CN Tower EdgeWalk
As the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere, the CN Tower has provided fantastic views of Toronto, Lake Ontario, and beyond since its opening. But never like this. The CN Tower EdgeWalk lets those brave/crazy enough to try it walk around outside on the roof of the tower's restaurant — over 1,150 feet in the air. The entire experience lasts around an hour and a half with 20-30 minutes devoted to the walk itself, and months afterwards devoted to bragging about your accomplishment.
Olliffe
There are tons of great restaurants in Toronto, but if you're looking to cook up a great meal at home (or in your hotel), you need to start at Olliffe. These purveyors of fine proteins offer naturally raised, organic meats, lamb, poultry, and game from both local Ontario farms and international suppliers. The flagship Rosedale location serves as a whole animal butcher, and also offers a few shelves stocked with a choice selection of sauces, spices, and oils; there's also a location in Leslieville. And don't worry if you can't make it to the shop — they have a 1969 Vespacar delivery vehicle that covers a wide swath of the city, ready to bring your order straight to your door.
SpiritHouse
One look at the menu of SpiritHouse makes it quite clear: this is a drinker's bar. The spirit list itself is staggering, with an impressive number of bourbons, Canadian, Irish, Scotch, and American whiskeys, tequilas, mezcals, rums, vodkas, gins, and cognacs, with a few local beers and wines mixed in for good measure. Of course, it's what you do with all that booze that counts, and there's no disappointment here, either, with a solid list of both house and classic cocktails, including some selections that have been barrel aged and bottled in-house. There's a short but satisfying food menu, as well, but let's face it: you're here to imbibe.
Ed's Real Scoop
It's not the only shop in Toronto making its own ice cream, but it's certainly among the best. Ed's Real Scoop has been in business over a decade, earning the love of the community with homemade ice cream, gelato, sorbet, chocolates, and other treats. And while the menu isn't exactly encyclopedic, they do offer some more exotic combinations than you might expect: flavors like Burnt Marshmallow, Maple Bacon Crunch, and PB&J. Whether you're out in Beaches or near Leslieville, either of the two locations is worth a stop. [Scouted by Jack]
The Beguiling
Some comic shops specialize in indies, while others try to offer as many mainstream titles as possible, complete with impressive backstocks. The Beguiling does both. Downstairs, this Palmerston store offers a fantastic selection of indie comics, encompassing everything from obscure, hard-to-find titles to newer, better-known authors, while upstairs, you'll find a vast selection of big-name (think: Super Hero) issues, both new and backstock, as well as manga, original art, posters, buttons, figurines, and other random merchandise. In a city with plenty of solid comic stores, it's among the best.
Serpentine
Forget the jewelry store — if you're looking for fashionable men's accessories, make a visit to Serpentine. This fashion-forward Yorkville store carries edgy selections from brands like Rick Owens, Ruby Helmets, Les Ateliers Ruby, and A1923, but the real standout is the store's selection of men's jewelry, with multiple cases highlights picks from Werkstatt Munchen and others. [Thanks, Zac]
Hopgood's Foodliner
Even the name sounds cool — although, despite what you might think, it has nothing to do with beer or hops. Instead, Hopgood's Foodliner gets its name from Chef Geoff Hopgood who opened the Roncesvalles Village spot in 2012. This maritime-inspired restaurant offers up fresh, sustainably-sourced seafood from the East Coast, as well as locally-raised meats and organic produce. Featuring clever takes on classic dishes, the menu is filled with fine options, as is the wine list and pre-Prohibition-inspired cocktail menu. Oh, and don't forget to finish things off with the Crispy Toffee Chocolate Bar, made in-house.
BarVolo
Craft beer and brown liquor? Count us in. BarVolo is the place to go in the 416 for great beers and whiskeys. Boasting over 30 taps and casks — including some house beers — and over 70 beers in bottles, it offers one of the best selections in the city, and the whiskey selection is damned impressive as well. It's also family owned since its founding in 1985, and while the food menu is limited to say the least, it is available until Midnight to help satisfy late night hungers. For a really interesting time, ask for Table 7, which has a drawer that tends to get filled some very interesting notes from other patrons — and has its very own blog.
The Hazelton Hotel
Whether you're in town for a film festival or simply to take in the sites, you'll have a hard time finding more luxurious accommodations than those at The Hazelton Hotel. This Yorkville spot offers high-end rooms and amenities, including lush, pillow-top beds, heated marble floors in the bathrooms, separate walk-in showers, an on-site health club and spa, a restaurant, a screening room with seating for up to 25 guests, and an outstanding art collection. For even more pampering, spring for the Presidential Suite, which offers over 4,200 square feet of living space, a fully-equipped kitchen, a wine cellar, an outdoor terrace, and the all-important private elevator.
Our great thanks to Cadillac for sponsoring the launch of Gallivant. Be sure to check out the all-new Cadillac ATS.
Motoretta
What's the problem with most cycle shops? The fact that you can't buy clothes there. Toronto-based Motoretta seeks to solve this problem by offering stylish men's and women's clothing and accessories alongside scooters — including Stella, PGO, Vespa and Piaggio — motorcycles, and e-bikes. It's the only place you can buy yourself a new ride and a new wardrobe to match.
