The Talk of Toronto
- Tasnia Mozammel
- Jun 26
- 12 min read
Updated: Jun 30
Toronto is one of my many homes — a city made up of beloved faces I return to with ease, and a quiet sense of nostalgia as it holds significant pieces of my past. After spending nearly three years away, I returned to Toronto unexpectedly finding myself immersed in the pace and polish of corporate legal life at one of the Seven Sister firms in the heart of downtown where I remained for the past two years.
This post offers a personal map of moments and places that marked my return — from the city spots that shaped my routine to the day trips that gave me a breath beyond the concrete.
BEFORE YOU GO:
1. Tourism. Tours and attraction tickets can be pre-booked via sites including GetYourGuide or via official attraction websites (links mentioned in the below sections). While Toronto is easily navigable on your own, I highly recommend a combination of independent and guided experiences. Some sites are best appreciated with local insight, while others invite slow, self-paced discovery.
2. Local Transport. Be sure to download Uber for convenient transportation, while also familiarizing yourself with the city’s affordable and efficient public transit system (TTC).
3. Dining out? Make a reso. For dining out, OpenTable is a convenient way to make reservations at many of Toronto’s top restaurants — especially for popular spots downtown or weekend evenings. It’s widely used and allows users to browse by neighbourhood, cuisine, or vibe.
4. Don't forget your camera!
Skylines, Streetcars & Cityscapes — Welcome to the Core
Downtown Toronto
At the heart of the city, Downtown Toronto offers a mosaic of distinct pockets from the clusters of high-rises and office towers of Bay Street to the creative pulse of Queen West. Here, you’ll find major attractions like the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, and the Royal Ontario Museum, alongside boutique coffee shops, summer patios, and tucked-away bookstores. It’s walkable, well-connected by transit, and packed with things to do whether you're exploring underground via the PATH or catching lake views from the waterfront.
Harbourfront Horizons — Where City Meets Lakeside
Toronto’s Harbourfront is where the city towers meet open water, offering a welcome exhale from downtown’s chaotic buzz. This lakeside stretch features a picturesque boardwalk along Lake Ontario, ferry access to the Toronto Islands, and plays host to a number of annual festivals and cultural events.
Don’t miss the chance to catch a golden sunset over the lake, hop on a ferry or boat tour, or indulge in a classic Canadian treat from BeaverTails.
Corporate Downtown — Where the City Wears Suits
In the heart of Toronto’s Financial District, the city sharpens its edges. Towering glass facades, packed coffee queues, and the steady rhythm of heels on pavement mark morning rush hours. This is Corporate Downtown — where ambition lives in boardrooms and lingers past work-hour emails.
During the past two years working at Torys LLP, I came to know this part of the city intimately — not just through its architecture and pace, but through the routines that quietly shaped my days and narrowed my professional aspirations. Toronto's Financial District highlights the core of that experience: the office corners and areas surrounding that became anchors in the rush.
*The first and third photos above may look familiar — featuring the real-life Toronto building that doubled as Pearson Specter Litt in everyone’s favourite legal drama series, Suits.
Nearby stops worth the visit:
Discover the Well, Toronto's New Urban Playground
Venture through the Grand Arches of 161 Bay Street
Visit the Ever-classic Union Station
Toronto’s answer to London’s Bank Station, a must for architecture and photo-op lovers!
Catch a Footy Match at Real Sports Bar & Grill, Where Suits Meet Sports!
Just steps from Scotiabank Arena, RS is a go-to for watching football and other sports matches on massive screens. One of my favourite spots in town and definitely a worthwhile experience!
King Street Crawls - Where the City Comes to Sip
While the Financial District commands with its sharp suits and schedules, just a few blocks west, King Street begins trading work-week lattes for weekend (mock)cocktails.
King Street is Toronto’s crown jewel when it comes to nightlife. Lined with bars, rooftop patios, and lounges, it’s the stylish but unpretentious go-to stretch for after-work unwinding drinks, spontaneous nights out, or a classic bar crawl.
Some favourites include Lavelle, Ruby Soho, Belfast Love, Mademoiselle, and more —each offering its own take on Toronto’s nightlife.
