Next month, the world’s largest Insights and Analytics summit will convene in Toronto for the first time since the inaugural conference back in 1947. Attendees will gather from around the globe, finally able to connect in person to share insights on industry trends and tools.
Visitors will have a chance to explore Canada’s largest city – a bustling hub for business, finance, technology, entertainment, and culture. To help ESOMAR attendees make the most of their visit, the team at Environics has developed some suggested Toronto experiences.
For fun, we decided to organize our recommendations around some of our past segmentation work, which identified four distinct groups of travellers based on their motivations, values, and behaviours. Dive into the tailored suggestions we’ve assembled to help you optimize your experience in Toronto. Each segment also has an Environics Research Insider Tip, directly from our team of Toronto-based researchers.
Enjoy!
Explorers
Explorers want to discover and explore what’s unique about their destination – from cultural offerings to distinctive sites of natural beauty.
You want to choose your own routes and travel at your own pace, taking time to craft a bespoke experience and soak it all in. You’re always on the lookout for local, independent, and authentic offerings you can’t find anywhere else – from food and drink, to art, markets, and historical sites.
Wander/Explore
Kensington Market: Experience the most multicultural and vibrant neighbourhood right in the heart of Toronto.
Chinatown: Parallel to Kensington market, all throughout down Spadina Avenue make sure to explore one of the largest Chinatowns in North America.
Bloor West (Korea Town): Sitting snuggly on Bloor Street between Bathurst and Christie, you will find on both sides of the street Korean restaurants, groceries and trinket stores. Even maybe spare an hour or two at a karaoke bar and sing your life away.
See/Do/Shop:
St. Lawrence Market: Two century old Toronto landmark which is home to 200+ vendors from fresh food, souvenir and retail stalls.
ROM Royal Ontario Museum: The museum showcases many different cultural, art and natural galleries. Best known for its dinosaur collection, make sure to visit the new whale exhibit as well. The whale skeletons and humongous whale heart are for sure memorable and worth taking a look!
Graffiti Alley: To view this Toronto hidden gem, head to Rush Lane just south of Queen West, better known as Graffiti Alley. A street filled with large street art, great opportunity for beautiful photo ops.
Eat/Drink
Twenty Victoria Restaurant: A twenty-seater restaurant with a rotating menu that changes on a whim and a beautifully curated wine program.
Richmond Station: Owned by top chef Canada winners Carl Heinrich and Ryan Donovan, located on Yonge and Richmond Street, the restaurant offers a very modern, airy, cozy feel and ultimately delicious food.
Paris Paris: A converted auto garage, Paris Paris is an all-day wine bar that as well offers a bistro-inspired cuisine with multicultural flare.
Environics’ Insider Tip: Venture afar to Markham for the best Chinese food this side of the Atlantic and visit Pacific Mall, sample the small food stands and roam around across three stories of Asian Knick knacks – and perhaps buy something you never knew you needed.
Indulgers
Indulgers live to the max, and travel to the fullest, relishing time away from home as an opportunity to experience luxury options that transcend the day-to-day.
You’re all about polished style, higher-end pampering, and personal indulgence. From the services you seek to the environments you like to spend time in, you embrace flair and refinement.
Wander/Explore
Yorkville: The high-end district, filled with luxury stores, art galleries and restaurants.
King West: Similar to the Soho neighbourhood in New York. It is a young and lively neighbourhood full of Toronto’s best nightlife and restaurants.
See/Do/Shop:
Miraj hammam spa: This luxurious Moroccan inspired spa is located on the fifth floor of the Shangri La Hotel.
Eataly: Right in the heart of Yorkville, have a taste of Italy and enjoy many restaurants, food stalls, the marketplace and even maybe take a cooking class on how to make pasta.
Casa Loma: Premier Toronto historic house and garden in midtown Toronto, known for its gothic castle-like architecture. Grab an audio device and explore the property, it is well worth the time to wander around. Make sure to visit one of the two restaurants, The Gardens or the Blue Blood Steakhouse.
Eat/Drink
Canoe Restaurant: Located on the 57th floor in the financial district, have a meal with views of the CN tower and the lake, and enjoy some contemporary Canadian cuisine.
Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse: One of the most reputable steakhouses in Toronto. Offering quality cuts and service.
