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Planning Your Trip

You could spend a weekend simply shopping in Toronto, but there are still some items you may wish to bring from home for your getaway. Your wardrobe will rely heavily on the time of year, but comfortable shoes are a must year-round.

Weekend Getaway

A weekend here can include catching a game at Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays, seeing a show at the Royal Alexandra Theatre or just exploring Toronto’s neighborhoods and many hiking trails.

 

  • Bring comfortable yet chic footwear to explore the city’s neighborhoods, from the Junction and the Distillery District to Summerhill and Queen Street West.
  • Theaters in Toronto don’t have a dress code, but well-dressed ticket holders are appreciated. If you plan on going to a show, consider packing a jacket (men) and an evening-appropriate dress or ensemble (women).
  • Swimsuits and sunglasses aren’t the first thing one thinks of for Canada, but when the weather is sunny and warm, do as the locals do and take full advantage.
Tall buildings overlook an ice-skating rink at night

Winter Getaway

Winter in Toronto is magical, and with the right clothes, a fantastic time of year to explore. Outdoor skating rinks and ski hills aren’t far, so pack to take advantage of the icy brilliance and snowbound peaks.

 

 

  • Bring sturdy snow boots that are fashionable enough to take on the streets of Queen Street West, named the second-coolest neighborhood in the world by Vogue, where galleries, boutiques and farm-to-table restaurants are plentiful.
  • Bring warm base layers that can be added or removed as needed, along with a warm down-filled coat and winter accessories; the weather can be windy, especially in the neighborhoods that border Lake Ontario.   
  • Even in winter, pack your swimsuit so you can unwind in the heavenly soaking tub or swim in the saltwater pool at Spa My Blend Clarins at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto.

Summer Escape

Summer is the ideal time to explore Toronto’s neighborhoods, waterfront and parks. It can get a bit humid, but prepare for a wide range of possible temperatures from morning to evening.

 

 

  • Pack lightweight layers such as cotton tees and a light jacket in case the wind picks up off Lake Ontario or temperatures dip after sundown.
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes to navigate St. Lawrence Market in Toronto’s Old Town. Farmers have been selling produce here since 1803, but popular demand has brought bakeries and cheesemongers, too.
  • Don’t forget fitness gear such as yoga pants and running shoes. The city has activities for all levels, from running along the lakeshore to outdoor park gyms.    
Don't Forget:

Save room in your suitcase for a one-of-a-kind souvenir. A discerning shopper’s utopia — and with a favorable exchange rate — Toronto is full of shops offering uncommon objects and special finds. Insider favorites include Holt Renfrew, the legendary Canadian department store spotlighting international designers; the culinary paradise of historic St. Lawrence Market; and the Toronto Christmas Market in the charming Distillery District. For an only-in-Toronto experience, follow the trail of fashion stylists to West Queen West, the westernmost stretch of Queen Street, and Dundas Street West, just a few blocks north, for some of the best vintage shopping on the planet, found alongside artisanal dining, cutting-edge galleries and colorful street art.

 

A romantic couple’s massage, Afternoon Tea at Ritz Bar, tickets to see the 2019 NBA Champion Raptors or the Toronto International Film Festival and a tasting in TOCA’s exclusive Cheese Cave are among the experiences you may want to reserve for your weekend getaway.

Dining Reservations

In a city whose culinary scene keeps upping its game, TOCA at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto draws a lively crowd with locavore-driven Italian fare; ask your concierge to reserve dinner, the two- or three-course pre-theater menu, or a tasting event in the TOCA Cheese Cave. For a celebration of regional ingredients and foraged fare, head to Antler, which, true to its name, offers local game, such as venison tartare and spice ash crusted prime-cut of venison. For inventive small plates and an impressive wine list, reserve a table at Grey Gardens, a cozy wine bar where it’s easy to spend an evening enjoying oysters and bubbly.

 

Spa Appointments

Wind down in true Canadian style thanks to two spa treatments that help revive and refresh your face and body. The ultra-personalized Signature My Blend facial is a revolutionary new skin-care brand that originated in Paris and is available exclusively in Canada at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto. The Jetlag Reviver treatment begins with a back exfoliation followed by a deeply relaxing hot stone back massage — by the time it’s over, you won’t even remember that a plane flight brought you here.   

Day Trips

Discover what makes Toronto so sippable by embarking on curated tours of the Niagara wineries at Peninsula Ridge Estates or Tawse Winery. At Peninsula Ridge Estates, you can learn the difference between French and American oak while sampling from small-batch barrels. At Tawse, a family-owned organic and biodynamic winery, you can learn the secrets behind creating terroir-driven wines. And of course, Niagara Falls is the ultimate Toronto day trip — ask your concierge about arranging a private helicopter ride over the falls, offering unparalleled views of Horseshoe Falls, one of the world’s biggest.

Tea Service

While Canada is no longer a British territory, Toronto still serves — and savors — an impressive high tea. Created by the certified tea sommeliers at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, a rotating selection of afternoon tea themes is available monthly for guests to enjoy, from a whimsical Alice in Wonderland tea to Traditional Afternoon Tea, along with a menu of sweet and savory bites designed to showcase the best of Ontario’s local ingredients. Complement your experience with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a most festive afternoon.

Set along Lake Ontario, Toronto is home to thriving communities that offer everything from the arts to artisanal cuisine. To make the most of your visit, the hotel’s experts have crafted itineraries that hit the highlights as well as hidden gems.

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24 Hours in Toronto

Toronto is one of the biggest cities in North America — with the world-class food, art, culture, history and shopping that come with modern-day metropolises. But part of Toronto’s magic is that it doesn’t feel overwhelming thanks to its high concentration of amenities in the heart of the city, orderly network of eminently walkable neighborhoods and genuinely friendly residents. Here’s how to see the best of this vibrant, multinational city in a day.

 

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A Romantic Getaway

A cosmopolitan city full of rich diversity and world-class culture, Toronto is a delight to experience as a couple. Whether trolling for trinkets in its vibrant neighborhood markets, tasting exotic food and drink at its innumerable eateries or exploring its top-notch cultural institutions, Toronto is a city with much to offer. It’s also a great place to relax, kick back and enjoy the scenic lakeside.

 

 

 

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