, this is my home base where I visit whenever I can.
The art scene buzzes like a gigantic beehive in Canada’s largest city where skyscrapers, historic buildings and urban parks mingle along the shores of Lake Ontario. Great museums, art galleries, performance venues and festivals will keep your senses alive in the capital of Ontario (not the capital of Canada, that’s Ottawa).
Summer is when you’ll find outdoor events in every corner, pretty much every single weekend, but the art pulse beats all year round (Canadians are tough cookies when it comes to winter).
Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through those links I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you (zero, nada). To check the full disclaimer, click here.
These are the best spots to boost your creativity in Toronto, starting south in the downtown area and moving north through the city.
Table of Contents
The Harbourfront Centre
This 10-acre complex comprises indoor and outdoor spaces where you can attend art exhibits, workshops, outdoor concerts, and discover new sounds and flavours during festivals. Or just sit down in the surrounding green spaces, chill out and look at the boats gliding in the lake.
The Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West (A short walk from the Union Station subway stop (Yonge-University line) or hop on the Harbourfront or Spadina streetcars).
The Toronto Music Garden
If I’d have only a few hours to spend in Toronto to visit one place (between June and the end of September), this would be my top choice.
Beautiful minds came together to translate Bach’s Suite No. 1 in G Major for unaccompanied cello, BWV 1007 into swirling paths meandering through forests, fields of grasses, flowers, rocks, fountains, and sculptures.
As I walked from one section of the garden into another, I followed the six dance movements of Bach’s suite, which inspired Yo Yo Ma and landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy in the creation of this version of Eden.
And it gets even better; from June to September there are free concerts twice a week.
Toronto Music Garden
479 Queens Quay West (a 20-minute walk from the Union Station subway stop or you can hop on the Harbourfront or Spadina streetcars).
The Distillery District
A fantastic place to browse art galleries, artists’ studios, and enjoy live performances and events within a national historic site dating back to 1832. It all started as a mill and then expanded to become the Gooderham and Worts Distillery Complex and Canada’s largest distillery in the 19th century.
Beyond the art exhibits you’ll also find unique shops with local, hand made products, and plenty of eateries.
But the star of the show is the complex. Carefully executed restoration works brought back to life a fine example of Victorian industrial architecture where the brick and stone buildings and streets make you feel you stepped back in time, with a modern twist.
The Distillery District
1.416.364.1177; The complex is located south of Mill St., between Parliament St. and Cherry St.
Cultural Events at Nathan Phillips Square
The square per se is a rather unattractive space (picture a concrete slab) sitting before the semi-circular shape of the New City Hall modernist building. Yes, it’s bland but it’s also a venue for awesome free outdoor concerts and festivals all year round. The Cavalcade of Lights in November, with concerts, performances and fireworks, is one of my favourite events in the city.
100 Queen St. West, Toronto (at the Queen subway station in the Yonge line)
Check the list of events before planning your trip.
Visit the Historic Buildings and Art Galleries in Downtown Toronto
There are few things that make me happier than standing in front of historic buildings to study all the rich details, carvings, textures and beautiful adornments that make them so rich and special.
There are plenty of historic places that you can see while taking a walk around the downtown area. Some of my favourite sites include:
- The Old Toronto City Hall and York County Court House in 60 Queen St. West
- The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre at 189 Yonge St.
- The Gooderham Building in 49 Front St. East: Toronto’s own flatiron, built 10 years earlier than the famous one in New York City. I find the entire St. Lawrence neighbourhood (the first planned neighbourhood in the city) quite charming. Make sure to stop at St. Lawrence Market (Toronto’s oldest), providing delicious food since 1803.
- The relocation of the Clarkson Gordon Building (Heritage Building) from Wellington St. to Brookfield Place (181 Bay St.) and its integration into the complex under the Galleria designed by Santiago Calatrava. Not only you’ll be in awe with the beauty of the massive yet airy glass and arched metal enclosure, but you’ll have to chance to check out the temporary art exhibits adorning the hall.
- An area to find plenty of art galleries, old buildings, street art and unique shops is King St. and Queen St. (particularly the West side). You will have a never-ending selection of cafes and bars to replenish from an energizing walk in the heart of the city.
The Gladstone House
Hotel and art gallery live together at the Gladstone House in a beautifully restored Victorian-style building, an art piece itself. Check out the exhibits featuring local artists, stay for a bite to eat, or spend the night in their artsy rooms.