Yonge-Dundas Square - Where Chaos & Characters Collide
Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square, an area of the city I very much avoid, is loud, bright, and unapologetically chaotic — where flashing billboards, street performers, and spontaneous protests all somehow coexist. The air is thick with the scent of hot dogs, weed, and whatever that mysterious smell is near the subway stairs. It's touristy, overstimulating, but simultaneously a core part of downtown’s personality — an unfiltered Toronto energy.
Just across the square, you’ll find Eaton Centre, a staple stop mall in the downtown core.
Nathan Phillips Square - Where the City Spells its Name
Summer crowds or winter skates, Nathan Phillips Square is a year-round landmark that manages to feel both civic and festive. This square is home to the iconic Toronto sign, City Hall, and a rotating lineup of events, festivals, farmers’ markets, and protests.
Yorkville - Where Elegance Meets Espressos
Yorkville has always held a soft spot for me, equal parts in memory and escape. I lived here during my undergrad years at the University of Toronto, and appreciated the contrast it offered to the university’s sprawl, pulsing with designer storefronts, art galleries, and some of the city’s coziest and most stylish patios.
It’s a small gleaming tucked away area that somehow manages to feel unhurried amidst the heart of downtown. Whether window shopping on Bloor or slipping into a café, Yorkville delivers a quiet elegance.
Bloor-Yonge - Where Commute Meets Couture
Bloor–Yonge is where two of Toronto’s busiest subway lines cross beneath a stretch of upscale retail, landmark buildings, and iconic intersections. Above ground, you’ll find Bloor Street, home to luxury fashion houses like Hermès, Holt Renfrew, and Chanel nestled alongside flagship bookstores and cultural spots like the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).
This intersection of the city blended elegance with everyday energy, once serving as my university home, my workplace hub, and my go-to spot to simply unwind.
University of Toronto, St. George - Where the Stone Walls Speak
My academic journey began within the walls of the University of Toronto’s St. George campus. I spent my undergraduate years here, tucked between ivy-covered walls and lecture halls that echoed more than mere academic thought — it's where my pursuit of law quietly took root. With its neo-Gothic architecture and sprawling quads, UofT feels more like a European town than a downtown Toronto campus.
Distillery District - Where Cobblestones Meet Cocktails
The Distillery District is one of Toronto’s most atmospheric enclaves — a small pedestrian-only village of red brick, wrought iron, and cobblestone that feels like stepping into a curated past. Once home to the largest distillery in the British Empire, it is now lined with boutique shops, artisan studios, cafés, and bars tucked behind historic facades. Distillery also comes alive during the holidays, as it's transformed into Toronto's Christmas Market.
Exhibition Grounds - Where the City Plays its Wild Card
Just west of downtown lies a stretch of the city that embraces the bold, the bizarre, and the brilliantly entertaining — from football chants echoing through BMO Field to jousting knights and turkey legs at Medieval Times. At the heart of it sits Exhibition Place, a sprawling complex that hosts everything from trade shows and conventions to some of the city’s biggest seasonal events. Every summer, it transforms into the iconic Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) carnival.
For more of Downtown Toronto events, visit here.
Somewhere Between the Buzz & the Breeze
Midtown Toronto
Midtown is where the city begins to exhale. Still well-connected and busy in its own right, this area is a patchwork of residential pockets and green spaces that feel more lived-in.
Yonge-Eglinton - Where Northern Roots Run
Yonge & Eglinton is Midtown's buzzing strip lined with boutiques, bars, and restaurants. Situated a short walk east along Mount Pleasant is Northern Secondary School, a striking brick-façade building with Gothic Revival architecture and a storied history circa 1930 — where my teen baby face is somewhere among the alumni wall and my paintings remain in the form of a Spanish locker mural.
For more things to do in Midtown, visit here.
She's an Uptown Girl
Uptown Toronto
North York - North of the Noise
North York or Uptown was my corner of Toronto growing up and the corner I return to as one of my many homes! North York has evolved into a sophisticated mini city, especially around prime hubs including Yonge-Sheppard, Bayview Village, and Fairview Mall.
Below are a few of my favourite meeting spots — places that have seen both everyday moments and meaningful reunions over the years.
