Exploring Toronto Canada
Buzzing with energy and sporting an edgy style, Toronto is a city filled with experiences. You will find fashion forward shops, unique cultural experiences, inventive restaurants and ways to enjoy the outdoors. Different neighborhoods from the art focused design district in Queen West to the industrial focused Distillery District, allows Toronto to take on several personalities. After exploring the lay of the land, it’s easy to see why Torontonians have so much pride in the spirited city.
- Explore secret passages inside Casa Loma
- @CasaLomaToronto
Casa Loma
Secret passages, 98 rooms, an 800-foot tunnel, towers, stables and a 5-acre garden. Welcome to Casa Loma, an elegant castle just outside the city. A look inside reveals high vaulted ceilings, rooms decorated with period furniture and incredible craftsmanship with hand carved wood paneling. Save time to head to the top of the castle by climbing up the towers for spectacular views of the Toronto skyline. Another hidden feature of Casa Loma is the underground tunnel, which links the castle to the stables where mahogany horse stalls and Spanish tiles on the floor show the horses too were living the royal life.
Financier Sir Henry Pellat, who made his money in early Canadian companies, built the castle well before Toronto became the cosmopolitan city it is today. In 1911 he invested a massive $3.5 million into the property. After living there for about 10 years the castle became a luxury hotel after Pellat ran into financial trouble and was forced to sell. After nearly being demolished in 1936, the home was luckily transformed into a museum in 1937.
- Cool off with a Craft Brew at Steam Whistle Brewery
- @SteamWhistle
- Steam Whistle Brewery
For a true Canadian Pilsner made in the heart of the city, order a Steam Whistle! Even better, enjoy the beer at the Steam Whistle Roundhouse Brewery. The beer, packaged in distinctive green glass bottles, only contains four ingredients: yeast, two-row barley, spring water and hops. How’s that for pure and simple? Take a tour and learn about the unique history of the former home of the Canadian Pacific Railway turned brewery. Also learn why this brewery is making headlines when it comes to green initiatives. We will go ahead and spoil one of the reasons: Steam, the most efficient form of heat, is the exclusive resource used by the brewery to heat water for brewing. This same steam sounds a whistle every hour from 9-5.
For tour times visit: https://www.steamwhistle.ca/tour/tourInfo.php
The Roundhouse, 255 Bremner Blvd. Toronto, ON, M5V 3M9
- Craft the Perfect Burger at Burger Werks
- @WORKSBURGER
Burger Werks
Located in the historic old town of Toronto, this industrially decorated burger joint sparks creativity and originality. Burger Werks transforms ordinary objects like light bulbs into salt and pepper shakers and measuring cups into drinking glasses. It’s not just the atmosphere that attracts so many customers but also the food. Whether you are a fast food rookie or a burger expert, you will be impressed with their variety of gourmet burgers. Choose between beef, chicken, turkey, elk or the portobello mushrooms with every type of ingredient to top it. For the big appetites, add one of the shift starters and choose from the famous Tower-O-Rings or go with the Crispy Dills, Big Hot Dipper, Steamrollers or WFT (We’ll take four). You can always enjoy your meal on the lively rooftop patio for a true Canadian view.
For a List of Location Visit: Burger Werks
- Paddle For Top Views of the City with PaddleBoard Toronto
- @paddletoronto
Paddle Toronto
For what is arguably the best view of the city, paddle onto Lake Ontario where the entire cityscape comes into view. Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre is the spot for an active adventure and open-air activities. Whether you kayak, canoe or learn the skills of stand up paddle boarding, instructors are available to take you on a tour of the water and to share some of the city’s history along the way. Choose the 1.5 hours introductory course or go for the SUP Social Paddle/BBQ if you’re looking for added entertainment.
283A Queen’s Quay West, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 1A2 Canada
- Enjoy a 1930’s Inspired Cocktail at Shangri La Hotel
- @ShangriLaTO
Get lost in the breathtaking and luxurious atmosphere inspired by Chinese culture at the Shangri La Hotel in Toronto. Even if you aren’t a guest at the hotel, it’s worth a trip to the bar for a cocktail and live music in the lounge outfitted with leather sofas, Italian crystal chandeliers and cozy fireplace. The creative drink menu, listed inside mock library books, brings back classic tastes of 1930s cocktails. *Live music plays every day from Monday to Saturday from 3pm to 12am and on Sundays from 3pm to 5 pm.
188 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 0A3, Canada
If the Shoe Fits…
Explore the history of virtually every kind of shoe imaginable at The Bata Shoe Museum in downtown Toronto. The museum has more than 12,500 artifacts and shoes from around the world spanning more than 4,500 years. From Egyptian sandals to chestnut-crushing clogs and even sparkling pumps worn by starts, you will find several different cultures represented. Sonja Bata’s passion of collection shoes during her travels spurred the opening on the museum in 1995.
Check the website for current shows and exhibits.
Address: 327 Bloor St W Toronto, ON M5S 1W7, Canada
Connect with Culture in China Town & The Jewish District
Toronto’s Chinatown
Because of Toronto’s welcoming attitude toward immigrants, you will find a steady influx of new cultures that adds verve, vitality and character to the city. For one of the most authentic experiences, stroll the streets of Chinatown, which is one of the largest in North America. Whether you shop for Chinese herbs and spices, order traditional food, sip Jasmine tea or visiting historic monuments, you will find streets bustling with colorful sights and sounds.
Address: Spadina Ave. (Queen To College) and Dundas St. (East and West of Spadina) Toronto, Ontario
Toronto’s Jewish District
A city of contrasts, you will also find a Jewish District where immigrants settled in the 1840s. Carve out time to visit the Historic Jewish Cemetery, the Holocaust Education & Memorial Center and the many synagogues, all giving tribute to their culture. As a tourist you can also enjoy their outdoor market, enjoy a show by the Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company or take part in the Ashkenaz bi-annual Jewish Festival.
High Park Area, Toronto
