Toronto Hotel & Travel Destination Guide

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Country Code: CA
Source: Fastcheck Arrival Guides

Population:
2.5 million

Currency:
Canadian dollar, $1 = 100 cents

Opening hours:
Banks usually open at 10am until 5pm Monday to Friday.
Post Offices open at 9am until 5pm.
Shops generally open between 9am - 6pm with shopping malls closing later, usually around 9pm.

Tourist information:
Tourism Toronto
+1 (416) 203-2600 or toll-free (in Canada) 1-800-499-2514

Toronto

Heralded as one of the most multicultural cities in the world, Toronto is an urban mosaic of cultures and ethnicities. The most heavily populated city in Canada, it vibrates as a cosmopolitan financial, commercial and cultural center, blending its multicultural heritage - about 80 ethnic groups speaking more than 100 languages - with urban chic.

Toronto City

Toronto has something for everyone. Perched on the north shore of Lake Ontario, this multiethnic metropolis boasts a lively stock exchange, museums, art galleries, performing arts companies, fine restaurants, large shopping complexes, a waterfront and hundreds of parks.

Home to the tallest free-standing structure in the world (CN Tower at 553.33 m), it is also known for the world’s longest street (Yonge Street at 1,896 km). But did you know that Toronto is as far south as the French Riviera or that more people live in Toronto than in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces combined?

But what the city is really all about is the people. And it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the name “Toronto” comes from a Huron word meaning “Meeting Place.” That’s exactly what it is: a multicultural meeting place for more than 4.5 million, home to people of more than 70 different nationalities speaking some 100 languages. That multi-ethnic gathering has given the city an exciting and awesome energy. It has also created a place of wonderful neighbourhoods, each with its defining character and local colour.

From the exotic fruits and delicacies of Chinatown, the colorful, Europeanstyle Kensington Market, the colourful streets of Little India, to the authentic restaurants of Little Italy and Greektown, Toronto is rightly described as a melting pot. Also known for its thriving film industry, Toronto is often called “Hollywood North” and is sought after for its diversity, locations, excellent production centres and local talent. The Toronto International Film Festival, which takes place annually in September, draws countless filmgoers who come for both the flicks and the stars. Not only a forum for the international film industry, the festivalalso highlights some of Canada’s brightest talent.

Things to See and Do in Toronto

CN Tower
Standing 1,815ft (553m) high, Toronoto’s landmark CN Tower is the world’s tallest building, a celebrated icon, an important telecommunications hub and the centre of tourism in Toronto. About two million people visit the tower each year to take in the panoramic view and enjoy all its attractions. The tower has four look out levels. At the first level there is an outdoor observation deck with a spectacular glass floor; somewhat higher at the next level is an indoor observation deck and the Horizon’s café, offering light meals high in the sky; at the 1,150ft (351m) level is a revolving restaurant, which rotates once every 72 minutes, allowing a stunning view of the city below while dining on the award-winning fare; finally comes the top level, at a dizzying 1,465ft (447m), known as the Sky Pod. At the top of the CN Tower visitors stand on the world’s highest public observation deck.
Opening times: 10am to 10pm daily in season.
Phone for other seasonal hours;
Admission: Rates vary from $18.99 to $31.99 depending on the ticket type
Address: 301 Front Street West;; Transport: Union Station
Telephone: +1 (416) 868-6937;
www.cntower.ca

Royal Ontario Museum
The first thing that catches your eye as you enter this large and varied museum is the golden mosaic ceiling inside the main entrance. The ceiling is adorned with patterns and symbols representing cultures from around the world throughout the agess. The museum consists of three buildings housing more than 40 galleries of art, archaeology and science exhibits. Among the most popular are dinosaurs, galleries of Chinese Art, a bat cave, a gem and gold room, exhibits about Ancient Egypt and Nubia, and the Samuel European Galleries.
Admission: Monday to Friday: $15 (adults), $10 (children)Weekends: $20 (adults), $10 children). Free on Fridays from 4.30pm to 9.30pm
Address: 100 Queen’s Park
Transport: Museum subway station or Avenue bus 5 from Eglington station
Telephone: +1 (416) 586-5549
www.rom.on.ca

Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo covers 710 acres (287 hectares) and is divided into ‘zoogeographic’ regions. It features four major tropical indoor pavilions and several smaller indoor viewing areas, plus numerous outdoor exhibits with more than six miles (ten km) of walking trails. The zoo itself houses more than 5,000 animals and draws more than 1,2 million visitors each year. It is located north of Highway 401 and is easily accessible by public transport.
Admission: $19 (adults), $11 (children); other concessions available
Address: Meadowvale Road, Scarborough; Transport: Rouge Hill GO Train station; 86A Scarborough bus route or 85 Sheppard East bus route
Telephone: +1 (416) 392-5900
www.torontozoo.com

Distillery Historic District
The brick-paved streets of this neighbourhood have been designated a National Heritage Site, containing the finest collection of Victorian era industrial architecture in North America. The historic Distillery District in downtown Toronto is a development dedicated entirely to arts, culture and entertainment with its plethora of art galleries, restaurants, bars and live music venues. It is also a popular film location and its numerous festivals and special events attract thousands of people every month.
Address: Mill Street;
Telephone: +1 (416) 364-1177
www.thedistillerydistrict.com

Casa Loma
Canada’s own castle, Casa Loma, is today owned by the City of Toronto and draws plenty of interest standing in medieval splendour on its hilltop site. The castle was formerly the home of Canadian financier, Sir Henry Pellatt, who engaged the noted architect E J Lennox to help him realise a life-long dream of building a castle. Construction started in 1911 and it took 300 men nearly three years to complete the impressive Casa Loma. Inside visitors can see the magnificent decorated suites, secret passages, and 800ft 244m) long tunnel, while outside it is possible to stroll through the beautiful five-acre estate gardens. Self-guided audio tours are available and the castle is open every day.
Admission: $12 (adults), $6.75 (children); other concessions available
Address: 1 Austin Terrace
Transport: From Dupont station walk to Spadina Ave and Davenport Rd and climb the Baldwin Steps to the castle
Telephone: +1 (416) 923-1171
www.casaloma.org

The Islands
At the foot of Yonge St, catch a 10-minute ferry ride to Toronto’s tiny, quiet interconnected islands. The boat ride makes a mini-cruise, rewarding you with great views of the city skyline and fresh breezes. The islands are a perfect place for a picnic. Centre Island has kids’ amusement area, boardwalk and bike rentals. Ward’s Island offers perfect strolling among its leafy streets and quaint cottage-like houses. Hanlon’s Point houses a nudist beach.
Address: 235 Queen’s Quay West
Toronto Island Ferry information: +1 (416) 392-8193
http://www.harbourfront.on.ca/

Niagara Falls
Straddling the Canadian-United States border and sited between the province of Ontario and the US state of New York, the gorgeous Niagara Falls attracts about 12 million tourists a year. It makes a spectacular day’s outing from Toronto. Did you know that the Niagara River has been flowing for about 12,000 years? The river plunges over a cliff of dolostone and shale to make it the second largest waterfall on earth, after the Victoria Falls in southern Africa. Apart from appreciating the falls itself, perhaps from a spray- filled boat tour, there is plenty more to see and do on the Niagara peninsula, including indulging in some wine-tasting at one of the local wineries; visiting the exotic butterfly conservatory, or marvelling at the floral clock in the Niagara Parks Greenhouse.
Admission: Admission tickets vary from $7.50 to $13 depending on which attractions are visited
www.niagaraparks.com

Dining in Toronto

Toronto is rightly described as a melting pot. You are likely to find just about every cuisine of the world on the streets of this city. With a plethora of different cultures and neighbourhoods, the cuisine is as diverse as the population and matching any taste and affordability, from the unlimited expense account to those counting their pennies. In fact, while there are plenty of upscale eateries where price is of no concern, some of the best food Toronto has to offer is tucked away in the city’s original Chinatown. Here you will find Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Thai, Indonesian and Japanese dishes to satisfy both the timid and the adventurous. Or check out The Beaches with its lively, pedestrianfilled sidewalks and laid-back neighbourhood character. Greektown and Little India restaurants serve up authentic cuisine whose aromas waft gently out onto the streets.

