There’s plenty that’s exceptional about Toronto, besides you (wink wink <3). Why not take advantage of this extra-awesome city with some things you can only do in Toronto? We’ve picked out 11 completely unique things you can do/see/experience/what have you in our very own city!
Here are the coolest things you can only do in Toronto!
CARIBANA
Get your festival on! Caribana is the largest single-day festival in all of North America. The parade route is 3.6 kilometres long. It starts at 10 AM and doesn’t stop rocking until around 8 PM. Additionally, over a million spectators come to see over 10,000 costumed performers. 3.6 KM of sequins and good times! Also, yes. That is Rihanna.
When: Sunday, July 7- Sunday, August 11
SEE THE LARGEST STRETCH OF VICTORIAN HOMES IN NORTH AMERICA
Cabbagetown: Weird name, makes us think of sauerkraut. That aside, it’s got the largest stretch of Victorian homes in North America! Take a looong walk through the streets to admire the homes. One even made it onto our Curiocity Toronto Home of the Week Feature!
Where: Cabbagetown, Toronto (duh)
RELAX IN THE BIGGEST CAR-FREE URBAN COMMUNITY
The Toronto Islands comprise the largest urban car-free community in North America. Hop on a quick ferry ride and escape the congestion. Unless you have allergies, then the trees and nature out here might make them worse. Sorry, here’s some tissues. Worth it for those perfect city views!
Where: Jump on the ferry at Jack Layton Terminal on Yonge at Queens Quay
DO THE EDGEWALK
There’s only one CN tower, and there’s only one way you’re coaxing us onto the edge of it: a hefty harness and two shots of vodka. Kidding, sort of. This almost too exhilarating activity is a Toronto exclusive, so go get high and nervous in the best way!
Where: 301 Front St W
EAT AT ONE OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS
Toronto has close to 9000 restaurants. Among that, we’ve got a few of the best restaurants in Canada and one of the best restaurants in the entire world. It’s not every city you can enjoy that calibre of food in, pals. Go eat some dang good food!
Where: Check out some of the best here
EXPLORE GRAFITTI ALLEY
This stretch of street is so decked out in graffiti, it’s become a tourist attraction in its own right. Come check out gorgeous murals ranging from sealife to iconic Toronto murals. It’s the perfect place to get a little colour on the ‘gram!
Where: South of Queen St from Spadina Ave to Portland St & several more blocks west of Bathurst Street
SEE HALF OF A HOUSE
There’s half of a house in Toronto. Just cleanly cut down the middle like that wouldn’t be friggin impossible to do. We know home prices re high but… damn. Go take a picture, and admire that gorgeous 90-degree angle. It’s what we dreamt of doing to our little brother’s side of the room growing up, but they made it a reality.
Where: 54 St Patrick St
STROLL THE PATH
PATH is the largest underground pedestrian system in North America. Over 28km, there’s 1200 stores and restaurants, 50 office towers, 20 parking garages, 5 subway stations, and a railway terminal. Also, as a fun little bonus, the world’s largest underground sidewalk sale happens once a year with all the businesses found along the PATH.
Where: 1 King St E
SHOP AND EAT AT THE BEST MARKETS IN THE COUNTRY
Toronto is a major shopping destination, but beyond the basics, there are two outstanding markets. St. Lawrence Market and Kensington Market both offer world-class experiences and SO MANY GOOD SNACKS. We may never leave.
Where: 93 Front St E & Kensington Ave
PADDLEBOARD IN FRONT OF THE SKYLINE
How incredible is that view? Standing on a paddleboard makes it even more insane. Maybe it’s because our balance is bad. Toronto’s skyline rests right on the water, so you can grab a paddleboard or kayak on the Island and admire the city from the waves.
Where: Try Toronto Island SUP, 13 Algonquin Bridge Rd
VISIT THE WORLD’S FIRST RANDOM BOOK VENDING MACHINE
This funky little store has the world’s first random book vending machine, the “Biblio-Mat.” Stop making decisions on what to read and have the decision made for you! Is it going to be a post-apocalyptic sci-fi or a Twilight fanfic? Who knows!
Where: 1067 Bloor St W
11 things you can only do in Toronto, 11 things for you to go see and explore! Go have some very Torontonian fun, okay?
