Kandice VincentToronto’s Underrated Gem: The Treasures of Liberty Village
Liberty Village is one of Toronto’s underappreciated gems that has a lot to offer. From great food to lovely patios, the neighbourhood has a bunch of attractions to see.
If you’re making an itinerary of things to do in Liberty Village, we’ve got you covered with this list of fun activities to do in this awesome neighbourhood!
Toronto’s Underrated Gem: The Treasures of Liberty Village
1. Have a delicious brunch at Mildred’s Temple Kitchen
Address: 85 Hanna Ave #104, Toronto, ON M6K 3S3, Canada
Operating hours:
Monday, Wednesday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Canadians love brunch, and Liberty Village has loads of brunch spots with a tasty reputation. Our go-to spot is the ole reliable Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, which has been serving delicious food like pancakes since 1989.
The restaurant has a cosy interior, and its warm lights and comfortable seats make you feel like you’re at your grandma’s house.
They serve a wide range of dishes like grilled cheese, French toast, and the classic pancakes that will leave you wanting more.
Pro tip:
Before you leave, we suggest taking some of Mildred’s famous currant scones and their homemade apple butter.
2. Visit MZTV Museum Of Television
Address: 64 Jefferson Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 1Y4, Canada
Operating hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Monday, Sunday: Closed
If you’re looking for a museum that’s all about media and television, then head to the MZTV Museum Of Television! This cool museum houses one of the most extensive collections of television equipment from the 1920s to the 1980s.
You’ll find exhibits dedicated to experimental receiver designs and a collection of intricate TV signal patents. The museum is also home to several TV sets owned by historical icons like Marylin Monroe and Elvis Presley.
Pro tip:
One exhibit you don’t want to miss is the Philo T. Farnsworth exhibit. This exhibit honours the late inventor’s innovations in technology during the 1920s and features notable artefacts like the harrow plow disc and the first camera tube.
3. Drink and dine alfresco
LOCAL Public Eatery Liberty Village
Address: 171 E Liberty St #100, Toronto, ON M6K 3P6, Canada
The Craft Brasserie & Grille
Address: 107 Atlantic Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 1Y2, Canada
Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery
Address: 42 Liberty St, Toronto, ON M6K 3E7, Canada
Brazen Head Irish Pub
Address: 165 E Liberty St 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON M6K 3K4, Canada
If you’re looking for some of the best places to drink and dine alfresco, then come over to Liberty Village. You’ll find many restaurants with vibrant patios serving great food.
You can enjoy fresh air while downing a couple of grapefruit radlers at Liberty Commons or some beers at the Brazen Head. If you want grub, chow down on some smoky steak frites from The Craft Brasserie & Grille!
Pro tip:
If you love alcoholic beverages, we recommend visiting the Brazen Head. This Irish pub has a total of 4 patios. 2 patios are located on the second floor, while 1 patio is located on the ground floor, and the final patio is located on the third floor.
4. Shop for quality furniture and homeware ‘til you drop
THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON PLANTS
Address: 42 Hanna Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 1X1, Canada
Nature’s Signature
Address: 100 Lynn Williams St #1A, Toronto, ON M6K 3N6, Canada
Shops at King Liberty
Address: 85 Hanna Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 3S3, Canada
EQ3 Toronto
Address: 51 Hanna Ave #3, Toronto, ON M6K 3N7, Canada
One of the best things to do in Liberty Village is to go on a shopping spree. The village has some of the best options when it comes to elegant furniture and stylish homewares that will last a lifetime.
Some of our favourite places to shop are in West Elm and Structube for their furniture that sports sleek, modern, and minimal designs! If you’re into quirky furniture, then stop by Stroudfoot, where you’ll find bizarre decor like a chandelier made of Mothra figurines.
Pro tip:
For the best kitchen gear, we recommend visiting Kitchen Stuff Plus. This lovely store carries high-quality knives, cutting boards, blenders, and even ovens!
5. Pick out gifts at I Have a Crush On You
Address: 51 Jefferson Ave Unit #201, Toronto, ON M6K 1Y3, Canada
Operating hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Speaking of shopping, if you’re looking for the best place to grab gifts and niche items, I Have a Crush On You is your best bet. This store is basically a blend of a gift shop, a gallery, and a workshop that sells humorous gift cards and offbeat sculptures.
The shop has an interior that is just as colourful and vibrant as the products they sell. Most of the items sold here reference pop culture, so don’t be surprised to see The Notorious BIG playing cards or KISS matryoshka dolls on shelves!
Pro tip:
The store doesn’t just sell cool gifts and items, they also sell cool room decor. Our personal favourites are their neon signs with sassy and quirky messages.
6. Unwind at Liberty Village Park
Address: 70 E Liberty St, Toronto, ON M6K 3K7, Canada
One of our favourite things to do in Liberty Village is to have a relaxing day at Liberty Village Park. As one of the neighbourhood’s green spaces, this park doesn’t disappoint when it comes to natural beauty and interesting sights.
The park is small, but it’s really quiet, which makes it the perfect place to read a book or go people-watching. It has a great view of the skyline, and it’s also home to the Perpetual Motion sculpture, which pays homage to old washing machines.
Pro tip:
If you have children with you, there’s a cute playground in the park that’s filled with swings and slides where your kids can have a fun time!
7. Bask in the glory of the old Prison Chapel
Address: 70 E Liberty St, Toronto, ON M6K 3K7, Canada
While you’re relaxing at Liberty Village Park, it’s hard not to marvel at the huge brick building that sticks out like a sore thumb. This huge building is actually a historic prison chapel built in the 1870s!
The building is both creepy and beautiful at the same time with its dark brick construction and red window seals. Although the building is empty and a bit dilapidated, it’s still an old piece of history that’s worth looking at.
Pro tip:
If you want to capture some creepy shots of the building, we suggest visiting the sight at night. The dark skies and park lights that illuminate the building add a more eerie atmosphere to pictures.
8. Gobble up some fluffy pancakes at School
Address: 70 Fraser Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 3E1, Canada
Operating hours:
Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Make breakfast sweeter with fluffy pancakes at School. This breakfast spot’s pillowy smooth pancakes deliver just the right amount of sweetness.
The pancakes come with a variety of toppings like fruits. You can opt for the classic fluffy pancake that’s drizzled in berries and syrup or try their Synonym toast, which is a fun spin on the classic cinnamon toast.
Pro tip:
If you’re tired of pancakes you can try School’s Black ‘n’ Blue flapjacks. This is one of the craziest dishes on their menu: it’s a tower of flapjacks lathered in brown sugar butter and a mix of berry sauces.
