A city that can offer events year round, a lake that could easily fit several UK cities inside, the tallest building in the world and the friendliest of inhabitants is definitely worth a visit. With a population of 6.1 million Toronto somehow still feels spacious and as one of the most multicultural cities in the world it offers up some of the best cuisine too.
Where to stay
The Hyatt Regency, King Street West – torontoregency.hyatt.com
Recently refurbished with a contemporary foyer and rooms to match the hotel is in the heart of Toronto’s entertainment district. Stepping outside you are faced with restaurants and bars aplenty and an easy walk to top attractions. Room from approx £65 per night
What to see
Lake Ontario – Torontonian’s drinking water comes direct from beautiful Lake Ontario. Hop on one of the tour boats from the Harbourfront (Queen’s Quay West) and take in the Islands and amazing views of the city skyline.
Shopping
Every city has its fair share of Gaps and Urban Outfitters but to check out something a little unique take a look at Chinatown (Dundas St and Spadina Ave). Not only does it have a fine selection quick eats there is a great variety of super kitsch stores.
Just around the corner from Chinatown is Kensington Markets. The bo-ho district of Toronto is a hive of hippy chic, organic cafes, cheese stores and even an Amsterdam style coffee shop.
What to do
Go up the tallest building in the world. Currently the highest building the CN Tower sits proud in downtown Toronto next to the famous Rogers Centre where the city’s Blue Jay’s Baseball Team calls its home.
The tower has a glass elevator that takes seconds to reach the viewing platform and revolving restaurant. Make sure you check out the glass-viewing platform where kids jump excitedly up and down and your feet tingle as soon as they near the edge. The 360-degree views are amazing – make sure you take your camera and a head for heights.
Where to eat
Conviction, 609 King Street West – convictionrestaurant.com
Being served by ex cons may not seem like everyone’s idea of a night out but Conviction is beyond a gimmick. Set up by chef Marc Thuet and his wife Biana Zorich to give disadvantaged rehabilitated ex-convicts a second chance. Not to miss out on an opportunity this unique social experiment has been captured on film and will be airing soon on Canadian TV.
The staff who work both in the kitchen and front of house are more than happy to tell you of their misdemeanours which range from bank robberies to drug smuggling in Columbia.
Our best find
Cora’s
Apparently there are around 80 Cora’s in Canada and North America but we’d never come across one before. Cora’s is THE place for an all day breakfast. Whatever you order off the rather extensive menu it will come with a very healthy portion of fruit making even the basic eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, ham and pancakes seem like a healthy option.
What to drink
A Bloody Caesar – the national drink of Canada consists of Vodka Clamato juice (an interesting mix of Clam broth and Tomato juice) and a dash of Tobasco sauce. It will wake you if you are feeling tired and heal you if you are hungover – what a drink! We had ours in Toronto’s Hard Rock Cafe on Dundas Square.
When to go
We took our trip in June so we could take in the sounds of the mighty North-by-north east (nxne) festival. Featuring a mix of Canadian, US and International bands nxne takes place at a variety of venues throughout Downtown.
Info
Flights: You can fly by Air Transat direct from Birmingham to Toronto. Flights start from approximately £400 – airtransat.co.uk.
Transfers: You can catch the Flight Transfer Bus from the Airport to all the major hotels for $40 dollars return.
