“Toronto is a real melting pot in every sense of the word,'' Prince once said as he took up residency in the city to record his 28th album. “There’s all sorts of great people everywhere you go. There’s all sorts of great music, great restaurants and great night spots.”
Completely distinct from the American cities that too often overshadow it, Toronto has everything you could want and need from a city break. There are endless things to do in Toronto – it’s the largest of the Canadian cities and the cultural hub of the country. Part of the city’s beauty is its multiculturalism, attracting chefs and designers from all over the world, resulting in a diverse and eclectic range of restaurants and bars.
Toronto’s location is impeccable, only a short flight away from New York and situated right on the edge of Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes. A few hours away are some of the most beautiful getaways the province has to offer. In the summer, take a drive up to Muskoka, where you can sail, canoe and relax among the lakes, and when the snow hits in winter head to Blue Mountain and take a few ski lessons. The city is also full of spas and boutiques on every downtown corner, some of the finest cuisine in North America and endlessly varied districts to wander through.
If you’re looking to avoid extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, visit in early autumn or spring. For film and fashion crowds, Toronto International Film Festival is held in early September, and Toronto Fashion Weeks are in February and September. Plan in advance if you’re looking to attend, plan around if not.
Where to eat
Toronto’s food scene is renowned for having one of the most diverse cuisines in North America, celebrating the city’s multicultural population. For a modern take on traditional, try The Blueblood Steakhouse. If dining on beef or seafood next to art by Salvador Dalí or Andy Warhol doesn’t pique your interest, it's also located inside Casa Loma, one of the most architecturally beautiful buildings in the city.
Yamato is a favourite among locals in the downtown Yorkville area, where you can enjoy freshly made sushi and the theatre of teppanyaki. For vegan and vegetarian food head to Planta, an upscale restaurant that doesn’t hesitate to experiment with plant-based dishes, such as their cauliflower parmesan. Kojin is also a great option if you’re looking for vegetables and meat grown in Ontario, where local produce is served with a Colombian twist on a regularly changing menu.
Where to stay
The Windsor Arms is one of the oldest and most glamorous hotels in Toronto, having been home to royalty, film stars and aristocracy. Offering a range of luxurious and elegantly decorated suites, expect everything from a baby grand piano to butler service in your room. Relax in the spa and bromine salt pool and then take your pick from a 20,000 bottle wine cellar before enjoying live entertainment in The Gatsby bar. The hotel has even been known to have hosted spontaneous performances from Sir Elton John, Robin Williams and Richard Gere.
For a more modern feel, stay at The Hazelton, Toronto’s first luxury boutique hotel, situated centrally in downtown Yorkville. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, you will find modern and artistic interiors spaciously laid out in a palatial style. It’s a favourite of well-heeled travellers and celebrities and by far the place to be if you’re visiting for Toronto Fashion Week. There are a range of suites available and plenty of upscale shopping nearby.
What to do
There is no better place to experience the electricity of the city than with a walk through The Distillery District. Built among a group of restored 19th-century industrial buildings the district feels separate to the rest of the city and has been hailed as a creative hub. Full of theatres, galleries, cafes and restaurants there is enough to spend a whole day exploring. As the creative forces behind the district’s 2003 reopening say, it feels like “the romance and relaxing atmosphere of European walking and patio districts with the hip, cool dynamic of an area like New York City’s SoHo or Chelsea”.
Sport is also a huge part of Toronto’s identity, and with the Toronto Raptors' recent victory in the NBA, this only seems to be growing. If you get the chance, head down to Scotiabank Arena to watch one of the teams play.
Where to drink
In true Canadian style, Canoe lets you spend your evening on "Open Water", "Calm Waters" or "Canoe Rapids", as you select from their three ranges of drinks, all handcrafted with a distinctive Canadian twist. Located on the 54th floor of the TD Tower, enjoy your drinks and some contemporary food while taking in the breathtaking views of Lake Ontario. Drinking at Canoe is an experience, although if you don’t like heights it may not be the one for you.
In summer, Sky Yard at The Drake Hotel is the perfect location for cocktails. Set in one of Toronto’s oldest hotels, enjoy the evening sunset at this rooftop bar and soak up the beautiful skyline views.
Mahjong Bar, with its high ceilings and beautiful lighting is a great spot for an evening drink, offering a range of cocktails in a relaxing setting inspired by Hong Kong's nightlife. It’s a secretive spot, hidden away behind a pink bodega you need to walk through to get inside. If you feel like having all of your senses heightened, head to Bar Chef, where your drinks are combined with jazz music, the scent of herbs and spices and a candlelit room to fully immerse you in the experience.
How to get there
Air Canada and British Airways run multiple daily routes from London to Toronto.
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