Toronto is famous for must-see spots like the CN Tower, the Distillery District, and of course, its beautiful waterfront. But did you know there are plenty of hidden gems scattered around the city that even some locals haven’t found yet?
Yep, the 6ix is packed with off-the-beaten-path spots just waiting to be explored! From secret gardens to quirky little cafés, there’s a whole side of the city that’s easy to miss if you don’t know where to look.
So, if you’re ready to see a different side of Toronto, check out our list of hidden gems that are sure to surprise (and delight) you!
The Vog Vault
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Website: https://www.fluevog.com/stores/toronto-queen-st/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluevog
Address: 686 Queen St W
Hours:
- Mon, Sun: 12 PM – 6 PM
- Tue – Sat: 11 AM – 7 PM
Contact: (416) 581-1420
Tucked inside the Fluevog shoe store on Queen Street West, The Vog Vault is a quirky hidden gem that combines fashion, history, and fun. Once a TD bank vault, it has been made into a vintage reading nook, with bookshelves and a cozy Victorian-style sofa.
But there’s a twist (literally!)—the entire room has been rotated 90 degrees, so the furniture is on the wall, creating the perfect setting for gravity-defying photos. It’s actually one of Toronto’s most Instagrammable spots!
The whimsical design makes for some seriously fun and creative photo ops. As a bonus, you won’t be charged to step inside, but if you’re tempted by the stylish shoes around you, they are available for purchase.
Pro Tip:
The Vog Vault is small and intimate, so it’s best to visit during off-peak hours to get the best photos without the crowds!
Kensington Market
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Website: https://kensingtonmarket.to/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kensingtonmarketbia
Address: Kensington Avenue
Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM
Parking: 68-20 St Andrew St., 25 Bellevue Ave., 89 – 107 Nassau St.
Kensington Market is a colorful, bohemian neighborhood in central Toronto that feels like a world of its own. Far from being a traditional market, it’s an entire area filled with quirky shops, cafés, and restaurants that offer a little bit of everything.
Here, you can shop for vintage clothing, retro home decor, unique art and jewelry, and more! It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours browsing sustainable cosmetics, grabbing fresh flowers, or just people-watching while sipping coffee.
Don’t miss the market’s iconic Garden Car—a one-of-a-kind project that transforms a salvaged sedan into a living, breathing garden right in the heart of Kensington Market. As a cherry on top, the venue is open almost every day, all year round!
Pro Tip:
The best way to experience Kensington Market is by foot or bike. And if you go on the final Sunday of each month from May to October, the streets are often closed to cars, turning the neighborhood into a pedestrian paradise!
Balzac’s Coffee
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Website: https://shop.balzacs.com/pages/liberty-village
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balzacscoffee/
Address: 43 Hanna Ave., #123
Hours: Mon – Sun: 7 AM – 7 PM
Contact Details: (416) 534-7372
Balzac’s Coffee is the perfect spot to grab a cozy café au lait while soaking in some of Toronto’s prettiest locations. Along with top-notch coffee, they offer a variety of treats, from croissants and pastries to sandwiches and salads.
Each of their cafes is uniquely designed to reflect the local history and culture of the neighborhood. From the elegant French-inspired decor to the warm and inviting atmosphere, every location feels like a little slice of Paris in the heart of Toronto.
Not only is Balzac’s a beautiful place to enjoy your coffee, but they’re also committed to sustainability. They use eco-friendly smart roasters for their Fairtrade coffee beans, so you can sip your latte knowing you’re supporting ethical practices.
Pro Tip:
Want a change of venue? You can also visit Balzac Coffee’s Distillery District location and enjoy your coffee surrounded by the charm of historic cobblestone streets.
Monkey’s Paw
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Website: http://www.monkeyspaw.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mopaw_toronto/
Address: 1067 Bloor St W
Hours:
- Tue – Sat: 11 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Contact: (416) 531-2123
The Monkey’s Paw is for anyone who loves the charm of old books and a quirky atmosphere. Stepping into this cozy, cottage-like bookstore feels like traveling back in time, with shelves full of rare and unusual 20th-century reads.
What really sets it apart is the Biblio-Mat, a one-of-a-kind book vending machine that, for just $3, delivers a random vintage book. It’s an exciting and affordable way to discover something unexpected!
While prices can be a bit on the higher side for certain items, the carefully curated collection and charm of the store make it worth every penny. Plus, they’re always buying second-hand books, so you might find yourself contributing to their collection!
Pro Tip:
If you’re a fan of rare and unusual books, ask the staff for recommendations. The Monkey’s Paw specializes in quirky, out-of-print, and curious titles—and their staff knows them all! You might just uncover something truly unique for your bookshelf.
Arthur Conan Doyle Room
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Website: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/torontoreferencelibrary/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torontolibrary/
Address: 5th Floor, 789 Yonge St
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: 1:30 PM – 5 PM
Contact: (416) 395-5577
Tucked away on the top floor of the Toronto Reference Library, the Arthur Conan Doyle Room is a must-visit for fans of Sherlock Holmes. It’s modeled after the famous detective’s apartment at 221B Baker Street.
