48 hours in Toronto, Ontario Canada. As someone who lived in Toronto for nearly a decade, I like to think I have a few suggestions of what would make a fun weekend getaway in Canada’s largest city. I adore Toronto. At the age of 22, I moved downtown Toronto with my best friends and began a new chapter of adventure and discovering what adulthood looked like.
Although looking back, it really wasn’t what adulthood looks like to me now. It was living in a basement apartment just 5 minutes from Kensington market, it was working at a bar in the heart of the city, it was biking around late at night after nights out with friends. Discovering what the city had to offer as a 20 something, was so much fun. My time in Toronto was full of energy, hustle, late nights, little sleep, making new friends and adventuring with life long ones.
I lived near Kensington market & chinatown, I lived in Cabbage Town and I spent my final year in the city, in the west end’s, Liberty Village. Toronto is a city full of diverse neighbourhoods. Each pocket being so unique to the stores, parks, restaurants and people who live there. What I did notice though about the quadrants of the city, people love to pick a side, west end or east end. Which team are you on? Now that could be because i only ever lived downtown, I rarely ventured north of Bloor Street. And truth be told, I never picked a side. I lived and worked in the east end for many years. If I had of stayed in Toronto, I likely would have moved to the Beaches or Lesliville. But having lived in the west end for a short period and being the age that I was, nothing beats Queen West.
So let’s take on 48 hours in Toronto. Maybe you’re travelling there soon or perhaps you live there! Here is what a fun weekend would look like to me, if I were to play tourist and enjoy the city, all over again!
“As someone who lived in Toronto for nearly a decade, I like to think I have a few suggestions of what would make a fun weekend getaway in Canada’s largest city.“
Day 1
- Welcome to your first day in the city. You drove or flew in, you’ve settled into your hotel and you’re now ready to get out and explore. There are so many different places you can stay in Toronto, it’s not a cheap city, so let’s pretend budget isn’t our main focus right now. A unique hotel in an area that’s super accessible to both ends of the city, is the Broadview Hotel. It’s not right downtown, it’s actually towards the east end in Lesliville. But it’s right on the street car line and is a bit quieter than staying right in the heart of the city. Plus it has a fantastic roof top patio.
- Once you’ve settled in, head west and hop on a street car to the core of the city. Toronto is a great city if you love to shop, eat and drink! I could give you so many ideas where you could spend a full week in the city, renting bikes, exploring the island, going to the beach, checking out museums and local parks. But for the sake of this 48 hour guide, we’re going to keep it focused on the entertainment scene. I’d head on over to Stackt. It’s an incredible space filled with unique shops, great views of the CN tower and there’s a Belgian Moon brewery and sunny patio to enjoy for those of you who want to stop for a drink and a bite to eat. Plus there are some fun games to play too, it’s a fun spot to get outside and be social!
Evening Plans
- Now that you’ve explored the Stackt Market, it’s time for a bit more walking. I personally love this area of the city. You can’t go wrong with just walking the area and checking out the unique architecture, the shops and the art around every corner. If you have the energy to stay out, I’d travel east along front street, make your way to Blue Jays way, see what the core of the city is all about and then head north up to King Street. From here, walk west until you hit Portland. My favourite restaurant is Gusto 101. It’s one of the best Italian spots! Grab dinner, and if you feel like going out after, King Street West has so many amazing options for bars, lounges, clubs, whatever you desire.
Day 2
- Start your day with a coffee and snack from Pilot Roasters Coffee. This is an easy walk from the Broadview hotel and you’ll enjoy seeing the sites along Queen Street as you walk east to grab coffee. There are plenty of cute shops along this street. So take your time, explore the area and enjoy the neighbourhood feel of this part of the city.
- Once you’ve enjoyed some of Queen Street east, freshen up at the hotel and prep to spend a day exploring Toronto’s west end. Take a street car along Queen and get off at University Avenue. You’ll be in the heart of the city. The Eaton Centre mall will be just east of you. You’ll have plenty of shops ahead of you if you keep walking west along queen. From here I’d say just start to explore. You’ll walk past Spadina Avenue which boasts one of Canada’s largest China towns. Make your way into Kensington market and feel like you’ve transported to another country. You can find any type of cuisine here, that your heart desires. It’s such a unique place! Once you’ve taken a break to enjoy some food, head back down to Queen West and keep walking, there are so many amazing shops along this route.
- End the day along Ossington Avenue. I personally love to walk this street for a few blocks north from Queen. Trendy shops, plenty of food and drink to choose from, and lots of unique hidden gems. I recommend this area to everyone who visits! Check out Destination Toronto’s guide on some great spots to eat!
Stackt is one of my favourite spots to play tourist, in Toronto.
A Few More Notable Spots:
- Check out a Raptors, Blue Jays or Maple Leafs game while you’re in town. If you love sports, Toronto is a great city for them!
- If you like to explore more in nature, Evergreen Brickworks is worth checking out! Or I love to spend some time in Trinity Bellwoods park, or Riverdale Park!
- The Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario are wonderful spots if you enjoy art and history!
Those are my top tips for a weekend in Toronto, Ontario Canada! It’s a special city, that has definitely changed over the years. And I may not live there anymore, but the memories will always hold a special spot in my heart. Have you ever been to Toronto? Let me know down below your favourite spots!
Thanks for being here for another travel blog on Living & Lifestyle! As someone who has always been an avid traveler, I love writing about my past adventures and I have lots of fun stories to share.
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xo
Cornelia & Meg
