Discover our locals' 145 hidden gems in Toronto
Let's uncover Toronto’s hidden gems with Spotted by Locals! From cozy cafes and local boutiques to unique art spots and lively bars, our Spotters share the city's authentic charm. Experience Toronto through the eyes of true locals.
City guides by those who know Toronto best!
Travel Guides by these Toronto Locals!
Know your way in Toronto like a local!
Spotted by Locals
✓ Discover Toronto through the eyes of a local!
✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks
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Things to do in Toronto
Brickworks Ciderhouse
Cider on tap
"Brickworks Ciderhouse": one of the new hot restaurants to open on Queen St. East in Toronto. They offer a cider flight and my favorite Brickworks burger!
by
Astoria
Luzzi
GB Hand Pulled Noodles
Made to perfection
"GB Hand Pulled Noodles" Toronto is a small Lanzhou-style restaurant. The noodles here form the base of all the main dishes and are pulled in front of you.
by
Anita
Kim
Irish Design House
Handmade Irish fashion
"Irish Design House" is the coziest of finds for men & women! It's a fabulous place to buy authentic cable knit sweaters. They come straight from Ireland!
by
Jeffrey
Wood
The Half House
Architectural illusion
"The Half House" in Toronto is literally just a row house whose half was sold off and demolished. The other half has been left there in good condition...
by
Astoria
Luzzi
Après Wine Bar
A wine for every mood and taste
"Après Wine Bar" in Toronto is a fairly new addition to West Queen West that specializes in natural wines. Lovely space, chill vibe, amazing wines!
by
Kasia
Kmiec
Lady Marmalade
Top brunch spot
"Lady Marmalade" in Toronto is a top brunch spot. It's modern, extremely airy with tall bright windows and has no wifi! Try their 'Build your own Benny"!
by
Jeffrey
Wood
Cote de Boeuf
A slice of Paris in Toronto
"Cote de Boeuf" on Ossington Street in Toronto is as charming as it gets. It's a butcher & specialty food/lunch stop by day and wine/dinner bar by night...
by
Anita
Kim
AAA Bar
A dive bar with Texan-style BBQ
"AAA Bar" is a dive bar combined with a Texan-style BBQ. Not the place for a fancy-shmancy cocktail, but for some grungy beer, bourbon and yummy, hot food.
by
Anita
Kim
Riverdale Park Sledding
Hills of thrills
Riverdale Park is the best place to go tobogganing or sledding in downtown Toronto. It's not for the faint of heart but it's so rewarding!
by
Jeffrey
Wood
The Bentway
Urban skating park
"The Bentway" in Toronto is what's become of the neglected space below this elevated road. It has humanized the former dead zone with public spaces...
by
Jeffrey
Wood
Ed's Real Scoop
Who doesn't like ice cream?
"Ed's Real Scoop" is hands down one of the best ice cream shops in Toronto! Their highlights are their seasonal summer fruit flavours...
by
Cameron
Bryant
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What to do in Toronto?
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145 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Authentic & Unbiased Content
Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!
Go off the Beaten Path Gems
We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.
Responsible Travel
Hi! Nice to meet you.
We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.
Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.
With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.
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