Lounge - Outdoor Patio

Planning Your Trip

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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.

One-Bedroom Corner Suite - Living Room
One-Bedroom Corner Suite - Living Room
What to Pack

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.

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.

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.    

Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Ritz Carlton Hotel image
What to Reserve

A romantic couple’s massage, Simplici’tea’ at Ritz Bar, 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.

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, enjoy our multi-course Chef’s Tasting menu or extensive a la carte Cheese Menu. 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.

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.

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.

Kensington Market
Kensington Market
Itineraries

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.

Morning

Culture and Breakfast. Baking is an art at Blackbird Baking Co., and after trying your first brioche cinnamon roll, you’ll wholeheartedly agree. The brainchild of baker and owner Simon Blackwell, the rustic bakery focuses on organic and heirloom grains. Opt to walk the mile from The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto as the route goes straight through one of the largest Chinatowns in North America. Look for the vendor stalls, shops and eateries at the corner of Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street.

Most interesting neighborhood. Toronto is home to more than 200 ethnicities, and nowhere is the eclectic mash-up more vibrant than in the Kensington Market neighborhood. A national historic site, Kensington is a treasure trove of vintage and secondhand clothing, esoteric gift items and gourmet foods from all over the world. Not to mention bars, bakeries, ethnic eateries, butchers, fishmongers, grocers and perhaps the highest concentration of local coffee shops in Toronto.

Midday

Canada’s Largest Museum. The Royal Ontario Museum contains a whopping 6 million items and 40 galleries. You’ll find notable collections of dinosaurs, Near Eastern and African art, East Asian art, European history and Canadian history. Don’t miss the world's largest collection of fossils from the Burgess Shale of the Canadian Rockies.

Relax on the Islands. They’re only a 10-minute ferry ride, but the Toronto Islands feel like a world away from the big-city bustle. Sandy beaches, grassy parks and boardwalk strolls with city skyline views are all in play, as are more active endeavors like canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Bring a picnic lunch or eat at the upscale Rectory Café.

Afternoon

Architecture Galore. Two miles from The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto lies the historic Distillery District, home of the largest collection of Victorian industrial architecture in North America — nearly 50 buildings dating back to as early as 1850 that have been brilliantly restored. It’s also a 13-acre cultural district with cobblestone car-free streets and an array of artist studios, galleries, shops and cafés. Treat yourself to artisan chocolate at Soma before you leave.

Walk the Edge. The CN Tower, a communications and observation deck, presides over Toronto from 1,815 feet — three times the height of Seattle’s Space Needle. Glass-fronted elevators whisk visitors up to the LookOut in 58 seconds, where floor-to-ceiling walls offer an unparalleled view of the city and Lake Ontario. Thrill seekers can go outside onto the EdgeWalk, a 5-foot-wide terrace with no rail, don a harness attached to an overhead trolley and walk hands-free around the lookout. For a less precarious but even higher viewpoint, take the special elevator from the LookOut up 33 more stories to the SkyPod. At 1,465 feet above Toronto, it’s one of the highest observation decks in the world. On a clear day, you’ll see 100 miles to Niagara Falls and New York State.

Evening

Toronto Italian. Helmed by Chef Oliver Glowig, one of Rome’s most celebrated culinary leaders, TOCA restaurant incorporates locally sourced, seasonal ingredients into its handcrafted cuisine. The restaurant is also home to Canada’s only cheese cave — tours available upon request.

Local Theater. As a major international city, Toronto hosts all the big-ticket touring plays and musicals. But you’ll get a better sense for the city’s spirit with its independent troupes, which are among the best on the continent. Check with the concierge at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto for tickets as well as recommendations for performances at local favorites like the iconic Factory Theatre, the progressive Soulpepper and the venerable Canadian Stage.

 

Morning

An Unforgettable Breakfast. At the slightly surreal Bar Raval, named after the Raval neighborhood of Barcelona, the coffee comes from all over the world, including Canada’s own Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters. The baguettes, sweet and savory pastries, and doughnuts are made fresh in-house.

