Amelie CameronThink you’ve mastered Toronto like a local? Think again!
This vibrant city is bursting with unique and quirky experiences that only the savviest locals know about – and guess what? We happen to be among the savviest here, if we do say so ourselves!
So go ahead: toss that guidebook aside because we’ve got the inside scoop on the best, unique things to do in Toronto that only true locals can share with you. Dive into the real deal below!
- Escape to Casa Loma for thrilling adventures
- Skate under a highway
- Indulge in shoegazing at Bata Shoe Museum
- Grab a spacey drink
- Take a leisurely stroll on the Philosopher’s Walk
- Explore Toronto's spooky side with a Ghost Walk
- Wander beneath the city
- Try the EdgeWalk at the CN Tower
- Explore the Haunted Distillery District
- Ride a Tiki Taxi to Toronto Island
- Lock love at Toronto's Love Locks
- Go doll hunting in Leslieville
- Chow down on the loo
- Explore the mini version of Canada
- Check out Toronto's Half House
- Keep an eye out for the neighborhood watch signs
- Catch a show in the forest
- Hunt for rare reads at the Monkey's Paw
- Score the weirdest gifts at the city's largest oddity shop
- Take a peek into Toronto's sewers
Escape to Casa Loma for thrilling adventures
Website: https://www.escapecasaloma.com/
Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-243-7658
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Escape rooms are totally a Toronto thing and if you want a game that’s anything but ordinary, check out Casa Loma. Sure, it may not scream European castle, but this Gothic Revival mansion feels like a fairy tale come true in the city.
The immersive puzzles are scattered from the towers to the secret tunnels. What’s even cooler is that they have themes like the wild ’20s and dragon fantasy (the outfits of the live actors will give you a clue of which is which!).
They even have a game based on the hit Canadian TV series, Murdoch Mysteries. Don’t let the secret out – it’s a staff favorite that’s why we’re sharing it with you!
Families and large groups are welcome, and if you’re flying solo, they’ll hook you up with a crew.
Skate under a highway
Website: http://www.thebentway.ca/
Address: 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-304-0222
Operating hours: Monday – Friday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
In case you haven’t heard yet, we love skating rinks here in Toronto! But if you’re tired of the typical skating spots, why not skate under a highway at the Bentway?
It’s a cool urban spot near the waterfront that’s technically a transformed parking lot under the Gardiner Expressway. Now it’s a chill hangout with art installations and spaces for recreational fun, including skating.
Oh, and in the summer, they roll out a 1.75km looped concrete trail for some laid-back roller skating (think 1970s vibes!). Suso Skate Co. also sets up shop with skating rentals for both kids and adults.
When winter hits, it transforms into an ice skating rink, complete with DJs and hot chocolate – talk about a versatile spot!
Indulge in shoegazing at Bata Shoe Museum
Website: https://batashoemuseum.ca/
Address: 327 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-979-7799
Operating hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Shoegazing, eh? Not the most heart-pumping activity ever, but just as satisfying! If you’re up for some “shoegazing” in the city, head to the Bata Shoe Museum for a quick fix.
The place features over 1,000 pairs of shoes on display, along with boots and all kinds of shoe-related stuff from their massive collection of 15,000 items.
The extensive permanent exhibition, “All About Shoes,” covers 4,500 years of history. You’ll see everything from ancient Egyptian sandals to 16th-century Italian platforms. They even have shoes made from human hair – yeah, really!
Plus, keep an eye out for those kicks worn by big names like John Lennon, Madonna, and Queen Victoria. And if that doesn’t scream pop culture enough, they also have cool exhibitions like Manolo Blahnik’s “The Art of Shoes,” made famous by the Sex and the City ladies.
Grab a spacey drink
Website: http://offworldbar.com/
Address: 739 Queen St W 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M6J 1G1, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-603-2626
Operating hours: Wednesday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Friday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Over at Offworld on West Queen West, they have a thing for space-age cocktails.
