Alessia Cara reveals her favourite places in Toronto
Before taking the stage at the 2026 Junos Awards in Hamilton on Sunday, singer-songwriter Alessia Cara caught up with blogTO to share what she loves most about Toronto.
Born in Mississauga and raised in Brampton, Cara has been repping the GTA since day one. She may have shot to stardom after winning Best New Artist at the 2018 Grammys, but the singer, with six albums under her belt — her latest, Love or Lack Thereof, dropped last month — always makes time to show the city some love.
When it comes to her go-to Toronto neighbourhoods, the 29-year-old keeps it classic with Ossington and Kensington Market.
On Ossington, one spot stands out: Bar Bowie, known for making a mean martini, is what Cara considers her favourite bar. She also gives a shoutout to the cozy wine bar Bar Piquette over on Queen West.
As for Kensington, it's the quirky shops that reel her in.
"It's kind of fun, it can be a little overstimulating," she says of the boho strip near College and Spadina. "But I do love to shop around and buy little cool, weird trinkets."
While Toronto is packed with thousands of events year-round, her favourite time of year is when the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) rolls out in September.
"Always go watch films at the TIFF Lightbox!" she says of the festival's headquarters on King St. W., which runs programs all year long. "They always have niche, cool movies."
When it's time to unwind after a long stint of recording or touring, you'll likely find Cara chilling at Trinity Bellwoods Park.
"Kind of cliché, but I do love Trinity Bellwoods," she says. "I know people have their thoughts about it, but it really held me over during COVID times."
@blogto Best of Toronto with Grammy winner Alessia Cara 🎙️ @seiyacreates ♬ original sound - blogTO
And the best part about Toronto?
"The multiculturalism," Cara says. "It just feels like a representation of the world."
Like a true Toronto resident, Cara speaks with unapologetic confidence. "I just think we're the best. The music's great, the food's great, the people are great!"
