Toronto is an awesome spot to spent a weekend, enjoying the sites, shops and sips. Stay at The Don Valley Hotel, which is just far enough away from downtown to offer a great price with easy access into the city. It is also super chic with a spa worthy indoor pool and 2 restaurants. Parking is less than $10 a night and from there you can leave your car and take public transit into the city. If you can splurge,The Drake Hotel and The Gladstone Hotel are both located in downtown and are funky and fabulous. The Gladstone offers complimentary bikes to borrow.
graffiti artist:Skam
The first day can be spent exploring art galleries, window shopping, and people watching in West Queen West, the hippest neighborhood around. Strolling the mile of eclectic wonder, be sure to stop in at Tequila Bookworm where you can grab grub. It might be early for a drink, or not, but brunch is served from 11am to 5pm on weekends! Your exploring should also include the amazing street art in Toronto, including Ossington Laneway, The Reclamation Project, and Graffiti Alley. There is a free tour offered every Saturday starting at the "Hug Tree" at 2:00 or you can venture out on your own tour to all the spots nearby. Top the daytime hours with a classic Toronto attraction, the CN tower and then head back and regroup at the hotel. There is a great budget friendly buffet to be had at Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill if you are looking for a dinner spot.
Reposado Bar & Lounge
If night time is when you come to life, Toronto is a perfect place to be. How about a pub crawl near where you spent your day? Take a taxi to Little Portugal and hit The Communist's Daughter, Reposado Bar & Lounge, The Dakota and Sweaty Betty's among others.While you are out and about, night and day, watch for Chimney's food truck and try a donut cone ice cream!
The next "hood" is, actually, 2 neighborhoods- Kensington Market & Chinatown. Kensington Market is more of the same, from yesterday, set in an old Jewish enclave dotted with colorful old Victorian homes, vintage clothing, amazing murals, and food from all corners of the Earth. There is something to see everywhere that your eyes wander and diverse cultures all sharing, what is said to be, one of the best open air markets in North America. Don't bypass the Blue Banana, there are 150 vendors offering goods within. Don't plan to park in this neighborhood, because it is close to impossible and you don't want to miss anything looking for a spot. The last Sunday of every summer month is a Pedestrian Sunday, with traffic diverted from the market, live music and family friendly events.
Chinatown and Kensington Market are adjacent to each other so any trip to one should include the other. Chinatown is a great place to shop for more fresh produce and spices, kitschy trinkets, novelty souvenirs, cheap T-shirts and surprise housewares. The dim sum should not be skipped either. There are so many yummy restaurants to choose from for lunch or dinner in this area that I wish you well with choosing. Examples are the Jamaican restaurant, Rasta Pasta, Mexican comida at Seven Lives or El Trampo, and vegetarian options, Hibiscus and King's Cafe.
After long days of urban exploration, grab some Steam Whistle Brews and spend the night enjoying them at the hotel and floating around the pool. Toronto has a wealth of attractions that were not included in this itinerary and so much more to offer. If you are interested in any sort of getaway to this spectacular Canadian star, let us know at Stowaway and we will plan the perfect trip just for you!!