Toronto is a very special place to spend a day exploring, and there’s always loads of free or cheap stuff to enjoy. Here’s our run-down of a perfect plan for a day of relaxation and interest:
If you’re staying with us at Backpackers on Dundas we recommend grabbing some breakfast at the hostel to help keep costs down for the day. Make sure to eat lots of carbs to give you the energy you’ll need to complete the day’s activities! Breakfast is also the perfect way to find a buddy to explore the city with if you’re on your own.
First stop is Kensington Market. This is pretty close to the hostel and offers a truly diverse and vibrant look at our multicultural city. We suggest you pick up some packed lunch from one of the many food stalls (and that has to include some cheese).
We’ll continue the day with a classic activity for the Toronto traveller: a trip up the CN tower. If you can bear the height, it’s worth lying down on the glass floor for that rollercoaster feeling. A look out and glass floor ticket will set you back about $15CAD – not cheap but definitely worth it.
Next up, wander over to Soma the Chocolatier in the The Distillery District. It’s about a half an hour walk or, if you know what you’re doing on the buses or streetcars, just catch one along Front Street. Everything at The Chocolate Bar is fair trade and organic and looks fantastic. Yum.
After all that indulgence, you can clear your head with a ferry to centre island. A return ticket will cost you a few dollars and, if the weather’s any good, this is the perfect place to find a bit of park and enjoy your packed lunch.
Once you get back to the mainland, head towards Union Station just before rush hour and find yourself a spot on the first floor. Downstairs will start to hum as commuter time approaches and you can sit and give thanks for your free time while watching what feels like the whole world rush on by.
And last, but not least, head back down to the Harbour Front to sample whatever cultural events might be taking place. Trust us when we say there’s nearly always something worthwhile going on; you can double check with our friendly staff at the hostel before you leave for the day. If, by some chance, you don’t fancy the offerings of the Harbour Front, there is always loads of free music at various venues around the city. Again, just ask!
