Culture
Massey Hall, Downtown
Nelly Furtado, Jorja Smith and Helen Keller have all graced Massey Hall’s storied stage since it first opened its doors in 1894. It reopened in 2021 after a thoughtful restoration by Canada’s KPMB Architects. The stalls’ plush, red-velvet seats are retractable so as to make way for a dancefloor when required.
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, Harbourfront
The red-brick former power station, topped with its towering smokestack, has been a landmark along Toronto’s waterfront since it was built in 1926. But it has also powered much of the city’s cultural ecosystem since 1980, when it became Canada’s largest non-collecting gallery of contemporary art.
Paradise Theatre, Bloorcourt Village
Toronto is a movie town, anchored by its prestigious annual film festival each September as well as by the large number of major productions filmed in the city. Among its fine array of independent neighbourhood cinemas is the art deco Paradise Theatre, built in 1937 and nicely restored in 2021. Arrive at your screening a little early for a tipple at its lobby bar.
Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands are a zippy public-ferry or private water-taxi ride away from Downtown. In summer, pack a picnic and some swimwear (or pick some up at Bather, founded in Toronto in 2013) and head for a dip at the recently restored beach at Gibraltar Point. The view of Toronto’s towering skyline on the return voyage, particularly at sunset, is a memorable sight.
Mercer Union, Bloordale Village
Founded by a group of artists in 1979 to establish Toronto’s first collective exhibition space for new work, Mercer Union remains one of the city’s liveliest contemporary-art venues. Its well-curated programme of exhibitions by Canadian and international artists also includes lectures, receptions and parties.
