3 Days in Toronto, Ontario

Itinerary Overview: 

Day 1: Downtown 

Day 2: Kensington Market & Chinatown 

Day 3: Parks & Villages 

Day 1: Downtown Exploration

Morning: 

St. Lawrence Market

@chasingkrista

Some breakfast places to check out: * Carousel Bakery --> Recommended Dish: Peameal Bacon Sandwich - a Toronto classic featuring peameal bacon on a bun. * Paddington's Pump Restaurant --> Recommended Dish: Traditional Breakfast - offering classic breakfast items like eggs, bacon, and toast. * Carmen's Sandwiches --> Recommended Dish: Breakfast Wrap - a variety of wraps with delicious breakfast fillings. * Market Street Catch --> Recommended Dish: Smoked Salmon Bagel - a popular choice with cream cheese, capers, red onions, and tomatoes. * Stonemill Bakehouse --> Recommended Dish: Freshly Baked Pastries - a selection of croissants, muffins, and other baked goods.

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🥓 Carousel Bakery --> Recommended Dish: Peameal Bacon Sandwich - a Toronto classic featuring peameal bacon on a bun.

🍳 Paddington's Pump Restaurant-->  Recommended Dish: Traditional Breakfast - offering classic breakfast items like eggs, bacon, and toast.

🌯 Carmen's Sandwiches --> Recommended Dish: Breakfast Wrap - a variety of wraps with delicious breakfast fillings.

🥯 Market Street Catch --> Recommended Dish: Smoked Salmon Bagel - a popular choice with cream cheese, capers, red onions, and tomatoes.

🥐 Stonemill Bakehouse --> Recommended Dish: Freshly Baked Pastries - a selection of croissants, muffins, and other baked goods.

The market has diverse vendors, so you can explore and find different breakfast options based on your preferences. Additionally, some vendors may have rotating menus or daily specials, so it's always a good idea to check what's available on the day of your visit. 

Late Morning/Early Afternoon:

Distillery District

@chasingkrista

Lunch Places to Try: El Catrin Destileria (Cuisine: Mexican)--> Recommended Dish: Guacamole and Tacos Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie (Cuisine: French) --> Recommended Dish: Croque Madame or Duck Confit Mill Street Brew Pub (Cuisine: Pub fare with a focus on craft beer) --> Recommended Dish: Fish and Chips or a Brewmaster's Burger Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill (Cuisine: Seafood and Grill) --> Recommended Dish: Oysters and Seafood Platter Archeo Trattoria (Cuisine: Italian) --> Recommended Dish: Gnocchi or Margherita Pizza

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Lunch Places to try in Distillery District: 

🌮 El Catrin Destileria (Cuisine: Mexican) --> Recommended Dish: Guacamole and Tacos

🍲 Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie (Cuisine: French) --> Recommended Dish: Croque Madame or Duck Confit

🍔 Mill Street Brew Pub (Cuisine: Pub fare with a focus on craft beer) --> Recommended Dish: Fish and Chips or a Brewmaster's Burger

🦪 Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill (Cuisine: Seafood and Grill) --> Recommended Dish: Oysters and Seafood Platter

🍝 Archeo Trattoria (Cuisine: Italian) --> Recommended Dish: Gnocchi or Margherita Pizza   

Museum of Illusions Toronto

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Gooderham Building

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Hockey Hall of Fame

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Brookfield Place

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Afternoon: 

CN Tower

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Rogers Centre

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Harbourfront Centre

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Dinner Places to Try: * Boxcar Social Harbourfront (Cuisine: Coffee and Light Fare) --> Recommended Dish: Artisanal Coffee and Charcuterie Board * Harbourfront Centre Café (Cuisine: Casual Dining) --> Recommended Dish: Daily Specials and Fresh Salads * Lakeview Market (Cuisine: Diverse Options, including Sandwiches and Salads) --> Recommended Dish: Customizable Sandwiches and Fresh Smoothies * Miku Toronto (Cuisine: Japanese, Sushi) --> Recommended Dish: Aburi Sushi and Signature Miku Roll * Amsterdam Brewhouse (Cuisine: Brewery and Pub Fare) --> Recommended Dish: Craft Beers and Fish & Chips

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Dinner Spots in Harbourfront Center:

