Etobicoke Travel Guide

Read about everything there is to know about visiting Etobicoke in Toronto, Canada, and discover the top attractions, activities, and places to stay and eat while you're there.


Introduction to Etobicoke

Situated in the western part of Toronto, Etobicoke is a former township that is now part of the Greater Toronto Area. Etobicoke is bordered by Lake Ontario to the south, the Humber River to the east, and Mississauga to the west. It is known for its scenic waterfront parks, natural attractions, and cultural landmarks.

List of Places to Visit in Etobicoke

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mackenzie House: This historic house museum is dedicated to William Lyon Mackenzie, a prominent Canadian politician and journalist.
  • Montgomery’s Inn: A former tavern and inn dating back to 1830, which has been restored to its former glory and now offers guided tours and a cafe.
  • Spadina Museum: This restored 1920s mansion belonged to the wealthy Austin family and has been turned into a museum showcasing Toronto’s early 20th-century lifestyle.
  • Sherway Gardens: One of the largest shopping centers in Etobicoke with over 200 stores and restaurants to shop and explore.

Natural Attractions of Etobicoke: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Humber Bay Park: A beautiful park situated along the waterfront with breathtaking views of Lake Ontario, hiking trails, bird-watching, and picnic spots.
  • Etienne Brule Park: Nestled along the Humber River, this park features beautiful hiking and biking trails and a scenic picnic area.
  • Centennial Park: One of the largest parks in Toronto, Centennial Park offers multiple outdoor activities such as skiing, swimming, golfing, and a nature trail.
  • Tommy Thompson Park: This 500-acre urban wilderness is home to over 300 species of birds and offers various outdoor activities and biking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Etobicoke

Etobicoke has an extensive network of hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the most popular trails include the Humber Trail, the Etobicoke Creek Trail, and the West Toronto Railpath.

Best Things to Do in Etobicoke: Activities and Tours

  • Toronto Adventures: This guided tour offers environmentally responsible outdoor activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and hiking.
  • Paintlounge Etobicoke: A unique art studio where you can unleash your creativity and attend fun events like paint and sip nights or corporate team-building events.
  • Reptilia Zoo: This zoo is home to a variety of reptiles from around the world, and visitors can hold and touch some animals by themselves.
  • Cineplex VIP Cinemas: This immersive cinema experience offers luxury seats, gourmet food, and drinks served right to your seat while enjoying your favorite movie.

Week-Long Itinerary for Etobicoke

Day 1 - Start your day with a visit to Montgomery’s Inn, followed by a relaxing afternoon at Humber Bay Park, and end the day dining at a local restaurant.

Day 2 - Head to the Toronto Adventures and spend your day kayaking on the Humber River, exploring the surrounding park, and grabbing dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Day 3 - Visit Spadina Museum and Sherway Gardens, then grab lunch at one of the local eateries before exploring Centennial Park for the afternoon.

Day 4 - Spend the day exploring Tommy Thompson Park and then head to Reptilia Zoo for a fun-filled evening.

Day 5 - Rent a bike and ride along the Etobicoke Creek Trail all morning, followed by a lunch at Paintlounge Etobicoke and an afternoon movie at Cineplex VIP cinemas.

Day 6 - Visit Mackenzie House and then head to a nearby restaurant before spending the evening exploring another park in Etobicoke.

Day 7 - Spend your final day enjoying a round of golf at Centennial Park Golf Course before catching your flight home.

Food and Drink Scene of Etobicoke

Must-Try Dishes

Etobicoke is known for its diverse culinary scene, but some of the must-try dishes include:

  • Kebabs: Regionally famous kebab dishes like shish kebab, doner kebab, and adana kebab are popular choices in local Turkish restaurants.
  • Burgers: Classic burgers, cheeseburgers, and creatively stuffed burgers are on menus of every burger joint in the neighborhood.
  • Pizza: Big slice of pizza with any toppings you want to have, Etobicoke didn’t fail the hearts of the pizza addicts.

Local Beverages

  • Beer: Etobicoke is home to several craft breweries, including Great Lakes Brewery and Black Oak Brewery, offering a variety of beers and ciders.
  • Wine: As a wine lover, the neighborhood doesn’t disappoint you. Take a sip of some of the best local wines from the nearby Chateau des Charmes wine estate.

Where to Stay in Etobicoke: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Sheraton Gateway Hotel: Located adjacent to Terminal 3 at Toronto Pearson International Airport, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and close airport transfer.
  • Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport & Conference Center: This conveniently located hotel provides spacious rooms, a bar, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and shuttle service to nearby attractions.
  • The Westin Toronto Airport: A sleek and modern hotel located a few miles from the airport, featuring a sophisticated restaurant, a fitness center, and a complimentary airport shuttle service.
  • Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel: This classic hotel offers comfortable non-smoking rooms, an indoor pool, a gourmet restaurant, and shuttle service to downtown Toronto.

What to Buy in Etobicoke: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Maple Syrup: As Canada’s national syrup, you can’t come back from Etobicoke without having this classic Canadian favorite.
  • Handicrafts: Local shops offer plenty of options for classic handmade presents like dream-catchers, candles, and clothing made from local fabrics.

Local Culture and Customs of Etobicoke

Etobicoke is a diverse neighborhood that’s home to people from different cultural backgrounds, but there’s a generally accepted local customs practice by the residents to warmly greet each other and tourists, observe traffic rules, and speak the local language.

Best Time to Visit Etobicoke

The best time to visit Etobicoke is in the summer months between June to September when it’s warm and dry. The autumn months of September to November is also a good time to visit due to its pleasant weather and the beautiful foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Etobicoke

Do:

  • Wear appropriate clothing for outdoor activities.
  • Greet people warmly.
  • Always carry cash or card for personal transactions.

Don’t:

  • Litter and smoke in public places.
  • Touch reptiles without permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Etobicoke

Etobicoke is a generally safe neighborhood but, like any other urban community, keeps some particular areas that shouldn’t travel alone at night. Stick to the highly trafficked areas, avoid leaving your belongings unattended in public places, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Health in Etobicoke

Etobicoke has a well-established healthcare system, but it’s advisable to have travel insurance before traveling to Canada. Adequate measures of personal protection against mosquito bites and other insects will prevent the risk of insect-transmitted diseases.

Getting to Etobicoke: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Etobicoke

Toronto’s Pearson International Airport is a 20-minute ride to downtown Etobicoke, with easy access to several transportation options.

Bus Stations Near Etobicoke

Go Transit and TTC buses operate in the neighborhood, providing seamless travel options to and within Etobicoke.

Other Options

Etobicoke can conveniently be accessible via car and taxi services, offering flexibility to explore the place at any time.

How to Get Around in Etobicoke

Public transit is the most effective way to travel by streetcar, buses, and subway variants. The parking lots are enough but offer limited spots. Alternatively, carpooling and bike taxis are available.

Where to Go Next from Etobicoke: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Downtown Toronto: The vibrant and diverse city experience in Toronto is always a suggestion when visiting Canada.
  • Niagara Falls: The renowned natural wonder of the world, Niagara Falls provides unforgettable day trips
  • Other Canadian Cities: Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa, are all within driving distance for a more extended trip.

Conclusion

Etobicoke is a unique neighborhood with a perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural history, and modern facilities, making it an ideal destination to visit. Follow this travel guide to make the most out of your trip to Etobicoke.

Humber Bay Arch Bridge Humber Bay Arch Bridge