Almost two years into the pandemic and with travel significantly reduced, it can be easy to forget that Toronto has a lot to offer. While there’s been a wave of fun staycations during this time, there’s also plenty of wonderful neighbourhoods to spend a day exploring right here in Toronto.
Whether you’re already planning a destination vacation somewhere far away, or you might still be apprehensive about hopping on a plane, there’s plenty to discover right here in Toronto. Spend a couple of hours or make it a day spent taking a walk in a new neighbourhood or revisit one you haven’t been to in awhile. Here are just a few great neighbourhoods to check out in Toronto.
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Parkdale
A great neighbourhood to check out and a favourite area for Toronto’s artists, Parkdale is home to Tibetan, West Indian and North African communities. It has everything from eclectic bars to vintage fashion. There are few other places in Toronto where you can get authentic Tibetan food, check out some quality-made custom jewelry in Toronto, and finish off with a walk along the lakeshore towards Sunnyside Beach.
Yorkville
If you want to do some luxury and designer shopping, Yorkville’s an excellent bet with brands like Chanel, Tiffany and Hermes. That great shopping is paired with some of the city’s best restaurants and fine dining.
It might come as a surprise that those luxury shops are just steps away from the University of Toronto campus. The campus itself is a great place to check out some historic buildings in a beautiful park setting.
Cabbagetown
If you have an eye for architecture or just want to see some beautiful homes, Cabbagetown is a great place to visit. Described by the New York Times as having “the largest collection of Victorian homes in North America,” it’s a great place for a light stroll taking in the history of the neighbourhood.
While you’re checking out the homes, you can also stop for a visit to the Riverdale Farm, a local farm that has plenty of fun for kids and adults.
Old Town
The oldest part of the city, the Old Town, is a great place to spend a day or two, whether you’re interested in history, architecture or just some good eats. In addition to Toronto’s famous flatiron building, there’s the landmark St. Lawrence Market, the largest indoor market in Toronto and a well-known foodie destination that features fresh cheese and produce as well as plenty of goods from local artisans.
And of course, while you’re in the neighbourhood, it’s worth a visit to the Distillery District. It’s not exactly a well-kept secret, as this is the most popular tourist destination in Toronto, it’s always an enjoyable area to spend some time in. The pedestrian-only village is full of great fashion housed in Victorian buildings and plenty of great culinary eats.
These are just a couple of great places to check out in Toronto. The next time you have some free time and are eager to get some exploring in, check out one of these neighbourhoods and have an adventure right here in Toronto.
