Travelore Tips For Your First Trip To Toronto

If you are planning a trip to Toronto, you will be spoilt for choice in this exciting, and vibrant city where there is so much to do, and so much to see. Although not the capital, Toronto is Canada’s largest city – make the most of your time there with our top 10 tips by blogger Ceri Tinley:

CN Tower

This 1,815 ft structure, which until 2007 was the tallest building in the world, is undoubtedly the defining feature of Toronto’s skyline. The glass fronted elevators will whiz you up to the Look Out level at a speed of 20 ft per second, where you will enjoy breath taking views of the city. Walking across the Glass Floor, suspended 1,122 ft above the ground might take a little bit of persuasion if you are afraid of heights, but just keep telling yourself that it has been built to withstand the weight of 14 hippos, and you will be fine. If you are feeling exceptionally brave, you might like to try the Edge Walk which involves circumnavigating the tower whilst attached to a safety harness.

High Park

This enormous public park offers a haven of peace and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are playgrounds, sports facilities, and picnic areas, hiking trails and even a zoo where you can see buffalo, bison, lama and deer. Don’t miss the “maple leaf circle” at the bottom of Hillside Gardens.

Toronto Islands

A fifteen minute ferry ride from down-town Toronto will transport you to this peaceful retreat. Toronto Islands provide a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with a beautiful view of Lake Ontario on one side, and a stunning view of the city skyline on the other. With bike rides and boat rides, beautiful gardens and sandy beaches, this is the perfect place to be on a hot summer’s day. The Rectory Café is well worth a visit.

Kensington Market

Declared a National Historic Site in 2006, this colourful and quirky multi-ethnic hub is a delight to behold. With its bustling street scene, shops selling vintage clothes and an array of food from all around the world, the atmosphere is slightly edgy but friendly and welcoming at the same time.

Sassafraz

Situated in rather quirky looking yellow Victorian house right in the heart of Yorkville, Sassafraz offers a pleasing selection of French inspired Canadian dishes served with with an air of calm and sophistication.

Niagara Falls

This natural wonder of the world is only 81 miles away from Toronto, which makes it easily accessible within a day. The town itself is surprisingly tacky, but the breathtaking beauty of the falls more than compensates. The mesmerising Maid of the Mist boat ride is an absolute must.

Royal Ontario Museum

One of the largest in North America, the Royal Ontario is a museum of world culture and natural history. Highlights include the dinosaurs, Spirit House and Stair of Wonders. It’s worth visiting just to see the great prisms of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal bursting out of the walls of the original 100 year old building.

Canada’s Wonderland

With its 15 roller coasters, 65 rides and 200 attractions, Canada’s premier amusement park is guaranteed to keep the family happy for the whole day.

Shopping

The Eaton Centre claims to be Canada’s premier shopping destination, and as shopping centre experiences go, it is indeed a fairly pleasant one. With a multitude of international retailers and restaurants housed in a spectacular glass galleria, you should be able to find everything your heart desires all under one roof.

Hockey game

Most Canadians are passionate about Hockey and if you get the chance to go to a game, you should take it. It’s fast, furious and exciting. If you want to ingratiate yourself with the fans, make sure you refer to the sport simply as “hockey”, rather than, “ice hockey” as we might say in the UK.

By Alexandra Hobbs 

Iconic CN Tower In Toronto Reveals Biggest Renovation In Its 42-Year History

Canada

TORONTO - Canada's National Tower unveiled a stunning $16 million renovation today that has transformed the iconic landmark's 1,300-sq. metre (14,000 sq. ft.) main observation level. The announcement comes on the CN Tower's 42nd birthday.

 BACKGROUNDER: CN Tower renovation unveiling (CNW Group/Canada Lands Company)

Designed to modernize and enhance the guest experience while providing truly universal access, the space has been revamped so that guests can enjoy an open, modern look and feel.  This is the most significant enhancement to the CN Tower since it opened its doors in 1976.

An all new Glass Floor has been installed directly above the original, providing a dramatic, two-tier vertical view 346 metres (1,136 feet) towards the ground.

New floor-to-ceiling glass "Window Walls" have been installed across three separate sections of the observation level, providing near seamless unobstructed panoramic views. Using the latest in engineering technology, the "Window Walls" enable children and people with mobility challenges to fully enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of Toronto.

"It's essential that CN Tower's renovation and upgrades tie into our commitment to accessibility," said John McBain, President and CEO, Canada Lands Company, owner and operator of the CN Tower.

