Things To Do in Toronto: Winter Edition
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| Last weekend I was lucky to plan a last minute solo trip to Toronto to hit some new places I had on my list for a while and to see some lovely faces I missed, lots. If you ask me, I have a true addiction to Toronto lately, and visiting this city every two or three months is my new holy grail of travel. Thank goodness, I arrived at a warm and not so snowy time of the year, where I legit dared to wear my flats outside, for the first time this year.If you’re still planning a winter escape in Canada, this will be the perfect guide for you. I’ll cover everything from where to stay, where to eat, where to go and what to see.Pack your bags, It’s going to be a fun one! |
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| WHERE TO STAYHotel: Fairmont Royal YorkThis stunning hotel originally built in 1929 made me feel I was inside a Wes Anderson movie the minute I stepped in, and it made me think of my babies and how much they would’ve loved to see this place together. Located just in front of Union Station and walking distance from the most important attractions in Toronto (CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium), the personality of this hotel speaks for itself.Why do you need to stay here: Its central location will make a huge difference if you’re looking to explore the downtown area. I stayed in their newly renovated suites and if there’s something like having a crush on a bed and pillows, I think I got it this weekend after trying theirs.What I tried during my stay: Their Epic lounge was my BFF during my stay. I tried their buffet breakfast (because you all know how much I love my brekkie sessions). You’ll have endless options of eggs, bacon, fresh fruits and a big selection of cold-pressed juices, the ultimate heaven. I also had their in-room dinner service, and yes, you guessed that right, I had to do breakfast all over again.What you can’t miss during winter: The Toronto Light Fest. In case you didn’t know already, Fairmont is the official hotel partner of the Toronto Light Festival, read all the exclusive packages they’re offering right now here |
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| CN Tower view and a warm cup of coffee? Yes, please. |
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| The struggles of a solo traveler? Doing some good ol’ selfies with your new camera, right? |
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| LET’S HAVE A MORNING BREAKWhere: Neo Coffee BarThis place has been bookmarked on my to-do list for months now and finally I was able to try it with my lovely friend, Didier. This spot reminded me so much of Montreal, with the warmest tones in the decor, a super sweet staff and a tastefully designed aesthetic I adored.What we had: Two cappuccinos, a mint tea, and a fresh croissant.Why Neo: You’ll love the concrete and minimalist touches, their handcrafted coffee and their big pastry selection including gluten-free options. |
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| THE NEXT LUNCH SPOT YOU CAN’T MISSWhere: La PalmaThis art-centric Venice beach styled spot is the new hip kid in town you simply cannot miss. An Italian menu with a touch of Mediterranean cuisines, La Palma will get you covered if you need a quick bite, a long lunch with a friend, a brunch or a cocktail happy hour at the end of your day.What we tried for lunch: We tried their famous lasagna, roasted cauliflower, swordfish and their home potatoes.Why do you need to try La Palma: I felt it was summer inside with this ultra instagrammable place very Venice style. Details in mint and mustard, dreamy bathroom tiles and marble tables will make you love this place even more. |
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| A LOVELY AND COLORFUL BRUNCH SPOTWhere: OrettaI was here a few months back spending a few hours in their caffee, doing some work. This time, I KNEW I had to try Oretta’s brunch menu and see what’s all the hype about it. One thing you need to know, this place is one of the most stunning and breathtaking interiors I’ve seen lately, and being a tile fan, I simply cannot miss visiting them every single time.What we tried for brunch: We both decided to go all in for sweet and fluffy pancakes, called Frittelle. They served them with mascarpone, a fresh homemade blueberry compote and maple syrup. Too hard to say no, right?Why you need to visit Oretta: Just go, okay? |
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| IF YOU WANT A COZY TEA TIMEWhere: Cluny BistroA classic Parisian bistro in the heart of Distillery District with charming tiled floors and a stunning mix of bricked walls, refined interiors and tons of natural light in every single corner. They serve dinner, lunch, brunch, and cocktails with tons of different options.What we tried: I did a quick pit stop with my friend Krystle and had a tea/coffee time together.Why you need to visit Cluny: They basically have everything you need, if you’re planning a cozy date, a cocktail with friends, brunch on the weekends, a quick bite or a long dinner with friends. |
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| TACOS, MARGARITAS, AND GUAC IN THE CITY FOR SUPPERWhere: El CatrinThis authentic Mexican place tapas style has THE best guac I’ve tried in Toronto (I kinda need more right now), along with a stunning mural that covers the entire restaurant, tiles in every single corner and a patio I cannot wait to come back and try.What we tried for supper: Guacamole en la mesa, Volcan norteno, Camarones en Adobo Tacos and of course, margaritas and mojitos!Why you need to visit El Catrin: Seriously, it’s a fiesta as soon as you go in! |
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| WINTER FUN? TRY THE TORONTO LIGHT FESTWhere: Toronto Light Fest at The Distillery Historic DistrictAfter a great supper at El Catrin, you need to walk around this light fest that illuminates the amazing Distillery District from January to March this year. This festival transforms this neighborhood into one of the largest open-air galleries in North America.Why you need to visit this festival: You can’t miss the 200,000 gummy bear pyramid, it’s simply out of this world. |
