From chic Yorkville boutiques and world-class galleries to sky-high dining rooms overlooking Lake Ontario, Toronto delivers refined experiences at every turn.
Stay
The Kimpton Saint George is a luxurious boutique hotel on Bloor Street, between upscale Bloor-Yorkville – known for its upmarket shopping and galleries – and The Annex – a diverse, historic neighbourhood with cultural charm. The Kimpton’s 188 chic guest rooms include 20 suites and a Presidential Suite. The stylish rooms are decorated in blues, greens and greys and some have individual touches, such as record players and vinyls. The lobby leads into the Living Room, a focal point where happy hour takes place every night between 5pm and 6pm.
Shop
Close by is the stretch of Bloor Street dubbed ‘Mink Mile’ because of its upmarket boutiques. Designers such as Tiffany, Chanel and D&G line Bloor Street, earning the area comparisons to Bond Street and Rodeo Drive.
West Queen West has been named the second coolest neighbourhood in the world by Vogue magazine, where new clothing boutiques pop up regularly. Visit the Fresh Collective, to see what independent Toronto designers are bringing out next. Then, visit King West Fashion District, in what was once the centre of Toronto’s textile industry. The former factories and industrial buildings are now inhabited by clothing outlets and retailers.
The Distillery District is now a pedestrian-only village with dozens of designer boutiques, while, further out of town, Toronto Premium Outlets has more than 80 stores, with price savings of up to 65%.
Visit
The most famous mansion in Toronto is Casa Loma (above), a Gothic Revival-style castle built by financier Henry Pellatt between 1911 and 1914. Now a museum, it is a major tourist attraction and hospitality venue, known for its towers, secret passageways, and elaborate architecture, attracting more than 650,000 visitors to the castle and gardens. For a refined dining experience, the BlueBlood Steakhouse, inside Casa Loma, offers a modern twist on a classic. Reservations essential. Guided Group Tours subject to availability and must be pre-booked in advanced.
View
Soaring above Toronto’s skyline, the CN Tower delivers an elevated experience. Upgrade to a Premier ticket for seamless, front-of-the-line access and priority elevation to The Top, complete with exclusive perks and retail savings. Thrill-seekers can step into the sky on EdgeWalk, a hands-free circuit 116 storeys above the city. Afterwards, visit the revolving 360 Restaurant, where sweeping views and a celebration of Canadian flavours provide an unforgettable finale at the top of the nation’s famous landmark.
Explore
Escape to Toronto Islands, a cluster of 15 interlined islands a13-minute ferry ride from downtown. Visitors can stroll or cycle along leafy pathways, drift past quiet coves by kayak, or unwind on the soft sands of Centre Island’s beaches. With no cars allowed, the ambience is blissfully tranquil. Public ferries depart from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, but it’s also possible to book a private water taxi.
Discover
Just a two-minute walk from the Kimpton, the Bata Shoe Museum, on Bloor Street West, is a fascinating museum featuring the world’s largest collection of footwear. Nearly 15,000 pieces spanning 4,500 years reveal the stories, craftsmanship and traditions of diverse cultures. The museum offers guided and private curator-led tours, making it an inspiring, design-forward experience for discerning visitors.
Eat
Bar Mecurio, a lovely family run Italian restaurant, is friendly and relaxed, serving pizza and pasta classics as well as more upmarket options such as roasted octopus with sweet potato and grass-fed tenderloin carpaccio. Sister café L’Espresso Bar Mecurio serves quality coffee, pastries, gourmet sandwiches, and cocktails. Both are on Bloor Street, close to the Kimpton.
Elsewhere, Quetzal serves upscale Mexican; Kiin serves Michelin-starred Thai dishes in the heart of the Entertainment District, while aKin, founded by three-Michelin-starred chef Alvin Leung and MasterChef Canada winner Eric Chong, blends bold Asian flavours with modern creativity.
