Food Scene
Take a 20-minute stroll east on Dundas to Spadina and you'll hit Chinatown. But if you turn north anywhere between Bathurst and Spadina you'll find yourself in Kensington Market, a wonderful place to get lost in. Every Sunday from May-October is Pedestrian Sunday.
http://www.kensington-market.ca
1698 locals recommend
Kensington Market
Take a 20-minute stroll east on Dundas to Spadina and you'll hit Chinatown. But if you turn north anywhere between Bathurst and Spadina you'll find yourself in Kensington Market, a wonderful place to get lost in. Every Sunday from May-October is Pedestrian Sunday.
http://www.kensington-market.ca
One of our favourites. Slow BBQ. Reservations recommended. http://thecarbonbar.ca/
54 locals recommend
Carbon Bar
99 Queen St EOne of our favourites. Slow BBQ. Reservations recommended. http://thecarbonbar.ca/
Right around the corner, fresh, vegetarian, delicious. You can order ahead for take-out. Patio.
http://freshrestaurants.ca/
143 locals recommend
Fresh on Crawford
894 Queen Street WestRight around the corner, fresh, vegetarian, delicious. You can order ahead for take-out. Patio.
http://freshrestaurants.ca/
Italian fine-dining a short walk away. Neighbourhood favourite. Reservations usually recommended.
16 locals recommend
Noce
875 Queen St WItalian fine-dining a short walk away. Neighbourhood favourite. Reservations usually recommended.
Yummy! Italian pizza and pasta, casual dining, great for kids, decent wine for the adults. Lovely back patio. Make a reservation, this place gets packed quickly. DO NOT ask them to alter anything on the menu, or to slice your pizza for you, they get testy, but the food is mighty tasty. Less than 10 minute walk.
http://www.terroni.com/
445 locals recommend
Terroni
720 Queen St WYummy! Italian pizza and pasta, casual dining, great for kids, decent wine for the adults. Lovely back patio. Make a reservation, this place gets packed quickly. DO NOT ask them to alter anything on the menu, or to slice your pizza for you, they get testy, but the food is mighty tasty. Less than 10 minute walk.
http://www.terroni.com/
Fresh Oysters, great food, relaxed friendly atmosphere, right around the corner. Small, so go early or make a reservation.
http://www.oysterboy.ca/
74 locals recommend
Oyster Boy
872 Queen St WFresh Oysters, great food, relaxed friendly atmosphere, right around the corner. Small, so go early or make a reservation.
http://www.oysterboy.ca/
Excellent Fish & Chips, only 3-4 window stools, this is a take-out joint.
22 locals recommend
Hooky's Fish and Chips
486 Queen St WExcellent Fish & Chips, only 3-4 window stools, this is a take-out joint.
Ossington used to be filled with Korean shops, this is one that stood the test of time. Some great Pho!
119 locals recommend
Pho Rùa Vàng Golden Turtle Restaurant
125 Ossington AveOssington used to be filled with Korean shops, this is one that stood the test of time. Some great Pho!
Open 24 Hours! Shakes, burgers, grilled cheese, deep-fried Mars Bars.
351 locals recommend
The Lakeview Restaurant
1132 Dundas Street WestOpen 24 Hours! Shakes, burgers, grilled cheese, deep-fried Mars Bars.
Pizzeria Libretto
221 Ossington AveNeapolitan Pizza
Old School
800 Dundas St WExcellent breakfast or brunch place, 15 minute walk.
Casa La Palma
849 Dundas St WGreat food, great service, 15 minute walk.
Getting Around
It's a quick walk (5-7 min) through the park to Enterprise. Handy if you aren't renting a car from the airport but need one for only part of your visit.
https://www.enterprise.ca/en/home.html
165 locals recommend
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
947 Dovercourt RdIt's a quick walk (5-7 min) through the park to Enterprise. Handy if you aren't renting a car from the airport but need one for only part of your visit.
https://www.enterprise.ca/en/home.html
We have a selection of bike helmets in various sizes that you can borrow, along with bike path maps, if you decide to rent a bike. You can pick up and drop off bikes at different locations, credit card required for rental, it's all automated. There are designated bike paths and many roads have bike lanes, but there is not one cohesive system, so you'll find the bike lanes change dramatically from one neighbourhood to the next. Trinity Bellwoods is part of a major bike path, with hundreds of bikes passing the apartment daily on the way to the park. Heads up for super-fast bikes taking the corner in front of the apartment.
http://www.bikesharetoronto.com/
53 locals recommend
Bike Share Toronto
We have a selection of bike helmets in various sizes that you can borrow, along with bike path maps, if you decide to rent a bike. You can pick up and drop off bikes at different locations, credit card required for rental, it's all automated. There are designated bike paths and many roads have bike lanes, but there is not one cohesive system, so you'll find the bike lanes change dramatically from one neighbourhood to the next. Trinity Bellwoods is part of a major bike path, with hundreds of bikes passing the apartment daily on the way to the park. Heads up for super-fast bikes taking the corner in front of the apartment.
http://www.bikesharetoronto.com/
You have easy access to public transportation on all sides. The 505 Dundas Streetcar 1 block north, the 501 Queen Streetcar 1 block south, the 504 King Streetcar 2 blocks south. The Ossington bus runs frequently and gets up to the east-west subway line. Avoid rush hour and the TTC is very convenient.
