Many people have asked me for recommendations of things to do in Toronto, my home town.
Toronto has so much going on - a great restaurant scene, interesting museums, many cycling paths, professional sports teams and authentic ethnic neighbourhoods.
I recently decided to put on my tourist cap (for the sun) and took a couple of tours which sounded like fun. I figured I can always learn a few new things about my city... and sure enough I was pleasantly surprised.
Best of the West Food Tour
Last weekend a friend organized a food tour for a few girls to celebrate our birthdays. Our tour was called the Best of the West Food Tour, by Savour Toronto.
The tour took place along Dundas West and Ossington Streets in downtown Toronto. While Ossington has been a trendy area for a number of years, Dundas West is just starting to flourish, with new, fashionable restaurants, bars and interesting shops.
The tour offered generous portions of savoury cuisine and sweet treats - from Neapolitan pizza, warm and flaky vegetable pies, and homemade smoked fish, to handmade, dark-chocolate truffles, light and airy macrons and a rich ice cream sandwich. We not only filled our bellies with delicious food but we learnt about the chefs/owners of the establishments and the history of the neighbourhood.
Since I'm a huge fan of food tours wherever I go, I highly recommend this tour whether you are a visitor or local, want an experience off the beaten track or want to learn about this trendy neighbourhood.
For more information: www.savourtoronto.com/
Graffiti Tour Queen Street West
Who knew that Toronto's back alleys were brimming with graffiti by well-known local and international artists?
We recently had a young man from abroad stay with us for a few months. Before his return home, our family decided to do a walking tour of the Toronto street-art scene. This tour, through The Tour Guys, was entertaining and educational.
The guide was young, knowledgeable and had a background in art. We learnt a lot about our colourful city and the street-art culture which has taken-off around the world.
The Tour Guys offer several walking tours of the city. Some are free (but you should plan to tip the guide), while others have a fee.
For more information: www.tourguys.ca/