The hustle and bustle of the big city can at times become really overwhelming, especially if you weren't born or raised here. The great thing about Toronto is that amongst all this crazy, it also has places within it that are the perfect escape.
Whether you want to hit a trail, or you want to just retreat into a hole in the wall, you want to get away for a little while. These places are where people come to leave the city behind them, even if it's for a little while.
High Park
Where: 1873 Bloor St W. // High Park
Why should you go: Toronto's largest park, dubbed the Central Park of Toronto, is acres and acres of hidden trails, nooks and ponds that you can get lost in. This park has everything you need to spend the day away from the big city.
Toronto Botanical Gardens
Where: 777 Lawrence Ave E. // Don Mills
Why should you go: This oasis, located on the grounds of the Edward Gardens, gets you far enough away from the city, with still being in it. You can wander the grounds and take in the gorgeous gardens, and breath in some non-city infested air.
Tommy Thompson Park
Where: 1 Leslie St // Harbourfront
Why should you go: Here you can find a breathtaking view of the city. A surreal place to escape when you just need to take a step back and admire home from afar.
The Green Room
Where: 296 Brunswick Ave // The Annex
Why should you go: Maybe the woods and trails thing isn't for you. This hole in the wall dive bar in the Annex, is a great little bar with cheap food and drinks that can give you the break you want from the city. To be in a more intimate setting, you can also sit on the secluded patio.
The One Eighty
Where: 55 Bloor St W. // Yorkville
Why should you go: Okay, here me out. This place is literally in the heart of the city, but escaping doesn't mean you can't be among the hustle and bustle. You can be above it!
Toronto Heli Tours
Where: 2 Eireann Quay // Toronto Islands
Why should you go: Speaking of going above city, this is one of the best ways to do so. Soar above the city in a helicopter, and take in the classic views of Toronto with a bird's eye view!
Toronto VR Games
Where: 55 Kensington Ave // Chinatown
Why should you go: Virtual reality is one of the best ways to leave the city behind for an hour or two. This is a unique way to be in a whole new world, while never actually leaving the one you live in!
Ripley's Aquarium
Where: 288 Bremner Blvd // Entertainment District
Why should you go: "Under the sea, darling it's better!" Ripley's can be one hell of a time when you want to be away from the city life. The best time to go is Friday evenings for the true under the sea experience, it usually has less people, and the occasional jazz nights.
Gone Sailing Adventures
Where: 415 Queens Quay W. // Harbourfront
Why should you go: Float away from Toronto. These sail tours, amongst many other boat tours found at the Harbourfront, allow a fun way to gather your friends, and set sail!
Polson Pier
Where: 242 Cherry St. // Lower Don Lands
Why should you go: Whether it's dancing and lounging the day/night away at Cabana Pool Bar, getting competitive at the Go-Kart tracks, or simply taking a stroll down the pier, there's a lot ways to get away from the city here!
H20 Float Spa
Where: 138 Danforth Ave // Riverdale
Why should you go: A spa day, especially one as unique as this float spa in Riverdale, is one of, if not THE BEST to relax, escape literally anything and everything for a couple hours.