"The Window Walls and new Glass Floor take the visitor experience to the next level and ensure it remains thrilling and unique among the world's greatest towers".

Three new food bistros offer guests an opportunity to sample Canadian food and beverages, while taking in 360 degree panoramic views of Toronto. The new observation level also features scalable space that can be customized to host events for up to 800 guests.

In concert with the renovation of the main observation level, the CN Tower also launched a new, free Viewfinder App for mobile devices. The App features spectacular day and night 360 degree panoramic images of Toronto and surrounding area. Users will be able to identify more than 90 landmarks.  The Viewfinder App is available in in five languages – English, French, Spanish, Korean and Mandarin and is available for download at the App Store and Google Play.

"We are thrilled to introduce an all new observation experience, including the new CN Tower Viewfinder App, as part of our 42nd anniversary" said Neil Jones, Chief Operating Officer, CN Tower.

"The CN Tower enjoyed record breaking attendance last year, but we believe it is important to keep innovating. As a national icon, the experiences we offer our guests should always be at world-class levels. We feel this renovation accomplishes that goal".

CN Tower
At a height of 553.33 metres (1,815 ft., 5 inches), Canada's National Tower is an engineering Wonder, award-winning dining and entertainment destination, and has been Toronto's "must-see" attraction for over four decades. The CN Tower was visited by more than 1.98 million people last year. (Includes 370,000 360 Restaurant guests and 18,000 EdgeWalk guests)
www.cntower.ca

Recent awards and certifications:

Trip Advisor Hall of Fame for CN Tower, EdgeWalk and 360 Restaurant (Awarded to businesses that have received a Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years)
Prix de XX siècle by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (recognizes buildings over 25 years old that have become landmarks of Canadian architecture)
Best Bar None, best restaurant: 360 Restaurant (an industry-led international accreditation and awards program that rewards excellence amongst responsible liquor sales licensees)
Baxter Travel Media, Agent's Choice Award - Favourite Attraction
Business of the Year Award, Tourism Industry Association of Canada (recognizing excellence, outstanding contribution and accomplishments in the Canadian tourism industry)
Feast On Certification (recognizes businesses committed to sourcing Ontario grown and made food and drink)
Ocean Wise–360 Restaurant is a proud partner of this sustainable seafood program


About Canada Lands Company
Canada Lands Company is a self-financing federal Crown corporation whose sole shareholder is the Government of Canada. Its role is to optimize the community and economic value obtained from former government properties as well as holding and maintaining select properties on behalf of the federal government. It is a demonstrated leader in attractions management with its operations of the CN Tower and Downsview Park in Toronto plus the Old Port of Montréal and the Montréal Science Centre. www.clc.ca

Toronto’s First Kimpton, Saint George, Taking Reservations For Stays Beginning July 1

KIMPTON HOTELS & RESTAURANTS ANNOUNCES THE

KIMPTON SAINT GEORGE

TORONTO, ON – Celebrating its address in the heart of the city’s vibrant Annex neighbourhood, Kimpton announces its first ever Toronto hotel, Kimpton Saint George, located at 280 Bloor Street West between Huron and St. George Street, will open in Summer of 2018.

Now taking reservations for stays commencing July 1, the highly anticipated addition to Bloor Street’s Culture Corridor will pay homage to the community’s history and honour its location at the intersection of arts, culture, and expression. “Toronto is one of the most dynamic cities in the world right now with its own distinct identity and culture, making it a perfect home for Kimpton,” said Ron Vlasic, Vice President of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. “We’re thrilled to be opening the first boutique hotel that embodies the essence of the lively Annex neighbourhood, in the hub of the city’s arts, culture and dining scene.”

As North America’s boutique hotel pioneer, Kimpton is known for embracing a locally oriented approach to its design, service and guest experience in all its 66 locations. With forward-thinking, residential-inspired design, want-for-nothing amenities and heartfelt service, Kimpton Saint George will embody all the hallmarks of an authentic Kimpton experience and proudly showcase the brand’s success in re-inventing existing structures and imagining boutique hotels that garner civic pride.

Located amidst Toronto’s world class museums and attractions including the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, Bata Shoe Museum, Gardiner Museum, Royal Conservatory of Music and a litany of independent shops, cafes, galleries and arts institutions ripe for exploration, Kimpton Saint George will offer its guests access to Toronto’s multi-faceted cultural scene in one of its most notable districts.

