Nathalie's walk around The Artisan Bakery

UPDATE APRIL 28, 2014

The Artisan Baker closed for good in January!!! Sad news...

I suggest grabbing some food to go at Delica Kitchen across the street at 1440 Yonge, and take it to the park in the walk described below. 

I have the perfect friends to bring along for a decent walk towards a decadent place such as The Artisan Baker. 

Yannick and Lionel are the two French guys behind the website YummyBaguette.com, listing all the yummy shops where you can find chocolates, pastries, coffees, teas, and other treats in Toronto. 

Last spring, we decided to visit The Artisan Baker, located at 1423 Yonge, just south of St. Clair.

Related post:

Fitbit, the walking gadget my techie friends made me discover during this walk.

Our starting point was Yonge and Front Streets (because it is near Yannick's place) but I'll describe a 7-km loop around The Artisan Baker going no further south than Carlton Street.

The Artisan Baker was a great brunch destination! I loved the decor and the wide selection on the menu. Their glassed window was very inspiring. Lionel and I had a tartine, accompanied by a soup or salad, and they were both delicious. We were truly impressed by the presentation of Yannick's Canadian Breakfast.

Now, let's burn some calories
After a wholesome meal, we resumed our walk towards the Rosehill Reservoir. From Yonge Street, you can take Pleasant Blvd. or Rosehill Avenue eastbound to access the reservoir. 

We crossed the park to see the pretty garden on the south-east corner. Going down, past the playground, we took a nature trail to get to the David A. Balfour Ravine.

Walking along the river towards the south, we eventually reached Mount Pleasant Road, where we turned right to get to Bloor Street. We then went west to go down Church Street, making sure to stop at the spectacular Loblaws in Maple Leaf Gardens (at the corner of Church and Carlton).

From there, turn right (west) on Carlton to Yonge and walk northbound back to The Artisan Baker. Altogether, the 7-km stroll should take you less than two hours, excluding your tour of Maple Leaf Gardens.