Sotto Sotto
This quaint restaurant is a stone’s throw away from Toronto’s posh Yorkville neighbourhood and brings you the romance of Italy with its Florentine décor, aged frescoes, wall-mounted stonework, and waxdripping candelabra. A few steps down from street level, this restaurant is a hidden gem where many celebrities can often be spotted. The enchanting atmosphere, the authentic Italian cuisine and the wide variety of wines makes it one of the city’s favourites.
Address: 116A Avenue Rd
Subway: Bay or Museum

Café Sassafraz
If you’re into star gazing, then revel in the post Yorkville scene at Sassafraz and make sure to get a ringside seat in the hub. A favourite of celebrities (particularly during the Toronto’s famous International Film Festival), it is probably Toronto’s best spot for people watching: the chance to catch a glimpse of celebs like Mick Jagger, Charles Bronson and Sylvester Stallone is high on any given day. Dishes range from butter poached monkfish fillet and roasted Normandie duck breast to veal sweetbread medallion.
Address: 100 Cumberland Street
Subway: Bay

Susur
Hailed as Toronto’s version of worldrenowned Japanese chain Nobu and voted one of the city’s most outstanding restaurants, this highend establishment never fails to impress. The tasteful minimalist décor may be pleasing to the eye, but the biggest draw is what’s on the plate. Owner and Chef Susur Lee serves stellar fusion cuisine by blending Asian and Western ingredients, cooking methods, and presentation. The menu changes frequently, with bold, savory offerings like rare venison loin with Gorgonzola-hawberry- redwine sauce. The wine list, while pricey, has been put together with extreme care.
Address: 601 King St. W
Subway: St. Andrew
www.susur.com

Niagara Street Café
A nod to New York’s ultra-hip meatpacking district, this café in a tiny row house is known for its popular Sunday brunch. The freshly baked walnut banana bread with butter is so good you’ll want to take the chef home. The prices are more than reasonable (Omelette of the Day: $9. French toast with strawberries and cream: $6.) For those who adore custom-made breakfasts, you can complete your plate with sides such as sausages, bacon, home fries, and arugula salad, for only an extra two or three dollars each. We can guarantee a good meal.
Address: 169 Niagara Street
Subway: King

Golden Thai
Probably Toronto’s best Thai restaurant, Golden Thai has received more acclaim than over 30 other Thai restaurants. And deservingly so with its exotic cuisine known for its sensuality and searing spiciness. More than 60 different dishes are on the menu. Try the prix fixe, with lemon shrimp soup, perked up with coriander and chili, followed by basil beef and curry chicken, with a red curry sauce thick with coconut milk and basil leaves. The Pad Thai is highly recommended.
Address: 105 Church Street
Subway: King

Gandhi
This small eatery brings East Indian flavour to the downtown core and serves a variety of “rotis” stuffed with your choice of curry at bargain prices. As you watch the bread being stretched and grilled to order and wait for your delicious meal, enjoy a fresh mango or plan lassi, a sweet yogurt drink. The menu has 11 vegetarian rotis and a nice variety of Eastern meat preparations like chicken tikka masala, chicken jalfrizi, and by far the best on the list, butter chicken.
Address:554 Queen Street West
Subway: Queen

Toronto Cafe

Café Diplomatico
This laid-back, unpretentious spot smack in the middle of Little Italy on the College West strip has become an institution for coffee lovers and is often used as a set for filmmakers. In the afternoon the tables fill with local folk poring intensely over movie reviews, writing or chatting amicably while sipping long double espressos or lattes from pint-sized glasses.
Address: 594 College Street
Toronto, Subway: College

Moonbean Coffee Shop
It’s very rarely quiet at this quaint spot in Kensington market, one of the rare shops where you can enjoy some 50 different varieties of organic, freshlyroasted fair-trade coffee. Head there on the Saturday or Sunday afternoon and don’t forget to order the popular “nana” bread (banana bread)!
Address: 30 St. Andrews St
Subway: Spadina

The Red Tea Box
Don’t miss to drop by this elegant tea store with a small, but delicious selection of teas and cakes. Rosewater flavoured cakes are one of many novelties in this store that defined its own style of pastries. Thelemongrass soufflé, made of a thin layer of lemongrass custard and a thin layer of puffy cheesecake in a heartshaped shortbread crust, is well worth trying.
Address: 696 Queen Street West
Subway: Queen

