Summary
This tour highlights the downtown core and is easily done on foot by most people. The total walking distance over the day is about 10 km (just over 6 miles). The tour completes a circuit from Yonge Street to Queen Street to Spadina to Dundas Street and back to Yonge (see map). The length of the tour depends on how long you spend at each point. Some tourists never make it past the morning visit to the shopping mall!
Breakfast at Daybreak or St Lawrence Market
If you’re looking for a cheerful, no-nonsense breakfast spot, Sunset Grill is an excellent choice. Fuel up for your day of walking with large portions of standard breakfast fare including omelets, pancakes, and eggs benedict. The central location allows for a short stroll down Yonge Street to the Eaton Centre.
- Located at 1 Richmond St. West, corner of Yonge & Richmond
- (416) 861-0514, Open Daily 7 AM to 4 PM
Alternatively, start your day at the St. Lawrence Market at the corner of Front Street and Jarvis. Explore the stalls of fresh foods. Enjoy a sit-down breakfast or grab something to go. Open every day except Sunday & Monday.
From St Lawrence Market, head west to Yonge Street and north toward Queen Street.
Morning, the Toronto Eaton Centre
The Toronto Eaton Centre is a popular destination, featuring over 300 stores in a four-level glass-domed retail complex. Hanging from the ceiling is a spectacular mobile of a flock of Canadian geese by artist Michael Snow.
- Level 2 features a tourist info service, with free maps available.
- Open Mon-Fri 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sat 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM, Sun 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Exit the center on Queen Street and turn right, heading west toward Spadina.
Late Morning, Toronto City Hall / Queen Street
Walking down Queen Street, Old City Hall (1899) is on the right, immediately contrasted by the contemporary city hall. Star Trek fans may recognize the new city hall as it was featured in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
On the left is Canada’s oldest corporation, the Hudson Bay Company, with its flagship store, the Bay. If you haven’t had enough shopping, stop here. The department store features Canadiana merchandise, including t-shirts and mittens with the iconic maple leaf and the colorful striped HBC Point Blanket, originally created in the 1600s for fur traders.
Continuing west, Queen Street begins to resemble New York City’s Soho district. It is undeniably hip, featuring an eclectic mix of galleries, boutiques, trendy eateries, and bargain finds.
Walk along Queen until you reach Spadina, then turn right, heading north to Dundas.
Lunch in Chinatown
Once Queen Street hits Spadina, you are in the heart of bustling Chinatown and endless lunch possibilities. An affordable lunch spot is Chinese Traditional Buns at 536 Dundas W, where two can easily refuel for under C$20.
If it’s a nice day and you wish to stay outside, or if you want to save money, grab a Vietnamese Sub for C$1.50 at Banh Mi Nguyen Huong, 322 Spadina (left-hand side). Alternatively, you can stay inside and enjoy their delicious dim sum.
Most restaurants along Spadina that are busy are likely to be good. Most have menus and prices posted in the window.
Turn right and head east on Dundas toward the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Afternoon, the Art Gallery of Toronto
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) houses an impressive collection of more than 40,000 works, making it the 10th largest art museum in North America. The AGO serves as a superb document of Canadian art heritage but also features masterworks from around the world, spanning from 100 AD to the present.
After visiting the AGO, either grab a drink at one of the trendy eateries on nearby Baldwin Street or head east down Dundas back to Yonge. If you’re too tired or hungry to walk, catch a Dundas streetcar.
Dinner, Baton Rouge
After a long day of sightseeing, Baton Rouge is a warm, cozy place to settle down for a leisurely dinner. This restaurant, an export from Montreal, is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike. Renowned for its slow-cooked ribs and steaks, it offers a wide selection of stir-fries, salads, seafood, and more.
If you seek culinary excellence while enjoying a panoramic view of the city, consider making reservations at Canoe, the 54th-floor restaurant famous for being among the city’s best for 20 years.
If you’re on a budget, fear not. A variety of ramen bars, Middle Eastern takeout joints, or the renovated Eaton Centre food court will satisfy you without breaking the bank. For example, two can dine at Sansotei Ramen, including a beer, for under $40, tip included.
Nightcap, Reservoir Lounge
Conclude your night with great Swing Jazz and Jump Blues at the cozy Reservoir Lounge at 52 Wellington Street East. Enjoy a different band each night from Monday to Saturday. If you enjoy the performance, you will always know where to find them!
- Cover charge Cdn$5 – Cdn$10, depending on the night.
- Call 416-955-0887 for more details.