No seriously, it’s a sci-fi-themed bar where they playfully “scan” you for alien signs before you hop onto seats. From inside, you’ll be surrounded by 3D holograms and virtual windows showing off trippy landscapes.
Now, when it comes to the drinks, they’re not your usual stuff – they have some real show-stoppers with dry ice and the whole presentation. And if you’re not into the hard stuff, don’t worry: they have non-alcoholic drinks too.
Be sure not to miss the mysterious “Black Hole.” You get to enjoy a chocolate rum concoction but one where you have noise-canceling headphones. What will you hear? Oh just the sounds of an actual black hole recorded by NASA!
Take a leisurely stroll on the Philosopher’s Walk
– Media by jen___doe
Website: https://www.utoronto.ca/
Address: 78 Queens Pk Cres W, Toronto, ON M5S 2C5, Canada
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Nestled within the St. George campus of the University of Toronto, you’ll find a charming footpath that’s open to everyone – Philosopher’s Walk.
No need for a degree to enjoy this scenic spot! Feel free to wander here at any time, whether you’re walking off a coffee high, recovering from a poutine feast, or shaking off a hangover.
Moreover, as you amble along, you’ll be treated to views of some of Toronto’s most stunning buildings, including the Royal Ontario Museum, the Royal Conservatory of Music, and Trinity College.
Explore Toronto’s spooky side with a Ghost Walk
Website: https://ghostwalks.com/toronto/
Address: 60 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2M3, Canada
Contact details: +1 855-844-6787
Ghost walk? That’s just like window shopping on Yonge Street with no cash! No, kidding aside – it’s actually one of the quirkiest things you can do in the city, if you’re brave enough!
The Ghost Walks of Toronto host one of the tours in town, kicking off at the steps of Old City Hall. From there, it’s a laid-back route around Yonge-Dundas Square, which happens to be the city’s most haunted spot.
On the tour, get ready for some wild tales like ghosts messing with judges, a couple getting spooked by the ghost of a rebel mayor, and a morgue attendant who decided to make St. Michael’s Hospital their permanent home!
Moreover, you’ll make pitstops at cool places like the Mackenzie House, Massey Hall, and under the marquee of the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre. Just to keep it real, the tour is all outdoors, just a chill (and chilling) walk around town.
Wander beneath the city
– Media by pattisonoutdoor
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/visitor-toronto/path-torontos-downtown-pedestrian-walkway/
Address: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
For the average Torontonian, the PATH is for daily commuting. But did you know that it’s also a unique (underground) maze waiting to be explored?
In fact, it holds the title of the world’s largest underground shopping complex! On top of that, the PATH is also your best, uh, path to get around the city when it’s freezing cold or scorching hot weather.
With routes stretching from the Eaton Centre to Union Station, you can practically explore most of the downtown area. Sure, it might be a bit confusing at first (expect to get lost a few times!), but eventually, it becomes a real lifesaver.
Plus, you’ll feel like a savvy Torontonian, just blending seamlessly with other locals.
Try the EdgeWalk at the CN Tower
Website: https://www.cntower.ca/
Address: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-868-6937
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Landmarks, landmarks! In Toronto, the CN Tower is quite literally a city icon famous for its stunning views. Besides the 360 Restaurant and SkyPod, there’s one unique thing you shouldn’t miss – the EdgeWalk!
This adventure might not be for the faint of heart, but if you’re a thrill-seeker, consider giving it a shot. It’s not exactly a plunge (we have God and management to thank for that). Rather, you’ll be hanging off the edge of the tower, securely strapped in for an epic experience.
While tickets for the EdgeWalk can be a bit expensive, they do grant you access to the top of the CN Tower, making it a worthwhile experience. So if you have some cash to spare, add it to your itinerary.
Explore the Haunted Distillery District
– Media by torontobestevents
Website: http://www.hauntedwalk.com/
Address: 11 Gristmill Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-238-1473
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
If you still can’t get enough of the scares, why not travel to the Distillery District? The place is actually known for its cobblestone streets, quaint boutiques, and historic distilleries, but it also has spooky tales hidden in its corners.
