"EdgeWalk at the CN Tower Since it was built back in 1976, the CN Tower has toppedthe must-visit list of most Toronto tourists. Until recently, a visit was pretty standard; hop in elevator, shoot up to the observation deck,and ogle the city from a hawk’s vantage point. While this was certainlyfine and enjoyable,the since-developed EdgeWalk experience has ramped up the Tower's bucket-list potential. Thrill-seekers can now do a hands-free, breezy circumnavigation of the tower’s roof, up at 1,168 feet. And, yes, they do perform sky-high weddings complete with elasticized rings and special attire for the big day."

"The moment the snow melts, young Torontonians begin their annual spring migration to Trinity Bellwoods Park. The hippest park in town, Bellwoods stretchesfrom the shopper’s paradise of Queen West up to central Dundas Street. On a summer’s day, sun-and-fun seekers spread out onbeach blankets towatch the action: atthe dog run, on the tennis courts, in the kiddie pool, and even closer, on the adjacent blankets.After dark, head to nearby Bellwoods Brewery for a pint."

"A trip to Toronto without a visit to Kensington Market doesn’t make any sense. Despite its diminutive size, this neighborhood packs plenty of activity within its boundaries. Arrive hungry: Restaurants and cafésdish out bites like tapas, poke, Salvadoran pupusas , Tibetan momos , and Ojibway-style fry-breadtacos. Secondhand shops are so plentiful that vintage fanswill think they hit the jackpot, especially while browsing at standout shops Exile and Courage My Love. In warmer months, pedestrians crowd the streets, wanderingfromcomic-book store to restaurant to art gallery all weekend long.The park at Bellevue Square is getting a much-needed makeover that will, when complete, add even more allure to this busy community."

"A Parkdale Jaunt This west-end 'hood used to be a swanky waterfront spot until the Gardiner Expressway was built, drawing a working-class community. A bit of an unraveling followed, and it wasn't until recently that Parkdale got its groove back. Now the westernmost strip of Queen Street has much to brag about, and is free from chain shops that plague the formerly cool strip east of Bathurst. Starting at Dufferin and progressing west, these are some of my favourite stops: - pick up some cool vintage finds at House of Vintage (the second location's in Londontown) and Public Butter - grab a tasty oven-fresh muffin at Capital Espresso - pick up some show-stopping bras, a pair of well-made jeans or a Herschel knapsack at The Future of Frances Watson - chomp on some tasty tacos at Grand Electric (a line-up will likely be involved) - squint at a million crystal chandeliers at Sam the Chandelier Man's teeny tiny shop - mentally (or actually) redecorate your humble abode at any or all of the amazing antique shops by Roncesvalles - quirky design finds (many brought in from Japan) at Studio Brillantine I could go on..."

"Finely Crafted Cocktails After charcuterie master Grant van Gameren moved on from popular eatery the Black Hoof, he skipped around town doing various gigs before opening up his own ode to Barcelonan tapas bars. Mismatched tiles and jujube-like lamps brighten the welcoming space, which sees a steady stream of patrons keeping seats warm at all hours. My menu rec is the scallop, porcini and blood sausage dish, which was beautifully balanced with sausage that melted in the mouth (van Gameren's known for his way with meats). Be sure to sip one of the finely crafted libations—noteworthy picks include the award-winning ...A Woman Scorned and Isabel Fashioned. They won't disappoint."

"Art Gallery of Ontario Frank Gehry was born inToronto, but his dramatic 2008renovation and expansion ofthis Beaux-Arts museum washis first Canadian commission.He first discovered art on childhood visits to its vast collection,which spans the world. Now themuseum features a restaurant,Frank, in his honor. —Charlene Rooke Art Galleryof Ontario . 317 Dundas St. W., (416) 979- 6648. By Afar Magazine"

"Bata Shoe Museum The Bata Shoe Museumis dedicated tothe history of footwear through the ages. And what a spectacular history! After one visit, you'll be able to distinguish Rajasthani mojaris fromchopines, the platform shoes wornby 16th-century Spanish and Italian society ladies. Consider this training for trivia competitions. The museum's impressive collection of more than 13,000 shoes and footwear-related objects isleveraged across four exhibits: fashion, practicality, shoemaking, and finally the footwear of Arctic dwellers. The museum also offers design workshops, family activities, movie nights, and more."

"Lettuce Wraps and More at Chantecler This intimate restaurant has quickly become one of my new favorites. It has all of the marks of an amazing experience: attentive, knowledgeable and friendly staff; simple, yet flavorful dishes; boozy libations and a gorgeous atmosphere (including that perfect date night soundtrack). Patrons come for the lettuce wraps: braised pork shoulder with Asian-inspired accoutrements like shrimp chips, kimchi, and Sriracha sauce. You wrap up your desired ingredients in one big piece of lettuce. It's interactive and delicious! You will leave craving the calamari, drenched in a peanut and tamarind sauce. A nice touch—everything is served on pretty antique plates, just like at Grandma's house. They've also just started serving a tasting menu twice a week. Everyone raves about Grand Electric in Parkdale, but Chantecler is the underrated underdog restaurant of the neighborhood."

