5 top tips for a chic Toronto city break

Toronto is Canada’s east coast wonder city, and top choice for a city break holiday. Canada’s answer to Manhattan, the young and vibrant city is infectious, and after one visit to Toronto you will want to pack your bags and move here! Whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or spending a weekend away with the girls, Canada’s largest city is buzzing and fast paced, alive with fun and excitement making for a very enjoyable holiday. Here are five ways to spend a glamorous city break in Toronto: Retail therapy Toronto is home to a wealth of shopping opportunities, the trouble is knowing where to start. Why not head straight for Bloor-Yorkville – known as Toronto’s Fifth Avenue. There you will find a host of designer boutiques, antique shops, and galleries to whet your shopping appetite, including the Holt Renfrew Centre, which boasts four floors of space and designer outlets. If smaller boutiques take your fancy, then make your way towards Yorkville Avenue, home to a range of options like Betsey Johnson and Teatro Verde. Relax and rejuvinate When you’ve had your fill of retail therapy, some relaxation is definitely in order. The Shizen Spa at the Cosmopolitan Hotel offers a wonderful ‘Friends Bring Benefits’ package that includes a 30 minute massage, manicure, pedicure, lunch and glass of bubbles, all for a great price. It’s the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate after a morning of shopping until you drop. Sweet treats For something sweet in the afternoon, you can’t go wrong by visiting The Chocolateria on Roncesvalles Avenue in Little Poland. This chocolate emporium offers truffles, brittles, artisan chocolate bars, and is home to their famous chocolate-dipped potato chips! Go a step further and take part in one of their chocolate classes and get to grips with truffle making, tempering chocolate, and working with moulds. Cocktail hour Escape the bustling cityscape with a trip to the Thompson Hotel Rooftop Lounge. Boasting breathtaking 360° views of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario, this chic spot is perfect for cocktail hour. Why not try their classic champagne cocktail? Food, wine and art Wine and art is such a great pairing, and you can enjoy both at the award-winning FRANK Restaurant at the Art Gallery of Ontario (Dundas Street West). With more than 80 bottles to choose from at the Frank Gehry-designed space, you will be spoilt for choice. The restaurant, headed up by chef Ryan Wilson-Lall, is driven by bold flavours and is sure to round off your chic city break with style. Kathryn Munro is Managing Director at Canadian Affair. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.