Toronto Travel Guide 2024: Helicopter Rides, Niagara Falls, & More
I love a quick getaway, and as someone who lives in New York City, there are so many great escapes that you can drive or fly to in under a few hours. But forget Upstate New York, one of the best getaways out of NYC is in a different country entirely. I’m talking about Toronto, which is just a one hour and 30-minute flight out of La Guardia or JFK airports. Consider this your ultimate 2024 Toronto travel guide.
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Drake made this place famous, but I wanted to see for myself what there is to do, see, and, of course, eat and drink in the Canadian city, famous for the Toronto Raptors, the CN Tower, being Niagra Falls-adjacent, and so much more. Here’s the perfect itinerary for your next trip north.
1. Where to Stay in Toronto: Shangri-La
Can you believe this is the view from my hotel room? It faces the famous University Avenue, and it was like a little home away from New York City to still get amazing city views in a slightly more chill environment (because let’s be real, nothing is as chaotic as New York City).
This downtown hotel is in the center of everything, and there are so many bars and restaurants that you can walk to, along with its own in-house restaurant Bosk, and a Veuve Cliquot champagne lounge on-site.
You seriously don’t need to be concerned with Ubers if you’re staying here, which is the first thing I look for when choosing a hotel.
The restaurant Bosk features Northern Italian dishes with a Canadian twist. While I was there in August, they had a Veuve Cliquot lounge on the patio, but by the time it’s patio season again, it could have an entirely new theme, so stay-tuned. Either way, if you have a cocktail on the Shangri-La patio, you are street-level to epic people watching and gorgeous views of the city.
2. Where to Relax in Toronto: Miraj Hammam Spa
I got a massage at the Miraj Hammam Spa, which is located right in the Shangri-La hotel. I can’t recommend it enough as one of the best ways to relax post-flight, even if it was a quick journey. The spa incorporates Middle East traditions with modern treatments, and you can get a facial, manicure, pedicure, and even body treatments like body polishing and contouring are available.
Regardless of whether or not you book a treatment, if you’re a hotel guest at the Shangri-La, make sure to pack your swimsuit because there’s an expansive 20-meter lap pool, steam rooms, and more available for use.
3. Where to Eat in Toronto
Whether you’re looking for a casual bite, a sit-down restaurant experience, or just afternoon tea, I have you covered.
Casual: St. Lawrence Market
First, you have to check out the St. Lawrence market. It’s the perfect place to grab one of Canada’s famous Peameal sandwiches, a Toronto specialty. Peameal bacon is a thick-cut bacon from the back of the pig and it’s placed in a roll with mustard. It was so good, and even though it’s called bacon, it’s not crispy at all, but definitely more of a Canadian bacon style.
You can pick up groceries here, snacks, and even gifts if you visit during the holiday market season. Whatever you’re there for, it’s definitely a must-see.
Unique: Selva Toronto
If you want to experience a unique dining experience, I highly recommend Selva. You can grab seafood towers and tacos, paella, and fritas. The dining room is tropical themed and darkly-lit with neon lights, so it definitely feels like more of a club environment than a restaurant, which is half the fun. Pro tip: order the ceviche and you won’t be disappointed.
Luxe: Afternoon Tea at the Shangri-La
This was one of my favorite experiences during my stay in Toronto. I stayed for their afternoon tea service, which includes a mix of savory and sweet treats and a tea flavor of your choice, plus cocktails are available.
4. What to Do in Toronto
For the Movie Buff: Visit TIFF
Toronto is home to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and if you’re staying downtown near University Place, you can actually walk to the location. Catch a flick or take a tour.
For the Adventurer: Take a Helicopter Ride Over Niagara Falls
See the photo above for stunning helicopter views of Niagara Falls. Shangri-La Toronto partnered with Niagra Helicopters for a packaged deal that includes a two-night stay, transportation to Niagra Falls, an 18-minute helicopter ride over the falls (I did this, and it was one of the coolest experiences of my life!), and landing at Peller Estates Winery, where you can have a three-course lunch at the estate. You can reserve and find out more pricing info at reservations.slto@shangri-la.com.
For the Peruser: Distillery District
The Distillery District in Toronto is full of market places, shops, and art installations that is a great way to see the city on-foot.
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