Your Toronto Itinerary
From the intricate architecture, to the cultural diversity and dope art and food scene, Toronto is a place that should be on your must visit list. Thanks to Drake’s influence, OVO fest, the freedom June found in Handmaids tale, and the curiosity that I, a NYC loving American had for it’s close, said to be cleaner neighbor, I couldn’t turn away the chance of literally runnin’ through the 6 with my woes! And you know how that goes, but if you don’t, I put together an itinerary for you to check out and do the same.
Food
I didn’t know what to expect about the food scene in Toronto. Although I consider Canadian bacon to be one of the best things that’s been invented, I didn’t expect the cuisine to be anything that I hadn’t tried before. But I was delighted to discover an abundance of yummy restaurants scattered across the city, and the best things, is that Toronto is incredibly diverse, with influences coming from all over, but mainly migrants have come from Britain, France, Italy, Spain and more - so you’ll have your choice of any cuisine to choose from! And now that I think about it, the cuisine kind of reminds me of my experience in London, but without the beans and toast. Check out our yelp list for a few of my favorite places.
Stay
Are we surprised That I stayed at a Kimpton? At this point, there should be no surprise, as the Kimpton brand is one of the best boutique hotels owned by a major hospitality group. Each one has a one of a kind experience, and you truly can’t go wrong. I also love the the different experience each property brings, and the attention to detail to design, level of service and professionalism, and accessibility that each property brings.
One of the highlights of my stay was undoubtedly the design of the property. The use of brass and gold accents added a touch of sophistication, while the romantic lighting and deep hues of green, blue, and red created an ambiance that was both intimate and inviting. It’s clear that a great deal of thought goes into every aspect of the design of Kimpton properties, resulting in a space that felt truly special.
Though we stayed at Kimpton, If you’re looking for another place to stay that offers a one of a kind experience with great design, attention to detail and service, I recommend:
Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer
ART
When I travel, exploring the local art scene becomes an essential part of my itinerary. For me, travel is not just about visiting new places; it's about immersing oneself in the rich tapestry of history, culture, and humanity that each destination has to offer. And what better way to delve into these nuances than through the lens of art?
Whether it's wandering through the hallowed halls of a museum, perusing the offerings of a gallery, or marveling at the street art, each artistic experience adds a layer of depth and understanding to the trip. By engaging with art, we gain insights into the collective consciousness of a community, its triumphs, struggles, and aspirations.
During this trip, we explored a few museums, including the Bata Shoe Museum and the Aga Khan Museum. Should you visit, here’s a few to check out for yourself!
DRINK
I must say, Toronto's cocktail scene left quite an impression on me! With a plethora of options to choose from, we truly enjoyed our exploration of the city's diverse cocktail offerings. Each establishment we visited brought something unique to the table, boasting fresh ingredients, innovative menus, and cool themes. My favorite had to be the cocktails we had at Madrina, and if you too believe “the espresso martini is the elites go-to and you don't want to go anywhere that doesn't have it”, (should out to Deandre, the corporate baddie), try the best one I've ever had at Bar Poet!
And of course you have to try the wine! As I've mentioned, Toronto has a huge French and Spanish influence, and as we know, the French and Spanish know their way around their wines, and thank goodness for that! Each place we went to that served wine had an extensive wine menu and assortments from a broad range of regions, especially the tapas bars! And when you visit, you HAVE to visit the worlds highest wine cellar, of course located in the CN tower. Our waiter gave us a mini tour, and we were able to see some incredible vintages, including some that are no longer made!
Sample itinerary + Recommendations
Planning a trip can be really daunting, especially in an unfamiliar country! Feel free to screenshot our itinerary below for when you’re ready to plan your own trip, and if you have any questions, comment below and I’ll be happy to help!
Follow us on Yelp
Yes, I am a girly that needs to look at the menu, restaurant, and pictures before I book. If that is you as well, check out our yelp list!
Photo Diary
Thank you for reading! Have any questions or suggestions? Leave a comment below!
