Toronto is home to some of the best food, shopping and city life around, and when you’re trying to figure out what to do and where to go in the city, it can be overwhelming! We’ve rounded up all the best events, activities, arts venues and more to give you plenty of options for things to do in Toronto.
BEST LIVE THEATRE – IT’S A TIE!
SOULPEPPER
SOULPEPPER, under new(ish) artistic director Weyni Mengesha continues to explore fantastic and significant works as well as cherished classics. We are so excited about this season’s revival of Da Kink in My Hair! 50 Tank House Lane
CROW’S
This east end theatre has established itself as a cherished cultural hub in the neighbourhood, thanks to its thoughtfully curated lineup and its multi-purpose space. Watch out for an adaptation of the novel Fifteen Dogs this season. 345 Carlaw Ave.
TARRAGON
One of the city’s longest-running and best theatres under the artistic direction of Mike Payette. Check out Hannah Moscovitch’s Post-Democracy opening on Nov. 8. 30 Bridgman Ave.
BEST NEW FUN
Hip pickleball aficionados have a fun new midtown facility to partake in the social sport. FAIRGROUNDS just opened last month with four colourful courts, as well as food, beverages and a feel-good vibe, but no membership fees. 2400 Yonge St.
BEST FOR LIVE MUSIC
There are some new venues that have opened up, but we love the AXIS CLUB (formerly Mod Club). Housed in a historic building right in Little Italy, it’s the perfect balance of intimate and large enough to showcase amazing talent. Don’t miss Bad Sunds on Oct. 19. 722 College St.
BEST FOR LAUGHS
Although the city seems to be overrun with comedy clubs lately, there is still nothing better than a night out at YUK-YUK’S, the birthplace of some of the best even like Jim Carrey and Howie Mandel. 224 Richmond St. W.
BEST CONCERT VENUE
KOERNER HALL is an acoustic marvel and an amazing use of a historic space at the Royal Conservatory of Music. It’s always a pleasure to head to this venue for a show. Wonderful size, proportions and ambience make it special. 273 Bloor St. W.
BEST FOR FLICKS
We love a good movie theatre that combines history with modern amenities: the best example is the PARADISE THEATRE, which has a range of live performances along with thoughtful film selections and great amenities. 1006 Bloor St. W.
BEST ESCAPE ROOM
CASA LOMA continues to create some of the best things to do in the city, including some awesome escape room adventures such as the Murdoch Mysteries series running right now. It’s the perfect complement to the city’s famed castle. 1 Austin Terr.
BEST IMMERSIVE FUN
Toronto has become immersive experience central over the last few years. Although we love them all, it’s hard to top the FRIENDS EXPERIENCE. A pop culture touchstone, this event allows participants to put themselves inside the show. 3401 Dufferin St.
BEST FOR A GOOD READ
What makes a good book shop is more than just a lot of books. It’s well-read workers that can guide the experience. It’s an atmosphere, a vibe if you will. And the venerable BEN MCNALLY BOOKS continues to set a very high bar. 317 Adelaide St. E.
BEST FOR SPINS
The vinyl album trend seems to have plateaued but has left a number of fine music shops in the city ideal for shuffling the stacks. But the best is SONIC BOOM, where you can even get an album from the Phono-Mat vending machine. 215 Spadina Ave.
CITY LIFE
BEST COMMUNITY SPIRIT
The City of Toronto moved forward with a plan to name the area in front of the Russian Consulate as FREE UKRAINE SQUARE to support our friends. 60 St. Clair Ave. E.
BEST LOCAL POLITICIAN
Outgoing city councillor JOE CRESSY was a fine leader during the pandemic, heading up the vaccination team whose passion for the people of Toronto and his loud voice on council will be missed.
BEST CITY INITIATIVE
Although it’s happening slowly, the city is taking opportunities where it can to create a complete and safe separated cycling network, including new lanes on Yonge and University and those planned for Eglinton.
BEST SHOUT-OUT
Yes, Toronto has had a huge year in pop culture, but we think Domee Shi’s love letter to her hometown in the Pixar animated movie Turning Red is about as good as it gets.