Seven years ago I moved back to Toronto, the city where I grew up. After years of living in four different countries and soaking up their cultures, I thought coming home would feel simple. Instead, last year I made a big pivot — I left the heart of the city for a commuter town about an hour west. Close to everything familiar, but suddenly in a completely unfamiliar place.
One thing that helped me feel at home when I was an expat was discovering local blogs, hidden cafés, weekend markets, and trails that only locals knew about. Those little adventures turned strangers into neighbours and new cities into home.
West of Toronto is my way of doing the same here — sharing the gems, stories, and people of the small towns and communities just beyond Toronto’s borders.
Here you’ll find:
- Cafés, bakeries, and local restaurants worth the drive
- Family activities and kid-friendly outings
- Trails, parks, and wellness spots to recharge
- Date night and grown-up escapes for when you need a change of scenery
- Reflections on adjusting to life outside the city and tips for making a new place feel like home
Whether you’re a long-time local, a commuter, or someone thinking of moving out of the city, I hope this blog helps you discover new places, support local businesses, and see the west of Toronto with fresh eyes — the way I’m learning to.
Thanks for stopping by, and happy exploring!
Victoria
I’m constantly out exploring West of Toronto. Want my favourite local gems sent straight to your inbox? Drop your email below!