Unsurprisingly, a lot of attention is given to evening adventures during summer. After all, sunsets and patios are undeniably fantastic. But if you really want to experience a special side of Toronto, you need to embrace the mornings.
On a morning adventure through Toronto, you can wake up slowly, peacefully explore, and savour the beauty that you've been sleeping on by sleeping in.
To help you kickstart your breakfast exploration and experience Toronto like a local, follow this self-guided walking tour that takes you from the heart of downtown to the water, including fan-favourite breakfast fare and a landmark or two along the way.
It was created in collaboration with Nutella® and invites Canadians to rediscover their cities by exploring these locally approved spots, voted for by Toronto locals. So lace up your comfy walking shoes, don some sun protection, and get ready to discover a new side of Toronto.
Pick up a coffee from De Mello at The Well
Address: 8 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON (inside the office tower lobby)
But first, coffee. De Mello is a Toronto institution, and the perfect sip to accompany you as you browse Wellington Market's independent vendors for an amuse-bouche (perhaps a Nutella croissant?) and take in the morning light that fills the modern space through the stunning glass ceiling.
Soak up some history at Victoria Memorial Square
Address: 10 Niagara St, Toronto, ON
When you exit The Well, head north on Spadina Avenue and then turn left onto Wellington Street. Follow it to the end, and you'll arrive at Victoria Memorial Square, Toronto's oldest cemetery and a hidden gem of a green space in the heart of the city.
Investigate the 17 remaining headstones along the western edge, say "hi" to the many dogs and their owners that frequent the park early in the morning, or just sit and finish your coffee under the rustling leaves of the enormous trees.
Next local-favourite stop: Forget Me Not Coffee
Forget Me Not Coffee's menu boasts a Nutella croissant and a Nutella latté.Courtesy of Forget Me Not Coffee
Address: 506 Adelaide St. W., Toronto, ON
Continue north on Portland Street until you reach Adelaide Street and the locally beloved Forget Me Not Coffee. Whether you're ready for another caffeine hit or not, you need to know about this family-run cafe, famous for Korean-inspired drinks and treats.
Not only can you get a Nutella croissant here, they also have a Nutella-infused latté that you can sip while you soak up the cozy atmosphere, complete with vintage furniture and chill K-R&B tunes. Their famous dalgona iced latte, topped with housemade dalgona candy, is also a must-try.
Marvel at Jaume Plensa's 'Dreaming' sculpture
Address: 120 Adelaide St. W., Toronto, ON
Continuing east on Adelaide Street, you'll pass Toronto's first downtown playground, St. Andrew's Playground (an excellent spot for more history and dog encounters), before arriving at the Richmond-Adelaide Centre, home of Jaume Plensa's Dreaming sculpture.
This three-storey tall marble and resin portrait (locally known as "Lucia") is a mesmerizing 3D optical illusion that looks different from every angle. It's an excellent spot to rest your feet and take some photos before continuing your morning tour of Toronto.
Discover this hidden gem inside Exchange Tower
The Dubai Chocolate French Toast at Bready shows off Nutella's gourmet side. Courtesy of Bready Cafe
Address: 130 King St. W., Toronto, ON (inside Exchange Tower)
After bidding farewell to Lucia, continue on Adelaide Street until you hit York Street, turn south until you reach King Street West, and you'll come across Exchange Tower.
This sustainable and sleek skyscraper is home to the Toronto Stock Exchange and (maybe more importantly) Bready Cafe's first downtown location. Make a note of this gem the next time you want to savour banana Nutella pancakes, Dubai chocolate French toast, European-style artisanal pastries and creative drinks.
Stroll to Sud Forno on the city's main drag
Sud Forno is a morning staple for Torontonians who start their days with a flaky Nutella pastry and coffee. Courtesy of Sud Forno
Address: 132 Yonge St., Toronto, ON
Heading east on Yonge Street will take you on the picturesque final leg of your morning walking tour of Toronto. The first stop is Sud Forno, which serves up specialty coffee and delicious Italian fare, including the must-try items: Nutella bombolone and Nutella cornetto.
Yonge Street is the city's main north-south corridor, and the perfect spot to catch an iconic photo of the downtown skyline. Continue south and then head east on Lower Jarvis Street to reach the waterfront, ideally with a delicious pastry in hand.
Kick your feet up at the charming Sugar Beach
Address: Lower Jarvis St. at Queens Quay E., Toronto, ON
At the foot of Lower Jarvis Street, you'll come to Sugar Beach, a former parking lot turned urban oasis, and the final stop on your morning tour of Toronto. With candy-pink beach umbrellas and white Muskoka chairs, it's an idyllic spot that offers great photo ops.
From here, you can set out to Etobicoke Point, one of the locations featured on the limited-edition Nutella "Savour the Beauty of Canada" jars. Each jar showcases a local sunrise captured by a Canadian photographer and celebrates a moment of beauty that many Torontonians snooze through.
While the city's cafés serve up delicious Nutella-inspired dishes, you can bring the experience home with a recipe from Toronto-based chef and TV personality Paul Lillakas.
His fresh take on classic crêpes — filled with sliced strawberries, drizzled with Nutella, and finished with toasted almonds — is the perfect way to savour a slow morning.
However you enjoy your mornings — out in the city or at home in your kitchen — they're worth savouring. From hidden green spaces to iconic street views and waterfront vibes, these early-hour gems prove that mornings in the city have their own kind of magic.
Whether you're a longtime local or a first-time visitor, this self-guided morning tour offers a fresh way to fall in love with Toronto, one cup of coffee, Nutella-filled pastry and scenic stop at a time.
To learn more about savouring the beauty of Canada with Nutella, visit their webpage and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
