Ben Kriz is a Toronto-based writer and editor covering menswear, culture, and travel for publications such as GQ, The Globe & Mail, and SHARP. His work has taken him from the rejuvenating spas of the Canadian Rockies to the rich nightlife of Old San Juan. When travelling, he’s usually trying to track down tickets to a local football match—whether it’s the Premier League or the Portuguese fourth division.
What does a journey mean to you?
Not to be corny, but a journey for me usually means I’ve gone somewhere emotionally as well as physically. Otherwise, you’re just collecting passport stamps. Why travel if you’re not going to take a piece of a place, a perspective, or a way of living back home with you? My favourite places are usually the ones where I’ve stayed long enough to scratch beneath the surface.
Where do you spend your day off in Toronto?
If I have a day off during the week, I love taking a water taxi over to the Toronto Islands. It can get crowded on weekends, but during the week, it’s usually pretty calm and quiet, and with the waves coming in, it can feel a bit like being somewhere on the ocean.
What should a visitor to Toronto not miss?
You can’t visit Toronto without catching a Blue Jays game. On a summer evening, with the roof open and the CN Tower overhead, it’s a great way to experience the city, even if you don’t know much about baseball.