Summer 2016 streetcar track repair on the 510 Queen line between Bathurst and University. Tokens, tickets, and family day passes are available for sale at The Lucky Penny. Otherwise, exact change only when boarding.
https://www.ttc.ca/ There is an app to check bus and streetcar times for each stop.
9 locals recommend
Toronto Transit Commission Head Office
1900 Yonge StYou have easy access to public transportation on all sides. The 505 Dundas Streetcar 1 block north, the 501 Queen Streetcar 1 block south, the 504 King Streetcar 2 blocks south. The Ossington bus runs frequently and gets up to the east-west subway line. Avoid rush hour and the TTC is very convenient.
Summer 2016 streetcar track repair on the 510 Queen line between Bathurst and University. Tokens, tickets, and family day passes are available for sale at The Lucky Penny. Otherwise, exact change only when boarding.
https://www.ttc.ca/ There is an app to check bus and streetcar times for each stop.
Closest Subway Station. Take the Ossington Bus to the station, make sure you get a transfer from the bus driver. Download the ROCKETMAN app to make using the TTC much easier.
66 locals recommend
Ossington Station
746 Ossington AvenueClosest Subway Station. Take the Ossington Bus to the station, make sure you get a transfer from the bus driver. Download the ROCKETMAN app to make using the TTC much easier.
Parks & Nature
One of the largest parks in the city right at your front door. Tennis courts, baseball diamonds, ice rink, volleyball courts, bike paths, playgrounds, splash pad in the summer, off-leash dog bowl, lots of trees to picnic under. Great people watching. There is a selection of park toys, sports equipment, blankets, etc., in the apartment for you to borrow and enjoy the park. It is safe enough both day and night, lighted walkways when it's dark. As always, be aware of your surroundings. Please #PicnicResponsibly and don't leave garbage behind. The park is famous for it's White Squirrel. It is an albino family that has been in the park for generations, keep an eye out for one.
Please note: You will see people discreetly drinking alcohol and smoking pot in the park. Both are currently illegal activities and police can ticket and/or charge for these offences, but they usually have better things to do. However, once in a while they conduct a blitz in the park to remind everyone. Community police on bicycles patrol the park. When you think you smell a skunk, it's probably weed.
http://www.trinitybellwoods.ca/
743 locals recommend
Trinity Bellwoods Park
790 Queen St WOne of the largest parks in the city right at your front door. Tennis courts, baseball diamonds, ice rink, volleyball courts, bike paths, playgrounds, splash pad in the summer, off-leash dog bowl, lots of trees to picnic under. Great people watching. There is a selection of park toys, sports equipment, blankets, etc., in the apartment for you to borrow and enjoy the park. It is safe enough both day and night, lighted walkways when it's dark. As always, be aware of your surroundings. Please #PicnicResponsibly and don't leave garbage behind. The park is famous for it's White Squirrel. It is an albino family that has been in the park for generations, keep an eye out for one.
Please note: You will see people discreetly drinking alcohol and smoking pot in the park. Both are currently illegal activities and police can ticket and/or charge for these offences, but they usually have better things to do. However, once in a while they conduct a blitz in the park to remind everyone. Community police on bicycles patrol the park. When you think you smell a skunk, it's probably weed.
http://www.trinitybellwoods.ca/
Hop on the Ferry and get out of the city for the day. There are three connected islands, Ward's Island, Centre Island, Hanlan's Point. No cars allowed on the island. There is a fantastic little amusement park for the under 12 crowd, petting zoo, Franklin Children's Garden on Centre Island, beaches (including clothing optional beach at Hanlan's Point), bike rental. Something for the whole family. Info and Ferry schedule here: http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=34e9dada600f0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD
1035 locals recommend
Toronto Islands
Hop on the Ferry and get out of the city for the day. There are three connected islands, Ward's Island, Centre Island, Hanlan's Point. No cars allowed on the island. There is a fantastic little amusement park for the under 12 crowd, petting zoo, Franklin Children's Garden on Centre Island, beaches (including clothing optional beach at Hanlan's Point), bike rental. Something for the whole family. Info and Ferry schedule here: http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=34e9dada600f0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD
Go Jump in the Lake!