From May to November, you can join a Haunted Walk through the Distillery District with a local guide. Listen to “scandalous” and creepy tales about the area – from stories of accidents, tragic events, and ongoing ghostly happenings.
Moreover, this small group tour hits up key spots, so you can enjoy the beauty of the place while snapping some pics. And of course, if fright isn’t your thing, you can always visit the district anytime!
Ride a Tiki Taxi to Toronto Island
Website: https://www.tikitaxi.ca/
Address: 437 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5V 3T1, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-347-8454
Operating hours: Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Yes, Toronto is a bustling, busy city brimming with urban life. But did you know that we also have our own island? Or actually a bunch of islands right off downtown called Toronto Island (we just call it “The Island”).
And you know what’s the coolest way to get there? Hop on a tiki-themed water taxi!
These small boats, adorned with bamboo, vibrant colors, and thatched roofs, can seat up to 12 passengers. Your captain might even have tropical tunes on the playlist, so you really get that Bali-esque tropical feel.
Once you get to the island, you’ll get a fantastic view of the city’s skyline. Not only that, it’s also one of the best places to watch the sunset in Toronto, so time your visit if you want to catch that!
Lock love at Toronto’s Love Locks
– Media by markbernards3
Website: http://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/
Address: 7 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-364-1177
Forget about Paris – that’s expensive, anyway! Toronto has its own cool love sign just for locks, perfect for your Insta game! This gem is tucked away in the Distillery District and is a must-see art piece for lovers and those who love themselves a little too much (jk!).
There are vendors selling locks, and you can ask them to snap some pics of you and your partner. But if you’re the DIY type, bring your own lock and have someone else take your picture.
Or, if it’s not too crazy, set up a tripod for that perfect shot. Don’t be shy – everybody around is doing it!
Go doll hunting in Leslieville
– Media by 0429.cc
Address: 35 Bertmount Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2X8, Canada
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Love dolls? We think you’ll love taking a trip down to the Crazy Doll House!
It’s right there on a regular street in Leslieville. But unlike the other homes, it’s not your typical garden. Forget about flowers; the front yard is a playground for various types of dolls, from Barbies to action figures.
This wild doll house is always growing and shifting so there’s always something new to look at. And if you happen to stroll past in October, get ready for a spooky twist with some Toronto Halloween decorations!
Chow down on the loo
Website: https://www.facebook.com/poopcafe.ca/
Address: 678 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1L4, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-535-7667
Operating hours: Monday – Friday:; 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Well, eating out is definitely common in Toronto (there are lots of restaurants around, by the way). But what’s not common is coming along to a food place like The Poop Cafe (yes, you read that right), which makes snacking out feel like the most daring adventure you’ve ever done.
This place is wild – some might even say it’s a bit discomforting, but we think it’s fun! Where else can you enjoy desserts while sitting on a toilet?
Instead of regular chairs, you’ll dine in on toilet bowls (not used, don’t worry!). On top of that, the whole place is decked out in browns with poop emojis everywhere – more quirky and cute than icky really.
Thankfully, the menu is full of tasty Asian-inspired treats, mostly served in dish bowls shaped like toilets or the poop emoji (of course). Jokes aside, the Poop Cafe is a blast and is fun for the whole gang or the whole fam.
Explore the mini version of Canada
Website: https://www.little-canada.ca/
Address: 10 Dundas St E Basement2, Toronto, ON M5B 2G9, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-578-4663
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Friday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Right in the heart of downtown Toronto, there’s this awesome new spot called Little Canada. If you can’t tell from the name yet, it’s where you can check out the whole country – just in a tiny, adorable version!
This mini layout is packed with Canada’s top sights, from stunning landscapes to famous cities like Little Niagara, Little Ottawa, and, of course, Little Toronto.
But here’s the coolest part about Little Canada – you can be part of the action too! You can get yourself scanned and turned into a 3D-printed mini-you.
They’ll place your little self right into the Little Canada world for you and everyone else (their mini versions, included!) to enjoy. How cool is that?
