As a bustling, vibrant city, Toronto always has something new to offer curious tourists and adventurous residents alike.
Whether your perfect weekend includes exploring a food market, a lazy stroll on the boardwalk or sitting down to a tasting menu with a glass of incredible wine, Toronto’s east end is a great place to spend a sunny Sunday.
1. Start your east end wanderings at the Leslieville Farmers’ Market in Jonathan Ashbridge Park. Grab a coffee and meander through stalls of local honey, handmade bread, fresh waffles and fruit and veg picked just outside of the city.
2. Be sure to purchase a slab or two of Ontario-made cheese and a loaf of artisanal sour dough for some afternoon sustenance – you’re going to need it!
3. Once you’ve satisfied your breakfast cravings and picked up some nibbles from the market, take the 501 streetcar (or your bike) east to The Beaches. Spend an hour or two enjoying the boardwalk and the sand between your toes, reminding yourself that you’re still in the same city!
4. At the end of your lakeside stroll, tuck into your farmers’ market goodies and maybe pick up another cuppa from one of the many cute cafes on Queen Street. This is what Sundays were made for, right?
5. Get back on your bike or the TTC and head north west to Riverdale Farm. You may be surprised to hear that they’ve got 7.5 acres of beautifully wooded areas, ponds, gardens and a historic working farm! Take ample time to enjoy the greenery, and cap off your wonderings by getting a glimpse of the picturesque residential streets of Cabbagetown on your way out.
6. With a full day of east end explorations under your belt, you’ll probably be famished (and rightly so!) Reward yourself with a local four course tasting menu (vegetarian available and highly recommended!) from Queen Street east’s GLAS Wine Bar. Soak in the gourmet flavours from Chef Danny Pantano‘s kitchen accompanied by some delicious Ontario wine pairings.
And there you have it – the perfect day in Toronto’s east end! Don’t forget your appetite.