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Toronto Offbeat Guide: 10 Quirky Activities You Didn’t Know Existed

Updated: May 20

Toronto isn’t just about the CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, or bustling Kensington Market. Beneath the polished tourist surface lies a quirky, creative side waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a local tired of the usual spots or a curious visitor looking for something different, this offbeat guide will lead you to experiences you didn’t even know were hiding in the heart of the 6ix.


1. Master the Art of Mixology


Bartending school, Toronto

Think bartending is just pouring drinks? Think again. Toronto offers hands-on bartending school experiences that teach the art of mixology, drink presentation, flair bartending, and customer interaction. Whether you're planning to work in the industry or just want to impress your friends with perfectly shaken cocktails, it’s a fun and interactive way to spend a few days. You’ll leave with real skills—and maybe a new side hustle idea.


2. Learn to Skate Like a Pro 


Skateboarding lessons, Toronto

Skateboarding isn’t just for teenagers in the suburbs—it’s a vibrant part of Toronto’s urban culture. Whether you’re 10 or 40, now’s the perfect time to get rolling with skateboarding lessons tailored to your skill level. It’s not only a cool way to get around the city but also a great form of exercise. With professional guidance and access to some of the city’s best skate spots, you might surprise yourself with what you can do on a board.


3. Dine in Complete Darkness at O.Noir


Step into the unknown—literally—by dining in pitch-black at O.Noir. This unique restaurant experience eliminates your sense of sight so that you can focus entirely on taste, smell, and texture. Servers (who are blind or visually impaired) guide you through the meal. It’s an eye-opening way to engage with your food and gain empathy for a different way of experiencing the world.



4. Discover the Biblio-Mat at The Monkey’s Paw


For a charmingly eccentric afternoon, visit The Monkey’s Paw, a tiny bookstore filled with oddities and vintage finds. The real star? The Biblio-Mat, a coin-operated vending machine that dispenses a random old book with each token. Who knows what forgotten tale or dusty classic you’ll get—it’s literary roulette for the adventurous reader.


5. Visit the Secret Swing


Hidden behind a nondescript alley near Queen West, the Secret Swing is part of a local artist's installation. You’ll need to do a bit of urban exploring to find it, but once you do, it's a whimsical, peaceful spot suspended in the middle of city chaos. Great for a selfie, a quiet moment, or a reminder that art really is everywhere in Toronto.


6. Get Spooked at the Lower Bay Station


Ever wonder about the ghost stations of the Toronto subway system? The Lower Bay Station, abandoned since the 1960s, is one of the city’s eeriest hidden gems. While it’s usually closed to the public, you can sometimes catch a film screening, art exhibit, or haunted tour here. It’s a favorite filming location for movies and a must-visit for urban explorers.


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7. Play Pinball at Tilt Arcade Bar


Tilt isn’t your average bar—it’s a retro arcade experience where you can play vintage pinball machines, classic arcade games, and console favorites from the past. For a small cover fee, all games are free to play, and they offer craft beer and comfort food to fuel your nostalgia trip.


8. Join a Donut Crawl


Why settle for one donut shop when you can try them all? Toronto is home to some seriously inventive donut makers. From matcha-glazed rings to bacon-topped creations, a self-guided donut crawl across neighborhoods like Kensington Market, Queen West, and the Junction will leave you both sugared up and culturally enriched.


9. Chill Out at the Cryotherapy Spa


Cryotherapy Spa

If you thought spas were all massages and saunas, think again. At one of Toronto’s cryotherapy centers, you can step into a chamber cooled to -110°C for a few minutes. While it sounds wild, enthusiasts claim it reduces inflammation, boosts recovery, and increases energy. It’s definitely one of the chillest (literally) things you can do in town.


10. Explore Toronto’s Underground PATH


Sure, you’ve walked Toronto’s streets—but have you explored what’s beneath them? The PATH is a 30-km network of underground pedestrian walkways that connects shopping centers, office buildings, and subway stations. It’s easy to get lost (and fun to try), and along the way, you’ll find everything from sushi counters to secret art installations.



Why Go Offbeat in Toronto?


There’s nothing wrong with checking off the top 10 tourist spots—but real memories are made when you step outside the guidebook. Whether it’s learning to make a killer cocktail, finally learning to ollie, or discovering a swing in a hidden alley, these quirky adventures offer a side of Toronto that’s playful, bold, and entirely unexpected.


So next time you’re planning a weekend in the city, skip the usual and dive into the different. Toronto’s quirky side is waiting—you just have to know where to look.



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Toronto Offbeat Guide

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