A Day at the Beach
Morning
Begin at Sunset Grill, 2006 Queen St E, for breakfast. (The waffles are a local favorite.) Fortified, cross the street and meander toward the lake through Kew Gardens, noting the unusual circular path and rounded windows of Kew Williams Cottage, built in 1902, at the park’s south end. If you prefer cycling to walking, first check out Beach Cycles
(1882 Queen St E) for equipment rental.
Reaching the boardwalk, turn right and follow it to the end, a 15 minute stroll. Look out for the paved path on the right; take it into Ashbridges Bay Park, where you can stroll along the waterfront, watching sailboats moor. The city view from the west side of the park is excellent.
For lunch, retrace your steps to Kew Gardens, then up to Queen St, for a famously good burger at Lick’s (No. 1960).
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon browsing the shops on Queen St, picking up at treat at The Nutty Chocolatier, No. 2179, to enjoy while taking a break at the serene sunken rock garden – Ivan Forest Gardens – at Queen St E and Glen Manor Dr.
Shopped out, snag a seat on Quigley’s patio (No. 2232) and relax with a refreshment. If you’re up for more walking, continue another 10 minutes east to the
R. C. Harris Filtration Plant
to stroll the grounds of this Art Deco gem and admire the view of the Scarborough Bluffs (see Guildwood’s Park) and Lake Ontario.
Greenspaces
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Rouge Park
North
America’s largest urban park, home to the wildest natural area in the
city, follows the course of the Rouge River. Many hiking trails.
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Kortright Center
This
premier conservation area hosts hands-on activities and guided nature
walks for all ages – the nighttime “owl prowls” are very popular. Some
11 miles (18 km) of trails lead through forests, meadows, and Humber
River valleylands.
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Toronto Botanical Garden
Magnificent
floral displays are to be found in this large park by the Wilket Creek
ravine. Kids’ activities at the superb teaching garden.
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777 Lawrence Ave E
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416 397 1340
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High Park
Toronto’s
largest downtown park has extensive trails through woodlands and oak
savanna, along with playgrounds, tennis courts, a small zoo, historic Colborne Lodge, and a snack bar and restaurant.
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Bluffer’s Park
Dramatic
sandstone cliffs rise 350 ft (110 m) above Lake Ontario, providing a
spectacular backdrop to this east-end park. Marina and seasonal snack
bar.
Bluffer’s Park
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Guildwood Park
Enjoy
gardens and naturalized areas full of woodland wildflowers at this
Scarborough Bluff park. Intriguing architectural artifacts saved from
demolished buildings dot the grounds.
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201 Guildwood Pkwy
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416 392 1111
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Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat
Native
flowers and shrubs attract butterflies at this lakeshore park with a
great view of the city’s skyline. A demonstration garden highlights
butterfly-attracting flowers for home gardens.
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Humber Bay Park Rd E
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416 392 1339
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Sunnybrook Park
Encompassing
shady Burke Ravine and two forests, this park provides respite from
summer heat. Interpretive nature trails; riding stables; several sports
fields; picnic tables and restaurant.
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Martin Goodman Trail
Hugging
Lake Ontario, the 12-mile (22 km) trail connects the waterfront parks
and is popular with joggers, cyclists, and in-line skaters.
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Humber Arboretum
Set
near the West Humber River, this nature center has self-guided trails
through woodlands and meadows, and fine exhibits on plants and wildlife.
Humber Arboretum
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Some parks close at dusk; call ahead to confirm hours. For more information on Toronto’s parks, visit the website www.trca.on.ca
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Restaurants
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Amaya
Fresh textures and subtle spicing define the nouveau Indian cuisine at Amaya. Start off with the signature curry martini.
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1701 Bayview Ave
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416 322 3270
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Scaramouche
The
Pasta Bar is a Toronto institution – and less pricey than the elegant
main dining room, which has been serving up inventive, consistently
excellent cuisine for decades. Fabulous view of the city.
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1 Benvenuto Pl
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416 961 8011
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main room
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Pasta Bar
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Grano
A
cheerful, boisterous place with excellent, satisfying, Italian fare and
a family atmosphere. There are lots of vegetarian options on the menu.
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2035 Yonge St
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416 440 1986
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North 44°
Chef
Mark McEwan dishes up modern international cooking – French classics
with sophisticated twists. An impressive drinks and wine list.
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2537 Yonge St
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416 487 4897
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Via Allegro
Authentic
Italian food – pasta, seafood, and wood-fired oven pizzas – and an
award-winning wine cellar which, with over 3,000 selections, is an
oenophile magnet.
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1750 The Queensway
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416 622 6677
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Sushi Kaji
Set menu options – including the deluxe, chef’s choice omakase menu – present course after course of wonderful, complex Japanese creations balanced with simple, incredibly fresh, sashimi and sushi.
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860 The Queensway
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416 252 2166
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Auberge du Pommier
Classic
French cooking with a contemporary twist. Two intimate rooms, a bar,
and a small patio. In winter, ask for a table by the fireplace.
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4150 Yonge St
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416 222 2220
Auberge du Pommier
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Dragon Dynasty
Classic Chinese dishes more than make up for the unpromising surroundings of this restaurant, located in a mall.
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2301 Brimley Rd
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416 321 9000
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Katsura
Japanese specialties such as sushi, sashimi, tempura, and grilled fish. Diners can sit at the sushi bar, around teppan tables in the dining room, or in private tatami rooms.
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900 York Mills Rd
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416 444 2511
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Pomegranate
Reservations
are essential at this popular Persian gem, where elaborate rice dishes
are topped with rich sauces and aromatic flatbreads. A good wine list,
traditional Persian furnishing, and music are other features.
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420 College St
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416 921 7557