Owned and developed by InnVest Hotels, one of the largest hotel owners in Canada, the 14-story Kimpton Saint George will feature 188 artfully designed guest rooms, including 20 suites, a Presidential Suite and approximately 1,500 square feet of ground level meeting space. Amenities will include a fitness centre. complimentary PUBLIC bikes, in-room yoga mats, pet-friendly accommodations, complimentary morning coffee and tea service and hosted nightly social hour. Additionally, industry leader, Terry Tsianos, founder and CEO of Pegasus Hospitality Group, in collaboration with Jackman Reinvents, is poised to introduce a dynamic gastropub dining destination adjacent to Kimpton Saint George. The soon-to-be-announced restaurant will service the hotel’s in-room dining and catered events.

Reservations are currently available for dates of stay starting July 1. As the hotel moves closer to completion, earlier dates will open for availability. For more information, visit www.kimptonsaintgeorge.com and follow along on the hotel’s journey to its summer opening on Facebook and Instagram.

 

ABOUT KIMPTON SAINT GEORGE

Debuting Summer 2018 at 280 Bloor Street West, Kimpton Saint George is a 14-story, 188-key, artfully designed hotel, including 20 suites, a Presidential Suite and approximately 1,500 square feet of ground level meeting space. Distinguished for its residentially-inspired design, local touches, dynamic gastropub dining, and genuine service, Kimpton Saint George is located in the vibrant Annex neighborhood, walking distances to world class museums, attractions, and independent shops, cafes and galleries. For more information, visitwww.kimptonsaintgeorge.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT KIMPTON HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is the acknowledged industry pioneer that introduced the boutique hotel concept to the United States in 1981. Anchored in one-of-a-kind experiences, Kimpton operates more than 60 hotels and 70 restaurants, bars and lounges across urban locations, resort destinations and up and coming markets in the United States, Europe and the Caribbean. Time and again, Kimpton has demonstrated its commitment to creating spaces and experiences that are centered on its guests. From inspiring design that evokes curiosity to forward-thinking flavors that feed the soul, every detail is thoughtfully curated and artfully delivered. The Kimpton experience is always meaningful, unscripted and ridiculously personal.

Kimpton is highly regarded for its workplace culture and has been consistently recognized on the FORTUNE magazine “100 Best Companies to Work For” list. Empowered employees bring to life the heartfelt guest experience that has come to define Kimpton. In January 2015, Kimpton became part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) family of hotel brands. For more information, visit www.KimptonHotels.com.

KAYAK Reveals The 10 Trending Destinations For Summer 2016

Shared by Ewa Zubek

The US-based travel search and booking engine KAYAK has finally published its Summer Travel Hacker Guide for 2016. The guide reveals not only the most searched-for destinations, but also their average temperatures, best periods to book, median airfares and hotel rates. This year’s destinations are a mixed bag of tropical islands, high-tech metropolises and nature destinations, giving you plenty of inspiration to find the perfect summer holiday. How many have you been to?

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#10: Toronto

With a 27% increase in searches since last year, Canada’s coolest city is clearly not complaining about its rising popularity. And rightly so: from hipster neighborhoods to an excellent foodie offering, Toronto is the place to be this summer.

© mikecphoto-Shutterstock

#9: Lisbon

If the soft tones of fado in Lisbon’s historic Alfama neigborhood aren’t enough to draw you in, then you can always head out to the beautiful beaches which surround the Portuguese capital. The stats don’t lie: there has been a 31% increase on Lisbon-related searches compared to last year.

Lisbon © Rrrainbow/Shutterstock

#8: Dublin

The birthplace of James Joyce has witnessed a 30% increase in searches compared to 2015. Although it’s now also an urban haven, Dublin is still a historical city through and through. With its nooks and crannies, ancient pubs and the stunning architecture of Trinity College, the Irish capital is a must-visit European destination even when it’s raining.

Dublin | © Miguel Mendez/Flickr

#7: Ho Chi Minh City

This Vietnamese metropolis is a dream come true for any history buff – from French colonial influences to remnants of the tragic Vietnam War, the city is a living relic nestled in the heart of South East Asia. Do watch out for the intense traffic, though. KAYAK noted a 31% increase in searches for HCMC.

