The area surrounding the city proper has expanded rapidly in the last few decades, with suburban bedroom communities popping up around the urban fringe, engulfing fertile farmland. While highway development ensures convenient access to the many sites outside the city, roads can be extremely crowded at rush hour, and it is a good idea to plan excursions for off-peak times. Many delightful parks and natural areas lie just outside the city, along with spacious beaches. Toronto Zoo, set in the huge wilderness area of Rouge Park on the eastern edge of the city, is a delightful place to spend a day, as is, for family thrills, Paramount Canada’s Wonderland. Several historic attractions, such as Black Creek Pioneer Village, where costumed guides demonstrate pioneer life, or Bradley Museum, a restored farmhouse, provide a glimpse into mid-19th-century country life. Art lovers are drawn due north to the renowned McMichael Canadian Art Collection in the charming village of Kleinburg.
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Morning
Begin at Sunset Grill, 2006 Queen St E, for breakfast. (The waffles are a local favorite.) Fortified, cross the street and meander toward the lake through Kew Gardens, noting the unusual circular path and rounded windows of Kew Williams Cottage, built in 1902, at the park’s south end. If you prefer cycling to walking, first check out Beach Cycles (1882 Queen St E) for equipment rental.
Reaching the boardwalk, turn right and follow it to the end, a 15-minute stroll. Look out for the paved path on the right; take it into Ashbridges Bay Park, where you can stroll along the waterfront, watching sailboats moor. The city view from the west side of the park is excellent.
For lunch, retrace your steps to Kew Gardens, then up to Queen St, for a famously good burger at Lick’s (No. 1960).
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon browsing the shops on Queen St, picking up at treat at The Nutty Chocolatier, No. 2179, to enjoy while taking a break at the serene sunken rock garden – Ivan Forest Gardens – at Queen St E and Glen Manor Dr.
Shopped out, snag a seat on Quigley’s patio (No. 2232) and relax with a refreshment. If you’re up for more walking, continue another 10 minutes east to the (see Greater Toronto) to stroll the grounds of this Art Deco gem and admire the view of the Scarborough Bluffs (see Bluffer’s Park) and Lake Ontario.
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Classic French cooking with a contemporary twist. Two intimate rooms, a bar, and a small patio. In winter, ask for a table by the fireplace.
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For an authentic taste of early settler life, visit this re-creation of a 19th-century rural Ontario community. Among the dozens of buildings – a handful original to the site, the rest moved here and restored – are a school, a church, village shops, houses, and barns. The grounds include an orchard, millpond, restored gardens, and grazing livestock. Costumed staff demonstrate pioneer crafts and carry out tasks such as tinsmithing and milling flour (the flour is available for sale). Free wagon rides are popular with the kids.
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Dramatic sandstone cliffs rise 350 ft (110 m) above Lake Ontario, providing a spectacular backdrop to this east-end park. Marina and seasonal snack bar.
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This festive Moroccan restaurant serves classic couscous with meat and vegetarian tajines (stews), along with scrumptious starters. Mint tea – packed with fresh leaves and sugar – is the real thing.
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This collection of early-19th-century buildings offers a window on the past. The 1830 farmhouse was built by Lewis and Elizabeth Bradley, United Empire Loyalists who left the US and settled in Ontario, raising seven children. The restored house features period artifacts. The Anchorage, also on the grounds, is a Regency-style cottage originally home to Royal Navy officer John Skynner. It offers rotating exhibitions and, the last Sunday of the month, afternoon tea.
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This 1837 house was the residence of land surveyor John Howard and his wife, Jemima. Howard deeded the estate to the city, thereby forming the basis for High Park. Located at the south end of the park, the Regency-style house, with its gorgeous circular verandah, has been fully restored and includes many of the Howards’ original belongings, including John Howard’s original watercolors of early Toronto scenes. Costumed guides lead tours. Don’t miss the garden, planted with kitchen herbs and flowers. Seasonal celebrations, such as the Harvest Festival and the lamplit processions at Christmastime, are particularly popular.
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Classic Chinese dishes more than make up for the unpromising surroundings of this restaurant, located in a mall.
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Magnificent floral displays are to be found in this large park by the Wilket Creek ravine. Kids’ activities at the superb teaching garden.
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While North York is a relentlessly modern part of the city, it is also home to this historic gem – an elegant Georgian farmhouse built in 1851. The original owner, land surveyor and mapper David Gibson, was a leader of the Upper Canada Rebellion in 1837 who was forced to flee to the US when the uprising failed. Following his pardon, Gibson returned and built this home for his wife and seven children. The museum hosts guided tours and also holds classes in such forgotten arts as hearth-cooking.
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Restaurant price categories
For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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