Café Balzac
This popular coffee house is nestled in the old Pump House of the historic Distillery District and is probably the closest you’ll get to a European coffee house in Toronto. The dark-woodand-raw-stone interior lends a Paris cafe ambiance to this hidden in- epic proportions gem. But in fact, this eclectic spot is very much a product of its surroundings. Stylized posters, in the Toulouse-Lautrec and Cheret realm, grace the walls while a huge
chandelier hangs from the ceiling.
Address: The Distillery District, 55 Mill Street
Subway: Sherbourne

Toronto Bars and Nightlife

Lobby
Equal parts club, bar and restaurant, lobby is a magnet for the “see and be seen”. Hardly surprising given its proximity. The people do their best to match the lavish decor and spend a fair amount for the opulence. Foie Gras, lobster ravioli, and an executive class Kobe beef hamburger are just a few of the choices on the menu.
Address: 193 Bloor Street W
Subway: Museum

Ultra Supper Club
One of the best night spots of the city, this classy restaurant and lounge club on Queen Street is a hip and happening. The Latin-French influenced menu features Canadian delights such as marinated caribou, and the combination of gourmet food in a setting of exposed brick, gleaming chandeliers and bevelled mirrors make for a refined ambience. After dinner, tables are removed and the dining room turns into a dance floor. When the wather is warm, hit the gorgeous rooftop patio that’s straight out of Miami South Beach.
Address: 314 Queen Street West, Subway: Osgoode

Sky Bar
True to its name, this funky outdoor patio sits on the roof of the massive Guvernment entertainment complex in Queen’s Quay. The complex pulls in all types but Sky Bar is the sexiest and most sophisticated of them - both in terms of décor, drinks and drinkers.
Address: Government 132 Queens Quay East

The Drake Hotel Lounge
A favourite of artists and indie musicians, this bohemian infused hotel/lounge is located in Toronto’s arty design neighbourhood and is frequented by fashionistas and creative types. The drink menu offers vintage cocktails with a twist. Recipe sources include drink menus from the Algonquin Hotel in New York, circa 1920s. If you want to feel like a real part of the scene, hit the Drake Lounge from Thursdays to Sundays and be prepared for a line up. Rotating DJs play a mix of rock, blues and jazz.
Address: 1150 Queen St. West
Subway: Queen

Century Room
Located on the sophisticated King Street West strip, this is the club of the moment. Open three nights a week, it consists of a Front Lounge with gorgeous bay window views of the street below; an intimate Back Lounge filled with cosy low-slung couches, and a stunning tree-lined courtyard perfect for a smoke and a chat. For the elite among you there are also 14 reserved booths for VIPs. In short, no shortage of space to sip cocktails and eye out the talent.
Address: 580 King Street West, Subway: King

The Guvernment
The Guvernement is a 60,000 square foot entertainment complex that is actually 7 dfferent venues hosted at the same address: The Guvernement, Kool Haus (formerly the Warehouse), The Drink, Tanja, The Orange Room, Sky Bar and Charlie’s. Generally, when you a pay cover at one of the clubs then you will get access to most of the other clubs (they are all interconnected), although this is certainly not always the case. Keep in mind that the dress code varies from venue to venue so what you wear to get into one club might not work at another! The club often hosts some of the world’s most celebrated DJs so make sure to check out who’s spinning when you’re in town.
Address: 132 Queens Quay East, Subway: Union

This is London
Still one of the most happening spots in town, this club has recently been given a well- needed facelift. Extra amenities includes complimentary coat check, a free bottle of water on your way out, an actual spa in the women’s washroom, and each Saturday, This is London will have a sous-chef create themed delectables for you to snack on before you fill yourselves with liquor.
Address: 364 Richmond St. W., Subway: St Andrews

Shopping in Toronto

Looking to do a little shopping?
How about a lot of shopping? You’ve come to the right place be it under one roof, such as the Eaton Centre or Yorkdale, or in the more intimate, chic boutiques of Yorkville and along Bloor Street West. Antique-hunters won’t know where to turn next between Bathurst and Ossington on West Queen West. And Yonge Street offers a potpourri of storefronts with everything from discount clothing to discount electronics. Finally, whether it’s too cold or too hot, check out the underground malls, located from Dundas to King between Yonge and university. Don’t worry about getting lost. The area is well covered with PATH signs and connected to both Union Station and Toronto’s subway system.

