Search the world over, and you’ll never find a place to call home quite like Toronto. With a thriving career market, endless diversity, and access to a second-to-none education system, Toronto offers everything you could want and more.
One of the only drawbacks you’ll hear about is the climate. Although Toronto is mild compared to many other places, Canada is known for its sometimes inclement weather. When the chill sets in, you could do the usual movie night or stay in playing video games at home. However, Toronto offers countless unique, exciting experiences that are perfect for when the frigid air hits or the snow, sleet, or rain starts to fall. Here’s a quick look at our top rainy-day activities in the East End.
Visit One of the Countless Museums
As one of Canada’s most prominent cultural hubs, Toronto is known for its outstanding museums and art galleries. The Royal Ontario Museum and Ontario Art Gallery may be the most famous. Still, you’ll discover dozens of other options all over the city. Whatever your interests, you will find our local history and art scene a non-stop source of fascination. Although there are too many to name, here are a few popular attractions in or near the East End.
- Museum of Illusions: Come and delight and dazzle your senses with over 80 illusions, holograms, and other experiences. You won’t believe how many intriguing ways your eyes can deceive you, and you’ll love every moment of it.
- Mackenzie House: William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto’s first mayor, is a source of fascination and controversy. Now, you can become part of the city’s history by touring his restored 1858 townhouse.
- Blue Crow Art Gallery: Want to support local Toronto and Canadian artists? The Blue Crow Gallery showcases a wide variety of art, including paintings, sculptures, and jewellery. There’s no obligation to purchase, but you may just find that “must-have” piece that completes your home decor. An art school and various children’s camps are also available.
Rain or sun, you’ll never experience a dull moment in the City of Toronto. Here are just a few other things that make it one of the top cities in the country:
- The Best Boutique Fitness Studios In Toronto
- Our Favourite Toronto Spots For A Cozy Date Night
- Hiking in the East End: Our Favourite All-Season Trails
Take in Some Live Entertainment
There’s nothing quite like live entertainment, and Toronto is practically synonymous with plays, comedy shows, and musical performances to suit every taste imaginable. Call a friend and mark your calendar – because something is always happening at one of the many exciting venues near you.
- The Opera House: Are you ready for something different from all the pop tunes you hear on the radio? Opera offers a variety of dramatic and comedic performances that today’s producers can only dream about. But it isn’t just classical music. This historic 12,000-square-foot establishment hosts various events, including concerts, comedy shows, theatre performances, and more.
- The Redwood Theatre: Do you have a taste for live music? The Redwood Theatre lies in the heart of Leslieville and features artists in various styles, including rock, country, jazz, and more. Come for the music. Stay for the food and coffee while bonding with your friends.
- Red Sandcastle Theatre: This tiny venue offers up big entertainment, featuring everything from plays and comedy acts to puppet shows and murder mysteries. Do you have an idea for a production of your own? This venue also provides a perfect place to rehearse your show to perfection.
Have a Blast at an Indoor Amusement Park
Amusement parks might scream “outdoor fun” and summertime. However, in recent years, countless smaller indoor centres have popped up. A drive around the neighbourhood may uncover the perfect paintball, indoor trampoline park, or laser tag hot spot. Plus, virtual reality is taking the city by storm, allowing you to step inside a whole new dimension. With so many fun and one-of-a-kind activities, there’s never a reason to spend a rainy day staring at your phone!
- Extreme Fun Kids Indoor Playground: With sports like indoor basketball, air hockey, and foosball, children aged 1 to 10 never have to worry about a little rain spoiling their fun again. This 5,500-square-foot facility also features tons of slides, a jumping castle, and a dress up corner. What better way to bounce the jitters out?
- Level Up Virtual Reality Arcade: Are you ready to explore the Metaverse? Toronto’s highest-rated VR arcade is ready to take you to a series of unforgettable new worlds. A wide variety of games and virtual reality experiences means the whole family can join in on the fun.
- Fantasy Fair: If you’re willing to take a little drive, this indoor amusement park is a great way to spend a day with your family! Attractions include bumper cars, spinning thrill rides, an XD simulator, a Ferris wheel and more. When you’re done with the rides, you can try your luck playing games at the midway.
Regardless of the many fun things Toronto has to offer, sometimes you just want to stay in and stay cozy. In that case, here are some tips to make your house feel more like home:
- How to Make Your House Feel Like Home as the Weather Turns
- 5 Toronto Furniture Stores To Give Your Home A Makeover
- How To Turn Your Yard Into a Winter Wonderland
Unwind at a Cozy Cafe or Bistro
If all else fails, you can never go wrong with food or coffee. Nothing chases away the cold weather blues like bonding over a meal with a close friend or family member. It’s also the perfect way to reconnect with someone you may have lost touch with. And you’ll find no shortage of options in Toronto. Every neighbourhood is teeming with restaurants, bistros, and cafes offering every cuisine from every culture imaginable. From gourmet to casual, here are just a few of our favourite places to grab a bite in the East End.
- Descendant Detroit Style Pizza: When can you go wrong with pizza? At one of the top pizza joints in the East End, the answer is never. Gat Daddy, Electric Avenue, and Jaffna are just a few of the endless varieties waiting to dazzle your tastebuds.
- Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice Restaurant: Besides the fun name and entertaining decor, you’ll find something for everyone at what is, in fact, a really nice restaurant. The menu includes Italian favourites such as homemade lasagna, gnocchi, spaghetti, and more.
- Prologue Cafe: This tiny cafe in Leslieville offers delectable lunches, brunches and casual treats. It’s a cozy place to bond with friends over coffee while snacking on delicious baked goods and locally sourced snacks. There’s even an events calendar where you can plan your next board game or scrabble night. With so many fun things to do when the weather turns sour, you may never wish for hot summers again!
The never-ending list of incredible amenities and high living standards make Toronto one of Canada’s most sought-after cities. If you want to know more about the real estate opportunities here, we are happy to help. Reach out at ERICA@ERICAREDDY.COM or call 416.443.0300 to start the conversation today.
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