Advice on traveling: Around Toronto: Travel professionals reveal 8 stages for your first vacation in Canada
The Canadian dream of freedom is reflected in glittering lakes, vast national parks and dazzling hotels. With these eight stops, your stay in Canada will be an unforgettable experience.
When I think of Canada, the first things that come to mind are sparkling lakes, roaming bears and lots of fish to eat. Well, the bears were still in their well-deserved hibernation during my stay in Canada. But Canada in spring shows itself from great sides even without these furry four-legged friends.
If you’re like me traveling in the first half of the year, you’ll need to wrap up warm, quite literally. In the national parks they can temperatures down to minus 20 degrees, but with the right clothing that’s not a problem.
Canada offers so many options that choosing the perfect itinerary and attractions can be overwhelming. I have therefore put together eight stops that will make your choice easier.
About the expert
Carsten K. Rath is a lecturer and management consultant on the topics of service and leadership excellence. He used to manage luxury hotels like the Adlon in Berlin. With his expertise as a former grand hotelier, he now travels to hotels all over the world and reports on his experiences on his platform, among other places www.travelgrand.ch. Rath finances the trips he reports on in this column himself and independently describes his personal impressions.
Hotel Stop 1: The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto
The metropolis of Toronto is the capital of the Canadian province of Ontario and is located on the lake of the same name. You could spend two weeks in this city alone and still not have discovered all the sights. Due to the location on Lake Ontario, I experience big city flair and Canadian wildlife in equal measure.
A spacious place to stay is important for a relaxed city experience. As a first stop, I therefore recommend the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. If you are a fan of Arthur Hailey’s “Hotel” series, then this house is an absolute “must do”. Edwin Frizell, the hotel’s general manager, was so inspired by the series that he decided to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. I can feel his passion for the industry and for his guests in every room. He has been in charge of the fortunes of the house for nine years.
The sophisticated building will immediately catch your eye – it is located downtown between high-tech glass skyscrapers and is an ideal starting point for a city tour. The dimensions of the hotel – like everything in Canada – are spacious and large. Nevertheless, the employees manage to make me feel at home right from the start. The decor also conveys a cozy feeling of security that I already know from the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg, the best German hotel.
Nature Stop 2: The Legendary Niagara Falls
The roaring Niagara Falls, whose masses of water plunge almost 60 meters into the depths, are probably the most photographed body of water in all of North America. The Niagara Falls Natural Park is located outside of Toronto and is an absolute natural highlight. Typically, Niagara Falls is a popular day trip from New York.
I have now experienced the impressive waterfall from both sides – the US and the Canadian side – for my taste the latter offers the more beautiful experience. On the viewing platform called “Journey Behind the Falls” you look directly down to the edge of the falls. Now I understand why this place served as a model for some scenes of the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean – At World’s End”.
By the way, as I stroll through the nearby streets, I have the feeling of having landed in Las Vegas. One casino follows the other. If you want to challenge your lucky streak, then you can combine this after an extensive photo stop at Niagara Falls.
City Stop 3: Distillery District in Toronto
Back in town, I drift and soak up the atmosphere of the streets. The Distillery District is perfect for this. History is in the air here. The boozy, or more specifically whiskey-soaked, past awaits around every street corner.
The old brick buildings originally housed old distilleries. Today they line up next to ultra-modern, glass houses and give the district a flair that you will not find anywhere else. Various cafés and shops let the credit card glow.
Sports stop 4: Ice hockey game in Toronto
Hockey players and Canada go together like fish and water. You’ll understand what I mean once you’ve watched an ice hockey game live in a Canadian arena. It doesn’t matter which teams you watch competing on the ice. For me it was Buffalo Sabers versus Toronto.
You don’t have to know the rules either, I haven’t fully understood them to this day. The whole atmosphere is much more impressive – the fans root for their teams and almost melt the ice with their enthusiasm. The players themselves – probably encouraged by their loyal fan community – put so much passion and dynamism into every minute of the game that even as a spectator you start to sweat.
Food Stop 5: Blueblood Steakhouse in Toronto
When you’re in Toronto, the culinary abundance can get a bit overwhelming if you don’t know the right places. I have found a perfect location for all meat eaters: If you want to eat the world’s best steak, then I recommend a visit to the Blueblood Steakhouse. The building in which the restaurant is located is already worth a visit. It reminds you of a fortress from days gone by.
You can also dine al fresco on the heated terrace, or settle into the inviting leather armchairs inside. The house houses current art exhibitions and an extensive wine bar. A longer stay is therefore highly recommended. Don’t forget to book in advance as demand is high.
Outdoor Stop 6: Snowmobiling & Huntsville
Canada is the second largest country in the world. Depending on your taste, you can experience almost all climate zones here. The further you get to the Arctic Circle, the colder the temperatures get. I took advantage of the freezing Ontario cold to do things that can only be experienced in this setting. For example, driving a snowmobile across a frozen lake. A really cool adventure.
For this I go in the direction of the Canadian expanse to Huntsville. The place is idyllic and seems a bit sleepy, but it is the perfect starting point for outdoor adventures. You can learn more about the eventful history of the small town in the Muskoka Heritage Place, in the public library. I favor the nature adventure, put on my helmet and accelerate. With the snowmobile I drive at up to 200 kilometers per hour over frozen lakes. An incomparable experience.
Hotel Stop 7: The Hazelton
Back in Toronto I discover another wonderful and very hospitable hotel: The Hazelton, which is also one of the “Leading Luxury Hotels of the World”. My first thought is that they can do it easily. The check-in is very personal, a table for dinner is already reserved without me having to ask.
Be sure to try The One Restaurant. Mark McEwans, an Ontario culinary luminary, runs the restaurant and will amaze you with his creations. I tested the 24 hour room service offered and was not disappointed.
Wine Stop 8: Big Head
Although Canada isn’t exactly known for its wines, I would like to conclude by recommending the “Big Head” wines. For more than a decade, the family business Big Head has been processing fruit from the Niagara region into delicious wines without exception. I was convinced of the quality during a wine tasting with Michaela Scrimer, sommelier and wine club leader. The wines are available in numerous restaurants in Toronto, including the panoramic restaurant in the CN Tower.
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