One destination that is loved by tourists who are wanting a shorter Canadian break or to stay mostly in one accommodation spot is a holidays to Toronto!
Toronto is Ontario’s capital and the city itself is located on the shores of Lake Ontario. Toronto is a vibrant city that is ideally located for many day trips – such as a trip to Niagara Falls. Toronto’s skyline is also famous for its unique CN tower – a communications tower with a LookOut Level that tourists can visit to get panoramic views out over the city. There is also a glass floor for visitors (who are brave enough) to walk over! For those who really want to maximise the view, you can head up to the SkyPod for a view over Toronto from 447m above it!
Sports fans will also love Toronto as it is the home of the Hockey Hall of Fame! Hockey is Canada’s national sport and where better to immerse yourself within the sport than on your visit to Toronto. You could also try and catch a Hockey game from the apply named “Toronto Maple Leafs” whilst in the city! Though if Hockey isn’t really your scene but you still want to experience some Canadian culture you could head over to the Royal Ontario Museum – this Museum is perfect for those interested in Canadian culture, natural history, and indigenous Canadian history! For those visiting Toronto in the winter months, visiting the museum is a great way to get out of the cold if the weather gets too chilly!
For a more modern cultural experience, head to Kensington Market: a distinctly multicultural part of Toronto, filled with vintage shopping, street art, cool cafés, and bars. This area has now officially been given National Historic Site of Canada status, so it is definitely worth a visit whilst in Toronto. Another unique and cool district where you can shop, and sample local produce is the Distillery District. The Distillery District has been built in the once Gooderham & Worts Distillery and is often compared to New York’s SoHo neighboured, due to its ambience and ability to shop, drink and eat!
One of best things to do whilst in Toronto is take the time to visit Niagara Falls – the magnificent site is just a 90-minute drive from Toronto, and you can book an organised tour or hire a care and drive yourself. Staying a few nights in Niagara on one of our Toronto and Niagara falls twin centre holidays will help to really maximise your time there – for the ultimate Falls-view accommodation I recommend staying in the Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls- Fallsview. This hotel has one of the best views of the Falls with spacious rooms – be sure to ask for a top floor suite when booking as this is where you will get the best view! Whilst in Niagara be sure to book a boat tour that takes you right up to the Falls, a journey behind the Falls walking tour (where you will get wet!), and the helicopter tour which is truly spectacular! There are two sides to Niagara Falls, the Canadian and American, and after having explored both we can firmly say we prefer the Canadian BUT you’ll have to explore both for yourself to truly decide!
Whilst in Niagara be sure to explore the town, Niagara-on-the-Lake, that has everything from Whitewater rafting to a huge Casino and delicious local wineries. Niagara-on-the-Lake is also home to some great restaurants like Tide and Vine Oyster House that uses local and seasonal produce or for a true fine dining experience visit AG inspired Cuisine that takes local to a whole new level as they use produce picked from their farm that very morning. Niagara-on-the-Lake is a quaint town filled with boutique shops, colonial-style houses and even horse drawn carriages!
Back in Toronto there are also amazing restaurants you must try whilst on your Canada holiday. One of the best French restaurants in Toronto is Alo, though be warned Alo is not for those who don’t like surprises! Alo offers a reservation only, blind, multi-course tasting menu that uses internationally inspired ingredients with a French cooking style! If you want to just sample some of the cuisine without committing to the menu, the bar serves an A La Carte Menu inspired by the evening tasting menu. Another great spot is Dumpling House in China Town – though not much to look at on the outside, this restaurant is epic and serves some of the best Chinese food in all of Toronto! Whilst in Canada it would be criminal not to try some fresh seafood and Joso’s is the place to go for that! Joso’s serve everything from Octopus Salad (which is delicious) to Lamb Chops so there will be something for everyone! Also, be sure to try some authentic Maple Syrup whilst in Toronto!
Accommodation in Toronto is excellent, and you will be spoiled for choice for hotels. We stayed at the Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection – its waterfront location on Lake Ontario at the harbour made for an excellent view and place to walk around in the evening. Within walking distance of the hotel was the CN tower, the Aquarium, and the Hockey Hall of Fame. Hotel X Toronto also had a fabulous spa, fitness suite, restaurants, and pool! Other great hotels in a similar location were the Fairmont Royal York, the Radisson Blue Toronto Downtown and the Ritz-Carlton Toronto! Though, wherever you stay in Toronto you’ll enjoy the amazing Canadian hospitality and culture Canada is so famous