Sotto Sotto: Yorkville Italian staple and Toronto rapper Drake’s favorite restaurant is known for its old-school Italian food and upscale dining experience.
Environics’ Insider Tip: The Gardiner Museum is a hidden gem located near the intersection of St George and Bloor. The ceramics museum includes a beautiful bistro and grounds.
Relaxers
When Relaxers travel, they seek the comfort of home, with a twist.
You’re interested in chilled out comfort, relaxed experiences, rejuvenating outdoors, spending time in nature and offerings that are easy to access. There’s nothing like low-key, wallet-friendly options to make you happy.
Wander/Explore
High Park: Need a break from the downtown core? Get lost in one of the largest and oldest parks in Toronto. There are tons of things to do, from exploring its trails, parks, zoo and ponds (try to spot the elusive swan!).
The Beaches: A vintage small-town laidback vibe type of neighbourhood with a walkable and bikeable lakeside boardwalk. A summer haven filled with the best coffee shops, brunch spots, the city’s best artisanal ice cream, and swimmable beaches in the east side of Toronto.
Evergreen Brick Works: In the heart of Toronto’s Ravine lies a hub for markets, events and nature play. Explore the many trails and parks around the area in once was a brickmaking factory.
See/Do/Shop:
CN Tower: Probably the most famous building in Canada and an iconic spot to visit. Make sure to get tickets and take an elevator up to the 114th floor for a spectacular view of Toronto.
Blue Jays Baseball: Grab tickets to see Toronto’s baseball team, the Blue Jays, play a home game at the Rogers Centre on the 18th September.
Eat/Drink
Terroni: This is one of Toronto’s well established Italian restaurants. Explore any of its three locations around the city.
Freshii: If you are looking for a casual bite, grab a burrito, wrap, bowl or a salad from Freshii, a food chain with multiple locations across the city.
Great Lakes Brewpub: If you’re a craft beer lover, enjoy some locally produced beer and meals on a patio facing the lakefront.
Environics’ Insider Tip: Toronto Islands – To feel like you’re sneaking off to another destination entirely without having to stray too far. If you ask any Torontonian what to do in the city, most of them would likely tell you to take a ferry ride to the Toronto Islands. What feels like a journey to a far-flung destination is just a 15-minute ferry ride from Harbourfront. Once you arrive at the port, you can explore the islands trails or sunbathe at one of the 5 beaches, all with views of the Toronto skyline. Why not avail of the guided tour!
Adventurers
Adventurers look to escape their busy lives when they travel, seeking opportunities to unwind and disconnect.
You’re into easy fun and adventure, as well as sensory experiences and social vibrancy that engage the senses and reinvigorate the spirit. A combination of soothing down-time and entertaining distractions help you feel that you’ve truly had a break.
Wander/Explore
Ossington Strip: This is one of Toronto’s hippest neighbourhoods, 3 blocks filled with unique and edgy bars, restaurants and boutiques.
Queen Street West: The energy at Queen Street West is unmatched. You can find the coolest cafes, brunch spots, street art, shops and galleries. A must-see.
Distillery District: A Toronto staple, the best-preserved and restored 19th century Victorian industrial architecture in the continent. This pedestrian only area is aswell filled with local shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, and art galleries to check out.
See/Do/Shop:
Harbourfront-Waterfront: Grab a coffee and take a nice walk down the harbor front. You can even rent a kayak, paddling away from the shore for a spectacular view of the city.
TIFF & Bell Lightbox: In the center of Toronto’s entertainment district lies the headquarters of the Toronto International Film Festival. Where you can catch a film at one of the 5 cinemas.
STACKT: Visit this multicultural marketplace made of shipping containers that highlight local and international retailers and frequently hosts events in its open spaces.
Eat/Drink
Drake Hotel: Located on Queen Street West is a rock and roll boutique hotel, that has a restaurant lounge on the ground floor with a selection of dishes to offer.
Nomnom Poutinerie: Make sure to grab a Canadian specialty Poutine which is a bowl of fries, gravy and cheese curds.
Beaver Tail: Known as the Canadian donut, the Beaver Tail is a flat sugary pastry that comes in a different variety of toppings, for sure a must have Canadian staple treat.
Environics’ Insider Tip: Haunted walk – Still looking for something unique (and potentially chill-inducing) to do during the late hours? Make sure to take a Toronto haunted tour and listen to many ghost stories of the city’s early days.
