An Alternative Guide to Toronto and Its Best-Kept Secrets
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.
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.
1. Read first-edition books at the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
Library
2. Step back in time at the Aga Khan Museum
Museum, Park
4. 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.
5. Listen to local legends at Lee’s Palace
Music Venue, Building, Shop
6. Score vintage finds at Black Market Clothing
Store
7. Skip Steam Whistle and grab a pint at The Maddie
Bar, Pub, Beer
8. Smell the roses at Allan Gardens
Park
9. 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.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
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.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.