The location: Queen Street is home to a vibrant art scene and one-of-a-kind stores. There is plenty to see on your way to the hotel.
The Gladstone House
1214 Queen St. W, Toronto. (take the Queen Street streetcar).
The Art Gallery of Ontario
When your eyes are not following the curves of the caramel-coloured-ribbon curves wrapping the gallery, they can pause to bask in the artwork: contemporary art, Canadian art (including the Group of Seven), European classics, and indigenous art. This is only a portion of its extensive collection.
One of the most beautiful spaces in this building redesigned by Frank Gehry is Galleria Italia. Named after a group of Italian Canadian families who donated funds to build it. The room resembles a ship, with tall wood posts bending towards the sky, embracing sheets of glass.
From the inside, you can witness life go by on the busy street from your seat while having a drink.
From the outside, the sun penetrates creating a lattice of shadows on the floor and walls, under the watchful eyes of the sculptures that populate the gallery.
My day ranked two spots higher on the happiness scale when I stepped into the room next door, where one of my favourite sculptors has a fantastic display. The Henry Moore Sculpture Centre houses the world’s most extensive collection of Moore’s work, where you can see prints, bronze figures, and original plasters donated by the artist.
Even if you’ve been here before there are always reasons to return. Renowned temporary exhibitions, free art and architectural tours, and fun hands-on activities like seating on a bench easel in the Walker Court to sketch a live model.
The Art Gallery of Ontario
317 Dundas St. W, Toronto (within walking distance of the St. Patrick subway station (Yonge-University line). You can also take the Dundas or Spadina streetcars).
Open Tue. & Thu.: 10:30AM-5PM; Wed. & Fri.: 10:30AM-9PM; Sat. & Sun.: 10:30AM-5:30PM; General admission: CAD$25; Enjoy free admission to see their collection every Wednesday from 6-9PM (pre-book online), and discounted tickets to the Special Exhibits.
The Image Centre
Photography, video, and related media are the chosen art form on the walls of this gallery, right in the middle of Ryerson University. An hour and change is enough to check the exhibit as it’s not a huge gallery, but it’s definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re into photography.
The Image Centre
33 Gould St. (within walking distance of the Dundas subway station)
Open Wed. to Sat.: 12PM-6PM ; Free admission; Free private tours on Tuesdays (must schedule in advance)
The Gardiner Museum
I love ceramics and my visit to the Gardiner was as interesting as I thought it would be.
I started with the exhibit of modern and contemporary ceramics gallery, with pieces that cross the line into the sculpture realm. For some, I was impressed with their realism; for others, with the bold colours and shapes that defy the point of breakage.
The next gallery took me on an unexpected trip to the Pre-Columbian era in America, where you can admire the well-known skills of the different cultures that flourished in Mexico -Aztec, Maya, Olmec, Zapotec and the mighty Teotihuacan-, and Peru.
You can also see artifacts from less-known cultures from Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador.
The gallery of Japanese porcelain, which influenced ceramists from China and Europe, had one of my favourite collections with delicate design, colours, and nature-inspired motifs.
The highlights from the European Porcelain Galleries were the cabinet with scent bottles, some of them incredibly tiny, with curious shapes and wild ornamentation; and the rich decoration of the French porcelain made for the royalty in the 18th century.
You can learn more about the art of ceramics on the basement level, where they hold regular workshops. If you want to have fun trying to create your own masterpieces, go to the drop-in classes.
In addition to the permanent collection, the Gardiner has temporary exhibits so there is always something new to see.
The Gardiner Museum
111 Queen’s Park (at the Museum station on the Yonge-University subway line); 1.416.586.8080; Open Thu & Fri: 10AM-6PM ; Wednesdays: 10AM-9PM; Weekends:10AM-5PM Holiday Mondays:10AM-5PM; General admission: CAD$15; Free admission on Wednesdays 4-9PM
The Royal Ontario Museum
Once you walk through the doors of the love-it-or-hate-it, spikey Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, four levels of galleries will compete for your attention.
Here are a few highlights of my visit to the museum:
The stunning 13th-century murals in the Chinese Temple Art section with teal, ochre and terracotta colours and curved traces. You can find them on the first level, in the impressive Gallery of China, which also has beautiful wooden Buddhist sculptures and lacquered boxes with mind-blowing carvings.
