What to Do in Toronto
23 May, 2018
- Words by
- Christopher Beanland
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The Second City
Toronto, Canada
This lauded offshoot of Chicago’s famous stand-up comedy club opened back in 1972, with, famously, “no air conditioning, no alcohol licence… and almost no audience”. Today, its group shows are as famous as ever and have produced stand-up stars such as Dan Aykroyd, Ashley Comeau and John Candy. If you fancy yourself as the new Tina Fey try one of their improv masterclasses.
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TIFF Bell Lightbox
Toronto, Canada
Dashing glass architecture encases a shop for cinephiles, a film gallery and museum, bars and restaurants and some of the comfiest and most kitted-out cinemas you’ve ever encountered. The home of the Toronto International Film Festival and the documentary fest Hot Docs, when its not rolling out the red carpet, TIFF is showing arthouse movies to a very invested audience.
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The Bentway
Toronto, Canada
Toronto’s newest urban park and arts space is the city’s hip answer to New York’s High Line. But rather than going over the rooftops, it makes innovative use of the previously derelict space under the Gardiner Expressway. It’s an idea similar to those familiar with London’s Westway, but here there’s much more greenery.
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Casa Loma
Toronto, Canada
There can’t be another building in Toronto that has featured in as many films. Chicago, Scott Pilgrim Vs The World, Cocktail and X Men (and many, many more) were all filmed in this plush pile with its wood panelling, gorgeous gardens, spooky tunnels, strange stables, spiky turrets and panoramic views over town. It was once the home of industrialist Henry Pellatt but is now one of the city’s most beloved destinations.