"Restaurateur Jen Agg first made her mark on the Toronto food scenewitha little joint calledthe Black Hoof, visited by Anthony Bourdain and an endless parade of chefs. The latest addition to her empire is Grey Gardens, located in the midst of the city’s hippie enclave. The fruits of herpartnership with chef Mitch Bates, under whose watch New York City's Momofuku Ko earned two Michelin stars, have kept the customers streamingin the door. Expect a beautiful room awash in grays and pastels and extraordinarily pretty dishes, too, like a sea bass entrée taken to the next level with a smattering of perfect green-apple stars."

"Downtown Cuppa Java at THOR Espresso Bar These guys know coffee and they do it right. The space is Scandinavian minimalist minus the ginormous mural of a hammer-wielding Thor. In addition to your espresso, there's a number of paninis and delightful desserts that change on a regular basis. In the past, they've had paletas and Glory Hole doughnuts. A great place to meet a friend or pre/post stop to Moksha yoga, Union fitness or CYKL. Photo by Thor Espresso Bar"

"Best Fish Tacos in Toronto: Grand Electric Brace the line ups because this is one of the most popular restaurants in Toronto . It's getting the accolades too: En Route named it one of their ten best restaurants in the country. The premise is simple: tacos, bourbon and loud hip hop and rap music. That said, there's an eclectic Mexican menu from Colin Tooke (ex Black Hoof; Big Star in Chicago ) and Front of House Manager/co-owner Ian McGrenaghan (ex-Black Hoof) that changes regularly. I'm a huge fan of their fish tacos and their key lime vaso. And the best part? The tacos are $3.50 each. It's good quality food that's affordable. The wait has become a bit more manageable due to a back patio (in the summer months). The boys are opening up an extension upstairs as well. It's worth the wait! Photo by Gizelle Lau for Postcity.com"

"Toronto's Prettiest Coffee Shop Located right in the heart of the Financial district, Dineen is the prettiest place to get your morning java fix in TO. With its ornate European tiles, large chandeliers and gorgeous shelves, you'll want to stay in here all day. An ideal place for a business meeting."

"Hidden Toronto: Where all the old buildings lie It doesn't take long for a visitor to realize that most of Toronto 's activities focus around eating and drinking. A visitor may also notice the stark architecture that competes for space in the sky. Many of Toronto 's older buildings aren't showcased like in Vancouver or Quebec City and are hidden in the towering shadows. It was a relief to discover Toronto's Distillery District with the use of my Afar.com app, which also helped me weave myself from my Westin Harbour Castle Hotel to unique Toronto spots highlighted on Afar.com. At the Distillery District within these reclaimed industrial buildings, you'll find vintage shops, many patios serving beer and wine in the sun, and specialty stores featuring chocolate, coffee, housewares and even a leather-shaped rhino that can be used as a stool or makeshift desk. Each building also has the year it was built written on a plaque hung on the exterior and an explanation of what the building's original purpose was. Wander around or go for a distillery tour. Be sure to walk in any door you're unsure of; you'll be pleasantly surprised."

"Bar Raval looks ordinary from theoutside, but inside, the sinuous lines of the floor-to-ceiling mahogany woodwork—bar, walls, window frames—instantly bring Gaudí to mind. Created to mimic the spirit of Barcelona ’s pintxos bars (in addition to the Catalonianinfluence of the decor, plattersof food are laid out on the bar, as is the Basque pintxos tradition), the space is oftenpacked.In the mornings, patrons siplattes and enjoydoughnuts finished with a lick of chocolate and spiced hazelnut."

"In Portuguese, saudade is yearning for something that once was. And at Saudade, a lifestyle store smack in the center of Toronto’s Little Portugal neighborhood, the goal is to make the customer yearn for the old country (or wish a country as cool as Portugal were their old country). White walls providethebackdrop for a varietyof handmade crafts and Portuguese products. Wrapped soaps from Porto, vividly colored ceramic pitchers, handbags basket-wovenin rainbow hues, painted serving platters, and wooden racks displaying gorgeous textiles of cotton and wool fill the shop."

"Design fansfond of minimalism and Marie Kondo can add another M to their repertoire: Mjölk. Swedish for "milk"—and pronounced mi-yelk —this lifestyle shop and gallery is all about simplebeauty. Housed in a Victorian building in the Junction neighborhood, Mjölk bringsScandinavian and Japanese artists and artisans under one roof, offering everything from a Shaker-style peg rack to a silver sugar bowlto a rust-colored Arne Jacobson sofa. In addition to showcasing noted names, John and Juli Baker, the husband-and-wife team behind the business, havefunneled their expertise into locally produced design collaborations."