Toronto’s landscape is bursting at its seam. From the high-rise dotted downtown to the trendy district of Queen West that’s filled with cafes and boutiques, the skyline of Canada’s metropolis is ever changing with architectural behemoths. What perhaps attracts tourists to this vibrant multi-cultural city is its happy cosmopolitan vibe, and the innumerable things to see and do. If you happen to be a luxury jet-setter like us and can’t spare more than 24 hours to pack in the best experience’s money can buy, fret not we have just the itinerary planned for you. Whether you are looking to dive into the culinary scene of the city, grab a drink at the poshest bar, or book yourself a room at an upscale hotel where your favourite celebrities check in, the city has everything you could want and more. Read on for our picks of the ultimate 24-hour luxury guide to Toronto.
Where To Stay?
As the birthplace of legendary hospitality brands like the Four Seasons and Fairmont, Canada’s hotel game is strong, particularly in cosmopolitan Toronto. Your luxury guide to Toronto starts with a stay at one of these swank properties.
1. The Omni King Edward Hotel
Toronto’s first luxury hotel originally built in 1903 also feels like the newest, thanks to a recent $40 million renovation. Its convenient downtown location, which is close to the financial and entertainment districts, and attractions like the Eaton Centre and St Lawrence Farmers Market, makes it a popular hub with guests who are looking to be right in the center of action. Expect to find colonial style wingback chairs, tufted leather headboards, deep red accent walls and cosy fireplaces that are a nod to the hotel’s regal name and past heritage. It’s not all old school glamour though, the 301 newly redone rooms in the hotel are fully fitted with modern touches like iPod docking stations, Keurig coffee machines, and laptop-size safes. You can enjoy a Sunday brunch in the hotel’s Sovereign Ballroom, sip craft cocktails at the aristocratic Consort bar, and experience a traditional high tea spread. Partake in Torontonian history, without sacrificing modern creature comforts, at this renovated grand dame.
Also read: Yukon Striker Is World’s Deadliest Roller Coaster In Canada’s Wonderland
Image Credits: The Omni King Edward Hotel
Address: 37 King St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1E9, Canada
Contact: +1 416-863-9700
Avg Cost: ₹ 22,800 per night (varies as per season)
2. Thompson, Toronto
With its buzzing rooftop, sleek crowd and location in King West Village – deemed one of the coolest areas of the city where nightlife, fashion and food converge – the Thompson is one of Toronto’s year-round spots. A bold, contemporary style pervades the property, with industrial accents, and loud pops of colour creating a vibrant backdrop for an action-packed stay. Head to the hotel’s rooftop lounge to take in panoramic views of the city and wind down with a cocktail. Designed by New York’s Studio Gaia, the rooms offer floor to ceiling windows, so you can also opt to stay in and enjoy sweeping views of Toronto’s skyline and Lake Ontario. We’d recommend the penthouse suite that has a marble bath with thermal flooring, an 8-seater dining room, and a billiards table. The vibe here is very much urban resort, and it’s a one-stop hub for all your entertainment needs.
Image Credits: Thompson Toronto
Address: 550 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2V4, Canada
Contact: +1 416-640-7778
Avg cost: ₹ 20,320 (varies as per season)
3. Four Seasons Hotel, Toronto
Toronto is the hometown of the Four Seasons brand, built in 2012, this 55-story tower in the chic Yorkville neighborhood nails the concept of discreet luxury. If you like living it large, The Royal suite at the Four Seasons is the room to check into. Perched on the 21st floor of the hotel, the suite offers a panoramic view of the northern city scape. You also get a large dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, three massive bedrooms, marble bathrooms and a private office. Nuff said.
Also read: Your 7 Day Itinerary To Canada!
Image Credits: Four Seasons Hotel, Toronto
Address: 60 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 0A4, Canada
Contact: +1 416-964-0411
Avg price: ₹ 8.35 lacks (varies as per season)
The Best Places To Eat
As one of the most culturally diverse cities on the planet, Toronto manages to pack in every cuisine imaginable. Whether you’re looking for a chic brunch spot or a high-browed fine dining experience, the city has you covered. Here’s your ultimate luxury guide to Toronto’s buzzing restaurants.
1. Breakfast: TOCA, The Ritz
Kick off your Toronto escapade with a hearty breakfast binge at The Ritz. It includes unlimited baked brie, oysters, lobster tails, and a chocolate fountain. Using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, the kitchen at TOCA prepares homemade pastas, fresh seafood and traditional desserts. Another cool feature of the restaurant is its cheese cave, where you’ll find over 35 local and international cheeses, that complement the food that’s served.
