Are you the student at UTM who has been on our campus for years but has never been so bold as to venture to the city? Do you take the downtown shuttle bus just to get to class on our affiliated campus? Or perhaps, you always head to the same spot (say, Brunswick House)? If you’re looking for something different or something new this weekend, get a little adventurous and see more of the city. Find your own mood among the following scenarios:
People-watching by Trinity Park
Queen Street West is known for its shopping strip, but head further west after Spadina Avenue during the day and you will find a culture for the youthfully hip. Trinity Bellwoods Park is a short walking distance get-away from city life. Often, people finish their downtown excursions and head to the park for a picnic or to read. Across the street and along the strip, you will find many unique and trendy boutiques. Also available are local bars and cafes where you will find the same crowd.
A date on Bloor Street
This one is for the couple looking for a casual, convenient, and relatively cheap date. The street is filled with sushi restaurants, bars and cafes. The crowd varies from the U of T population to locals. One plus is that it is walking distance away from the shuttle bus stop. You will find restaurants such as Big Sushi, where a bento box (easily replaced with all the different rolls) will be about $11. Ce Fiore, an Italian frozen yoghurt store and Aroma Espresso Bar, originating from Israel, are all noteworthy. For example, snow ice and aroma iced coffee are guilty pleasures.
Night scene on College Street
College Street, in the nighttime, is filled with all different types of people and all different types of fun.
Little Italy is the perfect middle ground between a club and a casual college bar. The strip of bars on the street varies from billiards (Andy Pool Hall) to dancing venues (Mod Club). Overall, the dress code is mostly the same and most places don’t have cover. Pasta dinner at around 8 p.m. and bar-hopping after is a sure plan.
Fancy in the Distillery District
Be sure to bring a camera to this one. Distillery District is a historical site with a twist of modern art. If you’re in the mood to play fancy, get dressed up and take pictures! The district is filled with brick-lined streets and old brick buildings. The decorative lighting and contemporary art on the streets make it appear more 2010 and less Oliver Twist age. The price range is a bit higher but if you are willing to pay for a fancy night, head to The Boiler House, where the architectural interior is modern yet classy, and where a live jazz band plays at night. If your budget is a little less, head to the art galleries and be sure to stop at Soma for a shot of their famous spicy hot chocolate.
Get active at High Park
High Park is Toronto’s west-side Central Park. Although a bit of a travel west from the shuttle bus stop, it is still worth the TTC fare. The beautiful park has many different trails, playgrounds, a mini zoo, and a beautiful lake. Activities such as tennis, soccer, baseball ,and more are all welcomed at the park. It is also just across the street from the Lakeshore West. On this nice weekend, strap on a pair of shoes, bring along rollerblades, pack a novel and a lunch, and enjoy the outdoors of the west side of Toronto.
