Weaving through the Waterfront + Christmas market (14.5 km)

Toronto's beautiful waterfront is separated from downtown by a hulking highway and railway. This hike will make you acutely aware of that as we cross the barrier multiple times. Ponder the state of urban planning in Toronto while admiring gridlocked traffic, road closures, and TTC replacement buses.

It gets better at the east end, where Toronto's newest neighbourhood is taking shape. If you haven't visited in the last few years, stunning buildings have sprouted up: the first mass timber building in Ontario, a Moshe Safdie condo, hip community centres, the LCBO HQ, and more.

Urbanism aside, we'll cover notable restaurants along the way. A lot of it is mediocre, overpriced tourist traps, or closed during the day. However, there are some decent choices for a quick bite.

The hike ends at another tourist hotspot: the historic Distillery District. It hosts various festivals throughout the year, notably the largest Christmas Market in Toronto. You can peruse it after the hike; this hike does not include exploration of the market.

There is no lunch break because we aim to reach the Christmas Market before 4pm, before free admission ends. Have a heavy breakfast or pick up munchies along the way.

Highlights

1. Stanley Park (depart 11am)
2. Garrison Crossing
3. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
4. Monument to the War of 1812
5. Fort York library
6. STACKT market (depart 12:10pm, main entrance)
7. Puente De Luz
8. Roywoods / Scooped
9. Tom Thomson’s Canoe
10. The Well
11. CN Tower and SkyDome
12. Toronto Railway Museum (depart 1:03pm)
13. Ice Creamonology
14. Harbourfront Centre / The Power Plant
15. Sundial Folly
16. Union Station (depart 1:53pm. % Arabica Cafe)
17. The Beginning of Yonge St
18. Pier 27 condos and public art
19. One Yonge Community Recreation Centre
20. Urban Maharajas
21. St. Lawrence Sunday Antiques Market (depart 2:40pm, southwest corner of Lower Jarvis and The Esplanade)
22. Sugar Beach
23. Limberlost Place
24. Momo Loco / Cuckoo Cakery
25. Aqualuna
26. Distillery Winter Village / Madrina Bar y Tapas (arrive 3:20pm)

Neighbourhoods
Niagara > Toronto Island > Fashion District > Cityplace > Entertainment District > Harbourfront > South Core > St Lawrence > East Bayfront > Distillery District

Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1ery9PqymNfB6c27s0tc2bIyJB672QkQ&usp=sharing

As with all hikes, this is not a leisure walk or walking tour. Be prepared for steep inclines and inclement weather.

How it works
Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints.

We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. Grab ready-made food, or see the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way.

Not sure what to try? Join our omakase for $5, which gives a tiny sample from different restaurants. Payment on the day of event by cash or e-transfer to [email protected]. No refunds after orders are placed. Details of sampled food will be uploaded after the hike.

Limited cutlery provided. Highly recommended to bring cutlery and containers for omakase and bringing back leftovers.

See our About section for more info.