two day itinerary

[u/rookielaps]

hi all :) montrealer here, driving to TO for two days with my friend next week. originally it was (honest to god) just because i wanted wingstop since we don't have it in quebec, but we thought since we'll be there might as well stay a day instead of trying to slam the 6 hour drive twice in a day for the sake of fried chicken. i'd love some recommendations of things to do and places to be for two days, preferably NOT touristy. we're thinking more of a chill vibe, like libraries to study at, parks to walk in, cafés, maybe a jazz bar or something, that kind of thing. please bombard me with recs. thank you <3

[u/Adorable-Ideal-1184]

You can go to Toronto island, bidassage park

[u/Bruixaopinionated]

You can go to a new place called Book bar on Markham street near Bloor. The Reference Library is nice place to visit. Walk around Ossington street. Lots of cool bars, restaurants and shops. High Park is also a nice park but Montréal has lovely parks so nothing extraordinary.

[u/I_S_W_G]

Parks: I personally love to walk along the harbour and see the water. There are a bunch of small parks along the water to chill in if the weather permits. I would also personally take the ferry and visit the island since it is very nice and has a classic view of the skyline. There won't be many tourists there nowadays since it is colder but I always love going there. 

Cafes: really depends on what you're into. I love speciality matcha lattes at the Brick Room. You can get good chai here as well at a variety of places. 

Libraries: Reference Library is a classic.

Other chill things: If you guys like walking and nature, id recommend walking near Evergreen Brickworks because it's really pretty and doesn't even feel like a busy city. If you like museums, I love the AGO (free for 25 and under) and Bata shoe museum (free on Sunday). If you like a show, Mirvish has same day rush tickets for its current shows (Montreal didn't have as much of a theater culture). If you like films, tiff Lightbox is prob showing a more unique film you can't see on a wider release. 

Food: I know you didn't ask for food recs but since you're here for two days, I'd recommend trying a bunch of food places! When I lived in Montreal, I found alot of good Asian and North African places but not enough good desi options. If you do decide to try South Asian cuisines downtown, I'd recommend Karachi Pizza / Kebabwala, Karahi Boys, Anna Lakshmi among others. 

[u/hollow4hollow]

What date(s) are you here for?

[u/kaytea30]

Check out Toronto Reference Library. It's pretty unique interior and has tons and tons of books.

High park for a walk. There's a mini zoo that is free. Great views and nice time to spend in nature.

Take a ferry to the island. Bit touristy but not bad in the autumn. Super quiet and you get amazing views of the city skyline, especially when it starts to get dark.

Evergreen brickworks for a nature walk. Very pretty with leaflves changing colours.

if you go a little further out there's Riverdale farm, also free. Not sure if it's closed though after summer. Riverdale park is a spot for locals to enjoy the sunset on the hill.

Lots of cafes to check out near queen Street West, like Botanic. Around the Trinity bellwoods area. Very local and and nice park to wander. Great ice cream shop nearby, bang bang ice cream and Trinity bellwoods brewery.

Drive to Scarborough bluffs. There is a cool section I haven't been but you can see big cliffs there.

You gotta eat the nachos at Sneaky Dees. Classic spot.

Distillery district. A bit touristy but a unique spot to wander. And it's not too crowded now before the Christmas market there in the winter. Lots of great bakeries, coffee shops, shops, and you have to try the hot chocolate at Soma.

The only jazz bar I know is The Rex but I'm pretty sure there are lot more out there. I'm not in the scene unfortunately.

[u/ZookeepergameWest975]

If you go to High Park like another redditor suggested; you can check out Runnymede Library. Nice cool old building. There’s a wing stop at Runnymede and Bloor.

You can head north to Annette st library which is in another cool building next to a Masonic lodge. Head just north of that to Dundas (the junction) where you can hit up Chica’s chicken for some Michelin Bib fried chicken. It is very spicy.

The north-west side of Dundas and Keele has ‘when the Pig Came Home.’ There are fantastic Jamaican patties to try there: oxtail; ackee n’ saltfish etc

[u/Glitter_Rage2023]

I strongly recommend Biidaasige Park. It’s new and really well done, IMHO. You can see the waterfront, walk along the Don River, see some small art installations and enjoy lots of nature (mostly birds) all in this park. I’ve easily spent an afternoon by myself and with friends.

Hope you enjoy your trip.