Things to do in Toronto on meowfest Weekend
If you’re attending meowfest from out of town, you may as well make the most of your visit to Toronto! Here is just a pawful of our top must-see activities and attractions around the city.
Hit up the tourist hotspots
Toronto’s famous CN Tower is like Seattle’s Space Needle, or New York City’s Empire State Building: as a tourist, going up it almost feels like an obligation. For those thrill-seekers, you can even participate in the EdgeWalk, which entails walking along the outer edge of the tower in a suit and harness.
Some acrophobic-friendly attractions to check out include Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, the Ontario Science Centre, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and Casa Loma, a castle-turned-museum with medieval-inspired architecture.
Explore Kensington Market
Formerly known as the Jewish market of Toronto, Kensington Market is now home to a mishmash of independently-owned cafés, bakeries, grocers, restaurants, book shops, vintage boutiques, and more. Get lunch, hunt for antique gems, or just take a stroll and soak in the legendary neighbourhood’s eclectic charm.
Admire street art
Fun fact: Toronto has one of the most booming street art scenes in North America. Pick up a coffee to-go and seek out the city’s most impressive murals using this handy online tool.
Eat your way around the world
Toronto is one of the most ethnically diverse cities on the planet, which means that you can find virtually any kind of cuisine within its limits. Plan out your own mini food tour, sampling traditional dishes from east to west.
Go brewery-hopping
If you love beer as much as we do, you’re always on the lookout for the best breweries in every new city you visit. When it comes to craft breweries, don’t be afraid to stray slightly outside of the downtown core to find some of the best spots. Some local-approved gems to check out include Blood Brothers, Bellwoods, Bandit, Rainhard, Muddy York, Junction Craft, and Halo Brewery.
Catch a screening at the TIFF Bell Lightbox
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) attracts almost half a million visitors every year, including some of the biggest names in the business. The festival itself only runs for eleven days in September, but the TIFF Bell Lightbox hosts public movie showings, lectures, workshops, galleries and industry events year-round. If you’re wanting to chill out after a day of meowfest excitement, snag tickets for an indie flick at this beautiful theatre in the heart of Toronto’s media and entertainment district.
Find the best rooftop patios
What’s even better than a phenomenal meal? A phenomenal meal with a view! There is something special about a rooftop dining experience, especially in the summertime. Some gems include Drake Sky Yard, Chula Taberna Mexicana, the Porch, and the Rooftop at the Broadway Hotel.
Take a day trip to Niagara Falls
It isn’t in the city, but experiencing this natural wonder makes the just-over-two-hour drive totally worth it. Don’t miss the Maid of the Mist boat tour!
Picnic and people-watch
Toronto's green spaces are the perfect oases to recoup after a fun-packed day in the city. For a low-cost activity, pick up some of your favourite snacks from a grocery store and soak up the sun in High Park or Trinity Bellwoods.