Considered an international centre for arts, business, sports, culture and innovation, it comes with little surprise that people often mistake Toronto for Canada’s capital city. Although not it’s capital, Toronto is Canada’s largest and most populous city and is often recognised as one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world.
Not only does Toronto possess a defined and distinctive urban finery, it also has its fair share of natural beauties on the waterfront of Lake Ontario with easy access to the infamous Niagra Falls. Whether you are there to explore the luxuries of the effervescent city centre, or to enjoy a peaceful reprieve at one of the many trails, parks or lakes, you will find a perfect equilibrium in this fine city.
With such a great location close to an array of museums, parks, restaurants and many other attractions, having a daily, weekly or monthly car rental is the perfect way to see as much of this animated city as possible with comfort and ease, and of course, in style.
The city centre of Toronto has much to offer in way of museums. The Royal Ontario Museum, located next to the Yorkville district, is Canada’s largest museum and one of the most notorious cultural institutions. With 40 galleries and exhibition spaces and over 13 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens, this is the ideal place for a rich intellectual and cultural experience.
Take a short drive a little further north to the Annex district where you can find Casa Loma, a magnificent Edwardian castle from the early 20th century. Taking 3 years, 300 men, and over $3 million to build, this 200,000 square foot castle was once Canada’s largest private residence. This leading historic attraction will give you a taste of what luxury was like in Toronto many years ago.
In the Old Toronto district, you can find the Hockey Hall of Fame – a museum dedicated solely to the celebration of Canada’s national sport. With the finest collection of hockey artefacts in the world, you can immerse yourself in memorabilia and exhibitions and even explore the vast trophy room which holds the championship award, the Stanley Cup.
For those who want something a bit more adrenaline-inducing, you can enjoy Toronto’s most extreme attraction: an edge walk of the famous CN tower. Park up next to this landmark and scale the 116 storeys up to the world’s highest, full-circle, hands-free walk, on a 5-foot-wide ledge, around the top of the Tower’s main pod. Prices start at $195.
There are also a range of companies providing private air tours over the city and surrounding areas for visitors keen to see Toronto from a unique, off-road perspective. Available for the day or the night (or both) there are many packages available in a price range anywhere from $100 – $600.
Alternatively, you can release your inner naturalist at the City of Waterfalls in Hamilton. Just a short drive south of Toronto, this neighbouring city is tucked behind the trails of the Niagra Escarpment and is home to more than 100 waterfalls, earning itself the title of Waterfall Capital of the World.
If you are looking for an experience that truly epitomises this country, well it really does not get any more Canadian than ice hockey. Book a ticket to support Toronto’s team, the Maple Leaf’s, at the Scotiabank Arena. See the action from high above in the nosebleed section or be right in the thick of it with seats next to the glass. Tickets for these games start at just over $100 and go up from there.
After attempting to see all you can of the city, you can enjoy the tranquillity and repose of some more luxurious activities. Take your car rental to the Four Seasons hotel and treat yourself to the Deluxe Sub-zero Vitality Facial with cryo technology – a $395 refreshing treatment that increases microcirculation which assists in detoxifying and purifying the skin. Or book The Hazelton Experience at The Hazleton hotel for $449 for a deep tissue massage, hydration facial, pedicure and manicure. For something a bit simpler, sit back and relax during a Watermelon Vodkatini Manicure and Pedicure at Toronto’s Stillwater Spa – a soak, polish and massage experience with berry scented oils, vodka-soaked sugar, and whipped shea butter.
A trip to Toronto is not complete without indulging yourself in some of the five-star luxury dishes. Whether you’ve chosen a restaurant in the city centre, or driven somewhere a little further afield, the cuisine is a staple example of the multicultural diversities of this city. Taking influence from Canada’s French and English background, as well as inspirations from the Latin American, Caribbean and Asian flavours of established neighbourhoods in this city, dining out in Toronto is a true cosmopolitan experience.
With impressive reviews, accreditations and awards, Canoe in considered one of Canada’s best restaurants. Located on the 54th floor of the Dominion Bank Tower, this acclaimed restaurant offers guests beautifully crafted contemporary Canadian cuisine with a breathtaking view.
Don Alfonso 1890 is a fine dining, Italian inspired restaurant in Old Toronto headed by Michelin star chefs Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino. With locations across the globe, this award-winning concept serves a menu of Amalfi coast flavours and is characterised by its “modernity, Mediterranean flare and the exceptional quality of the materials used.”
Barchef is the ideal destination for pre or post dinner drinks, or even just a little daytime indulgence. In a stunning and intimate environment, this cocktail bar takes you on a visceral and sensual journey. From spirit driven cocktails, to flavourful sweet and sour selections, to the modernist and progressive cocktails that create an immersive and multi-sensory experience, a trip to this ultimate cocktail bar is essential. And whilst you are there, try their signature drink the Vanilla and Hickory Smoked Manhattan: cherry and black licorice with
a pleasing burnt hickory flavour infused à la minute.
Make the most of your time in this dynamic and exciting city with your car rental and be sure to experience all the luxuries Toronto has to offer.
