Canada Calling— Frugal Weekend Guide for Toronto Holiday Travels
I ate, drank, and toured my away around Toronto last weekend…. and spent a whooping total of $150 doing it. If you’re traveling to Canada during the Christmas season and find yourself in Toronto for the weekend, here are my frugal and free must-do’s while you visit.
Without further ado— I present to you my top free (or almost free) activities for a weekend in Toronto. While this guide specifically caters to a December trip, all of these can be done year-round. Special shout out my brand new camera and my native Toronto tour guide and New York best friend, Chantel.
Meander through the holiday market at the Distillery District
If you do nothing else in Toronto during the holiday season, go to Distillery District’s Holiday Market. I may or may not have turned to my friend and proclaimed the festive market the “true meaning of Christmas”. Grab a coffee to-go from Balzac’s Coffee Roasters and blaze on into the chilly outdoor market. Between the craft vendors, eateries, photo opps and indoor shopping havens, there’s really not a single reason *not* to go.
Price: free on weekdays and weekends before noon.
image courtesy of Jeff Smith– https://unsplash.com/photos/BXhN9g58-Q0
Browse the stalls at St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market is one of Toronto’s most well known markets for good cause: it’s historic and overflowing with food. If you’re up for a sensory overload experience, go in with empty stomachs and empty (reusable) shopping bags.
Price: free
Get Times Square Deja-Vu at Younge-Dundas Square
Venture out into Toronto’s version of Times Square: Yonge-Dundas, named affectionately after the cross streets where the glowing neon signs tower high above pedestrians. Snap a few pictures and then head into 3 Brewers for a flight of holiday beer.
Price: free
Lose track of time at Allan Gardens
For a reprieve from the cold and an enormously aesthetic activity, head to the Allan Gardens. The expansive indoor botanical gardens transform into a lush holiday wonderland, complete with festive decorations and seasonal plants. If you have a camera with you, this is your cue to break out in full photoshoot mode.
Price: free
Stroll through the historic University of Toronto campus
My Toronto travel buddy happened to be a U of T alum, so while my stroll was more of a tour, you cannot possibly go wrong exploring the Hogwarts-esque campus. Visitors are welcome across campus, though I would recommend exploring Hart House or any of the libraries if you’re pressed for time. True story: University of Toronto is where they filmed the Mathletes Competition scene in Mean Girls.
Price: free
Get an Iconic ‘Toronto’ picture at Nathan Phillips Square
Or Ice Skate. Or shop around at the holiday markets. Or scope out City Hall. Or hell, just get that picture. Whatever suits you, there’s something for everyone at Nathan Phillips Square. While you’re at it, hop into the Tim Hortons across the street to experience Canada’s take on Dunkin’ Donuts.
Price: free
See the CN Tower by night
There’s nothing stopping you from going in daylight, but there’s something magic about craining your neck to see the formidable CN tower illuminated against the Canadian skyline at night. While you’re there, ask a stranger to snap a picture of you in front of the neon Canada letters. Ahh, views at the six. Drake would be so proud :’)
Price: free
Photo courtesy of walkto.ca
Explore Kensington by foot
Our Airbnb was located in the vibrant neighborhood of Kensington— a call made by my friend who resided in Kensington during her college days. Among the hippest of all of the Toronto locales, Kensington Market is an anomaly in all of its weird glory. While you’re there, grab a breakfast and coffee to go from Moonbean Coffee Co. or Jimmy’s Coffee. Be sure to stop and appreciate all the bohemian stores and vibrant arrays of grafitti.
Price: free
Eat your heart out at El Furniture Warehouse
It may not be the BEST food in Toronto, but it may damn be the cheapest. Everything on El Furn’s menu is $5.95— appetizers, salads, burgers, pasta— you name it. The music and neon lights will keep your spirits high as you push onward to the next $5.95 plate of food.
Price: $5.95 per item of food
Go for a fancy drink at The Broadview Hotel
If you splurge on a drink while you’re in town, look no further than the Broadview Hotel. Though the main level bar and bistro is enticing, head up to the top floor and grab a seat at The Rooftop bar. While the terrace might be a bit chilly in the winter, the floor to ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the city.
Price: ~$ 8-12 per drink
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How about a big shout out to my friend Chantel for being the photo victim for quite literally every picture this weekend! You can see the full Canada photo gallery over here.
Have any additional suggestions or must-sees during a winter weekend trip to Toronto? Let me know in the commends below!
