Toronto through a local designer's eyes

Furniture maker Mary Ratcliffe spent her twenties trying to leave Toronto. In her late thirties she's come to love it, and in this guide for Livingetc she shares the places that keep her curious. She calls it a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own rhythm, all within a small area.

For art, she heads to the plumb1, a basement project space on Dufferin Street run by a local collective, which shows emerging and established artists. For quiet, it's the Toronto Reference Library2, Raymond Moriyama's building with a bright five-storey atrium and curving balconies, which she calls her studio away from the studio. To eat, she recommends Lake Inez3 and its sister Belle Isle on Gerrard Street East, in Little India. At Lake Inez, try the Mystery Patio Tasting Menu, served by the owner along with stories from his life. For clothes, Absolutely Fabrics4 on Queen Street West mixes new designers with vintage.

Then get on the water. A 15-minute boat ride reaches the Toronto Islands, with beaches, parks and a small amusement park. When the wind cooperates, people even surf Lake Ontario at Ashbridges Bay and the Scarborough Bluffs.

To stay, the guide suggests Ace Hotel Toronto5, with a rooftop bar, or The Drake.

Our summary of a story from Livingetc, published 21 September 2026. Read the original