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.

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City guides by those who know Toronto best!

Knowing Toronto in and out!

Our Toronto Cityguide - Made by 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

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Toronto

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Check out our latest hidden gems in Toronto

Things to do in Toronto

The Green Jar

A sweet sustainable shop

The store offers containers for specialty recycling which would otherwise be tossed in the trash, and they even help with the hosting of recycling events.

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Shopping

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Cassandra

Della Mora

May 14, 2025

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!

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

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Mauricio

Alas

May 11, 2025

Arcadia Earth

An inspiring, immersive experience

Throughout the experience, you’ll visit several different rooms, each with its own focus on threats to our precious planet, such as electronic waste.

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Art & culture

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Cassandra

Della Mora

May 10, 2025

A Different Booklist

A bookstore for better

A couple of great finds I’ve gotten from this store are Braiding Sweetgrass, my favourite book of all time and The Intersectional Environmentalist...

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Shopping

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Cassandra

Della Mora

May 10, 2025

Arts Market

Great selection of artisanal gifts

From beautiful jewelry to handmade or vintage home decor, amazing artwork, and candles scented with classic Canadian smells, it’s a gift-givers heaven!

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Art & culture
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Shopping

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Cassandra

Della Mora

May 10, 2025

The Latest Scoop

Treasure trove for trend seekers

Each visit to The Latest Scoop is a like a little treasure hunt, with regularly updated inventory to keep up with the latest trends.

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Shopping

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Cassandra

Della Mora

May 10, 2025

Karma Co-op

A co-op for the conscious consumer

Somewhat tucked away in the Annex neighbourhood of Toronto, this sweet shop welcomes you with a selection of locally made baked goods you can take to-go.

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Shopping

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Cassandra

Della Mora

May 10, 2025

Ecotique

Great for eco-friendly goods and gifts

I’ve bought a bunch here, from seed bombs to sustainable swaps like planet-friendly nail polish, and a pair of mittens made from old sweaters!

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Shopping

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Cassandra

Della Mora

May 10, 2025

Pretty Clean Shop

A sustainable & stunning shop

There is so much to see in this stunning space, and they have such a wide selection, you could spend hours inside and still not see it all!

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Shopping

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Cassandra

Della Mora

May 10, 2025

Coal Miner's Daughter

Canadian clothing and more

Their guiding principles are rooted in the slow fashion movement of quality over quantity, meaning sustainably and ethically produced pieces!

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Shopping

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Cassandra

Della Mora

May 10, 2025

Brodawka & Friends

Sweet store for grabbing gifts

I’ve bought plenty here from a beautiful, sustainably-made beach towel to a gorgeous gold-dipped necklace - both were gifts for myself!

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Shopping

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Cassandra

Della Mora

May 10, 2025

Broadview Espresso

Comfy coffee corner

"Broadview Espresso" in Toronto makes cappuccino just the way I like it -- almost scalding hot! I love sitting at the patio in the wooden seats...

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Coffee & tea

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Jeffrey

Wood

Apr 28, 2025

Heading to Toronto?

145 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

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What to expect?

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

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

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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