Whether you’re staying local for political reasons, due to the cost of airfare or just to feel like a tourist in your own city, a staycation is as good as you make it. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Tour

Take advantage of your days off to see parts of the city you’ve never visited before. Don’t feel afraid to go to touristy destinations or get around in a way you wouldn’t usually. In fact, it’s fun to do things like hop on a double-decker bus departing from Yonge and Dundas Square. Do something historic, like checking out Casa Loma or Spadina House for a tour. These ornate buildings are preserved by the city, and have beautiful gardens for picnics. Casa Loma even hosts small concerts in the summer! 

Centre Island is a great spot for views of the Toronto skyline. Rent bikes to cycle around on a sunny day, or visit the Centreville Amusement Park: lots of fun for families with kids. Alternatively, you could choose to get your city views in from the water on a brunch cruise departing from the harbourfront. If the weather is not so nice, visit a museum like the ROM, or catch a movie at the Fox Theatre. 

Lastly, why not get some shopping in on your tour of Toronto? Kensington Market is an obvious choice for food, art and clothing. It’s also worth checking out various markets in the Evergreen Brick Works area, such as the Saturday Farmer’s Market, the Evergreen Garden Market and the Ontario Artisan and Vintage Market. A window shop in Bloor-Yorkville or the Distillery District is also fun– at the very least for admiring storefront displays and people-watching. 

Dine

It’s against the law to cook for yourself on vacation. Luckily, Toronto has an array of high-quality restaurants across countless cuisines. Check out this list put together by Eater for top spots from casual to fine dining, or leave it up to the Michelin Guide. Toronto Life also recommends a patio dining experience, such as the upscale Amal or Kasa Moto. For a more laid back outdoor dining option, their pick is Hemingway’s Restaurant and Bar.

Another fun idea is to visit a restaurant with a set chef’s menu, such as Richmond Station, Alo, or Edulis. Or, if you’ve always wanted to eat at the 360 restaurant and haven’t yet had the chance… you’d better go! 

After dinner, make your way to a nearby cocktail lounge or your hotel’s bar to enjoy a special drink (or two). We wrote an article about bars in Toronto with a unique vibe, which you can read here. And don’t forget dessert– we wrote a piece about that too.

Luxuriate

Make some time during your staycation to simply sit back and relax. This will look different depending on the kind of person you are. If you could happily spend an entire day being pampered in a luxury spa, look into Spa myBlend in the Ritz, The St. Regis Spa, or Elmwood Spa. If remaining in one place with minimal stimulation for too long makes you antsy, consider getting tickets to see some entertainment.

In terms of concerts, Toronto has countless acts on throughout the week and weekend. Check out HISTORY, Massey Hall, or The Academy to see if you can grab some last-minute tickets. If you’re into sports, a Jay’s game with a couple of brews and a classic dog is a great way to spend an evening, whether with a partner or family and friends.

If you’re spending time in the Harbourfront area during the summertime, you can almost be certain there will be some kind of festival happening on the weekend. Food, dance, cultural exhibitions, art, live music, drag– you name it.

Stay

Last, but not least, the “stay” part of your staycation. Depending on your budget and how much time you’ll be spending in the room, you could either opt for top Downtown accommodations or mid-priced options in a cute neighbourhood. If going the luxury route, The Shangri-La, The Omni King Edward, The Radisson Blu, The St. Regis or the Ritz-Carlton are all great. Alternatively, stay in the reasonably-priced Novotel Toronto Centre in Old Town, Delta-Chelsea in Church-Wellesley or the Drake Hotel in Queen Street West.

• Share :