See the Hottest Neighborhood. Walk through the sweeping green space of Trinity-Bellwoods Park to reach West Queen West, listed among the coolest neighborhoods in the world by Vogue magazine. Hit the uber-trendy section of Queen Street, between Bathurst and Gladstone, to survey Toronto’s hippest stores and boutiques.

Stroll Graffiti Alley. In Toronto, graffiti is an elevated form of public art and a great source of civic pride. While you’ll spot the majestic colorful displays all over the city, the most concentrated street art can be found just south of Queen Street, on Rush Lane in between Spadina and Portland.

Midday

Explore Ethnic Cuisine. Some of the most adventurous dining can be found in the Kensington Market neighborhood. Wander its eclectic streets for a delightful sensory overload of secondhand stores, global eateries and unique shops. Make your way to Seven Lives to taste some of Toronto’s favorite tacos.

Afternoon

Paddle the Islands. In Canada, canoeing is almost as sanctimonious a pastime as hockey. Rent a tandem canoe built for two from Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Center and set out to explore the secluded beaches, bird sanctuaries, parks and inland waterways of the idyllic Toronto Islands.

Float on a Cloud. Retreat to the serene spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, where a luxurious Cloud 9 treatment suite for two awaits. The experience begins with a warming foot ritual followed by a full-body massage on side-by-side treatment tables. Enjoy a glass of champagne together in the suite afterward.  

Evening

Fine dining, rooted in history. With more than 20 years of culinary experience, Canoe continues to challenge creative boundaries by crafting inspired dishes reflective of Canada’s diverse landscape, history and culture. Nestled on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower, diners enjoy dishes like Quebec Red Stag and Great Lakes Pickerel paired with stunning city views.

Experience World-Class Opera. Cap your evening off with opera at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. The beautiful building — a first of its kind in Canada — was built specifically for opera and ballet performances, and delivers the finest level of acoustics.

Morning

Wander a Historic Market. Ontario farmers have been selling produce at the St. Lawrence Market in Old Town since 1803. The modern version is a foodie paradise offering everything from pastries to prepared foods. Fuel up like a local by starting with a Montreal-style bagel and cream cheese from St. Urbain Bagel.  

Bike the Waterfront. The 35-mile Martin Goodman Trail traverses the entire lakefront. The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto concierge can assist with your bike rental. Pick up the path at Sunnyside Park and head east to the downtown section along Queen’s Quay, arguably the most stunning segment.  


Midday

Peruse local shops. One of Toronto’s most irresistible neighborhoods, the Distillery District is reminiscent of an old-world European patio district. With more than 80 shops and boutiques, it’s the perfect place to pick up a few mementos to take home.

Afternoon

Take a Lunch Break. Grab a bite to eat at one of the Distillery District’s many eateries, like Cluny Bistro and Boulangerie, which serves classic French fare in a stunning space.

Explore the Top Museums. Toronto’s two top museums are known simply by their abbreviations: AGO and ROM. Start with the Art Gallery of Ontario, one of the largest art museums in North America at 480,000 square feet. AGO includes the world's largest collection of Canadian art, which depicts the development of Canada's heritage from pre-Confederation to the present. Finish with the Royal Ontario Museum, Canada’s largest museum of world culture and natural history.

People Watching Perch. ROM is a two-minute walk from Yorkville Park, a small urban park in the middle of one of Toronto’s most affluent neighborhoods and one of its most exclusive shopping districts. Inside the park, find the Yorkville rock, a 650-ton slab of granite, and simply take a seat — the people-watching is fabulous.   

Evening

Farewell dinner. Pair exceptional food with the spirit of Toronto at Richmond Station, a fun and lively restaurant owned by a “Top Chef Canada” winner. The local, seasonal menu changes daily, but the most tantalizing option is the Chef’s Menu, in which the kitchen prepares a unique meal for your table, based on your preferences and what’s available in that moment.

One last toast. Cap off your trip in The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto’s Ritz Bar, enjoy breathtaking views of the city while enjoying a creative cocktail. Toronto is known for its cocktail wizardry – as your serve for the bartender’s latest and greatest concoction. Toronto is known for its cocktail wizardry — ask your server for the bartender’s latest and greatest concoction.