If you want to buy gifts that are very “Canadian” as well as fashionable, Roots Canada will have
something for everyone on your list.
This clothing retailer was founded in 1973, and since then, has grown from selling shoes to items such as clothing for adults, children and babies, bags, watches, luggage, athletic and yoga wear, accessories and home furnishings. Roots is very well known for its excellent quality
leather, with bags coming in various sizes and colours. I own a few that I’ve had for over a decade. As a bonus, there is always a Sales Items rack somewhere in the store.
There are several locations throughout the city, including fashionable Queen Street West, the
Eaton Centre shopping mall, and on Bloor Street, Toronto’s location for high fashion.

canada.roots.com/

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Whether I’m browsing, looking for the latest deal, or wanting to find a favourite novel without
paying the full price, I always head to BMV Books, which offers an enormous selection of mostly used books in near perfect condition. With three locations in Toronto, my favourite and
biggest is in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood – this one has three jam packed floors of books,
magazines, and videos.
I love supporting independent bookstores and this one is my favourite because of the fantastic
prices and great finds, including a very intelligent selection of books. I’ve located copies of classics and novels by foreign authors for less than $10 CDN. Several years ago, at the uptown
location, I bought treasures such as Elie Wiesel’s “The Jews of Silence”, signed by the author, as well as a very old leatherbound “Alice in Wonderland” with beautiful water colours.

www.bookstoronto.ca/bmv-books-annex
471 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Canada, M5S 1X9
+1 416 967 5757
Google map: bit.ly/RQP5Yh

* Giulia is our Been there local for Toronto. You can see her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/canada/toronto/index.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/GiuliaFalsetti

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If, like me, you enjoy visiting grocery stores when you visit a new city, then I recommend the
Loblaws supermarket chain – with over 10 locations in downtown Toronto – I prefer the recently renovated one that has opened up in the former Maple Leaf Gardens – a venue that hosted the likes of Elvis Presley, Mohammed Ali and Frank Sinatra, not to mention some of Toronto’s best hockey.
The newly renovated space now hosts a theatre of food: a sushi bar where chefs prepare their
latest creations, a bakery offering artisan breads, a variety of pastries and baked goods, a tea emporium, and the famous 18 foot “Wall of Cheese” with over 400 varieties of cheese to choose from – don’t be shy to approach a specialist and ask for a sample. Besides the rows of organic produce and general grocery merchandise, there are also other items such as cookware, linens and home accessories, as well as a large area devoted to those who want to grab something to eat, sit and relax. This place is open seven days per week, 7AM until 11 PM.
And when you’re done here, head up to the second floor, where there is a cooking school
offering demos and classes certain days of the week, as well as Joe Fresh, www.joe.ca, a fashion retail chain that sells mostly at Loblaws, offering adult and children’s wear, shoes, accessories and bath items.

www.loblaws.ca/60carlton
60 Carlton Street, Toronto, Canada M5B 1J1
+1 416 593 6154
Google map: bit.ly/U53Io0

* Giulia is our Been there local for Toronto. You can see her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/canada/toronto/index.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/GiuliaFalsetti

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Those who have visited Southeast Asia know how much fun the night markets are: one can spend hours strolling through the closed off streets, shopping, eating, browsing and catching some live entertainment.
Toronto’s oldest Chinatown – there are six in the Greater Toronto Area – is hosting the second annual Toronto Chinatown Night Market, giving visitors and locals an opportunity to experience a traditional Asian night market without spending the exorbitant airfare to get there.
The free event runs from July 20th until September 7th, 2012, from 5pm until 10pm every Friday and Saturday night. The area where the market takes place (Huron Street, south of D’Arcy Street) will be closed to vehicles between 3pm and 12am.
Street vendors sell everything from handicrafts to toys and household items. There is fortune telling – both English and Chinese, as well as games, giveaways, and music. This year, the focus of the event is food, with many food stalls set up, as well as street food eating contests.

www.chinatownbia.com
Google map: bit.ly/P8MIgU

* Giulia is our Been there local for Toronto. You can see her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/canada/toronto/index.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/GiuliaFalsetti

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Centro is the place to go for imported Italian foods. This family-run shop has been in the Corso Italia neighbourhood for over 30 years, and it’s one of my mum’s favourite places to shop. Upon entering, you will see an enormous array of cheeses hanging from the ceiling, a deli counter stretching the entire length of the store, and shelves with cookies, crackers, pasta, coffee, olive oil and other delights from Italy.
While some of the cheese and deli sold is locally produced, most of the products are imported directly from Italy. The cheese sold here is some of the finest. My mum will only buy her beloved parmigiano reggiano here and I really love the taleggio and gorgonzola, always fresh and tasty.
The deli meats are great too, and you can have a panino, or sandwich, made right before your eyes. The lady behind the counter can fill up a freshly baked bun with whatever your heart desires: prosciutto, mortadella, marinated eggplants, salami, etc.
My mum and I always try to get here before lunch, so we can head to the back of the store where there is a very modest dining area serving some of the best homemade Italian food. The place is usually filled to capacity, so getting here just before noon is a must. Whether it’s a veal sandwich with tomato sauce and roasted red peppers with mozarella, two sausages with rapini or dandelion on the side, lasagna with salad, homemade ravioli, and even Italian wedding soup, there is no skimping here. Portions are generous, the food is superb and the price is great - lunch will cost roughly $10 or so.

