A trip to Toronto

March 17th, 2017

Spring comes with its wind of renewal and you feel the urge to escape of your routine. Why not visit the Queen City? Whether it's during Easter or another long weekend, discover what Toronto has to offer!

WHERE TO SLEEP?

Four Seasons
The Four Seasons is located in Yorkville, Toronto's most glamorous neighbourhood. With 259 rooms combining refined comfort and superb design, the Four Seasons has distinguished itself for many years through its impeccable service. A great place to stay in Toronto, whether you are travelling as a couple, with your family, or on a business trip.
Info: 416 964-0411 | 60 Yorkville Avenue | fourseasons.com

Le Germain Maple Leaf Square
Le Germain Mercer opened in Toronto a while ago and Le Germain Maple Leaf Square arrived recently. The hotel is conveniently located downtown, close to the Air Canada Centre and Union Station. Sporty decor in the hotel's 167 rooms delivers comfort and style.
Info: 416 649-7575 | 75 Bremner Boulevard | legermainhotels.com

One King West Hotel
One King West Hotel, ideally located in downtown Toronto, offers modern and historic accommodation in two towers: the Dominion Bank Building and the newly constructed Sliver Tower. For both short and long stays, One King West Hotel is fully equipped to satisfy all your requirements.
Info: 416 548-8100 | 1 King Street West | onekingwest.com

Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel Toronto, with its 177 suites, offers cosy, luxurious accommodation with peerless service, steps from the Eaton Centre. Special features include a pool and a rooftop terrace with sweeping views of Toronto. Grand Hotel Toronto also offers suites for extended stays.
Info: 416 863-9000 | 225 Jarvis Street | grandhoteltoronto.com

WHERE TO EAT?

Alo
Recently elected Number 1 on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants 2017, Alo awaits you on the third floor of a rather discreet building, a short distance away from the city centre. We highly recommend ordering the 6-service tasting menu, accompanied by wine pairings suggested by the sommelier.
Info: 416 260-2222 | 163 Spadina Avenue | alorestaurant.com

Planta
Planta is the latest addition to The Chase Hospitality Group, a family of six restaurants which also includes a well regarded establishment, The Chase. The group joined forces with chef David Lee to serve innovative, refined vegetarian cuisine in a magnificent, modern setting.
Info: 647 348-7000 | 1221 Bay Street | plantatoronto.com

La Banane
La Banane, a new French restaurant concept opened recently by chef Brandon Olsen, has quickly become one of Toronto's trendiest restaurants. You'll adore its original, perfectly executed dishes and the raw bar, served in a colourful dining room or seated at a large marble bar counter.
Info: 416 551-6263 | 227 Ossington Avenue | labanane.ca

Dandylion
The Dandylion is a small restaurant with 30 seats and minimalist style in its decor and food. A short, ever-changing menu presents simple dishes perfectly prepared by chef and co-owner Jason Carter, who favours high- quality ingredients.
Info: 647 464-9100 | 1198 Queen Street West | restaurantdandylion.com

MomoFuku Shōtō
Inside a large glass building, you will find several MomoFuku restaurants under one roof. On the third floor you will find Shōtō, the most chic restaurant in the building, where you can enjoy a Japanese-inspired tasting menu.
Info:  647 253-6225 | 190 University Avenue | momofukutoronto.com

Burdock
Microbrewery fans will love this hybrid of a music hall and a restaurant. Their menu of dishes to share features seasonal ingredients. Burdock offers a wide selection of beers brewed on site to enjoy while watching nightly live shows.
Info: 416 546-4033 | 1184 Bloor Street West | burdockto.com

Bar Isabel
Bar Isabel, a Spanish-influenced restaurant, earned the title of twelfth best restaurant on the 2017 list of Canada's 100 Best Restaurants. With Spanish tapas to share, an extensive wine list and festive cocktails, you'll find much to enjoy at Bar Isabel.
Info: 416 532-2222 | 797 College Street | barisabel.com

LBS
LBS, pronounced pounds, specializes in Nova Scotia lobster. You will find only four dishes on the menu, of which three contain lobster and the fourth is a burger. Prices are moderate so you can enjoy a grand feast of lobster in luxurious surroundings.
Info: 647 351-4747 | 100 Yonge Street | lbstoronto.com

Buca Yorkville
Named Best New Restaurant in 2015, Buca Yorkville subsequently maintained its reputation and remains in Toronto's top 10 list two years later. In a sophisticated setting with an open kitchen, Buca Yorkville offers a large selection of fresh, perfectly prepared seafood, in addition to its famous pizza and pasta.
Info: 416 962-2822 | 53 Scollard Street | buca.ca

Bar Reyna
Located in a two-storey Victorian house, Bar Reyna offers a menu of snacks and larger plates inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.  A large selection of signature cocktails are served on their terrace, which is open year round.
Info: 647 748-4464 | 158 Cumberland Street | barreyna.com

WHAT TO SEE?

Fans of musicals will be well served this spring in Toronto, starting with the highly acclaimed Book of Mormon,  a recipient of nine Tony Awards, which will be presented until April 16, 2017 at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Two other musicals will arrive directly from London: Mrs Henderson Presents and The Bodyguard, both based on films of the same name. Looking ahead to next year, a three-time Tony winner and a long-running favourite, The Sound of Music, will make a short appearance at the Ed Mirvish Theatre from June 6 to 11, 2018.

Several great names in music will be traveling to Toronto in the coming months to perform at Air Canada Centre: Bon Jovi will perform two nights on April 10 and 11, and on June 7, iconic American singer Neil Diamond will present a concert on his world tour celebrating his 50th year in the entertainment business. June 20, the Total Package Tour will take you back to the '80s and '90s with none other than the New Kids on the Block, accompanied by Paula Abdul and Boys II Men. On June 23, Bono and his world-famous Irish band U2 will rock the Rogers Centre during an anniversary tour, The Joshua Tree Tour 2017.

Most festivals take place during the summer, starting in June, but Canadian Music Week, a music industry conference and festival, will be held April 18 to 22 in several Toronto venues. Music festivals continue in June with the Toronto Jazz Festival from June 23 to July 2 and North by Northeast: the Canadian equivalent of South by Southwest, a mix of music, visual art, comedy and much more. Luminato, from June 14 to 25, is a multidisciplinary arts festival showcasing all kinds of performing arts.

And finally, foodies will be able to explore Toronto's gastronomic scene at an outdoor event, Taste of Toronto which will be held from June 15 to 18. You can also enjoy discounted prix fixe menus at more than 200 restaurants during the Summerlicious promotion from July 7 to 23.