Shops at Don Mills - Where North York Window Shops in Style
Shops at Don Mills is a stylish, open-air lifestyle centre that brings a bit of upscale flair to North York. It's a walkable alternative to the typical Toronto mall offering curated boutiques, restaurants with heated patios, and cafés.
Some go-to eats whether for a lively dinner or a dessert-fuelled catch up include Joey, The Good Son, Scaddabush, Añejo, Ice ‘n Cake, and Demetres. Other nearby casual comfort foods in the area include Osmow's for its shawarma chicken on sticks doused in spicy garlic sauce and Burger's Priest for its Vatican, a cheesy smash burger with secret sauce!
Edwards Gardens - Where the City Blooms Quietly
Tucked beside the Toronto Botanical Garden, Edwards Gardens is Uptown's garden getaway, offering a peaceful, landscaped escape from the city's pace. This is my favourite nature spot, where I take walks regularly during Toronto summer.
To explore more parks and gardens across the city, visit: Public Gardens & Horticultural Displays, and Destination Ontario.
Yonge Street - Where Cultures Collide
Stretching through North York, Yonge Street is where convenience meets culture. Lined with bubble tea spots, Korean BBQ joints, sushi bars, karaoke, nail salons, grocery chains, and no shortage of pharmacies, it’s a buzzing street that has everything and somehow never stops evolving. Having many friends on this street, Yonge is where errands and hangouts blur.
Bubble Planet - Where You'll Float Outside the Ordinary
Bubble Planet, located a little further from my neck of North York, is a sensory wonderland filled with oversized balloons, trippy rooms, and photo-worthy corners designed to spark joy. It’s part art installation, part playground, and perfect for a lighthearted time.
For more immersive activities across the city, visit: Destination Ontario.
Uncovering Toronto Beyond the Skyline
Missisauga & the GTA
Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) stretch well beyond downtown’s skyline, offering a vibrant mix of sprawling suburbs, food hubs, and natural escapes. The GTA provides a refreshing contrast to Toronto’s urban core while maintaining its own distinct communities.
Ridgeway Plaza - Where Shawarma Never Sleeps
While there is a lot to unfold beyond the skyline including hiking vast trails and visiting serene parks, we primarily make frequent trips to discover the GTA's diverse eateries. Ridgeway Plaza is a one-of-a-kind culinary hub in Mississauga, regarded as North America’s largest halal restaurant plaza. It’s a bustling spot for exploring a range of diverse midnight meals and experiencing one of the city's most energetic crowds.
Ridgeway's eateries range from Pakistani BBQ and Iraqi shawarma to Egyptian and Turkish desserts and Yemeni coffee. While exploring, don't miss Helvaci Ali, a famous Turkish dessert shop offering luxurious warm halva.
Dixie Plaza - A Diverse Grill Scene
Dixie Road Plaza (at Dixie & Eglinton) is a lively Halal‑friendly strip featuring Grillado’s —famed for Portuguese‑style peri‑peri chicken and beef back ribs, alongside must-eat staples, BBQ Tonite, Gladiator Burger, and more. This plaza sees us returning frequently and it really hits all cravings. Nearby is also More Thai — our favourite for authentic Thai flavours.
For things to do in Mississauga, visit here.
Scarborough - Toronto's Eastside Edge
Scarborough is a part of the GTA and more specifically, is one of the six boroughs that make up the City of Toronto (alongside Etobicoke, North York, East York, York, and Old Toronto).
This is Toronto’s rugged, and underrated edge where natural beauty meets cultural depth. It's home to the Scarborough Bluffs, the Toronto Zoo, hidden beaches, vibrant food courts, Hakka cuisine, and parks, whilst offering some of the city’s most diverse experiences.
Vaughan - Hitting Velocity
Just a short drive north of Toronto is Vaughan, within the Regional Municipality of York, and considered part of the GTA. Vaughan is all thrills, shopping, and surprises from chasing the rush of Canada’s Wonderland or outlet deals at Vaughan Mills.
Where Toronto Ends and Adventure Begins
Day Trips from Toronto
The best part of living in Toronto is how easily you can also escape it. Within a few hours, skyscrapers turn into vineyards, fruit and flower-picking farms, hiking trails, waterfalls, charming quaint towns, and cliffside views. Below are a few day or easy overnight trips worth venturing out to as some of the best parts of the city lie just beyond its borders.
