A weekender's guide to Toronto!

For anyone familiar with the drive across Canada, you’d know what I mean when I say that a city like Toronto acts as a breath of fresh (or admittedly smoggy) air from the countless (although charming) small towns and big fields that are found along the way. With my boyfriend being from the area, Toronto was the logical and well-deserved last stop on our “cross-country” road trip. Having visited the city a few times before, I was looking forward to coming back to the great food, shopping and hospitality that the city has to offer. Thinking about how much I always enjoy my time in Toronto, I decided to write down some key tips for anyone planning on visiting for themselves. While i may not be a local just yet, I hope that this insight will help you make the best of your time in the big city, even if only just for the weekend. So, with that, here’s my “Weekender’s Guide to Toronto”!

Step 1: The Hotel

When it comes to accommodation, Toronto offers numerous great options for every occasion and price range. Here are a couple of my recommendations:

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

This is definitely my go-to place to stay. This modern and elegant hotel is located in the heart of Yorkville - my favourite neighbourhood (and probably yours too). Prices can be high but the hotel is one of the area’s newest and higher floor rooms offer a great vantage point. For me, the highlight of this place is the pool and spa, with amazing views of the city below from the outdoor lounging area. Not to mention, the dining options are great too - but I’ll talk about that later on. 

The Four Seasons

The Drake

For a more budget-friendly option, the Drake is one of the best. While the hotel offers uniquely designed rooms for a reasonable price, the highlight is what The Drake is renowned for - its nightlife (keep reading below). Located on Queen St. W, you’ll never be far from the action. For art lovers and party-goers, this is your spot. 

                The Drake 

                                                                  credit: @thedrake

Step 2: Breakfast

The Federal

Don’t let the size of this quirky restaurant fool you - it’s menu competes with any of the city’s best (and probably wins). While you might have to wait a few minutes to be seated, The Federal’s “Gold Standard Sandwich” or “Cubano” are definitely worth it. 

Step 3: Sightseeing

While Toronto may not have a reputation for being the most beautiful or exciting city in the world, a closer look shows that it actually has so much to offer. If you’re a first-timer you’ll probably head to the CN Tower, but it’s definitely elsewhere that you’ll fall in love with the city. Here are some of my favourite spots: 

Berczy Park

Having just reopened last year, this small park is one that you definitely won’t want to miss - especially if you’re a dog lover like me. Claude Cormier’s fountain is the centrepiece and you’ll definitely want to bring your cameras with you for this one. With three tiers of dog statues climbing their way to a bone on the very top, Berczy Park’s fountain certainly isn’t something you’ll see everyday. Plus, sandwiched between a few of the city’s oldest streets, you won’t want to miss this area even if you’re allergic. 

Flatiron Building

Just steps away from your real-life dog fantasy, the Gooderham or Flatiron Building is one of the city’s most iconic. With the financial district towering behind and the CN Tower peaking in from some angels, you definitely should not miss this view.

Distillery District 

Once home to a working whiskey distillery, the Distillery District has been transformed into a pedestrian-only area filled with a bunch of cool, independent shops, bars and cafes. The 19th century buildings will be a welcomed break from the sometimes bleak Toronto architecture and art lovers can enjoy wandering through various indoor and outdoor exhibitions throughout the year. 

Step 4: Lunch

Kid Lee

As the younger brother (or more accurately, son) of Toronto’s renowned restaurant, Lee, this First Canadian Place take-away focuses on what it’s predecessor does best - slaw. Here, Toronto’s Lee brothers serve up their father’s famous Singapore Slaw without the price of their dad’s fine-dining establishment. For something quick but delicious, try it out. 

Trattoria Nervosa

This Italian restaurant is located in a cute little house in the centre of the Yorkville neighbourhood. If you're in the mood for the perfect Aperol Spritz and are craving some fantastic Italian food, this should be your first choice. Whether craving comfort food like pizza and pasta or looking for a healthier option like tagliata and grilled octopus (my personal favourite), Nervosa will not disappoint. Offering nicely decorated indoor and outdoor seating, it is the perfect place for any weather. 

