Summer in the city

Retirement often feels to me like a permanent vacation. No bosses nipping at your heels, no impossible deadlines. Lots of deliciously slow, leisurely days. I rarely feel the urge to travel. But every once in a while, especially in the summer, I want a little break from my familiar routine. You too? Here are a few outings that can transport you to a different place and time, all for the price of a local transit ticket:

• Allan Gardens Conservatory. Built in 1910, the Allan Gardens Conservatory is an elegant glass-domed gem, worth seeing in its own right. Inside you’ll find a permanent collection of exotic plants, and four seasonal flower shows a year. Admission free. On the south side of Carlton St between Jarvis St and Sherbourne St. From College subway station, take the 506 Carlton streetcar east to Jarvis St.
• Black Creek Pioneer Village offers an opportunity to explore 19th century buildings, heritage-bred farm animals, and beautiful gardens. Admission $12 for seniors. At 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, near Jane St and Steeles Ave. From Finch subway station, take the Steeles 60 West bus to Murray Ross Parkway.
• Islington Village Murals. Stroll along Dundas St West between Kipling Ave and Islington Ave and view the 26 murals that depict actual local people, places, and events from the early 1900s. Beautifully painted by professional artists along a lively stretch of Dundas West. Download the brochure from the website. From Islington subway station, walk north on Islington Ave a short distance to Dundas West.
• Mount Pleasant Cemetery has one of the finest collections of almost every tree and shrub that can grow in eastern North America. Many are labelled so that you can easily identify them. Buried here are many prominent figures from 19th and 20th century Toronto, including Timothy Eaton, William Lyon MacKenzie King, Hart Massey, Egerton Ryerson, and Garfield Weston. Download the map from the website. Between Yonge St and Bayview Ave, and Moore Ave to Merton St. From St Clair subway station, walk north on Yonge St a short distance to the entrance.
• Niagara Falls. On Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays in the summer, the GO train goes directly to Niagara Falls. It leaves Union Station at 9:00 am, and arrives in Niagara Falls at 11:05 am. Gawk at the falls, mingle with the tourists, eat fudge. If you don’t have a Presto card, ask for a senior day pass.
• Patio by the Lake. Just sit, have a meal or a drink, enjoy the view, and pretend you’re in Muskoka. I’ve given you a link to a useful list that was compiled in 2016.
• Port Credit. A lively, picturesque waterfront with a resort-town atmosphere. Enjoy the shops and restaurants along Lakeshore Road. Meander along the lakefront trails. Take the GO train to Port Credit; if you don’t have a Presto card, ask for a senior day pass. The waterfront is a short distance from the GO station.
• Redpath Sugar Museum. The Redpath Sugar Refinery is one of the few remaining manufacturers on the Toronto waterfront. Their museum is a fascinating excursion into Toronto’s industrial history. Contact them in advance to arrange your visit. At 95 Queens Quay East, between Yonge St and Lower Jarvis St. From Pape subway station, take the 72 Pape bus southbound to the Queens Quay East at Lower Jarvis St West Side stop.
• Riverdale Farm occupies 7.5 scenic acres along pathways through wooded areas, around ponds, and past flower and vegetable gardens on the edge of the Don Valley. It recreates an early 20th century Ontario farm in the heart of Cabbagetown. Admission free. At 201 Winchester St. From Castle Frank subway station, take the 65 Parliament St bus south to Winchester St, then walk east along Winchester St to the end.
• Self-Guided Walking Tours. The City of Toronto lists about 40 on their website. They cover everything from history and architecture to ravines and the waterfront. Some offer online interactive versions. They all have downloadable printable guides. There’s something for everyone.