Check out Toronto’s Half House
– Media by beforeigetanyolder
Website: 54 St Patrick St, Toronto, ON M5T 1V1, Canada
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Just south of the Art Gallery of Ontario, there’s this half house that’s a real head-turner. Known as Toronto’s Half House, it’s definitely one of the things you can’t find elsewhere in Canada.
The story behind it? Picture a demolition showdown between the city and the Valkos family of 54 ½ St. Patrick Street back in the ’70s. The family won the battle, but as a compromise, developers sliced their house in half like a birthday cake.
Fast forward, and the owner never sold it. The half house stuck around, becoming this funky optical illusion and one of the many quirky spots in Toronto!
Keep an eye out for the neighborhood watch signs
– Media by dcmism
Who doesn’t love a good ol’ treasure hunt? If you want something unique to do in Toronto, scout for neighborhood watch signs like pokemon!
These aren’t your usual boring signs you see everywhere. Nope, these signs rock a bunch of cool characters, many from the ’80s and ’90s pop culture! Artist Andrew Lamb jazzed up the city’s old signs with his creative touch, adding characters as diverse as the city itself.
So, keep your eyes open for signs featuring Mulder and Scully, Mr. Rogers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and more (there’s a ton of them). You can spot these gems in places like Kensington Market, College Street, and Queen Street West!
Catch a show in the forest
– Media by where_in_the_world_88
Website: http://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/ewg
Address: 189 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 1M4, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-314-2901
No, you won’t be literally in a forest, but catching a show at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre will transport you to a forest-like wonderland, which is almost the same!
Inside, you’ll see natural scenes painted on all the walls, leaves cascading down from the ceiling, and charming lamps and lanterns that add a magical feel.
If you’re curious and simply want to explore the Winter Garden Theater when there’s no show playing, you can opt for a 90-minute paid guided tour instead.
However, these tours are available only on Mondays, but they run throughout the year. Take note for your next Toronto visit!
Hunt for rare reads at the Monkey’s Paw
Website: http://www.monkeyspaw.com/
Address: 1067 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1M5, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-531-2123
Operating hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Another unique thing to do in Toronto is to check out the Monkey’s Paw. Why? Well, this incredible bookstore doesn’t just sell books – it offers a collection of rare and unusual books, plus other peculiar oddities.
Bookworms, get ready to be enchanted by the eclectic mix of hard-to-find 20th-century books that this place proudly showcases. The owner also adds a unique touch by categorizing the books into four groups: absurd, macabre, beautiful, and arcane.
Additionally, the Monkey’s Paw also boasts a funky feature – the Biblio-Mat vending machine. If you have the right five-dollar token, brace yourself for a surprise, as it dispenses vintage books at random!
Score the weirdest gifts at the city’s largest oddity shop
Website: http://www.skullstore.ca
Address: 397 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2A7, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-363-1060
Operating hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
If you’re into dinosaurs or the bizarre, dash – don’t just walk –over to the SkullStore Oddity Shop. This fantastically quirky gift shop, nestled within the free Prehistoria Museum, takes the crown as the biggest oddity shop and natural history store in the city!
Here, you can dig through a collection of freaky skulls, taxidermied goodies, fossils, and ancient artifacts. Take some home as a souvenir or something cool to surprise a friend (only if they’re into this kind of stuff!).
Highlights include dino bones, bits from ancient Egypt and Rome, and even Viking artifacts!
Take a peek into Toronto’s sewers
If you’re up for more offbeat things to do, why not take a peek into the sewers of Toronto? These underground passages are like a hidden underworld, with tunnels after tunnels that tell their own tale.
What makes this place magical to see is the fact that it looks exactly like the sewers in fictional stories – wide, high-ceilinged, perfect for rebel troops, bank robbers on the run, or even the teenage mutant ninja turtles!
You’ll find entrances in all the usual spots like manholes, maintenance shafts, spillways, and water treatment side roads. But, fair warning, you can’t just stroll in! You need permission and a guide from a public works employee.
So, if you know someone, toss this on your list of things to check out in the city for a quirky and interesting adventure!