www.centrotrattoria.com
1224 St. Clair Avenue West (near Dufferin)
Toronto, Canada
+1 416 656 8111
Google map: bit.ly/GPtJ3g

* Giulia is our Been there local for Toronto. You can see her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/canada/toronto/index.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/GiuliaFalsetti

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Torontonians who live in the Corso Italia neighbourhood refer to this store as Consiglio’s, but local Italians from across the city call it the “U Save Centre” because that’s what the huge lights flashing across the front of the store say.
Consiglio, the last name of the owner, can be found working in the store on most days. With three floors of jam-packed goodies - kitchenware, linens, specialty Italian food, and small appliances – this family-run business has been a fixture in the area for over 35 years.
Carrying well-known brand names at reduced rates, I never walk out of this shop empty-handed. Whether it’s a stove-stop espresso machine for less than $20, pasta and chocolates imported from Italy, tableware and embroidered tea towels, or the latest kitchen accessory, I am always thrilled with my finds.
My mum and I visit the U Save Centre at least once a month, and the place is always packed with local Italians looking for a bargain. On many occasions, we’ve seen tour buses unloading Italians from as far away as Buffalo right in front of the store! One of the salespeople tells me they get tour buses from various border cities in the US coming about once a month during the year, and more often in the summer months.
Corso Italia is perhaps one of the city’s most authentic Italian neighbourhoods, with most store owners speaking Italian as their mother tongue and most of the patrons frequenting the shops being Italian. The neighbourhood covers only a few blocks, with Mexican, Caribbean, and African shops nearby, but the area celebrates its Italian heritage with a huge Italian festival in July.

www.consiglioskitchenware.com
1219 St. Clair Ave. West (near Dufferin Street)
Toronto, Canada
+1 416 653 6622
Google map: bit.ly/GPRug9

* Giulia is our Been there local for Toronto. You can see her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/canada/toronto/index.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/GiuliaFalsetti

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This free event showcases outdoor entertainment, including carolers, brass band concerts, choirs and European folklore dancing. The Distillery District is a historic area with brick-lined streets filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops, all housed in Victorian-era industrial buildings.
The entire district is decorated and lit up for the season, including a 45-foot White Spruce tree with 18,000 light ornaments, located in the main square. There are endless things to do for people of all ages. Kids can ride the Ferris wheel, visit the Reindeer Zoo, walk through a fairy tell forest maze, learn about Christmas traditions all over the world, and make ornaments and stocking stuffers. Adults can try a variety of specialty beers, mulled wines and Christmas cocktails, as well as shop for hundreds of unique and local handicraft products, as well as
Christmas merchandise and specialty baked goods. There is also plenty of “street” food to be had: hot chestnuts, grilled sausages, and warm pretzels with artisan mustard. This is the perfect place to get you in the mood for the Christmas holidays.

www.torontochristmasmarket.com
Distillery Historic District, Toronto, Canada
+1 416 364 1177
Google map: bit.ly/s4vwiP

* Giulia is our Been there local for Toronto. You can see her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/canada/toronto/index.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/GiuliaFalsetti

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Toronto’s downtown core has an underground tunnel system that links over 50 buildings and office towers, five subway stations, six hotels, parking garages and major attractions in the city, all with underground passageways full of places to shop.
According to the Guinness World Records, PATH is the largest underground shopping complex linking 28 km (17 miles) with over 1,000 shops and services. Once a year, the PATH hosts the world’s largest underground sidewalk sale. The underground system also provides a great haven from the elements, with heating in winter and air conditioning in summer.
I love taking the PATH in the cold, winter months, where I can walk without a coat for miles at a time. I must admit, it can be a bit confusing getting around, but that’s all part of the fun.
Wandering around, not really knowing where I’m going on a lazy day, browsing shops, sitting in a café, it’s all great fun when the weather outside is dreadful.
To help you get around easier, each letter in the PATH is a different colour and represents a
direction: P is red and represents south, orange, A, directs pedestrians to the west, blue, T, directs them to the north, and the H is yellow and points to the east.