Beautiful beach, boardwalk, bike bath, dog friendly areas. Rent a Stand Up Paddleboard or take lessons at http://www.wsuptoronto.ca/
Toronto participates in the Blue Flag program, an international program that awards Blue Flags to communities committed to maintaining high standards for water quality. This means that water is tested daily from June - September so you know its safe to swim in Lake Ontario. There are other beaches around, check them out here http://www.toronto.com/articles/best-toronto-beaches/
424 locals recommend
The Beaches
Go Jump in the Lake!
Beautiful beach, boardwalk, bike bath, dog friendly areas. Rent a Stand Up Paddleboard or take lessons at http://www.wsuptoronto.ca/
Toronto participates in the Blue Flag program, an international program that awards Blue Flags to communities committed to maintaining high standards for water quality. This means that water is tested daily from June - September so you know its safe to swim in Lake Ontario. There are other beaches around, check them out here http://www.toronto.com/articles/best-toronto-beaches/
Sightseeing
In 1812 The United States declared war and invaded Canada. Well, they tried. They had 2700 men, we had 750. We won. The neighbourhood around the apartment is full of landmarks from the war, but Fort York is the hub. Garrison Common at Fort York is a music and entertainment venue that hosts various food, drink, cultural, and music festivals, usually something happening every weekend and its close enough to walk to. http://www.fortyork.ca/news-a-events/events.html
146 locals recommend
Fort York National Historic Site
250 Fort York BlvdIn 1812 The United States declared war and invaded Canada. Well, they tried. They had 2700 men, we had 750. We won. The neighbourhood around the apartment is full of landmarks from the war, but Fort York is the hub. Garrison Common at Fort York is a music and entertainment venue that hosts various food, drink, cultural, and music festivals, usually something happening every weekend and its close enough to walk to. http://www.fortyork.ca/news-a-events/events.html
Crazy alley just south of Queen street, about 15 minutes walk from the apartment. It's cool to walk the alley, not likely to get hassled, but watch for discarded needles and be aware of your surroundings.
50 locals recommend
Graffiti Alley
Graffiti AlleyCrazy alley just south of Queen street, about 15 minutes walk from the apartment. It's cool to walk the alley, not likely to get hassled, but watch for discarded needles and be aware of your surroundings.
Self guided walking tours of Toronto. Portal run by the City of Toronto.
http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=fe68372ad5f02410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD
Heritage Toronto
157 King St ESelf guided walking tours of Toronto. Portal run by the City of Toronto.
http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=fe68372ad5f02410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD
Entertainment & Activities
Live music by the lake in an amphitheatre. Check the schedule here:
http://www.livenation.com/venues/14878/molson-canadian-amphitheatre
146 locals recommend
Budweiser Stage
909 Lake Shore Blvd WLive music by the lake in an amphitheatre. Check the schedule here:
http://www.livenation.com/venues/14878/molson-canadian-amphitheatre
We've tried and failed to escape the room. 10 minute walk from the apartment, book ahead. You work as a team, great for teens and for kids with some help. 1.5 hours of intense fun! Also have games at Casa Loma if you want the upscale version, but this one is close and quick and everyone is happy. Choose Stafford St location.
https://www.realescapegame.ca/
Real Escape Game - Secret City Adventures
76 Stafford StWe've tried and failed to escape the room. 10 minute walk from the apartment, book ahead. You work as a team, great for teens and for kids with some help. 1.5 hours of intense fun! Also have games at Casa Loma if you want the upscale version, but this one is close and quick and everyone is happy. Choose Stafford St location.
https://www.realescapegame.ca/
Rogers Centre
1 Blue Jays WayBlue Jays. Concerts.
http://www.rogerscentre.com/
Toronto Football Club. Walk there, weave home.
http://www.torontofc.ca/
240 locals recommend
BMO Field
170 Princes' BlvdToronto Football Club. Walk there, weave home.
http://www.torontofc.ca/
Outdoor pool for those hot nights. Open late during heatwaves. There is a supervised splash pad just down the street in Trinity-Bellwoods park. Large indoor pool and kiddie pool in the Community Centre in Trinity-Bellwoods park.
Find all the city operated pools, splashpads, and hours here.
https://trca.ca/activities/swimming/
39 locals recommend
Stanley Park
890 King St WOutdoor pool for those hot nights. Open late during heatwaves. There is a supervised splash pad just down the street in Trinity-Bellwoods park. Large indoor pool and kiddie pool in the Community Centre in Trinity-Bellwoods park.
