Toronto native Jeffrey Kishner 鈥�01S (MBA) shares plenty of picks for the perfect long weekend.
Meet your guide
Toronto native Jeffrey Kishner 鈥�01S (MBA) is a finance and operations executive and founder of the consulting firm . He鈥檚 also an active 人妻少妇专区 alumnus and a member of the Canada Network Leadership Council and the Simon Alumni Network.When Kishner isn鈥檛 working, he鈥檚 spending time with his wife, Jennifer Gotlieb, and their two children.
Known as one of the world鈥檚 most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities, Toronto draws nearly 28 million visitors each year for its culinary delights, sports culture, historic landmarks, and vibrant arts and cultural scene.听
鈥淟ess than four hours north of Rochester, Toronto is really a city for everyone,鈥� says Jeffrey Kishner 鈥�01S (MBA), who was born and raised there. 鈥淚t鈥檚 easy to explore by foot, bus, streetcar, or subway, and it offers an extensive network of trails, parks, and urban forests perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.鈥�
Kishner, one of 1,000-plus alumni who call this city home, offers an insider鈥檚 insights into a few of its diverse neighborhoods, plus a few more of his favorite spots.
Downtown and the Harbourfront
Start off at the iconic and, if you are up for thrills, brave its EdgeWalk, the world鈥檚 highest full-circle, hands-free walk. Harnessed 116 floors above ground, you can take in unparalleled views of the city. From there, venture over to the for a deep dive into Canada鈥檚 favorite sport. Don鈥檛 miss the chance to get a photo with the Stanley Cup鈥攁 true national treasure. Sports fans might also want to catch a Blue Jays, Raptors, or Maple Leafs game, depending on the season. Insider tip: plan well in advance, especially for hockey games, as tickets can be notoriously hard to come by.
For dining, offers authentic Italian cuisine in a historic bank building. For an extra-special experience, ask to see one of the old vaults. Or try contemporary Canadian fare at , which boasts stunning city views. Next, explore the Harbourfront area, home to the and many family-friendly activities. Cap off the day with a short ferry ride to the . This chain of small islands offers breathtaking skyline views, the (ideal for kids), and an array of beaches, parks, and trails.
The Distillery District and the Market
The is a former industrial complex from the early 1800s that has been transformed into a pedestrian-friendly area with shops, restaurants, and breweries. Kishner recommends strolling some of the area鈥檚 historic cobblestone streets, too, including Colborne Street, known as the best-preserved street in Toronto鈥檚 Heritage District. Next, head to the and order up one of Toronto鈥檚 signature dishes: the Veal Sandwich at . Cap off the day at the , which offers great food and drink options, and more great views of the skyline.
Chinatown and Kensington Market
Explore the Frank Gehry鈥揹esigned , showcasing Canadian artists like Tom Thomson and Emily Carr and the Group of Seven along with the world鈥檚 largest collection of Henry Moore sculptures. Then visit the nearby , full of specialty food shops, eclectic restaurants (Kishner recommends for Jamaican fare), and vintage clothing stores. For cheese lovers, don鈥檛 miss or .
Be sure to check out nearby Chinatown, too, known for its walkable streets and authentic cuisine. Kishner鈥檚 pick: restaurant.听
Yorkville and Bloor Street West
The Bloor-Yorkville neighborhood offers a blend of galleries, shops, and cafes. It鈥檚 also the place for celebrity sightings. Films like My Big Fat Greek Wedding and The Shape of Water were shot in Toronto, which, in addition to Vancouver, is known as the 鈥淗ollywood of the North.鈥� Visit the , too, featuring Daniel Libeskind鈥檚 crystal-like architectural addition, and dine at for Middle Eastern food or , a contemporary hotspot.听
If you have time. . .听
Catch a show at the , the legendary comedy club that launched Mike Myers, John Candy, Dan Ackroyd, Martin Short, Eugene Levy, and others. Plan to visit Ossington Ave., too, to find one of Kishner鈥檚 favorite places: . His top pick: London Fog, a blend of Earl Grey tea and vanilla. For more great food, dine at for Greek fare or the for its legendary Vietnamese pho. Save time for a drink at the or .听
Kishner, an avid concert goer, also recommends taking in a show at the , an amphitheater offering skyline views, or at the historic , where he鈥檚 seen Bob Dylan, B.鈥咮. King, and Neil Young. For a more intimate experience, check out , the Horseshoe Tavern, or , owned by the Canadian rapper Drake.听
Deciding when to go?听
If you plan ahead and don鈥檛 mind crowds, attend the , held every September. June is packed, with the , Toronto鈥檚 International Festival of Arts and Ideas; , one of the world鈥檚 largest Pride events; and , a music and arts festival modeled after Austin, Texas鈥檚 South by Southwest. In July, experience (also called Caribana).听
Says Kishner: 鈥淭he carnival鈥檚 parade is a must-see.鈥�听
This story appears in the fall 2024 issue of Rochester Review, the magazine of the 人妻少妇专区.