Bloor Street/Yorkville
Often called Toronto’s Rodeo Drive, this strip is home to some of the world best known labels, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Escada, Gucci,Tiffany’s, and many more. Other upscale stores such as Over the Rainbow carry the widest range of designer denim while TNT carries all the latest lines from New York and LA.

Queen West
Queen West is known as the “artsy” part of Toronto and one of the most popular shopping districts. Here you can find the latest in trendy home furnishings, urban ware such as “raver” ware, cutting edge fashion as well as funky and vintage lines of clothing.

Kensington Market/
A year-round cacophony of vendors hawking everything from fresh fish to dress socks, Kensington Market has seen a gateway for new Torontonians for more than 100 years. Located just northeast of Chinatown, this area has evolved over the years but has maintained a sense of new arrivals to Toronto’s immigrant communities. Portuguese, Jamaican and West Indies populations have all left their mark still seen in the array of food shops catering to these different ethnic groups. Kensington Market is also known for its second-hand vintage clothing stores. Or stop in at Tom’s Place, an institution in this area that sells new designer suits and clothes at a bargain basement prices. If you love the blues, head up north of the market off Spadina and visit the Silver Dollar Room.

Eaton Centre
One of the largest and most wellknown shopping complexes of Toronto, it has four levels with over 300 shops and restaurants. From H&M, Zara and Gap, to Canadian retailers such as Roots and Sears, this is one stop shopping at its best. There are many other upscale boutiques that offer the latest in women’s fashion and accessories.

Chinatown
Next to eating, shopping is the thing to do in this eclectic neighbourhood. Stop by Chinatown Centre, a mall chock full of shops selling Chinese CDs and DVDs, books and novelty items. Po Chi Tong Chinese Natural Herbs has an array of Eastern medicines and herbs while Ten Ren’s Tea & Ginseng Co. is the ultimate tea shop with bagged and loose tea and pretty tea sets to serve your lychee tea.

Toronto Hotels

Luxury Toronto Hotels

Four Seasons Toronto
Smack in the heart of Yorkville, and minutes away from Toronto’s fashionable, high-end shopping and entertainment quarter, this luxury hotel remains a favourite among the discerning travellers. It boasts some of the city’s most lavishly decorated rooms, a sumptuous Sunday brunch, and one of Toronto’s most acclaimed restaurant, Truffles, known for its exquisite French cuisine and romantic setting.
Address: 21 Avenue Road

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Soho Metropolitan
One of Toronto’s finest among the new wave of boutique hotels, this loft-style penthouse suite and 86 oversized, luxurious guestrooms and suites represent the very epitome of SoHo Metropolitan style.
Address: 108 Chestnut Street

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Good Value Toronto Hotels

Suites At 1 King West Hotel
With dedication to service and appreciation of technology, the Suites at 1 King West offers modern, elegant accommodations in Toronto, Canada. This high-rise hotel, opened in 2005, is conveniently located in the financial and entertainment districts of downtown Toronto, five blocks from CN Tower and the Rogers Centre. An underground walkway (PATH) connects the hotel to the Eaton Centre shopping mall, the Hockey Hall of Fame and the subway system.
Address: 1 King St W, Toronto

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Delta Chelsea
One of Canada’s largest hotels, it has long been popular with families and tour groups, so be prepared for a flurry of activity here. The Family Fun Zone has a children’s creative centre, an arcade, a family pool, and the four-story “Corkscrew” - downtown Toronto’s only heated indoor waterslide.
Address: 33 Gerrard St., Toronto

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Cheap Toronto Hotels

Alexandra Hotel
Conveniently located in the heart of the city, this hotel has both single and double rooms, fully equipped kitchenette, private bath with tub & shower, individually controlled heat and air conditioning.
Address: 77 Ryerson Ave

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