Weekend in Toronto

A public market operating since 1803. The main building hosts 120 vendors selling produce, cheese, meat and prepared foods. Saturdays have a large antique market outside.

Tip: Go on Saturday morning before noon for the farmer's market outside. The peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery is a city institution — costs about $8.

Canada's largest museum with galleries covering natural history, world cultures and art. The main building includes the striking Michael Lee-Chin Crystal. Free entry on the first M

Tip: Free Mondays are crowded — arrive 30 minutes before doors open at 10am. If you visit on a paid day, go after 4:30pm on Tuesdays for half-price admission.

A lively neighbourhood of independent shops, vintage stores, food stalls and street art. Pedestrian-friendly on weekends with no cars allowed.

Tip: Arrive hungry. Grab a patty from Patty King or tacos from Seven Lives. Check the market's social pages for free summer street parties.

A laneway between Spadina Avenue and Portland Street in the Fashion District, completely covered in ever-changing street art and murals. Runs for roughly one kilometre.

Tip: Enter from Queen Street West at Spadina — the alley is easy to miss. Go early on a weekday morning for empty photos. The best murals change every few months; there's a self-guided walking tour map online from local artists.

Ten-minute ferry ride to car-free islands with beaches, bike paths, picnic spots and skyline views. The ferry costs $8.94 return for adults; the islands themselves are free.

Tip: Buy your ferry ticket online in advance on summer weekends — queues can hit 45 minutes. Take the Ward's Island ferry for the quietest walk to the beach. Pack your own lunch; island cafes are overpriced.