Digital Nomad’s Guide to Toronto

Toronto skyline with trees and buildings.

Toronto is my hometown. I’ve lived here for most of my life. The city is facing a lot of challenges right now (cost of living, unaffordable housing, etc.), but it’s got its upsides too.

(Want to know what Toronto sounds like? Here’s a playlist of local indie acts.)

Coffee Shops

Woolshed Coffee

850b Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M6J 2S1

Small, but wonderful. Coffee is great, staff are friendly, and patrons actually talk to eachother.

Stylish cafe interior with table, stools, and brick walls.

(Photo: Woolshed Coffee)

Morning Parade Coffee Bar (Dundas)

256 Crawford St, Toronto, ON M6J 2V8

I like this Morning Parade location on Dundas because it’s just north of Trinity Bellwoods, one of the most magical parks in Toronto. The place has a hip-but-family-friendly vibe.

Interior photograph of cafe with large window showing verdant park.

(Photo: Ingrid Tang)

White Squirrel

907 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G5

Cute, cozy little shop which also features a great view of Trinity Bellwoods, as well as exceptional coffee.

Dark coffee cup on table with visible steam, silhouette against window light

Also great: i deal coffee (Ossington), Bloomer’s (Bloor West), 23 Cafe, FIKA Cafe

Restaurants

PLANTA (Queen West)

180 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3X3

As good as vegan cuisine gets anywhere, just be ready to pay for that premium (it’s worth it). There are a couple PLANTA locations, but the Asian-fusion themed Queen West one is probably the best.

Interior of fancy restaurants with large orange lights, tables, and chairs.

(Photo: PLANTA Queen)

Fresh

894 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G3

Fresh is longtime staple of Toronto’s plant-based restaurant scene, and it’s still great. This located at the edge of Trinity-Bellwoods park is my favourite of the bunch.

Photograph of restaurant exterior showing black and white aesthetic and stylish patio.

(Photo: Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar)

Stefano's Diner

1265 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 3B1

An excellent new plant-based spot on hip Dundas West. Perfect for a vibrant lunch with friends.

Stylish diner interior with turquoise seating.

(Photo: Stefano’s Diner)

Parks and Recreation

Tommy Thompson Park

1 Leslie St, Toronto, ON M4M 3M2

This massive park on Toronto’s East side beats out other contenders like Trinity Bellwoods and High Park for the title of absolute best park in Toronto.

I recommend biking to the lighthouse at the end of the line and taking a little dip in the water (no lifeguard, though).

Photograph of a lake and blue sky with clouds with bike wheel in foreground.

(Photo: Marc Z. Goldgrub)

Othership

425 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3C1

Downtown sauna with a gorgeous aesthetic, quasi-new age vibe, and ice baths. Expect a health-conscious crowd of young-ish professionals.

People in underlit sauna with two people waving towels at them.

(Photo: Othership)

Art Gallery of Ontario

317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4

Toronto’s best art gallery with an incredible permanent collection of Group of Seven paintings. Free Wednesday evenings.

Two impressionistic paintings on a white wall, one larger than the other.

(Photo: AGO)

Also great: High Park, Toronto Island, Bambi’s, Horseshoe Tavern, The Baby G, Eyesore Cinema, Rotate This

Drugs and Alcohol

Alcohol: Legal drinking age in Ontario is 19.

Cannabis: Recreational cannabis is legal. It can be purchased from licensed dispensaries (which are everywhere) by adults aged 19+. Consumption is permitted in most public spaces in Toronto.

Psychedelics: Psilocybin dispensaries are common in downtown Toronto, as are posted advertisements for cannabis and psilocybin delivery services. However, psilocybin is illegal for possession and sale, though Toronto police do not appear to be enforcing prohibition of the substance at this time. (I’ve written about this situation at length here.)