Niagara Falls - A Classic Canadian Experience
First on every traveller's bucket list, Niagara Falls, is a timeless spectacle that stuns every time whether a first-timer tourist or a local. Just 1.5 hours from Toronto, it's an easy trip for a dose of natural drama.
Voyage beneath the Falls on a boat tour, wander through the chaos of Clifton Hill, catch the falls lit up after sunset, dine to the classic views from Skylon Tower, pair your visit with Niagara-on-the-Lake's boutique shops, outdoor outlet mall, scenic vineyards, and lakes — an iconic Ontario experience.
Blue Mountain - Ski Slopes to Summer Village
Just over two hours from Toronto, Blue Mountain is more than a ski hill! During the winter, it’s Ontario’s go-to for skiing, snowboarding, and après vibes. In summer, the village transforms into a cozy alpine-style resort filled with shops, restaurants, hiking trails, and mountain-top views. Ride the gondola, soak in a Scandinavian spa, or sip cider by the fire.\
Tobermory - It's Giving Coastal Granddaughter
A little further north of the city (about 4.5 hours) lies Tobermory, Ontario’s hidden gem and my favourite getaway coastal town in the country! This is a rugged, breathtaking slice of nature perched at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, shipwreck dives, and the iconic Grotto, feeling worlds away from the city.
Hike along the Bruce Trail, ferry out to Flowerpot Island, or simply stroll through the harbour. Tobermory is best done as an overnight or over a weekend, especially during the summer when the cliffs, trails, and waters are at their best.
Elora - Canyons & Cobblestones
Elora is a small quaint and charming riverside village 1.5 hours from Toronto, known for its storybook streets and gorge that can be explored under 90 minutes. Stroll through the village's boutique shops, cafés, and art galleries housed in historic stone buildings. The Elora Gorge Conservation Area also offers scenic hikes, suspension bridges, and tubing adventures through limestone cliffs.
Friday Harbour - The Marina Getaway
Friday Harbour is a marina-side pedestrian village and a lakeside resort blending urban luxury with a classic cottage charm just under two hours north of Toronto! The resort’s scenic promenade is lined with water‑facing restaurants, cafés, and boutiques, making it perfect for a day trip stroll. For those looking to extend their stay, Friday Harbour offers live‑music at the pier, weekend markets, beachside and poolside activities, and vibrant seasonal festivals.
Paris (ON) - Paris, but in a Plaid Scarf
Paris, Ontario, even smaller than Elora, is another riverside escape just 90 minutes from Toronto, featuring cobblestone buildings, riverside patios, and small-town warmth. Wander along the Grand River, sip a latte at a local café, or browse independent boutiques on quaint streets. Perfect for a lazy day trip or weekend brunch detour!
Hamilton - Concretes & Cascades
Once written off as just an industrial city, Hamilton has quietly transformed into a haven for creatives, hikers, and nature-lovers. Less than an hour from Toronto, it’s home to over 100 waterfalls, and dramatic escarpment views.
Seasonal Farm Escapes
Growing up, seasonal farm escapes were a cherished family tradition — from Easter egg hunts in Spring to Halloween haunts in the Fall. There’s something grounding about leaving behind Toronto’s skyline and finding yourself beneath open countryside skies. These farms around the GTA make for perfect day trips, whether you’re picking sweet cherries in early summer, wandering through sunflower fields in August, or searching for the perfect pumpkin come October!
Some popular farms include Downey’s Farm (Caledon), Pingle’s Farm Market (Hampton), Cherry Avenue Farms (Vineland), Applewood Farm (Stouffville) for seasonal fruit-picking and annual holiday set-ups; Davis Family Farm (Caledon), Campbell’s Cross Farm (Caledon), known for sprawling sunflower and lavender fields; and Brooks Farms (Mount Albert), and Chudleigh’s (Milton), October classics for fall fairs, baked goods, and farm animals.
Be sure to check each farm’s website or social media for details before heading out as picking seasons can be short and vary year to year depending on weather!
For more of Day Trips from Toronto, visit here.
GALLERY:
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