A Guide for Vegans Travelling in Toronto
If you asked most people what the capital of Canada was, most would say “Toronto.” That’s not correct, but it goes to show that Toronto is the most popular city in the country, especially for travel. It even has a few unique places to visit for vegans.
We collaborated with Dale Cudmore to come up with this list of top vegan tips in Toronto.
He’s lived in Toronto for years, and has ventured out to just about all vegan-related events in the area. Check out this guide to some of the best vegan food Toronto has to offer.
Where to eat vegan in Toronto
Vegan restaurants haven’t taken hold of Toronto yet, which is why they’re all concentrated in the downtown core.
A quick Google search for vegan businesses confirms this. Here’s a map that shows where they’re all located:
Even though the downtown core is the most expensive place to stay in Toronto, it’s also got the most to offer, to any tourist, but especially to vegans.
There are several hotels in the area, and most places will be within walking distance.
Your alternative is to stay elsewhere and spend a lot of time on the TTC (Toronto transit), which you might argue is an experience of its own.
Now I’d like to share with you the best places for a vegan to visit in Toronto. We’ll start with “treats” and move onto restaurants after.
1. Apiecalypse Now
Apiecalypse Now is an all-vegan pizza shop, that also happens to offer possibly the best vegan donuts I’ve tried (they’re also huge).
The pizza is by far the best I’ve tried in the city, and it’s my go-to place if I’m in the mood.
2. Bunner’s
Bunner’s is a vegan and gluten-free bakery. The quality is amazing, but it’s also quite pricey.
They have cupcakes, muffins, cinnamon buns, cakes, pies, and more.
There’s 2 locations, both located around the left end of downtown. One is in Kensington Market, which is a popular tourist location in its own right.
3. Tori’s Bakeshop
Another vegan bakery, similar to Bunner’s, but not quite the same variety when I went, and quite expensive.
But on top of the muffins, cookies, and other treats, they also have some brunch foods like sandwiches and scones. Their shops have a really nice atmosphere and are worth a trip.
4. Bloomer’s
When I first went to Bloomer’s, it was a vegan bakery. They still offer some treats like donuts, but it’s really morphed into a full vegan restaurant.
They have a lot of veganized foods that you’ve probably been missing, like tempeh wings and vegan mac & cheese.
Bloomer’s also has a variety of burgers, bowls, salads, and drinks. It has a sterling reputation, and they deserve it in my experience.
5. Hogtown Vegan
The Hogtown Vegan is a completely vegan restaurant that focuses mainly on comfort foods.
Wings, “unchicken” and waffles, burgers, reubens, and so much more are on the menu, and the prices are quite reasonable.
The first time you visit, you’ll leave stuffed. Squeeze this one in early, because you might want to visit multiple times on your trip.
6. Planta
Planta is an upscale restaurant with one location in South Beach, and one in Toronto.
It’s expensive, but the customer service is fantastic, and the overall dining experience is something memorable.
They offer appetizers, pizzas, sides, and large plates on their menu.
7. One Love
In stark contrast to the upscale, hipster vibe that restaurants like Planta gives off, One Love is a cozy vegan Caribbean restaurant.
You can order ahead of time for take-out, but there’s a small dining area to eat at as well.
They don’t have the largest menu, but the ones they do make are amazing.
8. Hello123
Hello123 is a plant-based restaurant that offers lunch and dinner menus.
They specialize in bowls and burgers for dinner, and waffles, pancakes, and salads for lunches.
The quality has been great each time I’ve gone. However, it’s usually very busy, so wait times can be a little longer than ideal. I’d recommend going sometime during a weekday when it likely won’t be so busy.
9. Summerhill Market
This is your standard market (not just vegan), but with a few extras.
It’s the only place where I’ve been able to find Beyond Burgers and Halo Top’s vegan ice cream. They also have other hard-to-find vegan foods in Canada like Miyoko’s Cheese.
It’s more expensive than most markets, but if you have access to a kitchen and want to cook your own food, give it a visit.
Other Things to Do in Toronto
- On top of all the great vegan restaurants in the area, most of Toronto’s best attractions are also in or near the downtown core:
- The CN Tower
- High Park
- Yonge and Dundas Square (and the Eaton Center)
- Casa Loma
- BMO Field
- Toronto Island Park
- The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
If you want to experience it all, I’d recommend staying for at least 1 week so that you don’t have to rush through each place.
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