The capital of Ontario is a major Canadian city with a mix of towering skyscrapers and green spaces. It’s safe and clean, fit for both families and young people starting their careers.
It’s culturally very diverse. There are a plethora of restaurants, art galleries, and entertainment venues.
As you consider real estate in Toronto, check out these fun places to visit in town.
The Monkey’s Paw (1067 Bloor St. West)
Bibliophiles will adore a trip to The Monkey’s Paw. This antiquarian shop specializes in uncommon books and paper artifacts. Through its collection it highlights books covering highly specialized topics, a look at obsolete opinions and technologies, and the visual culture of printed media.
A huge draw for people is the Biblio-Mat, a coin operated vending machine that dispenses randomly selected antique books. The cost is currently $4, a small price to pay for the thrill of an unknown tome.
Cineforum (463 Bathurst Street)
In 1992 Reg Hartt decided to set up a theater in his Victorian-style home so the public could enjoy alternative films for a suggested donation price.
The area fits only 20 people and consists of rows of office chairs. Film memorabilia can be observed all over the walls of this intimate setting and, while that’s certainly a good reason to catch a flick here, perhaps the best is the owner himself.
Reg has garnered a reputation for being ornery. He has been known to give pre-film lectures and has no problem becoming cross with guests who annoy him, going so far as to yell and swear at them.
Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre (189 Yonge Street)
The Winter Garden Theatre sits seven stories above the Elgin Theatre, making this vintage duo the last surviving Edwardian stacked theatres in the world.
They were built in 1913 with the intent to show silent movies and vaudeville acts, though each theater was designed to cater to a very specific type of clientele.
The lower theatre was home to the vaudeville and movie events, a closed off space rimmed in gold.
The upper theatre is much more striking, an atmospheric country garden under the stars that is made through painted murals and trellises. This is where the big-time vaudeville acts of yore would play for affluent patrons.
Today both theaters host musicals, concerts, and many other types of entertainment.
Leslieville’s Crazy Doll House (35 Bertmount Avenue)
It’s an odd choice for landscaping, but homeowner Shirley Sumaiser has been at it for more than 20 years.
The outside of her home in Leslieville is covered in toys, stuffed animals, signage, and every other type of tchotchke you could think of in between.
It’s a quick trip to take, but one that’ll certainly give you an eyeful.
Casa Loma (1 Austin Terrace)
Casa Loma is a breathtaking castle built in 1914 by financier Sir Henry Pellatt. It’s currently one of Toronto’s top hospitality venues and tourist attractions.
Pellat’s dream home took three years and $3.5 million to build. He hosted social events on grand scales, many of which were philanthropic and helped the local community.
He eventually drove himself, and his company, into debt while seeking to continually expand the space. He lost his fortune and his home, moving to a family farm in 1924.
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