If you’re visiting Toronto and looking for some secret treasures to explore, come and discover the many fun things there are to do in Etobicoke.
One of the most spacious and ethnically diverse parts of the city, Etobicoke offers the same variety of cultural attractions and restaurants as downtown Toronto without the hordes of people.
Sitting on the city’s western edge next to Mississauga, Etobicoke is less than 15 minutes away by taxi and approximately 30 minutes by subway (via the TTC).
Here’s our list of the best things to do and places to visit in Etobicoke:
Colonel Samuel Smith Park
Located in the Kipling and Lakeshore area, this park extends across the shores of Lake Ontario and offers a vast assortment of trees, plants, birds, and other wildlife. Start your day off early with wake n’ bake, just in time to grab a scenic shot of the sunrise for your IG. On certain weekends, you’ll also find special events happening, such as traveling amusement parks and fairs. Come in the wintertime if you’re up for some ice skating around the historic landscape on the park’s looped rink..
Montgomery’s Inn
Add a taste of history to your high with a visit to Montgomery’s Inn, a former 19th-century Canadian inn that now lives as a museum. Come and tour this homage to colonial times in Upper Canada, complete with a trip through the kitchen and dance hall. If you have time, stop by on Wednesday, when the farmers’ market runs throughout the year.
The Humber Bay Parks
No adventure through Etobicoke is complete without a visit to the East and West Humber Bay Parks, as well as Humber Bay Shores Park. Rent a bike and travel along the lakeshore, taking in the incredible view of the Toronto skyline. There’s also the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat, a restored outdoor area dedicated to the preservation of various butterfly species and other plants and flowers. Make sure you also stop by the Humber River Arch Bridge for a picture-perfect panorama to pair with a pre-roll.
Woodbine Racetrack
Place your bets at the Woodbine Racetrack, a celebrated venue for thoroughbred horse racing as well as other special events. Plan a visit during the annual Queen’s Plate, one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious traditions, or be a spectator at any of the other racing experiences hosted at Woodbine. If betting on horse racing isn’t your thing, you can always try your hand at the slot machines at Casino Woodbine, which is located on-site.
Black Oak Brewery
As long as you’re of legal drinking age, then head on over to Black Oak Brewing for an hour-long tour of this local brewery. Add a little buzz to your high with a taste of Black Oak’s different types of beer, from India Pale Ales to refreshing seasonal beverages. Bring plenty of friends along and enjoy some award-winning brews on a Saturday afternoon.
Dr. Flea’s Flea Market
Toronto’s largest flea market opens every Saturday and Sunday offers many different and interesting items for sale at its indoor and outdoor markets. Boasting over 400 vendors, Dr. Flea’s also runs a large open-air farmer’s market, featuring local farm-fresh produce, plants, and other outdoor items. While the market is open until 5 on weekends, it’s best to arrive early to get the best of the daily selection of products and goods for sale.
401 Mini-Indy
Feel like going for a spin? Drop by the 401 Mini-Indy indoor go-karting race courracecourseund corners at blazing speeds while you race your friends for first place. After several laps around the indoor course, why not try the mini-golf course as well. The mini-golf course at 401 Mini Indy is glow-in-the-dark for an extra layer of fun, bringing a slightly scary twist to a classic favorite.
James Gardens
Located on a former estate along the west bank of the Humber River, James Gardens is a large botanical garden containing thousands of flowers that make up dozens of beautifully designed gardens. Sprinkled throughout the garden, you’ll find many peaceful ponds and terraced stone pathways to explore.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Toronto
Built as a sacred Hindu place of worship, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir is a breathtaking example of divine architecture. The temple consists of 24,000 different pieces of hand-carved stones, from Italian Carrara marble and Turkish limestone to Indian pink stone. Inside, you’ll find a vegetarian food shop as well as the Heritage Museum, which lays out the fundamentals of Hinduism for visitors.