2016 is off to a good start for Toronto. The New York Times has included Toronto on its list of the 52 places to visit in 2016, and named the city Canada’s premier destination, ahead of Vancouver and Montreal.
To make that list, The New York Times contacted dozens of contributing writers, aiming for “a selection of places that we expect to be particularly compelling in the coming year; reasons might include a museum opening, a new transportation option or a historical anniversary.” The new Queens Quay bike and pedestrian paths,
The Junction’s live music and coffee shops, and the new UP Express train were mentioned among the reasons why Toronto would make a particularly compelling travel destination in 2016.
What to do in Toronto? Torontonians weigh in.
It’s terrific to see Toronto on the list, and it is even more interesting to dig into the suggestions that have been pouring in from the locals on fun things to do in Toronto. Here’s our shortlist! You can read more here, and add your own:
1. “Check out Yorkville for art, culture, shopping, cafes, restaurants and an eclectic mix of people architecture and fun. One of Toronto's most exciting neighbourhoods. Yorkville is a mix of Victorian houses surrounded by interesting architecture and was once the home of the Riverboat club where the likes of Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Young and many other performed. The neighbourhood still retains its creative energy.” —
Asko Marjanovic
2. “The 501 Streetcar: Toronto has the largest and busiest streetcar network in North America and getting on any east/west route will take you somewhere interesting. Some highlights are the Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood and park, Kew Beach, Riverdale/ Leslieville, Parkdale...and so much in between. These neighbourhoods offer their own glimpses of different aspects of life in Toronto, like the lakeside boardwalk at Kew Beach; the charming character and amazing cultural diversity of the Parkdale retail strip; the foot of hipster paradise - Ossington Ave. - just west of Trinity Bellwoods, itself a busy urban park; all the busy and eclectic new bakeries, restaurants and cafes of South Riverdale.” —
Justin Powers
3. “Visit Graffiti Alley, between Queen St. W and Richmond. Bordered by Spadina and Portland.” —
Dian Emery
4. “Discovery Walks - these are paths and trails throughout Toronto that provide beautiful scenery and some quiet time; whether it is the walk along the Humber River or trail along the Don River, which provides some surprises along the way.” —
Cheryl-Anne Scott
5. “Go on a Jane's Walk in honour of
Jane Jacobs. See a new viewpoint of Toronto at
Tommy Thompson Park. Find creative inspiration at
CreativeMornings Toronto. Get some sun in any season at
Sugar Beach. Try the naan at the R.V. Burgess Park Tandoor Oven.
Play some shinny at the Sorauren Park natural ice rink with the hosers. Enjoy a beachfront campfire at Kew Gardens Beach. Take a laneway tour with
The Laneway Project. Retrace the path of the Garrison Creek with the
Homegrown National Park Project. Watch salmon swim upstream via the Humber, Don & Highland watersheds/ “ —
Kyle Baptista
Photo credit: Jody Sugrue. Check out more of her photography on Instagram.