Mentioned by Lonely Planet
Toronto's top attractions have it all: culture, sports and delicious dining
"If you want to take pictures in a place that shows the more classic side of Toronto, pay a visit to St. Lawrence Market. Its stone archways, limestone structures and floral displays are definitely an excellent backdrop for a stylish city shoot. It’s a great place to take pictures for your photography portfolio, modelling gigs or engagement."
"Just as day drinking at Trinity Bellwoods (ahem, with 9,000 of your closest friends) is a summer tradition that’s best retired for 2020, it might be a good call to skip Bang Bang’s 30-minute-long lineup, too. Instead, consider ordering in from the Ossington ice cream shop. Go the DIY route and get a six-pack of freshly baked cookies and a pint of just-churned ice cream in flavours like burnt toffee, London fog or peanut butter cup, and assemble your own sweet sandwiches."
"Whether you are a former Toronto Maple Leaf or more like Bambi on the ice, it is always a romantic choice to hold hands and attempt to stay upright on skates. Nathan Phillips Square is the perfect place to while away a romantic hour or two. Located right in front of City Hall and around the corner from the Eaton's Centre and popular restaurants, it is a great activity to sandwich between other downtown pursuits."
"Now I know I mentioned that you cannot go to Toronto and not get a picture with the CN Tower. But Nathan Phillips Square is another perfect location to get that typical Toronto picture. Whether you visit in the summer or winter there is plenty of opportunity for you – whether you are with the iconic Toronto sign or skating around with City Hall in the background."
"What’s more Toronto than shooting Instagram photos by the iconic Toronto sign?. It’s a recent addition to the city, but they definitely kept it up after the Pan Am Games for a reason. You’ll have to visit during quieter hours if you don’t want too many tourists all around it, because it’s pretty much always surrounded by tourists."
"1655 Barton Street East Mahony Park is a large park with hardball and softball diamonds, a play area with a small creative climber and spring toys."
"GENERAL VIBE: Flowery, Colourful, Nature-y, OvergrownBEST SEASONS TO SHOOT IN: All 4, Especially WinterHIGHLIGHT FEATURES: Greenhouse, Cool PlantsTHOUGHTS: If you’re wanting your photos to happen during the winter but don’t want a winter vibe, you absolutely can’t go wrong with shooting indoors at the Royal Botanical Gardens, particularly the Mediterranean Room. This spot is essentially just a big glass greenhouse which means it’ll be perfect for getting the beauty of plants and greenery in your photos without having to freeze your tooshies off outside. There is a small fee of about $25 to shoot here, but in my experience, it’s been worth it every single time."
"How does a picnic in Canada’s largest botanical gardens sound?. Lay out your blanket or find a bench at one of several breathtaking gardens. Picture yourself picnicking next to the world’s largest lilac collection or in a nationally recognized Rock Garden."
"The Swan, one of Toronto’s most famous diners, occupied the same space on Queen Street West for more than 20 years. Now Le Swan has taken over to serve French bistro food alongside diner classics - think charcuterie followed by a tuna melt and steak frites with a side of grilled cheese. The menu here includes both dishes that you’d find in a Grey Poupon commercial and food that feels sort of like time travel, which makes it a little different than just about anywhere else in the city."
"Everyone’s curious about the new incarnation of Swan on West Queen West which is Jen Agg’s latest project, a so-called French diner that does rotisserie chicken and late night fondue."
"Enjoy snacks from all over the world at this next delicious pick. The new Toronto pop-up is serving snacks from everywhere this spring. Their flavours are so authentic, you’ll feel like you’ve actually travelled to these destinations, not just tasted them!"
"This is a dine-in and all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant overseeing Yonge-Dundas Square that offers iPad-ordering (really, how great is the future?) for its large menu selection. Not only do they serve Japanese cuisine, they also dabble in Thai nowadays, so you can grab a pad thai easily from the menu. But the best part is that they offer 10% discounts to students."
"While not technically outdoors, the Allan Gardens Conservatory delivers a whiff of nature any time of year: even if it's 10 degrees below freezing. Founded in 1858, the 16,000-square-foot greenhouse inside Allan Gardens park is home to hundreds of plants from around the globe, including tropical orchids, palms, banana trees, and jade vine. There are benches where you can pass an afternoon with a book, or you can opt for a paid tour to learn more about flora you likely won’t find in the wild anywhere in Canada."
"Allan Gardens is among Toronto's major tourist attractions and is one of its oldest parks. George Allan, who was a prominent politician and cultural leader, donated this five-acre parcel of land to the city in 1858. One of the most beautiful flower conservatorieswas built in the middle of the park and today attracts crowds with its vast collection of exotic plants and popular annual flower shows."
"A post shared by VIVIEN TRINH (@vivientrinh) on Aug 1, 2018 at 6:24pm PDT. It’s always summer at Allen Gardens!. This gorgeous conservatory is huge and within the city’s east end – from 10 a.m."