Arts and Culture, Reviews

6ix in the 6ix

by Kyle Newcombe
Credit: Kyle Newcombe

Here is my personal selection of six fantastic places to visit in Toronto. There’s places to shop,

learn, and explore, but all of them are certainly places to enjoy. Each attraction has transit or

walking directions from Innis College provided, and nearby attractions are listed that you may

want to check out while you’re in the area.

The Royal Ontario Museum, as seen from Bloor Street to the north.Credit: Kyle Newcombe

Location: Royal Ontario Museum

How to get there from Innis: Walk north to Bloor St, then east to Avenue Rd.

Estimated travel time: 5-10 min.

Other attractions nearby: Gardiner Museum, Philosopher’s Walk, Yorkville

The ROM is a classic attraction for UofT students, as it sits just on the edge of campus at Avenue Road and Bloor Street. The museum, founded in 1914, houses millions of artifacts, artworks, and other items across their 40 exhibits. The best news is that admission is free for Canadian post-secondary students every Tuesday; just present your T-Card upon arrival.

The observation decks and antenna of the CN Tower on a cloudy day. Credit: Kyle Newcombe

Location: CN Tower

How to get there from Innis Take the 510 Spadina streetcar south from Sussex and Spadina to

Bremner Blvd, then walk east past the Rogers Center.

Estimated travel time: 25-30 min.

Other attractions nearby: Ripley’s Aquarium, Rogers Center, Toronto Railway Museum

Often visible from campus, the CN Tower has been a dominant feature of the Toronto skyline

since its opening in 1976. It houses multiple observation decks and even a restaurant. Students

can receive 10% off General Admission with an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which UofT students can receive for free online thanks to the UTSU being a member of the Canadian Federation of Students.

The main level inside the south building of the St. Lawrence Market. Credit: Kyle Newcombe

Location: St. Lawrence Market

How to get there from Innis Take TTC Line 1 from St. George south to Union, then exit onto

Front St and walk east to Jarvis St.

Estimated travel time: 25-30 min.

Other attractions nearby: St. James Park and Gardens, Hockey Hall of Fame

Currently home to over 120 vendors and its famous farmers market every Saturday, the historic

St. Lawrence Market is the premier culinary hotspot in the city. Even if you aren’t too interested

in the endless varieties of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods, the market is also

home to many local artisans who display their work for sale.

The main entrance to the Art Gallery of Ontario on Dundas St. W. Credit: Kyle Newcombe

Location: The Art Gallery of Ontario

How to get there form Innis:Walk south on St. George St, then Beverley St, to Dundas St W.

Estimated travel time: 15-20 min.

Other attractions nearby: Grange Park, OCAD University

The Art Gallery of Ontario is an amazing attraction for those interested in art and history. With

over 120,000 works spanning thousands of years, the museum is truly a one-stop shop for art

enthusiasts or anyone with even a passing interest in the subject. Admission is completely free

for anyone under the age of 25; you just have to present a valid ID upon entrance.

A Chinook salmon “runs” up the Humber River at the Old Mill Dam. Credit: Kyle Newcombe

Location: Etienne Brulé Park

How to get there from Innis: Take TTC Line 2 from St. George west to Old Mill, then walk

east down Old Mill Rd into the valley and cross the bridge to the east side of the river.

Estimated travel time: 25-30 min.

Other attractions nearby: Bloor West Village, High Park

Etienne Brulé Park is a great spot to go for nature watching or a hike. Stretching north along the

Humber River from Bloor Street, there are many mixed-use trails for walking and cycling, and

just around the corner from the trailhead stands the historic Old Mill Dam. Throughout

September and October, Chinook salmon “run” up the Humber to spawn, and the Old Mill Dam

is the best place to see them in action.

A monarch butterfly lands on a tallgrass plant at Tommy Thompson Park. Credit: Kyle Newcombe

Location: Tommy Thompson Park

How to get there from Innis: Take TTC Line 2 from St. George east to Donlands, then take the

83 Jones bus south to Commissioners St and keep walking south on Leslie St until you reach the park entrance.

Estimated travel time: 45-50 min.

Other attractions nearby: Toronto Harbour Lighthouse (at the end of the “spit”)

Also known as the Leslie Street Spit, Tommy Thompson Park extends south from Leslie St into

Lake Ontario. It’s an amazing place to go for nature watching, walking, and cycling; the park extends over 4km into Lake Ontario, and has many different trails to explore.