This year, instead of giving Dad a tie or socks, take him out for a meal.

Spending time with him is the best gift you could give.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Head lakeside

Set out onto the water this Sunday on Mariposa Cruises’ Father’s Day Brunch & Dinner cruises. 

Want to be simply close to the water? A meal at the expansive Amsterdam Brewery on Queen’s Quay offers the view without the fuss.

2. Get your motor running

If Father is a fine car aficionado, take him to the 6th Annual Yorkville Exotic Car Show on Sunday. Afterwards, stop in for some sushi at Yamato, elegant Chinese at Dynasty Chinese Cuisine, or Indian at Utsav. 

3. Cinephiles unite

Join in Dad’s love of cinema with a visit to a show. If you’re at TIFF Bell Lightbox or Scotiabank Theatre, take him for an iconic sandwich at Corned Beef House (note: closed Sunday) or stop into Figo, where Chef Anna Chen does masterful work with pasta and pizza dough.

In the uptown area, the Mt. Pleasant Theatre - one of the oldest (and most charming), in the city - and the Regent Theatre are such a treat and show only select films. After the flick, head to the just opened The Belsize Public House for some comfort fare or elevated Thai at the brand new Bolan Thai. 

4. Walk a culinary path

Culinary Historian Shirley Lum  takes you on a tour of Toronto’s lost first Chinatown, and it’s all accompanied by dim sum made by Lum. Enjoy Cantonese-style with pork (using mother's heirloom recipe); contemporary BBQ chicken; and Mushrooms, Chinese Chives and Duck Egg.

Is Dad a beer lover? The Lost Breweries of Old Toronto Tour is a great way to spend the day.

5. Art appreciation day

A day at the museum is a wonderful way to show your Dad you care. Head to the Aga Kham Museum and stop off for a meal afterwards at Diwan. 

If you’re near the AGO, stroll along nearby Baldwin Street where you can choose from a range of cuisines. Or go a bit further to Elm Street with a host of cuisines awaiting you, such as an epic steak dinner at Barberian’s or head to The Queen & Beaver Public House for fab pub fare.