Image Credits: Toca, The Ritz
Address: 181 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3G7, Canada
Contact: (416) 572-8008
Avg cost for two: ₹ 4,200
2. Lunch: Buca Yorkville
Located on the ground floor of the Four Seasons condo building, Buca adequately conveys the glitz of the posh Yorkville neighbourhood, with polished concrete walls, a sparkling open kitchen, and an impressive marble bar. And yet the food and wine always manage to take center stage. Come here for a taste of refined Italian food at its best, and the use of authentic Canadian ingredients like Fogo Island, Gaspe scallops, Acadian sturgeon caviar – makes it one of Toronto’s most unique dining experiences.
3. Dinner: Alo Restaurant
When the elevator doors open out to reveal a sleek bronze bar in a beautiful heritage building on Queen and Spadina, we wouldn’t blame you for thinking you’ve been transported to New York. The Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by chef Patrick Kriss serves up high-concept, French influenced cuisine. The menu changes with the seasons; so you’re likely to encounter a 30-day dry-aged rack of lamb , and on another get a taste of Hokkaido sea urchin with fennel, wasabi and yuzu. The dishes are as beautifully plated as the space itself. We’d also recommend the on-site sommelier’s perfect wine pairings from Canada and beyond. It’s the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy romantic night out.
Also read: Problems Indians Face In Canada
Image Credits: Alo Restaurant
Address: 163 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5V 2L6, Canada
Contact: +1 416-260-2222
Avg cost for two: ₹ 5,200
4. Cocktails: D Bar Four Seasons
For a feel of old-world Victorian elegance, grab a tipple at The Gatsby in the regal Windsor Arms Hotel which is renowned to be a favourite with royals and celebrities. Their eclectic seasonally inspired menu is complemented by a 70- label wine list, local craft beers, and inventive cocktails. You might even catch a live musical performance if you drop by on a Saturday night.
Image Credit: D Bar, Four Seasons Hotel
Address: 163 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5V 2L6, Canada
Contact: +1 416-260-2222
Avg cost for two: ₹ 5,200
Things To Do
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover or a wine connoisseur, there’s a whole lot of activities to fill your itinerary. Our recommendation? Take it in bit by bit. Here’s your ultimate luxury guide to Toronto’s coolest offerings.
1. CN Tower
Toronto’s most iconic landmark is the 1,815-foot CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the world from 1976, when it was built, to 2007. The concrete mega-structure is home to a number of observation decks, a restaurant with the highest wine cellar in the world where a mere glass of their finest Champagne Cognac will set you back by $1600, and the EdgeWalk, where you can actually walk outside the structure at 1,169 feet above street level. If you fancy having a meal at 360 The Restaurant, that revolves and offers sweeping views of the city, you might need to make a reservation way in advance.
Ticket cost: ₹2,500 approx
2. National Helicopters
Taking in stunning views of the city from a rooftop restaurant can be luring, but what if you could take it a notch higher and book a private helicopter that takes you on a breathtaking trek over the Niagara Falls. Well, all you have to do is head over to the National Helicopters, located at the small Niagara District Airport, and opt for their VIP package where you will have the unique advantage of playing co-pilot for the 25-minute journey. With a glass bottom beneath your feet you can enjoy unparalleled views of one of the world’s greatest wonders. In the course of the tour you will fly extremely close to the misty falls, hover over the green belted lush Niagara Wine Country, home to some of the best wines of the world., and the package also include a drop off in the middle of the vineyards for a private visit to winemaker Katie Dickieson and chef Jason Parson’s Pellar Estates Winery. Activities at the winery, like a wine tasting and gourmet food pairing, come at an extra cost.
Image Credits: National Helicopters
Price on request
3. Spa My Blend by Clarins
What better way to wind down from a thrilling day of adventures than to be pampered at the Ritz Carlton Spa My Blend by Clarins where you can indulge in massages from around the globe, get a mani-pedi at their champagne nail bar, and partake of a signature Clarins facial. And men need not feel left out either, as the spa offer a Blokes and Beers package that includes post-massage cold beers. Post spa, cool off, with a dip in their green tea infused vitality infinity pool. Your luxury guide to Toronto couldn’t get any better than this.
Image Credits: Spa My Blend by Clarins
Avg cost for a facial: ₹ 16,300
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lpr0Ipsls6A&t=7s