Hidden Gems in Toronto

Updated 2026-10-26

Beyond the CN Tower and the big museums, Toronto has plenty of places that first-time visitors often miss. These are free or low-cost and easy to combine with a tour on the same day.

The PATH

Under downtown Toronto, the PATH is a network of pedestrian tunnels lined with shops and food courts linking office towers, Union Station and the financial district — useful in winter or bad weather. Many walking tours start nearby, including the downtown essentials tour from Union Station.

Scarborough Bluffs

On the city’s east side, the Scarborough Bluffs are tall clay cliffs above Lake Ontario with parks and beaches at their base. You will need transit or a car to get there from downtown.

Evergreen Brick Works

A former brickworks in the Don Valley, now a community environmental centre with trails, gardens and a weekend farmers’ market.

Graffiti Alley

Rush Lane, south of Queen Street West, is known as Graffiti Alley for its walls of street art. It is an easy detour on foot or by bike — see Toronto bike tours and rentals.

Ward’s Island

The quieter eastern end of the Toronto Islands has a small residential community, a beach and boardwalk views back to the skyline. A Toronto Islands bike tour is one way to see more of the islands.

Kensington Market side streets

Away from the main streets, Kensington Market’s laneways and side streets hide small bakeries and shops. A Kensington food tour is a good way to find them.