Must Do
Welcome to Scarborough! This inner-city district of Toronto, Canada might have a reputation for a few harsh neighbourhoods here and there, but if you truly get to know this area of the fantastic, leading edge city which is Toronto, you’d be quite surprised. From top-notch restaurants to scenic walkways and amusing activities, you will undoubtedly fall in love with this gem of a suburb. Here are some reasons to visit Scarborough.
In a bustling city which is Toronto, there are many things that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. Saying this, Scarborough is not that different. First off, Scarborough is conveniently located east of the downtown core of the city of Toronto which gives it access to the edge of great Lake Ontario. Here, you will stumble among the beautiful sight of the Scarborough Bluffs. The Scarborough Bluffs are pristine cliffs carved from eons ago when the water level reached the top of rolling, emerald green grass hills which still overlook the shimmering blue Lake Ontario. Here you can stroll along serene boardwalks while searching for delicate lake glass and enjoying a delicious ice cream treat from one of the many vendor carts.
Personal Favourites
For me, being a long time resident of Scarborough, I have developed some personal, favourite hot spots that I would like to share. I would highly recommend a quick rail ride over to the Scarborough town center. This gigantic mall includes stores such as Forever 21, Walmart, Taco Bell, Hot Topic and many other big brand stores with amazing deals that you can’t find anywhere else. From clothes to food, the Scarborough town center makes it possible to do all of your shopping in one place
Best Walk in Scarborough
Looking for a scenic stroll? Then travel down to Sunnybrook Park. This gorgeous patch of greenery in a big city offers a unique vacation for city dwellers and guests alike. This park is home to a lodge where you can pick up a quick bite to eat as well as offer multiple tables and washroom facilities so that families can easily set up a barbeque or two and enjoy their own food during a fun, electricity-free day of simply being together. The park is also animal-friendly as it hosts multiple caged dog parks and a stable. In the winter you can view icicles and snowy trails galore which are equally stunning in the warmer months with beautiful flowers, flourishing trees and gushing ravines.
Best Restaurants in Scarborough
Are you a foodie who wants to grab a bite? Then look no further than the Wexford restaurant. A local diner since the 1950s, this gem of the suburb offers all-day breakfast as well as lunch and dinner menus. Try their famous hand pressed orange juice with a stack of fluffy pancakes or settle into a steaming hot cup of coffee with savoury fish and chips. Best Music and Festivals Jamming to a groove has never been easier in this hopping hotspot. Every summer, you can travel on down to the taste of the Danforth street festival where proud Greek immigrants share their love of food, dance, breaking plates and all around culture with family-friendly booths, food trucks and stages bursting with local talent. While you are in town, you can swing by Massey hall to treat your ears to rocking all-nighter by the punk band the Trews or a matinee of smooth jazz by the exquisite Nikki Yanofsky, as well as discover an unsigned gem from any local band in the city.
Best Nightlife in Scarborough
Scarborough is a night owl’s paradise. This suburb never sleeps and this is evident at the Don Mills Shopping center. This outdoor mall includes stores that party all night long. From high-end fashion retailers like Altos to 5-star restaurants like PF Changs, this party center is open all night and surrounds a beautiful small park adorned with statues, fountains and installations which host monthly opportunities like festivals and skating rinks.
Best Out of City Day Trip
Of course, sometimes travellers want to discover the outer regions of the city as well. If this is the case, then I would highly recommend a trip to Black Creek pioneer village. This historic landmark just north of Toronto recreates the past in new, exciting, and educational ways. Here you can time travel back with talented actors reenacting pioneer life in a schoolhouse, grain mill, farm and even an original town hall from way back in the day.
Fun Facts!
Here are some other things you should know about Scarborough. This town is home to funny actor Mike Myers who has played the leading role in the Austin Powers film franchise. He’s so famous, that there’s even a street named after him. This town is also home to Juno award-winning artist Fefe Dobson who is a talented, world-renown singer in the pop genre of music.
10 interesting facts about Scarborough Toronto
- Scarborough is the easternmost suburb of Toronto and is home to over 600,000 people.
- The Scarborough Bluffs, a series of cliffs along the shoreline of Lake Ontario, are a major landmark in the area and offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
- The Bluffs are also home to many species of birds, including the endangered Piping Plover, which is protected by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
- Scarborough is home to the University of Toronto Scarborough, which is known for its programs in business, science, and arts.
- The area is also home to the Toronto Zoo, which is one of the largest zoos in the world and is home to over 5,000 animals.
- Scarborough is known for its diverse population, with people from all over the world calling it home.
- The area is home to many cultural festivals and events, including the Scarborough Ribfest, the Scarborough Village Folk Festival, and the Toronto International Film Festival.
- The Scarborough Town Centre is a major shopping destination in the area, with over 200 stores and restaurants.
- The area is home to many beautiful parks, including Thomson Memorial Park, which features a pond, playgrounds, and sports fields.
- Scarborough was once home to the world’s largest hockey stick and puck, which were created as part of a promotional campaign for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1990s. The stick and puck are now on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.