The garments in the First Peoples Gallery, showing a high level of artistry with painting, beading, and weaving, creating intricate patterns from multi-colour yarn and beads.
The limestone mosaics and the rainbow hues of the flasks made of iridescent glass, going back almost 2000 years, on display in the Byzantium Gallery on the third level.
The furniture classics created by masterminds of the 20th century (think Frank Lloyd Wright and the likes) in the Gallery of Modern Design. A must-go to satisfy your designer appetite.
The proverbial coffins from Ghana, built to depict the achievements of the person whose body is being carried for burial. One was a car, another was a fish. It makes you wonder what your coffin would be.
The treasures in the Royal Ontario Museum are bountiful, varied, and precious. Classic paintings, textiles, jewelry, dinosaur fossils, artifacts from Japan, Egypt, Rome, Greece, and other regions make a fantastic collection that would take you several days to enjoy.
Some sections of the original building feature magnificent pieces.
The larger-than-life Nisga’a and Haida Totem Poles surrounded by the main staircases were brought to the museum during its construction in the late 1920s, telling stories about the indigenous peoples from the Northwest Coast.
The golden glow of the Venetian glass mosaic dome in the rotunda shines on the multicolour images that depict historical periods of different cultures around the world. Just gorgeous.
The museum also brings temporary exhibits that include an array of subjects from fashion, architecture, nature, sci-fi, and history.
The Royal Ontario Museum
100 Queen’s Park (at the Museum station on the Yonge-University subway line); Open Wed. to Sun.: 10AM-5:30PM (varies per season); Guided tours are included with the admission; General admission: CAD$23 (does not include special exhibits)
Sunday Artisan & Vintage Market at Evergreen Brick Works
Check out the work of local artists and have a visual treat with the beautiful handmade products on display under the roof of this former brick factory-turned community centre.
If you’re hungry for other kinds of treats you’ll find delicious baked goods.
The Evergreen Brick Works
550 Bayview Ave., Toronto (you can arrive by bus)
The Aga Khan Museum
I could spend hours looking at the intricate detail and mastery of any single piece of their permanent collection.
The Aga Khan museum showcases objects, precious drawings, architectural elements, jewelry, illustrated books and masterpieces of Islamic civilizations – from places such as Syria, France, Spain, China, India, Egypt, Tunisia, Iraq, Iran, Turkey and North Africa- dating as far back as the tenth century.
While my eyes tried to decipher the geometry of the patterns imprinted on metal, wood or even mother-of-pearl, the sounds of an instrument shaped as a guitar filled my ears and soothed my soul as a Pop-Up Performance was live on the floor.
A perfect afternoon.
Pop-Up Performances run on Wednesdays and weekends.
You can visit the temporary exhibits on the upper level or attend musical and other cultural events in the auditorium.
Guided tours are available, for a fee.
The Aga Khan Museum
77 Wynford Dr. (you can take a bus to the site from the Pape, Broadview or Eglinton subway stations); 1.844.859.3671; Open Tue. To Sun.: 10AM-6PM; Wed.: 10AM-8PM; General admission: CAD$20; Free admission on Wednesdays: 4PM-8 PM
Artsy Events: from Dancing Salsa to Watching Movies at the TIFF
Toronto is a fantastic destination for art lovers where something will be happening no matter when you visit. These are a few of my favourites and just a sample of what’s out there.
Dream in High Park (July to September): enjoy concerts, theatre and art performances surrounded by nature in one of Toronto’s landmarks: High Park.
Taste of the Danforth (August): it goes beyond the scrumptious Greek food. I enjoyed stopping at the stages set along Danforth Avenue to listen to the bands, watch performers and dance with the crowd.
Buskerfest (September): The daring and funny acts of street performers kept me on the edge.
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) (September): of course I can’t leave out one of the most well-known events in the film industry.
One of a Kind Show (March and November): this is one I can’t miss if I’m in the city. I love checking out the unique creations of Canadian artisans.
Nuit Blanche (October): immerse yourself in an all-about-art all-nighter at Nuit Blanche. Explore the city streets after dark in search of one-night contemporary art installations that transform public spaces into massive art galleries.
Art Toronto (October): held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, this is the place to see the latest and greatest in contemporary art. Canadian and international galleries showcase the work of emerging and established artists.
