The 6ix: six of my favourite places and experiences in Toronto

By: Hadiqah Khalil

November 23, 2023

Over the past year, I’ve been in downtown Toronto more times than I can count. Not only because I attend school here, but also because there’s also always things to do and places to explore. As a Journalism student at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), I’ve had the opportunity to tour the city and observe what it has to offer. Here are some of my favourite places I’ve been to and experiences I’ve encountered so far.

Toronto Palestine Film Festival

This last September, my friends and I attended the Toronto Palestine Film Festival (external link, opens in new window) exhibition prior to the film screening at TIFF Bell Lightbox (external link, opens in new window) (350 King St. W.). They had art pieces made by Palestinian artists and infographics of Palestine’s history on display. We also took a look at the gift shop where there were children’s story books written by Palestinian authors. Downtown frequently has not-for-profit pop-ups where you can contribute to a greater cause. The TIFF Bell Lightbox usually hosts events throughout the year, so I highly recommend checking them out.

Eight books lay on a table about Palestine stories and history.

My favourite book at the Palestine Film Festival display was “Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine” by Hannah Moushabeck.

Art Gallery of Ontario

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) (external link, opens in new window) is a recurring place I go to when I’m downtown as it’s just a 20-minute walk away from TMU’s campus. I recently visited the KAWS: Family (external link, opens in new window) exhibition inspired by a famous Brooklyn street artist who goes by KAWS. It was really cool writing a story for my Journalism class on his work and seeing the KAWS bears I always admired from my phone in real life. Whether I go alone or with a friend, I never regret checking out the latest art pieces here. The AGO is free for anyone under 25 years-old.

A large wooden cartoon-like sculpture stands with its hands up to its face in the middle of an empty gallery.

I loved the connection between modern pop-art to life-size sculptures conveying human emotions. The AGO is located at 317 Dundas St. W.

Stranger Things Experience

Going to the Stranger Things Experience (external link, opens in new window) this past summer is a memory I’ll never forget. It was an immersive experience with interactive performers and merchandise based on the popular Netflix series. I’ve been a huge fan of the show since I was younger, so seeing the references outside of my screen felt surreal to be a part of.

Blue light radiates around a dim room with an arcade machine and dining area on the floor. A bright neon sign that says "Mad Max" is hung on the wall.

They had food and merchandise shops at the interactive Stranger Things Experience.

BMV Books

I’ve mentioned this place before, but BMV Books (external link, opens in new window) is my favourite quick-stop spot right across the street from campus. Even though I don’t plan on it, I end up buying a book every time I’m here. It’s a second-hand bookstore that also sells vinyls, CDs and movies. There’s such a large variety of books to choose from — both vintage and new finds.

"Books" sign lights up red on the outside of a display window, while hundreds of books sit inside on a shelf.

BMV Books is located right across the street from campus at 10 Edward St.

Toronto Music Garden

This last summer, I went to the Toronto Music Garden (external link, opens in new window) and have wanted to visit again ever since! On top of it being so peaceful, there are solo artists who play live music on the field. The garden’s in front of the harbour as well. I could definitely see myself coming back here to study by the water.

Hadiqah is standing in a black dress with a scarf wrapped around her head. She is in a garden walkway as lights warmly dim while the sun sets.

This was taken in the entryway of the Toronto Music Garden located at 479 Queens Quay West.

Octo Zone

Octo Zone (external link, opens in new window) is a claw machine themed gift shop a few minutes away from campus. I recently came here with a friend and it was so entertaining, but so stressful at the same time. I was really struggling with clawing the stuffed animals, but regardless, it’s a really fun activity when you have friends with you encouraging you to win.

Pink lights glow onto claw machines that are lined up in a row with stuffed animals in them.

I couldn’t decide which one I wanted to play with as there was such a variety of stuffed animals to choose from. Octo Zone is located near campus at 247 Yonge St.

I hope you got a glimpse of the exciting activities and places downtown Toronto offers. Being at TMU has encouraged me to explore the amazing places the city showcases. I plan to discover more things to do and create even more memories throughout my next couple of years here.

Talk with you soon,

Hadiqah