Alessia Cara's Toronto: A Love Letter to the GTA

Singer-songwriter Alessia Cara, a proud GTA native, shared her love for Toronto with blogTO before her performance at the 2026 Junos Awards. Born in Mississauga and raised in Brampton, Cara has always represented her hometown with pride. Despite her Grammy win and multiple albums, she still finds time to appreciate the city.

Cara's favorite Toronto neighborhoods include Ossington and Kensington Market. She particularly enjoys Bar Bowie on Ossington for its excellent martinis and Bar Piquette on Queen West for its cozy ambiance. In Kensington Market, she loves exploring the quirky shops and finding unique trinkets.

While Toronto hosts numerous events throughout the year, Cara's top pick is the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September. She recommends catching films at the TIFF Lightbox on King St. W., where they showcase niche and cool movies all year round.

For relaxation, Cara frequents Trinity Bellwoods Park, finding solace in its green spaces, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. She appreciates the multiculturalism of Toronto, describing it as a true representation of the world.

In Cara's eyes, Toronto stands out for its vibrant music scene, excellent food, and friendly people. She exudes confidence in declaring Toronto as the best city, embracing its diverse culture and vibrant atmosphere.