Mini-guide to Toronto: What To Do Around Union Station

So far, this blog has been focusing on the hidden gems, and lesser-known spots to visit across Canada. For this post, we thought it would be fun to  stretch the limits a little with a mix of our favourite things to do in downtown Toronto, around Union Station.

Here are a few choice spots to check out: the first few are within a 15-minute walk of the station, while the other options are a little farther out, for those who have more time to explore.

Less than 15 Minutes from Union Station

Maman

If you’re in the mood to enjoy a latté in a Pinterest-worthy setting, Maman is the ideal place. This café has roots in (you guessed it) France and is a fantastic spot to grab a coffee and run, or to savour one slowly while getting lost in a good book. Located in First Canadian Place, the large outdoor patio is a major highlight. Depending on what time of day you visit, you can also grab lunch or sip a cocktail during happy hour. And if you’re travelling with a crowd, the stylish coffee shop can be rented for private events.

Get Lost in the Market

Looking for some local delicacies? Time to head to the St. Lawrence Market. With over a hundred merchants under one roof you can take your pick of delicious, local fare—seafood, fresh bread, meats, fruit and veggies, olives, cheeses, you name it. Once you’ve filled your basket, grab a spot indoors or at one of the many picnic tables outside (if you aren’t sunned out after the beach). A word to the wise though, the Market is closed on Sundays and Mondays. 

Head to the Beach

Get that sand-between-your-toes feeling without leaving the city. Sugar Beach, adjacent to its namesake, the Redpath Sugar Refinery, is where locals come to trade their power suits for bathing suits and soak up some rays. Fully equipped with lounge chairs and pink umbrellas, this little slice of paradise will help take your mind off any stresses of the day, and jumpstart your travels.

More than 15 Minutes from Union Station

Soak in Some Culture at The Drake

One of the best features of The Drake, Toronto’s legendary boutique hotel and well-known hot-spot, is an incredible patio perfect for cocktail-sipping. Discover unexpected menu options in décor so hip it hurts. They have brazenly dubbed themselves a “hotbed for culture”, which only works because it’s true. The Drake is where Toronto’s cool kids gather, and where the vibe is always lively any time of day (or night).

Time to Shop: Oak + Fort

If you’re wondering where all those uber-hip people at the Drake get their threads, you might want to stop in at uber-hip clothing shop Oak + Fort. The Canadian retailer, founded in Vancouver in 2010, offers minimalist clothing with clean lines in neutral tones. Nothing fussy, just well-made, stylish pieces that will hold a place of pride in your closet for years to come.

Park Yourself

With plenty of space between its borders (Queen street to the south and Dundas to the north) Trinity Bellwoods Park is the perfect place to take a nature break after a long day in the city. With many take-out food and drink options nearby, grab some sustenance and enjoy a picnic before hitting the road.

parc trinity bellwoods, Quoi faire à Toronto, Union station


What are your things to see in Toronto? Tell us about them in the comments below!

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8 thoughts on “Mini-guide to Toronto: What To Do Around Union Station”

  1. The Toronto Railway Museum is dedicated to preserving the physical legacy, history and experience of rail transportation in Toronto and Ontario. The museum encompasses Roundhouse Park with Stall 17 as the temporary home of the gift shop, railway simulator, and small artifact display. Explore the grounds to find our interpretive plaques!
    The museum is located in the former CPR John St Roundhouse at Roundhouse Park on Bremner Blvd., south of the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium. The entrance to the museum is located at Stall 17 of the John Street Roundhouse. Look for the yellow doors behind the large turntable!
    The museum is open Wed – Sun and holidays in spring, fall & winter, seven days summer. 12:00 p.m – 5:00 p.m

  2. It’s only a seven minute walk to the aquarium but you will need some time for your visit. It’s Ahhh-some!

  3. Toronto really has it all. Just spend some time wondering the downtown and look up. there are some wonderful old office towers and other historic structures. If you have the time head over to the Islands for a real beach experience.

  4. A short walk from Union Station is Steam Whistle Brewing, next to the Roundhouse and across from the CN Tower. They offer tours, but if pressed for time, a cold pint of their beer really hits the spot and is only $6! Further south, the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal is where the ferries to the Toronto Islands leave from. It’s a great way to see Toronto from the water and is pretty cheap ($8 return). In the summer, Centre Island has a lot of activities for kids and adults alike!

  5. I also enjoy and recommend taking the 510 Spadina streetcar from Union Station to Spadina – it’s about a 20 minute ride that goes along the waterfront, then up through Chinatown, Kensington Market (both of which are worth hopping off for!) and ending in Spadina station, next to the Annex District which has lots of neat coffee shops and bars, as well as the University of Toronto campus.

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