Whether winter is your least or most favourite season, you have to admit, there’s something magical about winter in Ontario! Believe it or not, some actually travel here for a vacation to enjoy the winter festivities. Lucky for us, we don’t need to go all too far to indulge in a nice winter getaway. There are even options for those who don’t want to get knee-deep in the snow to enjoy a relaxing vacation that feels far, far away.
From winter resorts to luxurious full-service hotels, enjoy a getaway near Toronto at one of these places!
The Briars Resort & Spa
Located just under an hour away from Toronto, you can enjoy a stay at The Briars Resort & Spa on Lake Simcoe! Not only can you enjoy a relaxing spa experience and some delish dining, but there are also plenty of winter activities to participate in including snowshoeing, campfires with s’mores, cross-country skiing, and more!
Shangri-La Toronto
Turn off your mind and relax with an urban escape at Shangri-La in Toronto. Within the stunning sky-high hotel, you can visit Miraj Hammam Spa, which offers luxurious spa services and wellness packages designed to provide the ultimate relaxation experience, featuring influences from authentic Middle East traditions.
Horseshoe Resort
For those of you who are craving a bit of adventure in your getaway, visit Horseshoe Resort! The resort has 28 ski runs, 304 feet of vertical rise, 6 lifts, and Ontario’s longest beginner’s carpet and Outlaw Terrain Park. If you’re not already great at skiing or snowboarding, by the time you leave you’ll probably have all kinds of new skills! They also offer cross-country skiing, snowshoes, fat bikes, and snow tubing.
Old Mill Toronto Hotel
Indulge in one of Old Mill’s hotel packages to customize your perfect staycation getaway! Old Mill Toronto has an old-world charm that makes it feel like you’re far away from city life, without actually having to travel. You can choose to keep it simple with a refreshing bed and breakfast or enjoy a complete spa getaway that will leave you feeling completely revitalized by the time you have to go back to real life.
Deerhurst Resort
From late December through March Break Deerhurst Resort is offering a “Muskoka Winter Getaways” package for you to enjoy all of the best parts of the winter season! Explore the wilderness on a snowmobile, snowshoes, skis, or fat bikes – then get cozy with a delicious warm meal at the restaurant and relax at the Amba Spa. Take a peek at their other packages here.
Windsor Arms Hotel Toronto
Windsor Arms Hotel Toronto provides an escape that will have you feeling like royalty. Whether you choose to relax in your suite, enjoy high tea in the Tea Room, get pampered in the full-service spa, or grab a cocktail at the bar – Windsor Arms Hotel provides the perfect luxury escape from the outside world. However, if you do choose to step outside, its prime location in Yorkville provides plenty to do.
Blue Mountain Resort
The drive from Toronto to Blue Mountain Resort is totally worth it if you want to transport yourself to a winter retreat that has the best of both worlds. This getaway can be as action-packed or as chill as you decide to make it with tons of winter activity options, including, of course, snowboarding and skiing. You can also visit the Scandinave Spa just a few minutes’ drive away from the hotels!
Great Wolf Lodge
A stay at Great Wolf Lodge is a vacation the entire family can enjoy. Located in Niagara Falls, the indoor waterpark also has plenty of things to do all around. Within the waterpark, there are tons of attractions including an outdoor whirlpool to relax in.
The High Acre
Just over an hour away from Toronto is The High Acre—a charming mansion in the city of Dundas, Ontario. While enjoying a stay at The High Acre, you can choose one of its four stunning rooms, each with its own ensuite spa. The private spas include an infrared sauna, a hammam steam shower with aromatherapy, and a hot/cold bath. It’s the perfect little getaway if you’re looking to take it easy for a night or two!
Friday Harbour
Head over to Friday Harbour in Innisfil to live every day like it’s Friday for a little while at the all-seasons resort! Throughout the winter, Friday Harbour has plenty of activities to embark on, such as a Holiday market running on weekends through December and The Skate Escape happening throughout January. Book your stay here.
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Getting away is nice, but sometimes a staycation is even more ideal. You still get to retreat and relax without having to take a long drive or flight anywhere. And sometimes, that’s all our wallets and schedules can handle. Toronto is home to some gorgeous accommodations that we’re lucky to have in our backyard. Take advantage of these gorgeous hotels located in prime Toronto areas! Whether you’re looking to take a staycation with your significant other, your best friend, or want a solo getaway without actually going away, here are 5 spots to take a staycation this fall.
