Toronto Sustainable Itinerary
Dedicate your next visit to Toronto exploring the city’s eco-friendly attractions with the following sustainable itinerary.
This four day itinerary focuses on attractions and activities within the city core, minimizing the need for car travel and promoting an eco-friendly adventure. When longer travel is necessary, we suggest making use of Toronto's excellent public transportation system, including buses, subways and streetcars, to further reduce your environmental impact.
Day One
Check into a Green Hotel
Depending on when you arrive in Toronto, you’ll want to check into one of Toronto’s sustainable hotel options. 1 Hotel Toronto, a popular choice, is a hotel inspired by nature and caters to providing each guest with an enjoyable green stay. Plus, each guest stay helps support forest restoration.
Visit St. Lawrence Farmer’s Market
Next head on over to one of Toronto’s most popular markets for a delicious—and famous—peameal bacon sandwich. The St. Lawrence Market also has some fantastic plant-based options such as vegan empanadas. Explore over 120 produce stands and merchants on your own, or consider taking a walking tour of the market to fully immerse yourself and learn some history.
Bike Ride to Evergreen Brick Works
Take advantage of Toronto’s Bike Share program and bike your way to the sustainable Evergreen Brick Works, a former industrial quarry converted into a multi-use landmark attraction showcasing sustainable practices. Enjoy their public gardens, recreational activities, markets, shopping, and more. Depending on the day, you can find a variety of events including a weekend nature play or a craft beer fest.
Day Two
Experience Toronto Islands by Water, Foot or Bicycle
Begin your day with a short and picturesque ferry or water taxi ride to the Toronto Islands. Grab a quick bite at the family-run Carousel Café before you spend the morning exploring the interconnected islands by foot or rented bicycle.
ALSO READ: Cycle the Toronto Islands
Get Ready to Get Wet
After you’ve explored the land, embrace some water activities like canoeing, kayaking, on the lake, or spend some time relaxing on one of the sandy beaches.
Feel Serene with Nature
In the afternoon, return to the mainland and visit the Toronto Music Garden to soak in views of the waterfront as well as the beautifully landscaped gardens.
Local Sustainable Dinner
End your day with dinner at Richmond Station, a farm-to-table Toronto restaurant that loves to showcase fresh, local ingredients for the hungry and food adventurous.ALSO READ: Celebrate Local Ontario Flavours at these 10 Toronto Restaurants
Day Three
Explore 400 Acres of Wilderness
Head to High Park, Toronto's largest public park. Explore its natural areas, have a picnic, walk along its gardens, and get friendly with the animals at the zoo.
Join a Guided City Ramble
Heritage Toronto helps you explore Toronto neighbourhoods with guided walking tours. Visit popular landmarks and historical sites, as well as experience local events taking place.
Boost Your Energy with Earth-Friendly Coffee
If all that walking is making you tired, find one of the top local sustainable cafes that are scattered across the city.
Day Four
Go to the AGO
Start fresh at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) which has implemented some new sustainability initiatives such as reducing exhibition-related waste, ridding the café of plastic water bottles and meeting net-zero carbon operating standards. The AGO is a great place to relax, take in some world-class art and feel creatively inspired.
Victorian Culture in Cabbagetown
Next, take a stroll through Cabbagetown known for its Victorian architecture and community gardens.
Thoughtfully-Sourced Dinner
End your day—and stay—with dinner at Actinolite, a short walk north of Ossington station. Focussed on New Canadian cuisine, they are committed to using local, seasonal produce in a cozy atmosphere with a grill area in their delightful backyard.
