Island escape minutes from downtown Toronto

The beauty of Toronto’s islands is well known to most locals, who have been taking advantage of the large green space for picnics, bike rides, sunbathing, and even music festivals. For tourists wanting a little escape from the concrete jungle, the islands offer serenity but also lots of entertainment options, particularly for families. Most of…

a couple walking with their dog next to white tents full of vendors

Accessing fresh farm produce in the city

For many city dwellers the best way to access fresh local food is at one of the many Farmer’s Markets held each summer, with some held throughout the year.  My personal favourite market in Toronto can be found at Artscape Wychwood Barns at 601 Christie St on Saturdays from 8AM to 12:30PM year round (10 minute walk from…

Ultimate Luxury at Ritz Carlton Spa in Toronto

The luxury Ritz Carlton is one of several high end hotels which opened within the last five years in Toronto.  Located at 181 Wellington Street West in the core financial and convention district, it’s a great option for both leisure and business travelers. Whether you are visiting Toronto or call this your home, don’t miss the…

What’s new at Casa Loma?

Visitors to Toronto might be a little surprised to learn we have our very own castle in a city that’s relatively young, at just over 200 years old. Anyone that grew up here is already familiar with Casa Loma, the nearly 65,000 square foot 98 room mansion built by Sir Henry Pellatt in 1914 and located near Dupont Subway…

airplane with Toronto skyline in the background

Flying Refined with Porter Airlines

Porter, a small regional airline based out of Toronto’s Billy Bishop Island Airport, is a bit of a well-kept secret among East coast travelers.  If you’re coming to this part of the world though, it can be a fantastic option for travelling between Toronto and NYC, Montreal, Quebec City, Boston, Chicago or many other destinations,…

a long line up under a red tent

Fringe Theatre Festival – July 1 to 12, 2015

It seems like every post these days features yet another amazing Toronto summer festival – whether its sports or movies or neighbourhoods – we are a city that knows how to celebrate.  Fortunately (or unfortunately), I LOVE them all!  So here is another of my favourite summer activities that is cheap, fun and full of culture.  The Fringe Festival features…

a crowd watching movies outside

Movies, music, food – all under an Open Roof

In case the Pan Am Games and the multitude of street and cultural festivals in Toronto weren’t keeping you busy enough this summer, may I suggest one more excellent way to spend your time in this city?  The Open Roof Festival presents first run indie movies under the stars every Wednesday (including Canada Day) until…

logo of Pan Am Games

Toronto Pan Am Games 2015 Preview

Toronto has been gearing up for the 2015 Pan American Games for years, with new airport to downtown rapid transit, a revitalized Union Station and completion of gaps in the waterfront trail.   Now it’s hard to believe we have less than 2 weeks to go before the official kick-off!  Whether you are visiting Toronto especially for…

Miraj spa entrance

Miraj Hammam Spa at Toronto’s Shangri-la Hotel

Toronto has seen a boom in luxury hotels in recent years, with the likes of the Ritz, Trump and Shangri-la hotels joining existing five star accommodations.  With luxury hotels, come new luxury spas to entice locals and tourists alike. Located at 188 University Avenue, the 5th floor of the Shangri-la Hotel contains a 9,000 square foot…

Experiencing Toronto through neighbourhood festivals

I have already touted the value of visiting local festivals for travelers to really immerse themselves in the culture of a place. And when it comes to festivals, especially in the summer, Toronto seems to know no bounds!  I can barely keep up with the multitude of street fests, food fests, cultural days, and music/arts…