Ho Chi Minh City Hall | © Diego Delso/WikiCommons

#6: Montreal

An 18% increase in flight searches has granted Montreal a spot on this trending list. It may not be the warmest place on the planet (expect an average of 16°C in the summer months), but it definitely is a fashionable North American city with a generous French soul.

Montreal | © Tony Brooks/Flickr

#5: Bali

No trending list could be complete without a paradise island. There’s been a 33% increase in Bali-related searches since last year, and the destination has been growing in popularity since the release of a certain movie we’ve all secretly seen. If you’re not into yoga, Bali is also a great place to check out architecture.

#4: Calgary

With a 38% increase in US-originating travel searches compared to last summer, Alberta’s largest city is finally seeing a tourism renaissance. And we can see why – Calgary is a pretty cool destination with historical, cultural and natural attractions aplenty.

Calgary © Pixabay

#3: Tokyo

The buzzing Japanese metropolis has attracted 44% more searches compared to summer 2015. If there’s only one thing you do in Tokyo, make it a trip to the legendary Jiro Sushi. If you can get a spot, that is.

Tokyo © Pigprox/Shutterstock

#2: Reykjavik

KAYAK saw a 75% increase in flight searches for the previously under-the-radar capital of Iceland. It may be cold, it may be rugged, but it is a spectacular island with the kinds of landscapes you would otherwise only see in grand Hollywood productions.

Reykjavik | © Moyan Brenn / Flickr

#1: Rio de Janeiro

With the Olympics fast approaching, KAYAK noted a 127% increase in bookings compared to the same period last year. We’re not surprised, as Rio has continued to attract tourists with large-scale events and improving safety records. This year is set out to be one of the biggest for the local tourism industry.

© Celso Diniz-Shutterstock

Please Play On The Grass: The Top 10 Toronto Parks

• travel

• Canada

Please walk on the grass | Nicole Egan

Often called a city within a park, Toronto has more than 1,500 parks covering 8,000 hectares (which is roughly 13% of the city’s land area, for those of you not up on your metric units of measurement). Toronto’s fabulous (and seemingly infinite) parks feature beaches, public artwork, playgrounds, sports fields, gardens, conservatories, ice rinks, outdoor theatre, and biking and hiking trails, not to mention plenty of space to just lie in the grass!

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Toronto Island Park

Just a short ferry trip away, and you’re immersed in over 600 acres of beauty on Toronto Island. The island provides a parkland paradise; if not for the spectacular skyline view, it would be easy to forget you’re anywhere near the city. There’s plenty of fun on offer for the family, not to mention awesome options for spring or summer dates (just don’t suggestHanlan’s Point Beach if it’s a first date!).

From Centreville Amusements (opening for the 2016 season on April 30th), the Franklin Children’s Garden, and the year-round (and free entry) Far Enough Farm to pedestrian and cyclist trails, bike and boat rentals, and the follow-up relaxation on a licenced patio, the opportunities for fun are endless; even the ferry ride over is part of the fun! For a quick summary of the sites, check out the City of Toronto’s handy island map.

Toronto Islands, Toronto, ON, Canada

Toronto island mainland view | © Nicole Egan

Brick Works Park

Located in the Don Valley, Brick Works Park showcases Toronto’s dedication to healthy and diverse ecosystems. The area is one of the city’s most valued natural environment parks and is home to wetlands, wild flower meadows, forest habitats, and steep cliff faces, not to mention the many species that call the park home. Transformed from a quarry site into a nature sanctuary, the park is directly north of the fabulous Evergreen Brick Works. An award-winning community environmental centre, it also features a year-round weekend Farmer’s Market and regular event schedule, as well as retail shops and the delicious Café Belong.

550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada +1 416 392 2489

Wetlands in Brick Works | © Nicole Egan

High Park

As the largest public park in the city, High Park contains an outstanding number of options for the nature lover and an incredible concentration of rare plant species. In addition to the famous cherry blossoms, hiking trails, sports facilities, beautiful lakefront, dog park, playgrounds, restaurants, greenhouses and picnic areas, there’s even a mini-zoo!

If you’re a Shakespeare lover, High Park in the summer is where you want to be! With an extensive list of dates running from June to September, this year the Canadian Stage will bring two productions to the now 34-year tradition. This year’s shows are the classic Hamlet and All’s Well That Ends Well.