www.toronto.ca/path/pdf/path_brochure.pdf

* Giulia is our Been there local for Toronto. You can see her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/canada/toronto/index.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/GiuliaFalsetti

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Honest Ed’s is more than just a store – it’s a Toronto landmark that locals have shopped in at least once and where tourists must visit before they leave the city.
It is named after its founder, Ed Mirvish, who opened the store in 1948 and ran operations until his death in 2007. Running the length of an entire block, this building can be seen several metres away: the exterior is covered with thousands of huge red and yellow signs lit up like a theatre marquee, advertising the name of the store. There are also several slogans covering the exterior, with puns such as, “Our prices are for the birds – they’re cheap, cheap.”
The 160,000 square foot place sells all sorts of kitsch, as well as low-priced goods ranging from clothing, kitchenware, hardware, toys, furniture and appliances, grocery and pharmaceutical items.
The walls of the very modest interior are crammed with autographed photos of personalities such as Frank Sinatra, Liberace, Lauren Bacall, and many others. There are also posters and photos from old film and stage productions from theatres that Mirvish owned in Toronto and London.
Once you’re done looking and buying, the surrounding neighbourhood, called Mirvish Village, has unique boutiques, book stores, antique shops, cafes, and restaurants.

honesteds.sites.toronto.com/
581 Bloor Street West, Toronto, M6G 1K3
+1 416 537 1574
Nearest subway: Bathurst station
Google map: bit.ly/rYMHWq

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Also known as “The Ex”, Canada’s largest fair takes place this year from August 19th to
September 5th at the Exhibition grounds. This is a bittersweet time of year for most Torontonians, who are sad the summer is drawing to a close but excited to attend this annual tradition which wraps up on Labour Day weekend.
The grounds are on a 192-acre site, and with such a variety of entertainment and events to
choose from, there really is something for everyone. Besides the large carnival midway with rides, games and food, there is also a smaller children’s midway. Some of this year’s events include aerial acrobatics and ice skating, a human cannonball, a sand sculpting competition, daily Mardi-Gras parades, hypnotists, music concerts and garden shows. The international air show takes place on the last three days of the fair.
Animal lovers can watch horse shows and competitions, as well as dog and cat shows. There is also a working farm, which gives city kids an idea of what it’s like to live on a farm. Animals range from the common cow to the exotic alpaca.
The casino has 84 gaming tables including Blackjack and Texas Hold’em Poker area with 24 tables.
The Ex is a shopper’s mecca, with over five shopping pavilions to choose from featuring
Canadian arts and crafts, clothing, jewelry and leather goods, furniture, appliances and home décor, international handicrafts, a warehouse outlet with specially discounted products from major Canadian retailers, and an outdoor market.
And it wouldn’t be a carnival without fast food. Besides the usual carnival fare of candy apples, cotton candy and pizza, the Food Building includes artery-clogging food like deep-fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, deep fried coca cola, deep fried butter, and for the first time this year, the donut cheeseburger: a ground beef patty with cheese sandwiched between two glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

Getting here: There are several ways to get to the CNE via public transportation: from Union subway station, take the 509 Streetcar westbound; from Bathurst subway station, take the 511 streetcar; and from Dufferin subway station, take the 29 Dufferin bus southbound.

www.theex.com
210 Princes' Boulevard, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3, Canada
+1 416 393 6300
Google map: bit.ly/mXDeqt

* Giulia is our Been there local for Toronto. You can see her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/canada/toronto/index.jsp

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This artisan’s market showcases the works of local artists, with items ranging from crafts,
handmade jewelry, paintings, photography, one-of-a-kind clothing and even baked goods.
Over 20 exhibitors are set up in this collective space, which is a great venue for emerging artists to sell their work and for others to purchase unique items.
Toronto’s only year-round artisan market is located in Leslieville, one of the city’s hippest places to eat, drink, and shop.
It is located on Queen Street East and Caroline Avenue, just a 10-minute ride from the Queen Street subway station. Take the streetcar east to Caroline Avenue.

www.artsmarket.ca
1114 Queen Street East, M4M 1K7
+1 647 997 7616
Google map: bit.ly/qlZyuS

* Giulia is our Been there local for Toronto. You can see her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/canada/toronto/index.jsp

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Stop for a lunchtime sandwich at Mustachio, known throughout the city for its famous Italian-style sandwiches: generous portions of veal drenched in tomato sauce and parmiggiano reggiano, with layers of crispy, breaded and fried eggplant, fried onions and roasted peppers on warm foccacia bread. Mustachio also offers pasta dishes, soup and salads.

