Meet the author Erin FitzGibbon in Toronto

What Erin loves most about Toronto

Toronto is deceptive. Many tour buses zoom through the city on their way to Niagara Falls. The people on those buses are missing out on something a little bit weird and wonderful. You’ll never be able to pin the city down with one word. It’s a place where you can find a little of everything. I love the variety and surprises. You will walk down familiar streets feeling as if you’ve got the place figured out, when all of a sudden there’s a new festival or a unique restaurant that’s popped up and your understanding of Toronto morphs. It’s a good thing the city is always evolving to meet the changes in modern society.

Erin's perfect day in the city might look like this

I would start the day with a morning walk along the lakeshore, through Humber East Park. After working up an appetite, I’d visit the Copenhagen Café for a delicious vegan pastry and some tea. Nearby is one of my favourite jewelry stores, Made you Look. It’s always fun to talk one on one with the artisans about their work. Taking transit, I’d head further into the city to explore one of the smaller museums like McKenzie House or Campbell House.

I’d then head over to the Pow Wow Cafe for lunch. It’s a unique experience and the chef Shaun will happily chat as he makes your food.  Before leaving the Kensington market neighbourhood, visit the Blue Banana. It’s just one of those things you have to do. Spend the late afternoon in Grange Park. Depending on the day, you’ll be able to people-watch or you’ll find a quiet serene spot to rest under a large tree. 

For dinner, I’d visit the Peter Pan Bistro and order an olive plate with a wine recommended by the waiter.  As the day winds to an end, I’d squeeze into Wide Open for a couple of cheaper drinks and then wander back towards the waterfront to catch the city lights as they reflect on the water.