Canada’s biggest city is a patchwork of cultures, flavors, and neighborhoods, where glassy skyscrapers meet leafy parks and waterfront views. It's a city that never tries too hard to impress you, whispering its secrets through dim sum in Chinatown alleys, art collections that rival New York's, and rooftop bars where you're sipping cocktails while overlooking Lake Ontario.
Toronto's multicultural soul means every neighborhood feels like discovering a new city, from the cobblestone charm of the Distillery District to the creative energy of Queen Street West. It's cosmopolitan without the attitude, diverse without the performance—just an incredibly livable city that happens to be one of the world's great urban playgrounds.
Where to stay in Toronto
Image courtesy of Park Hyatt Toronto
Four Seasons Toronto: In the stylish Yorkville neighborhood, the Four Seasons delivers polished luxury with a distinctly Toronto edge. Home to a celebrated Daniel Boulud restaurant and one of the city’s top spas, the hotel balances sleek contemporary design with a warm, residential feel.
When you book Four Seasons with a Fora Advisor, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities.
Park Hyatt Toronto: Fresh from a head-to-toe redesign, Park Hyatt brings modern elegance to its historic Avenue Road address. Art Deco accents, curated Canadian artwork, and the iconic Writer’s Room rooftop bar create an atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and spirited.
Fora’s Hyatt Privé partner perks include a hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fairmont Royal York: Steps from Union Station, the Fairmont Royal York has been Toronto’s grand landmark since 1929. Its gilded lobby, heritage architecture, and lively cocktail bars set the stage for a classic yet contemporary city stay.
Fora’s Accor Preferred partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
1 Hotel Toronto: A sustainable sanctuary in King West, 1 Hotel Toronto is all about eco-chic design, reclaimed materials, and greenery at every turn. A rooftop pool with sweeping skyline views and buzzy farm-to-table dining keep the energy high, while serene guest rooms offer a grounded escape.
Fora Perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check in/out whenever possible.
Things to do in Toronto
Distillery District
St. Lawrence Market and Distillery District. Start your day at St. Lawrence Market, where you can snack on legendary Montreal bagels from St. Viateur, then wander through the cobblestone lanes of the Distillery District, filled with indie shops, cafés, and art galleries. Don’t miss the iconic peameal bacon sandwich (a Toronto staple).
Graffiti Alley. This backstreet stretch is a kaleidoscope of murals and tags, making it one of Toronto’s most photographed spots and a showcase of the city’s creative pulse.
Art Gallery of Ontario and Chinatown. At the AGO, see iconic Group of Seven landscapes alongside global collections, then head around the corner to Chinatown for steaming bowls of noodles, dim sum, and specialty groceries along Spadina Avenue.
Royal Ontario Museum and Bata Shoe Museum. Dinosaurs, mummies, and global treasures fill the ROM, while the quirky Bata Shoe Museum traces centuries of footwear—from ancient sandals to celebrity stilettos.
Family favorites: Ripley’s Aquarium, CN Tower, and Hockey Hall of Fame. Kids will love watching sharks glide overhead at Ripley’s Aquarium, soaring to the top of the CN Tower for sky-high views, and exploring Canada’s hockey legacy at the Hall of Fame.
Live Music at Grossman’s Tavern. For a night out, head to Grossman’s Tavern—a legendary dive bar where blues, rock, and jazz acts have been keeping Toronto’s live music scene buzzing since the ’40s.
Trinity Bellwoods Park and Queen Street West. Picnic under the trees at hip Trinity Bellwoods Park, then stroll over to Queen Street West for vintage shops, local designer boutiques, and buzzy cafés.
Toronto Islands. Hop on the ferry to the Toronto Islands, rent a bike, and explore car-free paths, sandy beaches, and skyline views that feel a world away from downtown.
Day trips from Toronto
Niagara on the Lake / Niagara Falls (1.5–2 hrs): Combine the drama of Niagara Falls with the charm of Niagara-on-the-Lake, where historic streets, boutique shops, and acclaimed wineries make for a perfect day beyond the city.
