TRAVEL
A TORONTONIAN ADVENTURE
WORDS // PHOTOGRAPHY Alison Connolly With a population of 2.7 million in the city alone and 5.5 million in the Greater Toronto Area, TO should be an anonymous metropolis. It’s not. At all. It’s a culturally diverse miracle (half of Toronto’s population was born outside Canada) and is made up of skyscrapers, completely contrasting neighbourhoods, patio bars and a lake. The scale can seem a little overwhelming, but fret not. Just read the following with the same fiery intensity with which you’ll soon be reading your first map of Toronto.
WHAT TO DO ... s
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Head to Kensington Market for Pedestrian Sunday, which runs on the last Sunday of the month throughout the summer. An area that attracts the cool and quirky throughout the year, Kensington becomes all the busier. Expect great street performers, cheap food vendors and a lot of character. Not to be missed. To appreciate the size of the city, you have to see it from one of two places. A quick boat trip of a few dollars will bring you to the Toronto Islands, where you can take in the magnificent skyline, as well as the greener side of Toronto. For the more adventurous among us, try the Edge Walk. You’ll hang out over the city from the top of the CN Tower. It’s memorable, if utterly terrifying. While lacrosse is the official national sport of Canada, Torontonians love their baseball. Head to the Rogers Centre to see the Blue Jays attempt to beat some ludicrously good US team. Eat hotdogs, drink overpriced beer and make friends with the family sitting beside you. And buy a cap. Welcome to North America.
WHERE TO EAT ... Utopia College Street Head to this popular little restaurant for the best burgers in the city and a great wine and beer selection. If the inside looks jammed, don’t worry, there’s a great patio at the back.
Khao San Road Adelaide Street West Yes, you’ll have to queue, but everyone else in said queue will be sound, and raving about the great thai fare. Get the mango juice and the special pad thai. Thank yous via postcard to tn2.
WHERE TO DRINK ... Pizzeria Libretto Ossington Avenue Located in the hipster haven that is Ossington, this could easily be considered the best pizza in the city. While they won’t alter the menu, there’s enough choice to keep everyone happy.
Ronnie’s Local Kensington Market Ronnie’s is old-school cool. It has a fair beer selection and a nice bartender from Cork. Order grilled cheese sandwiches from across the street and they’ll bring them to your table. There’s nothing better really.
The Crooked Star Ossington Avenue This gem has a capacity of 43, including the patio. So even getting inside feels like an accomplishment. They specialise in Caesars (a variation on a Bloody Mary) and their beer is cheaper than many other bars in the area.
3 GREAT FREE ACTIVITIES IN TORONTO s s s
Wednesday evening at the AGO – The Art Gallery of Ontario opens its permanent collection for free every Wednesday evening. Housed in an incredible new building designed by Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry, check out their floor dedicated to Canadian art. Take in the beautiful Victorian buildings in Cabbagetown, named after the vegetable Irish immigrants supposedly grew in their front gardens. Make your way to Riverdale Farm where you can wander around a community farm for free and get some cute photos of donkeys. Stroll down Queen Street and you’ll find yourself in The Beaches, a great little area full of independent stores. Head to the beach, as beautiful during the winter as in the summer months.
Coming in Issue 3
AMSTERDAM
SAGE ADVICE Toronto gets cold. Bring your thermals and make use of the PATH underground network to avoid ice related injuries while you’re getting used to it. Then suck it up and get outside. Cities are prettier in the snow anyway!