1. Hotel X Toronto
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The newest hotel in the Library Hotel Collection, Hotel X Toronto is a total dream. Located downtown in Toronto’s Exhibition Place, it’s easily accessible and offers stunning views of the Lake Ontario waterfront. Each room is extremely luxurious and cozy, for a stay that oozes relaxation. If you’re craving a more active staycation, take advantage of their tennis courts, squash courts, and their dedicated rooms for pilates, spinning, and yoga. And don’t forget to check out Toronto’s only 3-level rooftop skybar and their partially outdoor rooftop pool (open year round!).
2. Kimpton Saint George
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A gorgeous boutique hotel located in the heart of the Annex, Kimpton Saint George offers a restful retreat just steps away from some of Toronto’s most popular neighbourhoods. At Kimpton Saint George you can marvel in design and art. Every space is intricately designed and decorated, with nothing overlooked. Each room has a cool colour palette, balanced by the warmth of plush textiles. Enjoy their evening wine hour in the lobby living room, and take advantage of their fully equipped onsite fitness center if you feel like getting your sweat on.
3. The Drake Hotel
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If you’re craving a hip, urban retreat, The Drake Hotel is the staycation for you. Situated on bustling Queen Street West, and surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and shops, it’s perfect for those who want a more lively stay. Every room is designed with coziness and personality in mind, so any room you choose is sure to please. Visit the Drake Cafe for some coffee and pastries in the morning before you head out to walk around the Queen West borough for the day.
4. The Broadview Hotel
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Offering 58 uniquely designed boutique guestrooms, you’ll love your stay at The Broadview Hotel. All rooms blend classic elements with eclectic accents, are pleasantly spacious, and some offer outdoor terraces you can relax in. Enjoy drinks and shareable bites on their rooftop bar, taking in beautiful views of the city, and have brunch in their light-filled cafe after lounging in bed for a while.
5. The Ivy at Verity
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A European-inspired boutique hotel, The Ivy is small and intimate and offers an old-fashioned hotel experience. Each room is designed with elegance and sophistication and features a luxurious king-size bed, handcrafted Italian linens, a heated floor, a deep soaking tub, and bath salts and in-room products you won’t find anywhere else. Enjoy the exclusive hotel lounge with an Honour Bar with complimentary refreshments and serve-yourself preferred rates for wine and spirits. Have a bite at Toronto’s top-rated GEORGE restaurant and enjoy the Sweetgrass Spa for an amazing, rejuvenating treatment.
Do you have any other staycation ideas for this fall? Let us know in the comment section.
Featured image: Instagram/ @katebialowas
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If a vacation abroad isn’t on the cards for you this summer, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to make your Toronto staycation fun without breaking the bank. From sunbathing on Toronto Islands to staying in a luxury hotel, here are our five best ways to enjoy your time with your significant other on a budget this summer.
Take A Trip To The Toronto Islands
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The Toronto Islands may be small, but there’s no shortage of things to do there. If you’d like to explore the islands at a clip, rent a bike from the Bicycle Centre or bring your own bike. Prefer water activities? Canoes and kayaks can be rented on the islands, but you can also boat over from Toronto if you own your own. The 18-hole disc golf course is also a cheap and cheerful island activity.
Pack A Picnic And Head To One of The City’s Fine Parks
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Toronto is full of picnic-perfect parks for your next romantic date. All you need to do is grab a blanket, pick your destination and pack a bag full of delicious snacks. We suggest checking out High Park, which is full of trails, a petting zoo, and more; Trinity Bellwoods, or Rouge Park where you can swim, bike, hike and more.
Rent Out One Of The City’s Chicest Airbnbs
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From charming lofts with sky-high windows to luxurious condos in the heart of downtown, there’s no shortage of unique and stylish Airbnbs in Toronto. This Luxurious Glass Corner Suite, for example, is located in the heart of downtown Toronto and is one of the top 8 apartments with the best views in the world on Airbnb.
Book A Spa Day
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Treat yourself and your significant other to a relaxing day at one of Toronto’s top Spas. One of the most incredible spas worth visiting is located at the Shangri-La Hotel and inspired by the ancient rituals of the Middle Easy to the vineyards of Bordeaux.
Stay At The Shangri-La Toronto
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If you really want to treat yourself this summer, the Shangri-La Toronto is just the place. With Asian-inspired luxury rooms designed to enhance your sleep experience, you’re sure to have a more-than-relaxing staycation here. At the hotel’s Health Club, take a swim at their pool that lies beneath a glass roof and features cascade water features to make it even more enchanting.
Do you know any other great places to take a staycation in Toronto? Let us know in the comments.
Featured image: Instagram/ @toronto.islands
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Somehow we are already making our way to the July long weekend. Since the warm weather hit, the time has been flying by with all the events and activities going on. Make sure you check everything off your summer bucket list before it’s too late. There are lots of fun things going on this long weekend (new and old) that you might want to check out here:
1. Visit The Bata Shoe Museum To See Manolo Blahnik: The Art Of Shoes
Manolo Blahnik: The Art of Shoes is an intimate retrospective spanning 45 years of work by one of the most influential figures in his field; his inventiveness and superb craft has managed to cross boundaries between fashion and art.