Prince Edward County (2.5 hrs): Drive east to “The County,” beloved for its vineyards, craft cideries, and farm-to-table dining scene. Sandbanks Provincial Park offers some of Ontario’s best beaches.
Elora Gorge & Elora Village (1.5 hrs): Elora charms with stone architecture, art galleries, and indie shops. The gorge is a natural playground for hiking, tubing, and summer swims in the Grand River.
Milton Region: Rattlesnake Point, Kelso & Mount Nemo (45 min.): The Milton area offers cliff-top hikes, rock climbing, and panoramic escarpment views. Kelso Lake is perfect for a post-hike swim or paddle.
Hamilton Waterfalls Circuit (1 hr): Hamilton earns its nickname as the “Waterfall Capital of the World,” with trails leading to Tiffany, Webster’s, and Albion Falls—especially striking after rainfall.
Ancaster & Dundas (1.25 hrs): These neighboring towns blend small-town charm with outdoor adventure. Explore galleries, wander historic streets, and linger over lunch at Ancaster Mill, a converted 19th-century stone mill beside a waterfall.
Muskoka (3 hrs): Classic Canadian lake country, Muskoka offers pine forests, sparkling waters, and dockside sunsets. Best added on as a trip extension rather than a day trip, it’s a place for boating, hiking, and unwinding at rustic-chic resorts.
Places to eat and drink
Upscale eats
Edulis: A tiny spot with a loyal following for its seasonal tasting menus.
Alo: Acclaimed fine dining with polished tasting menus and city views.
Scaramouche Restaurant: A Toronto classic for French-inspired plates—popular for business dinners.
Lucie: Modern French cooking with a chic, understated vibe.
Quetzal: Mexican flavors meet open-flame cooking in a sleek setting.
Bar Prima: Elevated plates and a lively atmosphere—serious food, relaxed vibe.
Bernhardt’s: Neighborhood bistro known for rotisserie chicken and warm hospitality.
Giulietta: Refined Italian with standout pasta and wood-fired dishes.
Bar Isabel: Spanish-inspired dining with a buzzy late-night scene.
Grey Gardens: Eclectic wine bar serving inventive small plates in Kensington Market.
Daphne: Glamorous dining room with bold flavors and cocktails to match.
Casual eats
Wynona: Fresh, seasonal plates and natural wines in a laid-back space.
Enoteca Sociale: Classic Roman trattoria fare with an excellent wine list.
PAI (various locations): Toronto’s go-to for Thai street food flavors.
Alma: Asian-inspired, ingredient-driven cooking with a neighborhood feel.
Seoul Shakers: Korean-inspired plates and cocktails in a lively, low-key setting.
Puerto Bravo: Seafood-focused Mexican spot with bold, coastal flavors.
Sunnys: Funky Chinatown eatery serving regional Chinese dishes.
Imanishi Japanese Kitchen: Casual izakaya with homestyle Tokyo comfort food.
Trattoria Nervosa: Yorkville staple for hearty Italian classics and patio dining.
Coffee & quick bites
Milky’s: Design-forward café serving carefully crafted espresso.
Schmaltz Appetizing: Jewish deli classics, from smoked fish to bagel sandwiches.
Woolshed Coffee: Minimalist café with standout brews.
Wildhearts Cafe: Community-minded spot known for great coffee and friendly vibes.
Tsuchi Cafe: Plant-based Japanese treats and specialty drinks.
Found Coffee (various locations): Neighborhood café with a rotating selection of roasters.
Drinks
Bar Raval: Gaudí-inspired tapas bar with strong cocktails and late-night energy.
Grape Witches: Natural wine bar and bottle shop with a playful, unpretentious vibe.
Bellwoods Brewery (various locations): Craft beer favorite with a cult following.
Get Well: Arcade bar mixing craft beers with retro fun.
BarChef: High-concept cocktails that double as works of art.