🧀 Boxcar Social Harbourfront (Cuisine: Coffee and Light Fare) --> Recommended Dish: Artisanal Coffee and Charcuterie Board

🥗 Harbourfront Centre Café (Cuisine: Casual Dining) --> Recommended Dish: Daily Specials and Fresh Salads

🥪 Lakeview Market (Cuisine: Diverse Options, including Sandwiches and Salads) --> Recommended Dish: Customizable Sandwiches and Fresh Smoothies

🍣 Miku Toronto (Cuisine: Japanese, Sushi) --> Recommended Dish: Aburi Sushi and Signature Miku Roll

🍻 Amsterdam Brewhouse (Cuisine: Brewery and Pub Fare) --> Recommended Dish: Craft Beers and Fish & Chips   

Evening:

Entertainment District

@chasingkrista

Places to Eat: * Baro (Cuisine: Latin American —> Recommended Dish: Arepa Platter or Ceviche * The 3 Brewers (Cuisine: Brewery and Pub Fare) —> Recommended Dish: Craft Beer Flight and Poutine * La Carnita (Cuisine: Mexican Street Food) —> Recommended Dish: Street Corn and Tacos * Spice Route Asian Bistro + Bar (Cuisine: Asian Fusion) —> Recommended Dish: Pad Thai and Asian-Inspired Cocktails * Lee Restaurant (Cuisine: Modern Asian) —> Recommended Dish: Singaporean-Style Slaw and Black Cod

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🐙 Baro (Cuisine: Latin American —> Recommended Dish: Arepa Platter or Ceviche

🍺 The 3 Brewers (Cuisine: Brewery and Pub Fare) —> Recommended Dish: Craft Beer Flight and Poutine

🌽 La Carnita (Cuisine: Mexican Street Food) —> Recommended Dish: Street Corn and Tacos

🍜 Spice Route Asian Bistro + Bar (Cuisine: Asian Fusion) —> Recommended Dish: Pad Thai and Asian-Inspired Cocktails

🍤 Lee Restaurant (Cuisine: Modern Asian) —> Recommended Dish: Singaporean-Style Slaw and Black Cod  

Day 2: Kensington Market and Chinatown

Morning:

Kensington Market

@chasingkrista

* Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos (Cuisine: Mexican) —> Recommended Dish: Baja Fish Tacos or Gobernador Tacos * Rasta Pasta (Cuisine: Caribbean-Italian Fusion) —> Recommended Dish: Jerk Chicken Pasta * Wanda's Pie in the Sky (Cuisine: Bakery and Café) —> Recommended Dish: Assorted Pies and Baked Goods * Big Fat Burrito (Cuisine: Mexican) —> Recommended Dish: Burritos with a variety of fillings * Kensington Cornerstone Restaurant (Cuisine: Canadian, Comfort Food) —> Recommended Dish: Kensington Burger or Mac 'n' Cheese

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Favorite Places to Eat Inside Kensington Market: 

🌮 Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos (Cuisine: Mexican) —> Recommended Dish: Baja Fish Tacos or Gobernador Tacos

🍝 Rasta Pasta (Cuisine: Caribbean-Italian Fusion) —> Recommended Dish: Jerk Chicken Pasta

🥧 Wanda's Pie in the Sky (Cuisine: Bakery and Café) —> Recommended Dish: Assorted Pies and Baked Goods

🌯 Big Fat Burrito (Cuisine: Mexican) —> Recommended Dish: Burritos with a variety of fillings

🍔 Kensington Cornerstone Restaurant (Cuisine: Canadian, Comfort Food) —> Recommended Dish: Kensington Burger or Mac 'n' Cheese  

🌮 🍝 🥧 🌯 🍔 🌮 🍝 🥧 🌯 🍔 🌮 🍝 🥧 🌯 🍔 🌮 🍝 🥧 🌯 🍔 🌮 🍝 🥧 🌯 🍔

Favorite Places to Shop Inside Kensington Market: 

👕 Blue Banana Market -- Type: Eclectic Shop -- Highlights: Unique gifts, clothing, and accessories.

🎨 Kid Icarus -- Type: Art and Stationery -- Highlights: Handmade prints, cards, and unique paper goods.

🥻 Courage My Love -- Type: Vintage Shop --Highlights: Vintage clothing, accessories, and eclectic treasures.