Canada Salsa and Bachata Congress (October): I had the time of my life dancing at the Canada Salsa Congress, moving my hips during workshops and social dancing. You can learn and practice salsa, bachata, pachanga, and other Latin rhythms. Azucar!
Calvacade of Lights (end of November): every year Toronto celebrates the start of the holiday season with concerts, performances, ice skating and fireworks at Nathan Phillips Square. Don’t miss this one if you’re in the city!
Where to Eat in Toronto
Toronto is a fantastic place to try different flavours and take a virtual trip around the world through food. Here are the places I love:
Bindia Indian Bistro
Delicious Indian food with an extensive vegetarian menu. We had dinner on a Friday evening and were treated to a wonderful performance during their Jazz Night.
16 Market St.; 1.416.863.0000
Coco Espresso Bar
Where you can find coffee, you can find cookies. Not a coffee drinker but I’m up for the second. I’d go back again, and again, and again.
29 Bellair St.; 1.416.934.9292
Eataly
The mecca for Italian market shoppers won’t disappoint discerning palates in search of fantastic focaccias, fresh pasta bowls with tasty sauces and the creamiest mozzarella de bufalla ever, made right there in the beautifully designed store/restaurant.
55 Bloor St. W; 1.437.374.0250
Forno Cultura
Just the thought of visiting this bakery makes me drool. You can find cookies, bars, breads, focaccias, you name it, across various locations around downtown Toronto.
One bite of their succulent treats and my name changes to Snuffles. Like the cartoon, I just float like a feather. With several locations across downtown, I could walk one thousand miles for their almond pastries.
Several locations across the city; 1.416.603.8305
Hollywood Gelato
They’ve been around forever and probably will ever be as they serve one of the best gelatos in town. Just can’t get enough.
1640 Bayview Ave.; 1.416.544.9829
Kensington Market
The epitome of diversity within an already diverse city in a funky and relaxed environment. Asian, Italian, Mexican, Caribbean, you name it. You’ll also find several breweries and one of the best spots to find all types of cheese.
The Kensington Market neighbourhood is in downtown Toronto, north of Dundas St, south of College St., between Spadine Ave. and Bathurst St.
Lee
One of the restaurants by famous chef Susur Lee serving Asian fusion cuisine with a great ambiance and one of the best salads you’ll try in your life: the Singaporian-style signature slaw.
601 King St.W; 1.416.504.7867
Little Coxwell Restaurant (Vietnamese and Thai)
Small, unassuming place serving good, tasty, comforting, non-expensive Thai and Vietnamese food. I loved their big bowl of noodle soup with veggies.
986 Coxwell Ave, East York
Me-Va-Me
I’ve been a fan of this place for years (back when they only had the traditional a la carte restaurant) and I pay a mandatory visit every time I go to Toronto. They now have expanded to several locations across Toronto and the GTA, including express options. Fresh and delicious East Mediterranean food with the best hummus, falafel, laffa bread and my favourite: their awesome baba ganoush.
Several locations across the city
Nadege
French patisserie at its best, with cakes that taste as good as they look, rivaled by their croissants. The type that looks fresh, glossy and crunchy, that sounds crisp when you break it and tastes heavenly when you try it.
Several locations across the city
Pantheon
A good option for Greek food right in the middle of The Danforth, also known as Greektown. They have the best Spanakopiropita I’ve tried on this side of the pond and tasty vegetarian souvlaki. Their honey cake is Oh so good.
407 Danforth Ave.; 1.416.778.1929
Queen Margherita Pizza
Great place to have a true Neapolitan Pizza
Several locations across the city.
Rahier Patisserie
Tasting their tarts and mini cakes will inspire you to write quotes as poetic as the names of their creations. You can also find their cakes at Pusateri’s.
1586 Bayview Ave.; 1.416.482.0917
Sabai Sabai
Informal environment ideal to try their selection of small plates featuring flavours from Northern Thailand and Laos. Vegan menus available. Their squash fritters and the Tom Ka soup are delicious.
81 Bloor St. E; 1.647.748.4225
St. Lawrence Market
I used to come here every Saturday to stock up on fresh veggies and amazing cheese, among other goodies. You can eat at the several food stands and restaurants on site. Try the scrumptious sandwiches at Uno Mustachio.
92-95 Front St. E
Sud Forno/Terroni
Good selection of salads, good pizza, paninis and delicious desserts.