Dates: May 16, 2018, to January 6, 2018
2. Spend The Day At The Toronto Islands
There’s no better way to make the most out of a balmy summer long weekend than to hit the Toronto Islands – Toronto’s own little escape from reality, where the only reminders of the city chaos are the peaceful and stunning views of the skyline across the water.
Dates: N/A
3. Do Yoga Or Play Volleyball At Ontario Place
Ontario Place is the perfect spot to spend the day if you’re looking for lots of activities in one spot! You can play volleyball, rent a boat, do yoga, skate outdoors, watch a movie in The Cinesphere, play games and so much more. There are also some special events going on for Canada Day!
Dates: N/A
4. Check Out The Waterfront Festival
Check out Aqua Cirque, to see H20 themed surfing hula hoop artists, contortionists, tricks, flips and acrobatics. On Friday and Saturday, you can unwind with a large glass of wine, craft beers and spirits while enjoying live music from local bands at the 10th annual Wine & Spirit Festival. Shop local at the Waterfront Artisan Market, a lively open-air market with over 50 artisans and food vendors.
Dates: June 22, 2018 to June 24, 2018
5. Spend Your Day At A Beach Outside Of Toronto
Getting out of the city every so often is necessary, especially when we have such beautiful beaches such a short drive away. Whether you prefer to lay out under the sun or take a dip in the water, there’s something for everybody.
Dates: N/A
6. Shop Local At Union Summer
The outdoor market at Union Station is coming back this summer after a year off and it all starts this weekend with an amazing list of vendors that’ll make the market a must-visit.
Dates: July 1, 2018 – August 19, 2018
7. Take Road Trip Out Of The City For A Hike
Summer weekends were made for road trips, and where better to take a scenic hike? You don’t have to drive very far to find yourself completely surrounded by nature. If you’re looking to exercise, to take photos, or walk your dog, these are all great options for a hike right outside the city.
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8. Beat The Heat By A Poolside
If you haven’t heard, Toronto will be experiencing a mini-heatwave, with temperatures reaching to the mid-30s this long weekend. With that in mind, it’s imperative that you cover your bases and find the closest pool to you ASAP.
Dates: N/A
9. Dress Up For The Queen’s Plate Festival 2018
The Queen’s Plate is Canada’s oldest thoroughbred horse race and longest continuously run race in North America. Bring your fashion game forward and walk the red carpet in style at the Hats & Horseshoes Party presented by Stella Artois. Expect lawn games, style contests, cocktails and lots more!
Dates: June 29, 2018 to June 30, 2018
10. Catch The Toronto Blue Jay’s Play Against The Detroit Tigers
Spend your long weekend at the ballpark with lots of festivities going on to enjoy. On July 2nd, the first 20,000 fans to arrive at the stadium will receive a J.A. Happ Bobblehead presented by Honda.
Dates: June 29, 2018 – July 2, 2018
11. Explore Some Of The World’s Most Notorious Spiders At The ROM
With more than 400 live and preserved specimens, you will learn about new scientific discoveries, participate in cutting-edge interactive experiences, and unravel the myths about one of the most successful yet misunderstood animals on the planet.
Dates: June 16, 2018 to January 6, 2019
Featured Image: Instagram/@viktoriahricova
What activities are you doing this long weekend? Let us know in the comments!
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Sometimes all you need is a getaway in your own city. Life is busy, work is stressful and we all just need a break from time to time. But if you can’t take the time off work or a flight isn’t in your budget, you can escape the stress of it all without actually leaving the city.
Toronto is one of the most-loved places in the world, with people visiting from every continent, so why not take advantage of the beautiful hotels it has to offer? From tiny luxury boutique-hotels to hotels connected to enchanting spas, here are 6 places to take a staycation this winter.
The Gladstone Hotel
Image: Instagram/ @gladstonehotel
With artist-designed hotel rooms, and a restaurant and café serving locally-focused food, The Gladstone Hotel is the perfect place to take a staycation in Toronto. With four floors of art gallery spaces that are always free to hotel guests, The Gladstone aims to connect you with Toronto’s local cultural scene. Make sure to check out their events calendar filled with fun gatherings like karaoke and open mic.
