It’s time for this week’s Weekender, and our list of things to do in Toronto is both robust and a great reflection of why Toronto’s summer scene is one of the best in Canada. You just have to ask yourself, do you have the energy to do it all?
Friday after-work drinks will see you over on John Street at the Town Crier Pub, grabbing a bottle of whatever obscure brew your taste buds crave – we recommend trying Delirium Tremens, voted best beer in the world a few times and definitely worth the praise. Then, head southwest a bit and catch a bite at The One That Got Away on King Street at Portland, one of Toronto’s best fish ‘n chips joints. You’ll want to stop in to Cool Hand Luc‘s for a scoop of velvety ice cream before walking around a bit and hitting up the Booty Bash at Brassaii – a fundraiser for the Don McQuaig Foundation – where you’ll shake your derriere into the wee hours of Saturday morning.
After sleeping off your Friday night (and the week for that matter), it’s time to pack up some sunscreen and make your way down to the island ferry because the ALL CAPS! Island Festival is sure to be a happening oasis getaway from the city. But before you make the quick ride across the river, stop into Hank’s on Church just south of Front for some fuelling up with an awesome brunch. Then head over to the harbourfront and board the waterway carrier for a day of music, arts, and culture Island-style – well, Toronto Island-style at least. When your jaunt away from the city’s center is over and you’re back on connected land, hop on the subway at Union and go up the Spadina line until you reach St. George Station and you exit out onto Bloor. Head over to Hemingway’s for a chill dinner and end your night with some creamy heaven next door at Gelato Simply Italian (they’re open until around 1am).
On Sunday, you’ll want to head over to the Conscious Food Festival to check out some local merchants and purveyors of sustainable produce at the Fort York National Historic Site. And since you’re in the area, head over to Lynn Williams Street for a late lunch at the newly opened Williams Landing on their expansive patio. The AGO is your next stop, where you can check out the recently-opened Haute Culture exhibit or catch a glimpse of AbEx, and then head to Queen Street and hop on a Long Branch streetcar because it’s time you checked out Cafe du Lac (and explore the far reaches of our city). Get one of the famous poutines with a foie gras sauce at this Montreal-style bistro, or opt for one of any number of the other blissful plates. A perfect end to a perfect weekend.
Image courtesy Creative Commons.