I had a yummy breakfast at Terroni on Queen St. and I Ioved the hip, yet informal setting (and the pizzas!) on Sud Forno on the ground floor of the Temperance St. location (off Yonge), perfect for an afternoon drink or dinner.
132 Yonge St. and 716 Queen St. W
The Broadview Hotel
This redesigned hotel with a dubious past was renovated, including the rooftop with awesome views of Toronto. Visit the bar on the ground floor for some cocktails in a hip environment
106 Broadview Avenue
Getting to and Around Toronto
The best way to get around Toronto is by public transit. Traffic is a nightmare; public parking is scarce and private parking is outrageously expensive.
The public transit is run by the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission). No, it’s not perfect; yes, there may be delays, but it works. Most vehicles are new, and the network is vast enough to cover most of the city and beyond.
If you’re wondering how to get from A to B by a certain time, download the TTC app or check Google Maps . It will show available routes and service disruptions.
Regarding payment, you can get the Presto Card (each person in your party needs one). It costs CAD$4 and you can get them at the kiosks located at the entrance of the station, where you can also reload them using cash, debit card, credit card (or you can download the Presto app). You can also tap your credit or debit card.
The cash fare for adults is CAD$3.35. If you pay with Presto is CAD$3.30. Once you tap the card at the beginning of each trip, you have a two-hour window where you can transfer between buses and streetcars (you still tap at each point) with no additional payments and no need for a paper transfer.
You can use the card in most of the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) transit and the GO train.
Best Way to Downtown Toronto from Pearson International Airport
The fastest way (and cheaper than a taxi or an Uber/Lyft ride) to reach downtown Toronto from Pearson International Airport is boarding the UP Express train.
The train has compartments to put away your luggage while it takes you to Toronto in 25 minutes, with frequent departures all day until late night.
Look for the UP Express signs and stop by the desk selling Presto Cards, which will also work in the TTC and around the GTA transit lines and GO train.
You don’t necessarily have to buy a Presto Card -you can just buy tickets at the airport or online- but the card gives you a small discount in the fares and makes your life way easier when moving around the city.
New card one-time fee: CAD$4
One-way trip to Union Station (downtown Toronto): CAD$12.35
One-way trip to Bloor Station (midtown Toronto): CAD$5.65
Once you reach Bloor or Union you can jump in the subway or get an Uber, Lyft or taxi to your destination.
Have you booked your tickets to Toronto yet? Plan your trip to one of the most multicultural cities in the world and enjoy the art scene and all the events and festivals waiting for you. Don’t miss the chance to experience the many parks across the city. Do you know someone who would love the artsy city vibe? Share this post with them.
BOOKING FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Book your flight without losing your shirt
We check Momondo to find great deals to book our flights. Also, check Great Escape: it combines the listings from Expedia, Kiwi, Kayak, (and Skyscanner on the premium service) to find the best airfares.
To find a place to stay for less
Booking.com: you’ll find any type of property you can think of in their massive listing, with one of the most comprehensive filters. We’ve found great deals on boutique hotels, apartments, and private rooms in hostels.
Hotwire: the first site I check when we plan to stay at a hotel for a few nights. You can save anything from 20% to 60%. Use the search filter to find what you want and you’ll end up with three listings that match your criteria. You’ll know which one you’ll get after you book. If you can handle a little bit of uncertainty you can score big savings.
House Sitting: you take care of people’s pets and house for free while staying for free. It’s the closest thing to experiencing a place “like a local”. But it comes with responsibilities… Are you an animal lover? It may become your new way to travel.
To get travel insurance
SafetyWing: travel medical insurance that gives us peace of mind knowing that we’re covered in case of emergency. It’s convenient, affordable, and suitable for digital nomads who spend a long time outside their home country.
Check the full list of travel resources on my Resource Page for more options and savings
Great read!
Thanks!
This is a great article, I am definitely saving this for our trip to Toronto. Fantastic recommendations…
Thank you! Enjoy your trip to Toronto.
I would love to visit one day and all the information in your post will be very helpful. Love the pictures!
Thanks! Toronto is a fun and vibrant city.
As someone who has visited Toronto many times, you were spot on with these recommendations! I love the Distillery District and many of the museums you have mentioned. Definitely saving this for future reference, thank you!!
Thanks for reading! The Distillery District and the museums always have something new so it never gets old.