🛋️ Vintage Depot -- Type: Vintage Furniture and Decor -- Highlights: Retro furniture, lighting, and eclectic home decor items.

🧵 Pedestrian Sunday Market -- Type: Artisan and Local Market (seasonal) -- Highlights: Features local artisans, handmade crafts, and unique finds    

Late Morning/Early Afternoon:

Chinatown

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* Rol San (Cuisine: Dim Sum) --> Recommended Dish: Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings) and Siu Mai (Pork Dumplings) *Swatow Restaurant (Cuisine: Cantonese) --> Recommended Dish: Cantonese-style Noodles and Dim Sum *Dumpling House Restaurant (Cuisine: Northern Chinese) --> Recommended Dish: Handmade Dumplings (Boiled or Pan-Fried) *Mother's Dumplings (Cuisine: Northern Chinese) --> Recommended Dish: Steamed Pork and Chive Dumplings *King's Noodle House (Cuisine: Cantonese) --> Recommended Dish: Wonton Noodle Soup and Roast Duck

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🍤 Rol San (Cuisine: Dim Sum) --> Recommended Dish: Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings) and Siu Mai (Pork Dumplings)

🍜 Swatow Restaurant (Cuisine: Cantonese) --> Recommended Dish: Cantonese-style Noodles and Dim Sum

🥟 Dumpling House Restaurant (Cuisine: Northern Chinese) --> Recommended Dish: Handmade Dumplings (Boiled or Pan-Fried)

🥢 Mother's Dumplings (Cuisine: Northern Chinese) --> Recommended Dish: Steamed Pork and Chive Dumplings

🍲 King's Noodle House (Cuisine: Cantonese) --> Recommended Dish: Wonton Noodle Soup and Roast Duck    

Afternoon:

Queen Street West

@chasingkrista

Queen Street West, a vibrant and eclectic stretch in downtown Toronto, is renowned for its dynamic mix of trendy boutiques, art galleries, and diverse eateries. Known as a hub for creativity and innovation, the street captures the essence of Toronto's cultural scene, offering a lively and ever-changing landscape for locals and visitors alike.

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Graffiti Alley

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Remember that graffiti art is an ever-evolving form of expression, and Graffiti Alley provides a platform for artists to showcase their creativity. Take your time to appreciate the artistry and individuality that each piece brings to this unique and ever-changing outdoor gallery

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Evening:

CF Toronto Eaton Centre

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Eaton Centre, situated in the heart of downtown Toronto, is one of Canada's largest and most iconic shopping malls. Boasting a vast selection of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities, the Eaton Centre attracts visitors with its bustling atmosphere and diverse array of shopping experiences.

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Day 3: Nature and Culture

Morning:

High Park

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High Park, located in the west end of Toronto, is a vast urban oasis that spans 400 acres, making it the city's largest public park. Known for its natural beauty, the park features a diverse landscape of woodlands, meadows, and a large pond. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, recreational facilities, and even a zoo. High Park is particularly famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring, attracting locals and tourists alike. With its serene ambiance and a plethora of outdoor activities, High Park stands as a beloved green escape within the heart of Toronto.

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Late Morning/Early Afternoon:

Roncesvalles

@chasingkrista

Roncesvalles, located in the west end of Toronto, is a vibrant neighborhood known for its European ambiance, diverse shops, and culinary delights.

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Favorite Things to Do in Roncesvalles: 

🛍️ Explore the Shops: Wander along Roncesvalles Avenue and explore the many independent shops, boutiques, and specialty stores. You'll find everything from unique clothing to home decor.

🏞️ Visit High Park: Roncesvalles is adjacent to High Park, one of Toronto's largest and most popular parks. Take a stroll, have a picnic, or explore the High Park Zoo.

🥟 Try Polish Cuisine: Roncesvalles has a strong Polish influence, so be sure to try some traditional Polish dishes at one of the local restaurants. Pierogi, kielbasa, and paczki are popular choices.

🥖 Enjoy Cafés and Bakeries: Roncesvalles is home to cozy cafes and bakeries. Stop by for a cup of coffee and indulge in delicious pastries or desserts.

🇵🇱 Attend a Street Festival: Check for local events and street festivals that often take place in Roncesvalles. The Roncesvalles Polish Festival, for example, is a lively annual event celebrating Polish culture.

