Midtown Toronto is a lively and thriving neighbourhood. Home to arguably the best university in the country, the University of Toronto, and some of the finest restaurants and attractions, there are hundreds of things to do in Midtown Toronto! Here are a few of my favourite things to do in Midtown Toronto.
Casa Loma
With over a hundred-year history, this spectacular Gothic Revival style mansion and garden has a long and storied history. Originally purchased by financier Henry Pellatt in 1903, he commissioned architect E. J. Lennox to build the largest private residence in Canada at the time. It took approximately 300 workers over three years to build the 64,700 square foot estate.
Today, it is no longer a private residence but is both a museum and a truly elegant wedding venue. Visiting this unique building you will also find a beautiful garden, horse stables and some hard-to-believe but true stories of Toronto’s past! There truly is something for everyone here.
Evergreen Brickworks
It can be difficult to imagine that once upon a time this amazing green space and events venue used to be a quarry and an industrial factory providing bricks for some of the most notable landmarks in Toronto (Casa Loma, the Ontario Legislative Assembly, Osgoode Hall, and Massey Hall just to name a few). If you are looking for a gorgeous day out, you must come here. There are beautiful ponds, an environmentally focused community and cultural centre, markets and ever-changing exhibits to keep you learning and entertained.
Tarragon Theatre
This is one of the best known local theatres in the area. In the new year you can expect to enjoy many new shows. From January 4 – 27 they will be playing Kiviuq Returns: An Inuit Epic. This is a creative-collection performance based on Inuit legends as remembered by Nunavut Inuit elders. If you are looking for a food fight for the ages, come see the amazing comedy Cottagers and Indians between February 5 – 24.
Regent Theatre
If live theatre is not your thing, do not fret! The Regent Theatre is an old neighbourhood cinema that has been cherished by Midtown Torontonians for nearly a hundred years. In addition to playing highly-acclaimed independent films, you can also attend many of their exciting events. You can also inquire about booking the theatre or studio for your next event, if you are looking for something a little different!
Spadina Museum
While there is a very good chance that you know about the lavish and extravagant Casa Loma, have you heard about the hidden gem that is Spadina Museum? The first property that was built on the site where Spadina Museum is located was built in 1818 by Dr. William Warren Baldwin. The name for his 200-acre property was inspired by the Ojibwe word espadinong which means “hill” and thus he named the property Spadina.
Unfortunately, the house burnt down in 1835, and a smaller country estate was built on the property in 1836. While the acreage of the house would diminish over the next century, the expansion of the house continued. A third floor was added in 1912. The private life of Spadina House was a short one, as in 1913 it was sold to the City of Toronto and has been a museum ever since.
Come take a look to see the evolution of style from the 1860s to the 1930s in this gorgeous stately manor. You will find Victorian, Edwardian, Arts and Crafts, Art Deco, Art Nouveau and Colonial revival styles.
I could talk all day about the things to do in Midtown Toronto. I hope you have the opportunity to visit some of these places and tell me what you think of them!