Step 5: Shopping

Yorkville 

Yorkville isn't just one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in, in my opinion, but also for shopping. It offers options for every budget. My favourite high street store in the neighbourhood is definitely Aritzia, which offers great sale deals this time of the year. If you’re Canadian this is probably one of your go-to stores already but, if not, you should definitely check it out. If your budget is more flexible, Yorkville has become known for its luxury boutiques. Whether Fendi or Chanel, Yorkville’s got you covered. In the case of Louboutin, you might want to check it out just for the cute little red building that it currently occupies. (Insider tip: Even if you're not staying at the Four Seasons, the lobby often has a number of independent brands on display. I can’t remember the name, but inside you’ll find a small jewelry boutique, currently offering cute, interesting pieces from smaller brands at mid-range price points.) 

Holt Renfrew

This Bloor street department store is a good option for comparing different brands, especially for shoes. If you happen to need a break from a day of shopping and sightseeing the in-store Holts Cafe has you covered. In my opinion the sales assistants are very welcoming which can sometimes be a nice change to some of the experiences I've had in some of the stand alone boutiques. 

Eaton Center

This massive mall is located right downtown and connects over multiple streets, which comes in especially handy in those bitter cold Canadiens winters. If you don't mind being one of thousands of shoppers, the Eaton Centre has a great variety of stores. My go to stores are Sandro and Maje, which you won’t find anywhere else in the Downtown core.

Yorkdale Mall

Yorkdale is located a bit further out from the centre and most easily accessed by car, but if you can figure out how to get there it is definitely worth the trip. Higher-end shoppers from all over the Greater Toronto Area tend to prefer Yorkdale for its large selection and quieter, exclusive atmosphere. If you’re in need for a bite to eat but also looking for some interior inspiration, try Restoration Hardware's vibey restaurant located inside. 

RH Courtyard Café

credit: @RH Toronto

Step 6: Dinner

Lee

If you already fell in love with Kid Lee’s take-away food, then you’ll definitely want to try out the restaurant that made them famous. While it may be on the higher end of most budgets, Lee’s always interesting and sharing-style menu is something that you won’t want to miss out on. I recommend trying the Top Chef Curry Roasted Chicken amongst your other dishes. 

Momofuku 

If you’re already familiar with David Chang’s restaurants, then I’m sure you’re planning on visiting Momofuku Toronto. If you’re not familiar already, be sure to make a reservation and I promise that you’ll understand what the hype is all about. Opened just this year, Momofuku Kōjin draws on Chang’s Asian influence, spices it up with a Latin American inspiration, and cooks up exceptionally unique food. Prices aren’t cheap but if you’re looking for something truly different and certainly memorable, this place has got you covered. For the more budget-conscious, try out Momofuku’s noodle bar just two floors below.

Café Boulud

Found inside Yorkville’s Four Seasons Hotel, Café Boulud excels in both atmosphere and cuisine. The restaurant’s vintage French interior is somewhere you’ll definitely want to spend a couple of hours if you get the chance. I highly recommend the fleur de courgette and rotisserie half chicken - chances are, you’ll love it as much as I do. If you don’t get a chance to visit for dinner, Café Boulud also offers a breakfast that won’t leave you complaining.

Step 7: Drinks

The Drake

If you’re staying at The Drake, having a good night out will be extra easy for you. For both locals and visitors, this place is definitely a go-to spot for nightlife in the city. The Drake offers multiple different levels of nighttime entertainment so whether you're staying right on Queen St W, in Yorkville, or elsewhere in the city, don't miss out on it. 

So,

with that, I hope that you're next visit to Toronto will have you falling in love with it just as much as I have. While the city may not be on the top of most people's destination wish list, I hope that reading this little guide has made you consider putting it on yours. I hope you enjoyed reading and, for the locals, let me know what else you would reccommed! 

      -Gloria