7. Kensington Market
Toronto has a sophisticated side, but Kensington Market is anything but. This eclectic ethnic neighborhood off College and Spadina is a hodgepodge of vintage clothing stores, Latin American grocers, natural food shops, fruit stalls, funky cafes and unpretentious watering holes. Caribbean, Middle Eastern, South American and Asian spices perfume the air. Colorful graffiti adorns the red-brick Victorian buildings that line the alleyways. It has become somewhat gentrified in recent years, but it still retains an edgy, independent, progressive spirit.
8. Centre Island
Toronto has a lot of parkland within its city limits, but one of the best nature sanctuaries to explore is Centre Island, a short ferry ride away in Lake Ontario. You can rent bikes or meander the trails on foot. Paddle a canoe or kayak along the shore. Hang out on one of the beaches (Hanlan’s Point Beach is clothing optional). If you have young kids, check out the Centreville amusement park in the summer. There are picnic areas, wading pools, volleyball courts and fire pits to enjoy, most with spectacular views of the Toronto’s waterfront cityscape.
9. The Danforth
Another fun and tasty neighborhood to enjoy in Toronto is Greektown, along Danforth Avenue. You’ll find endless restaurants, lounges, cafes and bakeries featuring Greek favorites, plus other cosmopolitan cuisine. There are range of boutiques, houseware shops and specialty stores to poke around. Check out The Big Carrot, a local natural/organic food hotspot. See who’s playing at the The Danforth music hall. Don’t miss August’s Taste of the Danforth, Canada’s largest street festival, featuring the best souvlaki, saganaki and spanakopitas this side of Athens.
