An Alternative Guide to Toronto and Its...

From a tucked-away speakeasy to Shakespeare’s First Folio to a wacky, real-life dollhouse, here are nine alternative spots that are the best-kept secrets in the city of Toronto.

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Toronto, Ontario’s capital city, is buzzing with just shy of 3 million residents and a booming tourism industry. In 2017, the city had a record-breaking year, welcoming 43 million visitors – which is no surprise considering the countless tourist attractions, local events and concerts as well as the growing, superb restaurant scene. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t still secret gems to be discovered far from the crowds and loved by Torontonians. Here are nine of Toronto’s best-kept secrets and where to find them.

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CentralAmerica

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

CentralAmerica

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.

CentralAmerica

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.

SouthAmerica

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

SouthAmerica

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.

Europe

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Europe

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.

Europe

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.

Asia

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Asia

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.

Asia

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price

Africa

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Africa

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.

Africa

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.

Read first-edition books at the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

Library

For a break from the bustle of the city, the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library is a unique must-see. Visitors can request to view and handle some of the world’s rarest books, such as Shakespeare’s First Folio (1623) and Margaret Atwood’s original works. Located on the University of Toronto campus, this collection is open to the public, with over 800,000 books to peruse. Grab a cup of joe and set out in search of the rarest of books, including the ‘Wicked Bible’ with a misprint encouraging readers, “Thou shalt commit adultery”.

Step back in time at the Aga Khan Museum

Museum, Park

16th century marble and sandstone mosaic Egypt inside Aga Khan museum toronto canada

This museum honours Islamic art, Iranian art and Muslim culture, but the building itself often draws in visitors for its unique architecture. The core collection of the museum was curated by Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, who began collecting art during his Harvard University days. Today, the donated pieces make up the majority of the works at Aga Khan – which is the first North American museum dedicated exclusively to Islamic arts.

Catch a wave at Woodbine Beach

Natural Feature

Woodbine Beach has waves all year-round for keen surfers

While the city isn’t known for its beaches, surfers gather during the coldest winter days to surf the icy waters at Woodbine Beach. Though you can often find Torontonians hitting the waves year-round, winter storms tend to bring in the biggest waves from December to February. Don’t know how to surf? Local company Surf the Greats will get you started with a 2.5-hour class covering the basics and getting you up on your first wave.

Warm up with a cocktail at Coffee Oysters Champagne

Bar, Cocktails, Coffee, Seafood

This restaurant may be in Toronto’s busy entertainment district, but with strict reservations, it keeps the crowd small for intimate gatherings. The best part? Follow the champagne tour to discover the secret speakeasy, À Toi, in the back of the restaurant, and get your dancing shoes ready. The restaurant offers the largest collection of champagne in the city, with endless options ranging from cheap sparkling wine to a $4,888 bottle of vintage Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’ Brut – in case you’re feeling fancy.

Listen to local legends at Lee’s Palace

Music Venue, Building, Shop

Lees palace rock Concert hall on Bloor street, Toronto

A Toronto institution with a local crowd, Lee’s Palace hosts rock bands from some of the biggest names in music to hometown heroes every weekend. Tucked away in the Annex, it would be easy to miss if not for its colourful exterior. Once the event ends, concert-goers can head upstairs to find a club venue playing the best alternative hits, mostly from the early 2000s. Drinks are cheap, and if you have a student ID handy, entrance is free.

Score vintage finds at Black Market Clothing

Store

This vintage store has become a beloved institution; everything is for purchase for $10. Stock up on jean jackets, vintage Levis and cheap sunnies for a cheap wardrobe refresh. Those who collect vintage records will love the vinyl shop also located in the back of the store. While it may take some digging, there are plenty of quality finds to be taken home for next to nothing.

Skip Steam Whistle and grab a pint at The Maddie

Bar, Pub, Beer

The Madison Avenue Pub is popular for an after-work pint and can easily accommodate big groups for a fun night on the town. After all, the pub’s slogan is “Serving friends in Toronto since 1982!” Find easy-to-chat-with Torontonians inside the three connected Victorian mansions. With a different vibe on each level, visitors can choose from live entertainment (a piano-playing maestro), darts, pool and even a bit of dancing.

Smell the roses at Allan Gardens

Park

This Victorian-era greenhouse stands out in downtown Toronto with its domed roof; inside you’ll find a botanical oasis. Changing with each season, the conservatory houses rare plant species from around the world and makes for some great photos. Outside the greenhouse, find two large dog parks and take a walk along the ground of one of the oldest parks in the city.

Feel the weight of a thousand eyes at Leslieville’s Crazy Doll House

Museum

Find one of Toronto’s strangest curiosities in the quiet neighbourhood of Leslieville, where owner Shirley Sumaiser has decked out her house in hundreds of toys. Known as the resident ‘dollhouse,’ the site gives passers-by the chance to spot Hello Kitties, the Toy Story gang, Mickey Mouse and many more notable characters. With a collection growing for over 20 years, visitors should be sure to stop by time and time again, as there are often seasonal additions for each holiday.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

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