After five years in Toronto, I've started developing my own idea of what constitutes the city's core. It's ever-evolving and in no particular order:
- Pre-order a pie at Badiali's
- Gelato from Ed's Real Scoop
- Catching a Jays game when the dome is open
- Coffee Crisp
- Sunset at Riverdale Park
- Croissant from Brodflour
- Jelly King and Tacos on Ossington (including the 45-minute wait)
- Complain about traffic on the Gardiner, while stuck on the Gardiner
- A summer swim at Woodbine
- Drake
- A classic movie at Revue Cinema, with popcorn
- Missing a streetcar because it just went out of service
- Humber Bay Arch Bridge
- Hot chocolate from Eataly on Christmas Eve at the Distillery District
- A cheap concert at Budweiser Stage or Danforth Music Hall
- Watching raccoons climb a tree or eat garbage
- Highland cattle at High Park Zoo
- Panko Tofu Bao from Banh Mi Boys
- Grab a pastry and walk around Kensington Market
- Loga's Corner
Last updated: Sept 5, 2026