🎥 Visit Revue Cinema: Catch a movie at the historic Revue Cinema, which has been a fixture in the neighborhood since 1912. It often screens a mix of mainstream and independent films.

🖼️ Art Galleries: Explore local art galleries and studios showcasing the work of talented artists in the area.

🍴 Dine at Local Restaurants: Roncesvalles boasts a diverse culinary scene. Try different cuisines at local restaurants, from traditional Polish to contemporary Canadian.

🍓 Roncesvalles Village Farmer's Market: Visit the local farmer's market to pick up fresh produce, artisanal goods, and more. The market operates seasonally.

👣 Join a Walking Tour: Discover the history and stories of Roncesvalles by joining a guided walking tour.   

Toronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library

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Inside the Toronto Reference Library, which is part of the Toronto Public Library system, a "can't miss" feature is the Bram & Bluma Appel Salon. This is a stunning event space and cultural hub located on the second floor. It hosts a variety of literary and cultural events, including author talks, lectures, and performances. The modern and spacious design of the Appel Salon, coupled with its diverse programming, makes it a standout feature within the Toronto Public Library and an engaging space for those interested in literature, arts, and intellectual discussions.

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Afternoon:

Bloor Street West

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Bloor Street, one of Toronto's major thoroughfares, stretches across diverse neighborhoods and offers a mix of shopping, dining, cultural attractions, and entertainment.

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Top 12 Things To Do in Bloor Street: 

1. Explore the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Visit the ROM, Canada's largest museum of world cultures and natural history, located at Bloor Street and Avenue Road.

2. Shop on Bloor Street West: Explore the high-end boutiques, flagship stores, and designer shops in the upscale Bloor-Yorkville shopping district.

3. Visit the Bata Shoe Museum: Discover the history of footwear at the Bata Shoe Museum, showcasing a diverse collection of shoes from around the world.

4. Enjoy the Gardiner Museum: Explore the Gardiner Museum, dedicated to ceramic art, with a focus on the history and culture of ceramics.

5. Stroll Through Philosopher's Walk: Experience the picturesque Philosopher's Walk, a tranquil pathway running alongside the University of Toronto campus.

6. Attend a Performance at the Tarragon Theatre: Check the schedule at Tarragon Theatre, a leading venue for contemporary drama and Canadian plays.

7. Dine in Yorkville: Indulge in a culinary experience in Yorkville, offering a range of restaurants and cafes catering to diverse tastes.

8. Visit the University of Toronto: Explore the University of Toronto campus, with its historic buildings, libraries, and beautiful grounds.

9. Relax in Queen's Park: Take a break in Queen's Park, a green oasis with walking paths, statues, and a lovely reflecting pool.

10. Attend Events at Koerner Hall: Check the schedule at Koerner Hall, part of the Royal Conservatory of Music, for classical and contemporary music performances.

11. Experience the Bloor Cinema (Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema): Catch a film or documentary screening at the historic Bloor Cinema, now known as Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema.

12. Shop at Koreatown: Explore the vibrant Korean community in Koreatown, which stretches along Bloor Street West, and enjoy unique shops and restaurants.   

Evening:

Yorkville

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Yorkville is a chic and affluent neighborhood in Toronto, renowned for its upscale shopping, fine dining, and cultural attractions. Lined with high-end boutiques, luxury hotels, and art galleries, Yorkville exudes an elegant ambiance. This fashionable district, nestled between the University of Toronto and the Bloor-Yorkville business and shopping area, attracts both locals and visitors seeking a sophisticated blend of style, culture, and entertainment.

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Places to Try for Dinner: 

🇫🇷 Cafe Boulud at the Four Seasons Hotel (Cuisine: French) --> Highlights: Chef Daniel Boulud's restaurant, offering a sophisticated menu with a focus on French cuisine. The elegant ambiance and attentive service make it an excellent choice for a special evening.

🇮🇹 Buca Osteria & Bar (Cuisine: Italian) --> Highlights: A popular Italian restaurant known for its house-cured meats, handmade pasta, and a diverse selection of Italian dishes. The modern and stylish setting adds to the overall dining experience.

🇨🇦 One Restaurant at The Hazelton Hotel (Cuisine: Contemporary Canadian) --> Highlights: Located in The Hazelton Hotel, One Restaurant provides a modern and chic setting. The menu showcases Canadian cuisine with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients, offering a refined and diverse dining experience.