1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON, Canada

Scarborough Bluffs

The Scarborough Bluffs stretch for about 15 km along the Lake Ontario shore, from the Eastern Beaches of Toronto in the west, to West Hill in the east. Formed by the natural erosion processes of wind and water from Lake Ontario, this stunning spot offers spectacular views as well as trails, beaches, and excellent butterfly watching in the spring and fall migration. The inclusion here could be considered a bit of a cheat since the entire area in fact includes nine parks.

Scarborough Bluffs, Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada

Scarborough Bluffs | © Benson Kua/Flickr

Rouge Park

Nestled in the Rouge Valley, this beauty spot borders Pickering but remains a GTA must! Rouge Park is considered one of Toronto’s best kept secrets, with some city slickers barely registering its existence. For Durham-based commuters, however, it’s a regular spot and a lovely view on route to TO! Parks Canada runs guided outings and events in the park, which is on its way to becoming Canada’s first national urban park. The park is the outdoorsy city person’s dream, just a stones through from downtown but with all the northern joys of hiking, camping, canoeing, swimming, fishing… the list goes on!

Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON, Canada +1 416 264 2020

Rouge Park | © Nicole Egan

Trinity Bellwoods

Located on Queen West at Strachan, Trinity Bellwoods is easily accessible via TTC and jam-packed with amenities and space! The park has everything from volleyball, tennis, and baseball facilities to picnic sites and playgrounds. An oasis away from a tough day of shopping and caffeine consumption along Queen West! Information on the park’s greenhouses and Farmer’s Markets is available from the Friends of Trinity Bellwoods Park, and a full events calendar is available from the City.

790 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, Canada +1 416 338 4386

Withrow Park

Located in Riverdale, between Logan and Carlaw, just south of Danforth Avenue, Withrow Park is a hidden gem for newcomers and a weekend must for the neighbours! The park is a whopping eight hectares and home to baseball diamonds, a sports field, outdoor tennis courts, table tennis, and a dog park, as well as children’s play areas and a wading pool. TheFriends of Withrow Park host events in the park year-round, from skating and caroling parties in winter to pumpkin parades and picnics when the weather’s fine.

The park is also home to a farmer’s market every Saturday from May to October. Throw in a bonfire pit (permits are available from the city) and the fabulous Shakespeare in the Ruff performing every August, and it’s the perfect summer spot!

725 Logan Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada

Kew Gardens

Since the 1800s, when the Beach boasted amusement rides and quaint cottages, both tourists and Torontonians alike have flocked to this east-end neighbourhood. With tennis courts, a baseball diamond, wading pool in the summer and ice rink during the winter, not to mention the picturesque bandstand and playgrounds, it’s no wonder that Kew Gardens is the go-to Beaches venue for those in the know. The park regularly hosts events, with movie nights a favourite throughout the summer; it’s also home to the Beach Guild of Fine Art, a group of local artists who regularly host exhibits and sales in the Historic Gardener’s Cottage. There’s even appeal in the rain, with the beautiful Beaches Branch of the Toronto Public Library on site.

Check out the Beach Village website for news on current events in the neighbourhood.

2075 Queen St E, Toronto, ON, Canada

Edwards Gardens

Sitting opposite the Toronto Botanical Gardens, which themselves span nearly four acres, Edwards Gardens is a former estate garden featuring wildflowers, fountains, and merry squirrels! Be sure to check out the website for news on Edwards Summer Music Series, for the perfect pairing of eclectic tunes and eco-friendly vibes.

755 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON, Canada +1 416 397 1340

Canoe Landing Park

Canoe Landing Park, near Spadina Avenue and Lake Shore Boulevard West, is a privately funded, eight-acre urban park that’s well worth a visit for the art enthusiast. Canadian Artist and author Douglas Coupland is to thank for Tom Thomson’s Canoe, more often simply referred to as the Red Canoe, which inspired the park’s name. The larger-than-life canoe is sizeable enough for people to stand in and look out over Lake Ontario (just behind the bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Gardiner). The park is also home to iceberg benches and a colourful display of fishing floats in steel, resin, and LEDs, also by the artist.

For more about Toronto’s public art, check out the Culture Trip’s top ten must-see pieces here.

Canoe Landing Park, 95 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON, Canada

Tom Thomson’s Canoe by Douglas Coupland | Nicole Egan

By Nicole Egan

Nicole Egan is a freelance writer and communications strategist. A wanderlust sufferer and board game lover, when she’s not travelling (or planning future travels) you can find her exploring her hometown of Toronto.