The Drake Hotel
Image: Instagram/ @thedrakehotel
With two amazing year-round hotel packages, The Drake Hotel offers spectacular rooms designed to make their guests feel special with unique furnishings, eye-popping art and tons of space. If you’re looking to party on your staycation, book the Vinyl Vacation package to get VIP line bypass to Drake’s legendary house party on Friday and Saturday nights, or you can book the Art Passport featuring a $50 dining credit at Drake’s restaurant and an original artwork keepsake.
The Ivy at Verity
Image: Instagram/ @theivyatverity
With only four rooms in this tiny boutique hotel, it may take some time to get a booking, but it will be worth the wait. Eat your meals at George, a five-star restaurant connected to the hotel, and book a package at the Sweetgrass spa. A converted 1850s chocolate factory, all four rooms are outfitted with marble bathrooms, heated floors, handcrafted beds and terraces overlooking private courtyards. Plus, you’ll receive a continental breakfast made in-house and delivered right to your room. If that doesn’t scream luxury, I don’t know what does.
Old Mill Toronto
Image: Instagram/ @jennagy30
With the Winter Wonderland package at Old Mill Toronto, you can stay in a European-style luxury king room with a whirlpool tub, fireplace and comfy duvet with a Continental Breakfast served in their gorgeous Terrace room. You’ll also get a $100 gift card and a surprise festive gift. If you’re in the mood for further relaxation, book one of their spa services like a Swedish or deep tissue massage.
Hotel Victoria
Image: Instagram/ @hotelvictoriadt
A boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Toronto, Hotel Victoria is one of the city’s oldest buildings, dating back to 1909. Unwind in one of their cozy rooms, outfitted with plush beds, pillow top mattresses and fine linens and duvets. Enjoy breakfast or lunch at Over Easy, their on-site restaurant set in an expansive dining room with charming décor and flavourful cuisine. Eggs are their specialty, but you can also try offerings like French toast, granola and fruit salad, and waffles with fresh strawberries.
The Shangri-La Toronto
Image: Instagram/@howimetbae
If you really want to treat yourself this winter, the Shangri-La Toronto is just the place. With Asian-inspired luxury rooms designed to enhance your sleep experience, you’re sure to have a more-than-relaxing staycation here. At the hotel’s Health Club, take a swim at their pool that lies beneath a glass roof and features cascade water features to make it even more enchanting.
Do you know any other great places to take a staycation in Toronto? Let us know in the comments.
Featured image: The Old Mill Toronto
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There are many reasons why staying in Toronto this winter is a great idea: lots of top-notch restaurants, cafés, bars, entertainment, sporting events, museums, art galleries, the list goes on. To make your holidays even more memorable, you can rent out one of the city’s chicest Airbnbs. From charming lofts with sky-high windows to luxurious condos in the heart of downtown, you can have your pick of Toronto’s most stylish Airbnbs.
Whether you’re coming to Toronto to visit, or are a Torontonian who’s looking to take a staycation in our beautiful, bustling city, these are the chicest Airbnbs in Toronto.
Image: Airbnb
With tall ceilings, brick walls, wood beams and tons of natural light shining in, this authentic loft is sure to make your stay cozy and chic. The building was once a shoe factory that made shoes for the soldiers in WW1 and WW2, that has been converted into lofts. The space oozes character and charm, and if the reviews are any indication, it’s a “true diamond in the rough”.
Image: Airbnb
Situated in the heart of downtown Toronto, this gorgeous corner suite has been featured as one of the top 8 apartments with the best views in the world on Airbnb. Located in a boutique, low-rise building, you’ll get unobstructed views of the CN Tower, and a 600-square foot wrap-around terrace to take in the breathtaking views of the city. Cafés, restaurants, shops, parks, nightlife and transit are all within walking distance from this glam suite, so you’ll never be wondering what to do next.
Image: Airbnb
If you love loft living, this space is going to be perfect for your stay in Toronto. The stylish suite is situated in a newly renovated 120+year-old Victorian home, with maple hardwood floors and a 12 feet ceiling. Close to multiple transit access points, and a short walk to Queen Street West and Roncesvalles Avenue, you can take in all the amazing restaurants and shops the west side has to offer.
Image: Airbnb
This stunning and spacious abode is ideal for your stay in the city. Located in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood, there are lots of bars, restaurants and cafés to check out, and you can easily make your way to the city’s core. The luxury lower level suite was recently renovated and features beautiful décor and a unique layout to make your stay as chic as can be.
Image: Airbnb
If you’re craving condo living for your Toronto stay, this gorgeous space will be right up your alley. Decked out with floor-to-ceiling windows, chic décor, and a large balcony with beautiful views of the city, you’re not going to want to leave the apartment. But if you do, you’ll be surrounded by cafés, bars, restaurants, entertainment, and a grocery store. Plus, you’re just steps away from transportation to take you anywhere in the city.
Featured image: Airbnb
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