It should come as no surprise that Canada’s biggest city is also one of its liveliest. Located on Lake Ontario, the cosmopolitan Toronto hosts a variety of indoor and outdoor festivals throughout the year, and there’s no better way to appreciate a great city than by walking its neighborhoods and participating in its community events. The upcoming early fall weather in September provides an ideal time for street festivals, so  book  your flights to Toronto and get to this city that loves diversity, people, food, and fun.

One of Toronto’s top art festivals in one of its coolest neighborhoods is just around the corner. ArtFest at the Distillery District, Toronto’s only pedestrian village, takes places August 30-September 2. This three-day event celebrates Canada’s top artists in painting, sculpture, music, and photography, among other art forms. The Distillery District is also a great example of 21st century urban renewal; once a waterfront wasteland, this cluster of Victorian-era buildings was re-imagined into a hipster mecca for art, dining and shopping. Re-opened in 2003 in its current state, the Distillery District has become a favorite among locals and visitors who enjoy its cafes, galleries, and fine arts boutiques.  Wear comfortable shoes when walking this neighborhood’s cobblestone streets.

If you love food but have a hard time choosing where and what to eat in Toronto, the annual Taste of the Kingsway festival  September 6-8  will give you plenty of food for thought. More than 200 exhibitors will attend this event held near the Royal York Station, and dish up a variety of international cuisines for attendees to sample. Try them all and see what you like. The Kingsway is also a major shopping thorough with hundreds of businesses, so if souvenirs are on your shopping list, this is the place. The Taste of the Kingsway started out 10 years ago as a small restaurant event and has grown into a major community celebration that last year attracted more than 200,000. Proceeds from Taste of the Kingsway go toward supporting local charities.

Toronto hosts the city’s first outdoor Yogapalooza on September 21-22. Located at the Exhibition Common at Harbourfront Centre, this event is entirely free where people of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to join in the festivities, which will include music, movement and meditation. Learn or observe belly dancing, Bollywood grooves, martial arts, mash up and watch yoga performed by master yogis. Yogapalooza is a family-friendly event with a “Kids Space” for kids ages three to 12 interested in participating in yoga. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat, a water bottle and a drum for a community drum circle. Yogapalooza is also a great opportunity to experience Toronto; Harbourfront Centre is a 10-acre public park along the shores of Lake Ontario that serves as a venue for arts, musical performances and entertainment year-round.  There is also plenty of shopping and restaurants, as well as chances to go canoeing or sailing.

For more information about visiting Toronto, go to http://www.seetorontonow.com/

Photo credit: Roberiffic