One of the great joys I get from living in a city like Toronto is the ability to take in culture from around the world. A great passion of mine is cinema, and growing up as I did in a small town, when I moved here, I was desperate to see alternative films. A regular staple of my movie-going experiences is the beautiful TIFF Bell Lightbox theatre.
There are many reasons to love this building and to congregate here. Opened in 2010, it is a beautiful architectural triumph- a modernist palace to movies. The Lightbox, as its full name alludes to, is also the centre of TIFF, the Toronto International Film Festival, and every September plays host to the world's best and brightest directors, actors and producers.
But beyond being a beautiful building and hosting beautiful people in September, the Lightbox is also a functioning, multi-screen movie theatre year-round. They have a programme of independent, foreign and Canadian cinema, and are the first stop in the city to see something hard-to-find and avant garde. They often show retrospectives of brilliant directors and host exhibitions of cinema-related art and costumes. Soon, they will be launching a retrospective of the work of Pedro Almodovar.
Residing as it is, right in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Lightbox is a convenient, beautiful and welcoming gem of a spot to see the best of the world's weird and wonderful films.
Find your way with 145 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Khau Gully" is my favorite Northern Indian restaurant in Toronto. Street food is its thing but it's best to sit in for its beautifully painted dining room
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From biodegradable bamboo products to personal care items that are better for both you and the planet, you can find plenty here for a more sustainable life.
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It’s rare that I leave this store without having bought something, be it a beautiful ring for myself, or a unique piece of artwork to give as a gift.
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With environmental sustainability in mind, Gia is a “plant-forward” restaurant, with the goal of sourcing produce locally, and organic when possible.
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Founded over 15 years ago as a purveyor of vintage goods at local markets and pop-ups, Philistine now has two shops of its own, both on Queen Street.
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"Aloette" in Toronto is an upscale bistro with a wider range of food. Their burger is definitely a staple, and their iceberg wedge salad is a sleeper hit!
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"Swatow" Toronto's been my go-to for that kind of Chinese food for years -- you know, the comforting, inexpensive stuff that's still plentiful & delicious.
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"La Salumeria" is always where I go when I need something delicious on-the-go during the day. It's a delicatessen that also makes the best sandwiches!
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"The One in the Only" in Toronto is an eclectic coffee shop that just exudes positivity. Most of the decoration is a random mix of old photos & art prints.
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"Il Covo" in Toronto is an Italian restaurant that's special for every special occasion. I encourage you to order and share as many cichetti as possible!
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145 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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✓ 145 Insider Tips