6 Ways to Get Your Country Fix in Toronto

Sometimes when you’re born and bred in Toronto, you’re left with a longing to get back to the simple things in life. You start listening to Conway Twitty, Tim McGraw, and you think you’ve found those who understand you most. To you, life is all about boots, bourbon, pickup trucks, and rain. It’s clear you’re an ex-country dweller who’s missing the saloons and experiences of home. Below is a list of things to do in the big ol’ city to get your country fix for whatever reason.

Rock ‘n’ Horse

Shake it, country girl! Shake it any day of the week with this saloon! Every night this downtown bar has different themes to cover a wide range of country needs. Karaoke? Check. Margaritas in buckets? Check. A mechanical bull? Check. Girls have free cover on Fridays before 10 p.m. Make sure to bring your cowboy boots for line dancing to “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk!”

Bootmaster

What kind of cowboy/girl would you be without a pair of cowboy boots? Well, Bootmaster has you covered.  Their boots will have you walking! This luxury boot store located near Yonge and Bloor has a vast selection of all kinds of boots you could ever imagine. They are masters at what they know and will go to great lengths to ensure you have your dream pair. Make sure you bring a credit card with a big limit, these beauties don’t come cheap.

Cinderella Vintage

On a student budget but still want to rock a pair of cowboy boots? Look no further than Kensington Market, which is well known for their awesome vintage finds. This store may be small, but their selection of vintage cowboy boots is mighty. As Jon Pardi sings, you’ll fall “head over boots” for these unbelievable gems.

The Dakota Tavern

Akin to an old time saloon, The Dakota Tavern has the best live music to boot. It may not be hip to sing about tractors, trucks, little houses, or mama, but in country music they do (according to Brad Paisley). They have Bluegrass Brunch on the weekends, which is a communal all-you-can-eat brunch, where you can bond with other people who feel the affinity for country music and good food.

Sunnybrook Stables

As Big & Rich sing, “save a horse, ride a cowboy”—actually, stick with the horse and experience a real day riding the saddle in midtown Toronto. Sunnybrook Stables are easily accessible from most of the buses at Eglinton Station. Their offering of courses­ for both introductory and experienced riders will easily suit your dreams of riding off into the sunset.

Royal Winter Fair

All week long it’s a farmin’ town country has Toronto changed for a week! This fair at Exhibition Place runs in the first few weeks in November, where you can see livestock animals, purchase items from local businesses, and fully immerse yourself in the simple life.

Flight Centre

To book your dream trip to Nashville. You’re welcome.