City guide: Toronto

Published on Friday 12 June 2009 15:47

Fireworks dancing along to fine music might not impress anyone who has witnessed Edinburgh's August shenanigans but Toronto's Canada Day pyrotechnics last three whole days.

Book now and you could be bouncing along to the blitz with the world's most culturally diverse population as they celebrate the city's 175th anniversary. The Canada Dry Festival of Fire starts on 1 July, building to a frenzy of explosions on 4 July. But if bangers aren't your bag, Toronto has indie bookstores galore, and it's a city where the pink pound goes a long way – 5,493 same-sex couples have tied the knot here.

Before you go

Pick up a copy of Time Out's guide to Toronto (12.99) which is packed full of information to cater to all your needs – from where to shop to what to eat. Toronto's official website (www.toronto.ca) is also a great start and lists tourist attraction and upcoming events.

Planes, Trains, Automobiles

Crystal Travel (www.crystaltravel.co.uk) is a good place to find cheap flights, or KLM (www.klm.com) has return fares for 414, including taxes.

Getting around

Your feet were made for walking and in Toronto this is just what they should do. With its pedestrian-friendly streets and vast array of culturally diverse neighbourhoods, the best way to soak up the character of the place is to get stuck in and wander around it. To get from one neighbourhood to another, buses, streetcars and subways are plentiful and simple enough to navigate as Toronto works on a grid system. Pick up a day pass if you plan to hop on and off.

Tourist Trail

Most visitors will be hard pushed to cram all that Toronto has to offer into the time they are there, but making good use of a CityPass (www.citypass.com) will help. Valid for nine days, it includes tickets to Toronto's five most popular tourist attractions. Use it to climb to the top of one of the wonders of the modern world and Canada's most celebrated architectural structures, the CN Tower, and visit Casa Loma castle, where you can experience the Edwardian era in all its glory. If you want something for the kids, the Ontario Science Centre and Toronto Zoo are a sure-fire way to keep them entertained, while sports fans can take a trip to the Hockey Hall of Fame. With all this for under 50, it's a must-have add-on to your trip.

Nightlife

True to its name, Clubland, in the entertainment district, is where the party is and pretty much anything goes – dance, techno, house, R&B. Look no further if you like to dress to impress. This is London (www.thisislondonclub.com) is where to go if sipping premium vodka and getting a manicure while spending a penny (yes, there are beauticians in the bathrooms) is your idea of a great night out. Or if you fancy something a bit more low-key, there is plenty of other entertainment to choose from. Whether it be jazz, theatre, comedy or film, Toronto really does have it all going on.

Where to stay

They say good things come in small packages, and this is certainly true of the luxurious and stylish Soho Metropolitan (www.metropolitan.com). With its focus on superior interior design and personalised service, it is the ultimate city crash pad. Situated in the entertainment district, the hotel is perfectly placed for guests to make the most of the city's hotspots or just enjoy the hotel's beautifully lit bar and Senses restaurant. The price tag matches its status, with rooms starting from 175 a night, soaring to 760 for a Soho suite. Those on a more modest budget should try Toronto's largest hotel, the Delta Chelsea (www.deltachelsea.com), which has room rates from 110 a night. Ideal for families, the hotel has two pools and a fitness room. It also offers a range of dining options, from food court to fine cuisine in the restaurant, so you can choose how formal you want to be.

When to go

Even in the nippy winter, the cosy restaurants and underground shopping district will keep the chill off and let you enjoy the novelty of a subterranean lifestyle. But when the warmer weather hits, the city really comes alive with festivals and events. This is when inhabitants and visitors alike head for the surface, so now is the perfect time to visit. But whatever time of year you go, you won't be disappointed.

Where to eat

You have the world at your feet in terms of cuisine in Toronto. Its multicultural population means you can sample the best of foods from all over the globe. But if it's authentic Canadian cooking you're looking for, Canoe Restaurant and Bar (www.canoerestaurant.com) is among the best, and the menu provides a taste of true local cuisine – the waiter will even tell you the stories behind the dishes. Or head to one of the global villages – Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Italian or Greek – and you're sure to find something to tantalise your tastebuds.

What to buy

Toronto boasts one of the most vibrant shopping scenes in the world, so shopaholics will strike gold. Stores range from quirky boutiques to high-end designers such as Chanel and D&G. Take a rummage round one of the markets – St Lawrence is a foodie favourite, while the Kensington Market is home to some bohemian gems – as they offer a taste of any culture you could think of as well as many a bargain.