Find all the city operated pools, splashpads, and hours here.
https://trca.ca/activities/swimming/
Indoor pool and kiddie pool, ping pong tables, running track, weightroom. Around the corner on Crawford Street in Trinity-Bellwoods park.
http://www1.toronto.ca/parks/prd/facilities/complex/287/index.htm
14 locals recommend
Trinity Community Recreation Centre
155 Crawford StIndoor pool and kiddie pool, ping pong tables, running track, weightroom. Around the corner on Crawford Street in Trinity-Bellwoods park.
http://www1.toronto.ca/parks/prd/facilities/complex/287/index.htm
Hockey Hall of Fame
30 Yonge StGo Leafs Go!
https://www.hhof.com/
Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto Raptors. Concerts.
http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/
252 locals recommend
Bay St at Air Canada Centre
Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto Raptors. Concerts.
http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/
Shopping
The Mink Mile - couture shopping in Toronto.
http://www.bloor-yorkville.com/
651 locals recommend
Yorkville
The Mink Mile - couture shopping in Toronto.
http://www.bloor-yorkville.com/
Consistently voted #1 Vinyl Shop in Toronto. Close by at 186 Ossington Ave. If you are looking for a more complete list of record shops, including specialty, please let us know and we can give you a comprehensive list.
14 locals recommend
Rotate This
186 Ossington AveConsistently voted #1 Vinyl Shop in Toronto. Close by at 186 Ossington Ave. If you are looking for a more complete list of record shops, including specialty, please let us know and we can give you a comprehensive list.
West Queen West Art + Design District. Voted one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world by Vogue. Walk through the park to Queen Street, turn right or left for blocks and blocks of eclectic shops, restaurants, pop-ups and some very interesting characters. We coexist peacefully with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health a few blocks to the west, but the corner of Queen and Bathurst (Graffiti Alley is nearby) can sometimes look a bit rough. Not usually anything to worry about and that guy isn't yelling at you. Probably.
http://westqueenwest.ca/
66 locals recommend
West Queen West
West Queen West Art + Design District. Voted one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world by Vogue. Walk through the park to Queen Street, turn right or left for blocks and blocks of eclectic shops, restaurants, pop-ups and some very interesting characters. We coexist peacefully with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health a few blocks to the west, but the corner of Queen and Bathurst (Graffiti Alley is nearby) can sometimes look a bit rough. Not usually anything to worry about and that guy isn't yelling at you. Probably.
http://westqueenwest.ca/
heel boy
773 Queen St WShoes! Shoes! Shoes!
Drinks & Nightlife
The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern since 1947.
Local and international music. Queen & Spadina - hoof it there, cab it home.
http://www.horseshoetavern.com/
133 locals recommend
Horseshoe Tavern
370 Queen St WThe Legendary Horseshoe Tavern since 1947.
Local and international music. Queen & Spadina - hoof it there, cab it home.
http://www.horseshoetavern.com/
Mostly local, some international live music. Less than 10 minute walk. Bluegrass Brunch on the weekends.
http://thedakotatavern.com/
351 locals recommend
The Lakeview Restaurant
1132 Dundas Street WestMostly local, some international live music. Less than 10 minute walk. Bluegrass Brunch on the weekends.
http://thedakotatavern.com/
The Ossington Strip. From Queen to Dundas, Ossington is stuffed with bars, restaurants, nightclubs, pop-up shops, a local brewery, new and vintage clothing. Great for a morning stroll or an evening of bar-hopping. Reservations recommended for most restaurants. Things open and close frequently, check what's current here: http://ossingtonvillage.com/
7 locals recommend
Lower Ossington Avenue
Lower Ossington AvenueThe Ossington Strip. From Queen to Dundas, Ossington is stuffed with bars, restaurants, nightclubs, pop-up shops, a local brewery, new and vintage clothing. Great for a morning stroll or an evening of bar-hopping. Reservations recommended for most restaurants. Things open and close frequently, check what's current here: http://ossingtonvillage.com/
This Is Paradise. Live music 7 nights per week. integral part of Toronto music scene for decades. A block from The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern if you want to make a night of it.
http://www.thecameron.com/
88 locals recommend
Cameron House
408 Queen St WThis Is Paradise. Live music 7 nights per week. integral part of Toronto music scene for decades. A block from The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern if you want to make a night of it.
http://www.thecameron.com/
The Roof Lounge at the Park Hyatt is a must-see for the spectacular views of downtown Toronto without the hassle or the price of the CN Tower. Plus, well-made drinks with stylish ambiance.
http://toronto.park.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining.html
13 locals recommend
Park Hyatt Toronto
4 Avenue RoadThe Roof Lounge at the Park Hyatt is a must-see for the spectacular views of downtown Toronto without the hassle or the price of the CN Tower. Plus, well-made drinks with stylish ambiance.
http://toronto.park.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining.html
Communist's Daughter
1149 Dundas St WCool vibe.
The Dog's Bollocks Pub
751 Queen St WPool tables, Karaoke, Sports, fair-priced drinks