A Day Off in Toronto: Summer 2025
Your guide to a day of shopping, sipping, and wandering around the best local spots in Toronto.
We’re always on the lookout for ways to slow down and soak things in, a good book on a shady bench, a croissant on a sunny stoop, or a new shop that feels like a hidden gem.
This summer, we mapped out our favourite ways to spend a day off in the city, from coffee, to clean skincare, to cold glasses of wine on a patio. Start in the West End and pop over to the East. Think of this as your permission slip to wander, rest, and indulge—all in one day.
MORNING
MERCURY ESPRESSO
915 Queen St E
Enjoy around-the-corner vibes sipping on exceptional espresso at this East End neighbourhood spot.
MORNING PARADE
256 Crawford St
A morning must, serving locally-roasted coffee and fresh baked goods in a cozy, eclectic space. Sip in the sun on the sidewalk patio.
BAKERY POMPETTE
655 College St
Feels like walking into a Parisian boulangerie. The daily baked goods are made by hand with Canadian organic flour. Don't miss the pure butter croissonts.
ALTER
860 College St
A sauna and ice bath studio with a community sauna and tubs so you don't have to plunge alone.
"We've seen firsthand the importance of bathing culture all around the world, with our most recent experience taking place in Finland. We're so excited to build a space that pays homage to these cultural traditions, and elevates the importance of this practice."
—Ujwal, Co-Founder & President of Alter.
ASSEMBLY MOVEMENT
832 College St, Level 2
A progressive reformer pilates studio offering morning and evening classes in a bright, lofty space.
AFTERNOON
FLYING BOOKS
784 College St
An indie Toronto book shop and publisher with a well-stocked indie press section. The staff recommendations are top-notch.
HEALTH HUT
786 College St
A clean beauty destination for skincare, body and hair care. Book a facial treatment prioritizing lymphatic drainage, named the "best Toronto facial for holistic relaxation."
HEALTH HUT
1025 Queen St E
After shopping for your skincare routine, pick up hard-to-find indie magazines at the Issues Outpost tucked in the back of the shop.
PERMISSION
127 Ossington Ave
A selfie-worthy shop carrying premium active wear for however you move. Find matching sets, sneakers and the best pilates socks.
ABSOLUTELY FABRICS
613 Queen St W
Toronto-based designer and vintage store offering a tightly edited collection of expressive pieces. The showroom is stunning. Book a stylist appointment for a luxe experience.
GRAYS
1514 Dundas St W
A sweet, slow clothing shop specializing in Ontario wool and natural fibres. Enjoy a pour of natural wine while you shop, or take home a bottle for later.
"We started Grays to celebrate Canadian design, natural materials like Ontario wool, and the communities behind them. Alongside our in-house brand, we carry designers from around the world who share our values. With the recent addition of wine, we’re blending clothing, home, and gathering into a more connected way of living."
— Julia Gray
EVENING
GRAPE WITCHES PATIO
1247 Dundas St W
Natural wines abound here, with over 350 to choose from. Walk to the patio at the back to try glasses and flights of seasonal wine with wildly curated snacks.
"Grape Witches began almost 10 years ago, as a series of joyful pop-ups sharing the once hard-to-find organic, small producers we loved. We now have an importing agency with two bustling wine shops and bars complete with gorgeous (dog & baby friendly!) patios. We still love events, from the educational, to the collaborative (shout-out our Health Hut series!), to the downright joyful, with our Electric Circus Boat Party fast approaching this August! We love championing small makers, forward-thinking farming and most importantly, delicious wine and great community. We're known for caring deeply and having fun!"
—Nicole, Co-Founder and Director
HONEY'S
1448 Dundas St W and 1026 Queen St E
Plant-based ice cream shop, with gluten-free options and lip-smacking flavours of the month. Get your fix in a cup, cone, milkshake, or grab a pint to take home.
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