South Market, Lower Level B34
93 Front Street East
+1 416 367 VEAL (8325)
Google map: bit.ly/o8uT3m

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Domino’s has an excellent selection of bulk goods. I like wandering in here, checking out the tightly packed aisles of nuts and dried fruit, candies, baking supplies, olive oils, spices, grains, imported teas and freshly ground coffee, ethnic foods and those hard to get items such as fregola sarda and black chick peas from Italy and dried lavender for baking. Dominos also stocks a very impressive collection of imported chocolates. My favourite: Pocket Coffee, individually-wrapped dark chocolate pralines that contain Italian liquid espresso in the centre.

South Market, Lower Level B8 / B17
93 Front Street East
+ 1 416 366 2178
Google map: bit.ly/o8uT3m

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If you need something for your kitchen, Sam can get it for you. This small shop is stuffed to the gills with an enormous collection of cookie cutters, mixing bowls, specialty pots and pans, mandolins and other gadgets, virtually anything and everything your heart desires.

St. Lawrence Market, Upper Level 29
93 Front Street East
+ 1 416 603 1649
Google map: bit.ly/o8uT3m

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Scheffler’s Deli & Cheese has one of the largest selections of antipastos and appetizers in the market: stuffed peppers, olives, tomatoes and grape leaves; marinated olives, wild mushrooms, homemade pestos and dips. The deli selection is enormous, with one of the largest varieties of prosciutto in the city. Here’s an idea: grab some bread from any of the bakeries in the Market, and fill it with cheese and prosciutto from Scheffler’s – a great snack any time of day. And, just when you think you’ve seen everything the shop has to offer, you get to the cash register and admire the display of rare and hard-to-find chocolates, at reasonable prices to boot.

St. Lawrence Market, Upper Level 7
93 Front Street East
+1 416 364 2806
Google map: bit.ly/o8uT3m

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Kenny and Daniel know their cheese, and they always provide great recommendations. Whether you want soft cheese, hard cheese, mild cheese, or the beautiful runny, stinky stuff, these guys are very knowledgeable and they always make me look good: my guests always rave about my cheese platters. Even if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you can sample to your heart’s content and learn something new. The shop specializes in farmhouse cheese from Quebec and Europe.

www.chrischeesemongers.com
South Market, Upper Level 40, 93 Front Street East
+1 416 368 5273
Google map: bit.ly/o8uT3m

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Established in 1803, this is one of Toronto’s major markets. The complex consists of the South Market, where over 100 vendors, including butchers, bakers, cheesemongers and green grocers sell their goods on a daily basis (closed Sunday). On Saturdays only, the North Market features seasonal produce, meats and baked goods from over 50 local farmers; and on Sundays only, an Antique Market with over 80 dealers is open to the public. From antiquarian books to vintage jewelry, fine china and furniture, there is something for everyone here.

www.stlawrencemarket.com
92-95 Front Street East (corner of Jarvis Street)
+1 416 392 7219
Google map: bit.ly/nxKSpR

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If, like me, you’re one of those people that loves to check out gourmet grocers when you visit a city, then you must go to Pusateri’s. This place is like a candy store for foodies: the freshest fruits and produce available, including my favourite heirloom tomatoes in the summer and chanterelles in the fall; a meat and deli counter that rivals anything I’ve seen anywhere, their Kobe beef is flown in daily from Japan; a bakery section that contains windows upon windows of decadent, glorious pastries, macarons, tarts, pies, cookies, anything and everything your heart desires; cheeses of every kind, fresh bread, imported delicacies and a variety of prepared foods. There is a small cafe area, where you can sit and watch the world go by - if you’re lucky enough to find a spot. No matter what time of day, this place is always packed.

www.pusateris.com
57 Yorkville Avenue, ON M5R 3V6, Canada
+1 416 785 9100
Google map: bit.ly/kC2m8B

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This boutique sells one-of-a-kind jewelry, textiles, accessories, paintings, glass and ceramics, all made by over 100 Canadian artists, craftspeople, and designers. I like browsing through this boutique, it has some very original pieces.

"www.distillgallery.com
55 Mill Street, Building 47
+1 416 304 0033
Google map: bit.ly/iLDR6E

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

SOMA is one of my favourite chocolate shops in the city. The products are hand-crafted on site, and the small cafe has a large glass wall that allows you to watch as professional chocolate makers produce heavenly creations: bars, truffles, cookies, biscotti, and shortbread.

Try one of my favourites: the Mayan hot chocolate, which is so thick, you can eat it with a spoon; I love the blend of rich, dark chocolate with just the right amount of spiciness. The stilton walnut gelato is also excellent, as well as the Australian ginger covered in dark chocolate. Oh, and the “affogato”, a lovely shot of espresso poured over one scoop of Madagascar vanilla gelato, heavenly. A word of warning, though: set yourself a budget before you walk through the door.

www.somachocolatemaker.com
55 Mill Street, Building 48 on Tankhouse Lane
+1 416 815 7662
Google map: bit.ly/iLDR6E

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends