Riverside and Leslieville Food and Walking Experience

Toronto , Canada

Riverside and Leslieville Food and Walking Experience

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(3 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Riverside & Leslieville – a food and walking experience through two of Toronto’s most character-filled east-end neighbourhoods.
Your adventure begins in Riverside, one of Toronto’s oldest communities, where heritage buildings, the Queen Street bridge, and a vibrant food scene set the stage. From there, we wander into Leslieville, a laid-back district once defined by factories, now beloved for its tree-lined streets, indie cafés, and some of the city’s best eateries.
Every stop on this tour is a true neighbourhood favourite—no chains, no tourist traps. You’ll step inside local hot-spots, taste dishes crafted with care, and hear the stories behind the food.
And to top it off? A chance to sip one of the area’s famous local brewery beers.
With plenty to taste and time to explore, you’ll leave satisfied but not stuffed, and with a genuine feel for two neighbourhoods where old Toronto charm meets bold, creative flavours.

Available options

Riverside and Leslieville Food and Walking Experience

What's included

Knowledgeable local guide to provide historical, architectural, contextual, and fun facts.

Get your taste buds ready as we sample from an array of neighbourhood staples. And don’t worry, we’ll make sure you’re satisfyingly satiated, with snacks and leftovers to take home!

Detailed itinerary

This experience will have us discover the delicious and diverse food along Queen Street East in Riverside and Leslieville. We'll visit four unique local food outlets and spend some time in each place, hearing about the vendor, and their offerings in this fascinating neighbourhood.
Exact vendors may vary per experience.

Riverside is one of Toronto’s oldest neighbourhoods, known for its historic Queen Street bridge, charming heritage buildings, and vibrant food scene. It’s a community where old-world character meets modern cafés, shops, and local culture.

The Opera House on Queen Street East is a historic Toronto venue, opened in 1909 as a Vaudeville theatre. Today, its ornate charm and intimate atmosphere make it a favourite spot for live music and performances.

Carlaw Avenue is lined with former factories and warehouses that have been transformed into lofts and studios. Once the heart of Toronto’s industrial east end, these red-brick buildings now house artists, entrepreneurs, and creative spaces, blending history with modern living.

Leslieville is a laid-back east-end neighbourhood once rooted in Toronto’s industrial past. Today, its tree-lined streets, indie cafés, and trendy eateries make it one of the city’s most charming spots to explore.

What's not included

Incidental Purchases

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Not recommended for travelers with strict diets/dietary restrictions or allergies

There are several opportunities along the tour route for bathroom breaks.

Meeting point

Look for your guide wearing a white hat at the Parkette bounded by King St. E, Queen St. E. and River St. Toronto. It is directly South of The Toronto Humane Society (11 River St, Toronto, ON M5A 4C2).

About Toronto

Toronto is Canada's largest city and a vibrant multicultural hub known for its towering skyscrapers, diverse neighborhoods, and rich cultural scene. It's a city where modernity and tradition blend seamlessly, offering a dynamic urban experience with a welcoming atmosphere.

Top Attractions

CN Tower

The CN Tower is an iconic landmark of Toronto and one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. It offers panoramic views of the city and a thrilling EdgeWalk experience.

Architecture 1-2 hours $38 CAD for general admission

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

The ROM is Canada's largest museum of natural history and world cultures. It features a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits, including dinosaur fossils, ancient artifacts, and contemporary art.

Museum 2-3 hours $23 CAD for adults

Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands offer a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. With beautiful beaches, scenic trails, and stunning views of the skyline, it's a perfect spot for picnics, cycling, and relaxation.

Nature Half-day to full day $8.25 CAD round trip ferry ticket

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Ripley's Aquarium is a fascinating underwater world featuring a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and penguins. It's an exciting and educational experience for all ages.

Attraction 1-2 hours $42.99 CAD for adults

Distillery District

The Distillery District is a historic and charming neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, Victorian-era buildings, and vibrant arts scene. It's a great place for shopping, dining, and cultural events.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore, varies for shops and restaurants

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poutine

A classic Canadian dish consisting of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.

Main Dish Contains dairy and gluten

Butter Tarts

A sweet pastry filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, syrup, and sometimes raisins or pecans.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Peameal Bacon Sandwich

A Toronto specialty featuring peameal bacon (back bacon rolled in cornmeal) served on a bun.

Breakfast/Lunch Contains pork

Nanaimo Bars

A no-bake dessert square with a crumb base, a light custard-flavored butter icing in the middle, and a chocolate layer on top.

Dessert Contains gluten, dairy, and nuts

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Canoeing Spas Yoga Meditation Museums Art Galleries

Best Time to Visit

May to October

This is the best time to visit Toronto for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city comes alive with festivals, outdoor dining, and events.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, French
Widely spoken: English, French, Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, Portuguese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

GMT-5 (Eastern Standard Time, EST) or GMT-4 (Eastern Daylight Time, EDT)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Toronto is generally considered a safe city, but like any major urban center, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid walking alone late at night in isolated areas

Getting there

By air

Toronto Pearson International Airport • 22.5 km from city center
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport • 3 km from city center

By train

Toronto Union Station

By bus

Toronto Coach Terminal, Union Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The TTC subway system is efficient and widely used. It consists of four lines that connect major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Toronto Kensington Market Chinatown The Annex Leslieville

Day trips

Niagara Falls

130 km from Toronto • Full day

Niagara Falls is one of the world's most famous natural wonders, offering breathtaking views, boat tours, and a variety of attractions.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

135 km from Toronto • Full day

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming town known for its historic sites, wineries, and beautiful architecture.

Blue Mountain

150 km from Toronto • Full day or overnight

Blue Mountain is a popular year-round destination offering skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and a charming village with shops and restaurants.

Festivals

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) • September Pride Toronto • June Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) • August

Pro tips

Visit the Toronto Islands for a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle
Explore the Distillery District for its charming cobblestone streets and vibrant arts scene
Try local craft beers at one of the city's many breweries
Visit during the Toronto Christmas Market for a magical and festive experience
Take a stroll along the waterfront for stunning views of the city skyline