Greater Toronto is a place that recognizes that for many of us, respect for the environment is a key factor in any of our purchases. The city responds with endless options for shopping sprees and cultural adventures that keep the planet in mind. Buying vintage fashion is one way to please both you and the environment. Find hip clothing and accessories alongside local markets in the stylish shops on Queen West and in the legendary Kensington Market that overflow with vintage jeans, shoes, t-shirts and everything else your parents shouldn’t have thrown out in the ‘70s.
One of the newer stores in Kensington Market is The Rage. Every item in the store is designed and made by young Toronto-based artists, offering local style without the air miles, sweatshops and financial leakage. Plus, prices for these designer clothes are really reasonable! Mountain Equipment Co-op is recognized for its dedication to the environment and the promotion of eco-tourism activities like hiking and mountaineering and operates under stringent environmental and social policies. It also has a green roof. Visit the Toronto location for backpacks, comfy hiking shoes and other provisions to help you enjoy the great outdoors.
Toronto is home to over 7,000 restaurants, a culinary community that has embraced local and organic products. Here, you can also pursue culinary adventures that take your health as serious as the environment.
For example, you can treat yourself to a huge buffet of vegetarian lasagnas, salads and tofu pies at Le Commensal, or head to one of Toronto’s numerous other vegetarian and organic restaurants. The Steam Whistle Brewery in the historic Roundhouse Building is an industry leader in green production and enviro-conscious behaviour. Tour the brewery that’s cooled by the lake and powered by the windmill – with beer brewed by imported steam, the only thing they take more seriously is the quality of their beer.
The best and most enviro-friendly part about your visit to Toronto is that there’s really no car required. We’ve got a convenient and far-reaching transit system that stretches to the city’s borders and beyond. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has a combination of subways, buses and streetcars that will take you anywhere downtown and beyond (for TTC maps click here), GO Transit and VIA Rail will take you even further.
Toronto has an expansive system of bike paths and walking trails that let you get around and get some exercise at the same time. Sights on Bikes even offer group bike tours so you can uncover Toronto's hidden gems while you pedal. For a slower version, enjoy the sights on foot with a walking tour by Brucebelltours.com, Genova Tours, or the University of Toronto Historical Tours or Heritage Toronto’s Downloadable Audio Walking Tour (MP3) in Partnership with the Toronto Public Library.
Art isn’t relegated to the galleries in Greater Toronto – it’s everywhere. One great option is to join Toronto’s Art Walk, where you’ll see 22 public works of art in the area surrounding Roy Thomson Hall and the CN Tower. Stop by the newly transformed Art Gallery of Ontario (PDF) and the stilted OCAD building on McCaul – the heart of the city’s artistic community beats in this neighbourhood. And while you’re in the area, you can enjoy eight pieces of commissioned art placed along the Spadina Avenue streetcar line. The Royal Ontario Museum’s new Micheal Lee Chin Crystal extension is also considered a built environment beauty.
Tourism Toronto members are active community partners in green tourism initiatives across the city.
Click here for a list of green members.