Mauricio Alas
Spotter since 2013
My spots (23)
Allan Gardens Conservatory – Ready for some green?
"Allan Gardens Conservatory", strangely advertised as a major Toronto landmark, remains a well-kept secret. Have a picnic in 100s of flowers and old trees!
By
Mauricio
Alas
Riverdale Farm – Smack in the middle of downtown
"Riverdale Farm" is an oasis of culture, nature, animals and trees at the heart of Toronto. I like visiting with my camera, especially for macro photos
By
Mauricio
Alas
Pauper's Pub – Poor for a patio?
"Pauper's Pub" in Toronto and its two great patios is the King of Summer in the Annex neighbourhood. Protip: always ask your server for the drink specials.
By
Mauricio
Alas
Carole's Cheesecake Cafe – A treat for the ages!
"Carole's Cheesecake Cafe" in Toronto really does cheesecakes very well - solid selection. I recommend coming here with a small group of friends or a date.
By
Mauricio
Alas
Nazareth Restaurant – Kifto me delicious!
"Nazareth Restaurant" in Toronto makes some of the city's best Ethiopian. I really enjoy the dark, cavernous feel of this low-dimmed restaurant. Check it!
By
Mauricio
Alas
The White Squirrel – The Moby Dick of squirrels
"The White Squirrel" in Toronto, a cafe with an interesting story (yes, there once was a white squirrel here); it's no surprise their latte is really good.
By
Mauricio
Alas
Toronto Islands: Algonquin – Picnic ready
Algonquin of the Toronto Islands is one of my favourite places in the city to enjoy a picnic! It has one of the best view over the city for sure...
By
Mauricio
Alas
The Bedford Academy – The Ex-Ladies club
"The Bedford Academy" is one great Toronto bar nestled in a quiet street. I have many fond memories of enjoying the summer on their well-appointed patio.
By
Mauricio
Alas
About me
About me
I have lived in Toronto for most of my life and I am proud to be both of Salvadorean heritage and to be able to call this amazing city my home. I have travelled to numerous countries in Europe and Latin America and I have always found myself looking forward to coming back to Toronto at the end of my travels.
As a photographer, I have to see the world just slightly different. A practice that has luckily carried over from behind the lenses to my day to day life as it has given me a curiosity of not only wanting to meet new people as an event organizer but also as an urban explorer.
I run Toronto’s largest Spanish speaking language group and after 7 years, I never get tired of not only making new friends but helping my fellow Torontonians feel just a little bit more like they belong.
Why Toronto?
Toronto ’is’ choice. Whether it be multiculturalism, arts or cuisine.
Toronto is a place where people from all over the world have found a home and have managed to retain their culture and learn from each other through the simple act of living together.
Even though my city is for all purposes a metropolis, it has somehow managed to maintain a small town mentality as a whole. This of course can be strange to think when you find yourself in the middle of downtown surrounded by a forest of glass towers reaching for the sky.
However it easy to find spots where you are suddenly transported to a small town where kids still play on the streets, find yourself lingering in front of world class art or in spirited markets, where they will casually close down car traffic, as if to say ’no rush, look around, you are our guest,’ Small stores where you can still purchase delicious fruit for cents on the dollar and ALL within walking distance.
My city invites newcomers with a multitude of culturally diverse festivals, exotic food and exciting opportunities to learn and expand their horizons. All you have to do is decide which adventure you want to do first. The choice is yours.
Where can you find me online?
Mauricio Alas (Personal blog)
Facebook
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Speak Spanish to me
Toronto Friends
Where to find me
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