If you’re planning a long weekend in Toronto, there’s plenty to do. The city has a diverse culinary scene that’s home to hole-in-the-wall joints with no phone and luxury tasting menus at top-rated restaurants. You can find the best food from around the world in just about any neighbourhood, and a wide variety of cultural experiences at every corner of the city.
To learn more about the people, culture and history of this dynamic city, visit one of its many museums and attractions. Start with the Royal Ontario what to do in toronto this weekend Museum, which explains how this Canadian city was built and what its past has shaped it into today. Its exhibits are so interesting that it would be easy to spend the whole day here.
The next stop on the itinerary should be Casa Loma, a 98-room castle built by Sir Henry Mill Pellatt on a hill overlooking the city centre. It’s the perfect place to get an idea of where Toronto was founded and what made it the unique place that it is today. Getting here is fun, as the hill is accessible via the Baldwin Steps, which are a set of public outdoor staircases that date back to 19th century.
Once you’ve got your fill of art and history, head over to the Drake Hotel for some shopping and dining. There are several boutiques and galleries on the main floor, from Suzy Rohar’s incredibly colorful scarves to Eighteen Waits, which sells beautiful men’s clothes. Next door is Gravity Pope, a shop that’s filled with handmade items from local artists like embroidered tote bags and ceramic coasters.
As you move toward Little Portugal, the shops become more upscale, with the likes of Easy Tiger Goods selling pastel taper candles and cute made-in-Toronto ceramics. There’s also the cavernous Zaal Art Gallery, which showcases paintings, photographs, sculptures and fashion from contemporary Iranian artists. If you’re still hungry, stop by Bad Attitude Bread for an Old Bay-seasoned Cheddar-flavored biscuit or Milky’s, a vegan bakery and cafe, for a spiced maple syrup latte.
Afterwards, head over to the Assembly Chef’s Hall, where you’ll be met with options for lunch and dinner in a convivial hall-like setting. This is where you’ll find menus from a handful of Toronto’s most innovative chefs in an environment that’s as casual as it is cool. You can try everything from slippery noodles and crispy-crusted pizzas to omakase Japanese dishes.
This is also the perfect time of year to enjoy one of Toronto’s hottest summer events: TD Jazz Festival. This annual festival, which runs until 30th June at various venues across the city, features world-class jazz musicians and is guaranteed to entertain. The lineup is out now, so check it out here.