A Weekend in Toronto: Coffee, Culture & City Sparkle

If there’s one thing I’ll never get tired of, it’s playing tourist in my own backyard — and Toronto always delivers. I kicked off my weekend with a latte (oat milk, obviously) at Sam James Coffee Bar, where the vibes are just as good as the espresso. There’s something about sitting by the window, people-watching, and soaking in that “big city energy” that instantly wakes me up.

From there, I wandered through Kensington Market, which feels like a world tour in a few blocks — vintage shops, street art, global bites, and music drifting out of open doorways. I grabbed some tacos, found a thrifted denim jacket that might be my new personality, and fell in love all over again with this eclectic little pocket of the city.

Saturday night called for skyline views, so my friends and I headed to Lavelle for rooftop cocktails. The city lights glittered like a movie backdrop, and honestly, Toronto knows how to show off.

Sunday was slower — brunch at Lady Marmalade (yes, the line is worth it), followed by a walk along the Harbourfront to catch the breeze off Lake Ontario. There’s just something about that mix of lake air and city hustle that makes me feel alive.

Every time I spend a weekend in Toronto, I leave reminded that adventure doesn’t always mean booking a flight. Sometimes, it’s just a GO train ride away.