A Grand Lake and Urban Pulse Weekend

Catch an early ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. The scent of lake water fills the air. Rent a bicycle and pedal along car-free paths under leafy canopies. Feel the cool breeze off Lake Ontario. Stop at sandy beaches for views of the Toronto skyline, a gleaming wall of glass and steel across the water.

Back on the mainland, stroll west along the Harbourfront. See boats bobbing in the marinas. Hear musicians performing on outdoor stages. Pop into the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, housed in a converted industrial building, to see thought-provoking installations. The wooden boardwalk underfoot and people sailing on the glinting lake capture the city's connection to the water.

Gusto 101 on Portland Street for lively Italian dining in a converted auto garage. Follow with a show at the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre or a craft cocktail in the area.

Spend the morning getting lost in the narrow, colorful streets of Kensington Market. The air carries roasting coffee beans, ripe produce from open crates, and incense from eclectic shops. You will hear reggae music spilling from doorways and see vintage clothing fluttering on racks outside. Feel the textured brick of century-old houses. Pop into independent bakeries for a buttery, flaky pastry.

Walk a few blocks east to Graffiti Alley, a long lane where every inch of brick is covered in ever-changing spray-painted art. See towering murals and intricate tags in a kaleidoscope of colors. Then, dive into the sensory overload of Chinatown on Spadina Avenue. Hear rapid-fire chatter in Chinese dialects. See glistening roast ducks hanging in windows. Smell the pungent, herbal scent of traditional medicine shops.

Head to the St. Lawrence Market area for dinner at C'est What, known for local craft beers and pub food. Take the subway up to the Bloor-Yonge area for a nightcap with a view from a rooftop patio, overlooking the glittering city grid.