Its classic English decor, with floor-to-ceiling bookcases, antique furnishings, and wooden floors, makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of a mystery novel. It doesn’t matter if you’re a die-hard fan or just curious, it’s definitely worth exploring!
The room offers more than just books. You’ll find rare volumes of Doyle’s work, manuscripts, and correspondences, alongside collectibles like posters, original artwork, and newspaper clippings.
Pro Tip:
The Arthur Conan Doyle Room isn’t easy to find, so channel your inner detective. Head to the fifth floor of the library and keep an eye out for the entrance to the Special Collections Centre. Good luck!
The Scarborough Bluffs Beach
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/scarborough-bluffs/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarborough-bluffs-beach/
Address: 1 Brimley Rd. S, Bluffers Park Rd, Scarborough
Hours: Mon – Sun: 5 AM – 7 PM
Contact: (416) 338-0889
Just 30 minutes from downtown, Scarborough Bluffs Beach feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Known as “The Bluffs,” this golden stretch of sand on Lake Ontario is one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets.
Here, you can sunbathe or take a refreshing swim. But, the Bluffs aren’t just about the beach, though; the surrounding parks and hiking trails along the bluffs are perfect for those who are sporty or love to explore.
It goes without saying that it’s a fantastic spot for photography. The towering bluffs, with their dramatic cliffs and lush greenery, create a breathtaking backdrop—in fact, during sunset, the sky lights up in shades of pink and orange!
Pro Tip:
We recommend getting to the Bluffs early to snag a great spot on the beach and pack some snacks to fuel up for a hike. The views from the top of the bluffs are definitely worth the climb!
Weston Village
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Website: https://welcometoweston.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westonvillagebia/
Address: Toronto
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Weston Village is nestled along the Humber River, rich in history and charm. Founded in 1796, this quaint neighborhood is filled with picturesque tree-lined boulevards and historic homes that have even made appearances in film and TV.
Nature lovers will especially appreciate the scenic bike and hiking trails that run alongside the Humber River, both north and south of the village. These trails are perfect for a peaceful walk or a leisurely ride.
And if you’re in the area on a Saturday between late May and October, don’t miss the Weston Farmers’ Market. It’s the perfect place to grab fresh local produce, like juicy peaches and sweet roasted corn on the cob.
Pro Tip:
For easy access, park at the GreenP lot on John St., just a short walk from the Weston Farmers’ Market. Remember, however, that cars aren’t allowed inside the market during open hours for safety.
Redway Road Staircase
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Website: http://www.eastyorkhistoricalsociety.com/the-redways.html
Address: Leaside
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Tucked away in Leaside, the Redway Road Staircase is one of Toronto’s most unique gems. Originally built as an escape route for a sewage treatment plant, this wooden staircase now offers a quirky, off-the-beaten-path experience for those in the know.
Concealed by trees, the entrance is easy to miss. But, once you find it, you’ll descend over 200 steps through a lush forest, feeling like you’ve stepped into a forgotten corner of the city.
The staircase has a faded charm, with its once-bright blue paint now worn down by time. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of platforms to stop, rest, and take in the surroundings, including a convenient bench about halfway down.
Pro Tip:
The Redway Road Staircase is just a five-minute walk from the Loblaws parking lot, so park there and enjoy the adventure of finding this secret spot.
The Chester Hill Lookout
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Website: https://www.chctra.ca/topics/the-chester-hill-lookout
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chester-hill-look-out/
Address: Chester Hill Rd
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
The Chester Hill Lookout is one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets, offering a stunning panoramic view of the city and the Don Valley. It’s a peaceful escape from the city’s busy streets, perfect for taking in the skyline.
This awesome lookout is tucked away at the end of Chester Hill Road. The best part is that it’s free and easy to get to—just a quick ten-minute walk north from Broadview Station, or even closer if you hop on a bus.
It’s also known for its large astrology wheel, a striking piece of street art by Toronto’s renowned @whatsvictorupto. The artwork’s spiritual vibe attracts many curious visitors to this semi-circular observation deck.
Pro Tip:
If you’re visiting the Chester Hill Lookout in the evening, bring a camera for some great nighttime shots. You can also pack a blanket to sit back and enjoy the glowing view in comfort.
Little Tokyo
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Website: https://www.thebesttoronto.com/guide-to-little-tokyo/
Address: Toronto
Little Tokyo is one of Toronto’s coolest spots, offering a slice of Japanese culture just steps from downtown. Once the city’s original Chinatown, this small stretch of Dundas St has transformed into a hub of Japanese restaurants and businesses.
Despite its small size—only about 300 meters—you can easily spend an entire day enjoying all the Japanese delicacies on offer. From sushi burritos to unique ice cream flavors, Little Tokyo has some of the best Japanese restaurants in the city.
With its easy access via public transit, including two subway lines and a streetcar route, it’s a breeze to get to, and even more fun to explore. Plus, the neighborhood has a laid-back vibe that makes it perfect for casual exploring.
Pro Tip:
Want to update your Toronto style? Expand your summer wardrobe with Japanese minimalist staples from Little Tokyo’s Muji—perfect for adding a sleek, stylish touch to your closet.