Tucked away on Mercer Street, Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer feels private and secluded, despite being only a small city block South of King West. This family-owned property is one of many across Canada, all centrally located, beautifully designed boutique hotels around the country. The hotel looks quite unassuming from the outside, but as soon as you enter, a sense of comfortable luxury will reveal itself with tall ceilings and fine finishes.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
This hotel stay was hosted by Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercern, which did not review or approve this story.
All images by Kateryna Topol.

PUNCH Restaurant, Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer. Image courtesy of the hotel.

The vibe & Shared spaces 

Due to the location and the architectural structure of the building, the hotel does not get a lot of light, but the dimly lit, moody character of the space is embraced through design. Dark wood, carefully chosen design touches, art and live greenery set an ambience of a secret urban lounge, accompanied by matching atmospheric music. 

The open lobby has a comfortable sitting area that feels like a petite library coupled with a small boutique shop. To the right is the Mercer Lounge, hidden behind the check-in desk. To the left, through a heavy door, is the brand new PUNCH Restaurant.

Your room key gives you access to the hotel amenities like the seasonal terrace and a small but fairly well-equipped gym on the upper floor. On the mezzanine level, which looks over the lounge, are meeting rooms and a special events bar. Quiet now, this area surely comes to life in full colour when in use.

Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer lounge, images by Kateryna Topol.

Inside the Suite

There is a total of 118 rooms at the hotel, all tastefully decorated, embracing contemporary design with thoughtful lighting and modern conveniences. All of the La Germain Hotel properties are created with purpose and sustinabailty in-mind, each room has plenty of livable storage, mirrors, usable counter space in the bathroom, and places to open, store, and hide your things.

The walls behind headboards are covered with felt-inspired material made of 95% recycled matter (Svelte) with an art installation above each bed. Commissioned for the hotel, the art pieces are featherweight sculptures made by Canadian artists Ann Bartok and Olena Kassian from BARKAS.

The room lighting is defused for arrival, jazz music softly playing in the background, and chocolate dessert cups accompanied by a personal note are ready to greet the guest. The spa-like oversized bathrooms have glass walls, further opening up the space. Blinds are available for privacy. Small, thoughtful conveniences, like earplugs, water carafes (filled in with turndown service), proper wine glasses, and an interior privacy button, add to the quality of the stay. 

Rooms range from a Classic Queen to various-sized Suites, including the Apartment Suite, with separate dining and living areas, and the Executive Suite with a living room and a fireplace. The regular noon checkout time is perfect for sleeping in after a big night out and enjoying breakfast in the room.

Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer, images by Kateryna Topol.

Restaurant & Lounge

The most recent addition to the hotel is the two new dining properties: the Mercer Lounge and PUNCH Restaurant.

Mercer Lounge is a classic hotel bar, with casual, comfortable furniture, dim, moody lighting and a signature library wall with a wooden ladder. The lounge opens at 5 PM daily, welcoming locals and hotel guests for a casual catch-up and live music on Wednesdays and Thursdays. On the bar menu are cocktails, freezer martinis, interesting wines, and a selection of decadent snacks like Gunpowder Pate (pork) and Fried Mozzarella and Caviar (eat it as soon as it hits the table). 

PUNCH Restaurant, on the other hand, has the grandeur of an English ballroom. The white tablecloth, tables and long padded benches are framed by high wood-panelled walls with stained glass windows. At the back is a statement bar with only a handful of barstools where locals gather for nightcaps.

PUNCH is a conceptual restaurant. The name is inspired by the Hindi word pañch, which means “five,” pronounced as “punch”. Punch is known as the world’s first cocktail, made in the 17th century (spirit, sugar, lemon, water, and spiced tea), so here at the hotel, the restaurant welcomes the heritage and the cultural collision of flavours. The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Mandar Kulkarni (Le Select Bistro, Don Alfonso 1890, BISHA), who takes inspiration from family recipes. Guests can enjoy a modern take on classic dishes like Mumbai Chat-Slaw and Dum Pukht Chicken Biryani, or delve into world classics like Beef Wellington and Whole Grilled Seabream. Breakfast and brunch are served at the restaurant as well.

Mercer Lounge, Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer. Images courtesy of the hotel.

PUNCH Restaurant, Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer. Images courtesy of the hotel.

What to do nearby 

Le Germain Mercer is conveniently located a short walk away from the CN Tower, Aquarium, and a few other popular tourist attractions; consider purchasing a CityPASS if you plan to visit more than two. On a nice summer day, you can also walk to the city waterfront for a prolonged, relaxing afternoon.

Within short walking distance are the TIFF Lightbox Cinema and gift shop, Princess of Wales Theatre, Royal Alexandra Theatre, and the Roy Thomson Hall. In addition to the shows in the permanent city theatres, Candlelight Concerts are hosted in various venues across Toronto. Current offer on Fever is up to 30% select experiences.

Book direct on germainhotels.com to take advantage of special offers (like breakfast package or the PUNCH experience menu package), flexible checkout time, and guaranteed best price. Compare rate to: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

Gym at the Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer, images by Kateryna Topol.

The post Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer offers a rounded stay in the heart of the city appeared first on Paths to Travel.

While locals often debate where the boundaries of Downtown Toronto are, the official city lines are drawn from Bloor Street to Don Valley Parkway on the East end and Bathurst Street on the West end. This guide will follow the above borders, recognising that the sheer scale of the Downtown and the variety of attractions will actually take multiple days to explore. The attractions in this guide are organised according to their proximity to one another (from East to West), to make planning easier. It is important to note that while Casa Loma is on the perimeter of Downtown, the remaining attractions are a healthy distance away from the city core. 

If you are planning to see three or more attractions, consider the Toronto CityPASS. The pass includes one-time admission to five attractions and costs $210.48 per adult and $141.81 per child (4-12). However, currently the passes are discounted to $134.96/adult and $99.96/child.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 

Downtown Toronto

The Distillery Historic District 

A pedestrian neigbourhood that dates back to the city’s whisky history. Originally known as the Gooderham & Worts Distillery, the 47 buildings that compose the neighbourhood were abandoned for quite a few years since the prime distilling days of Toronto. The newly revamped neigbourhood opened in 2003 and is home to 40+ shops, a few restaurants, art galleries, and event spaces. Various pop-up events, like outdoor movie cinema and the winter Christmas market, take over The Distillery District throughout the year. 

thedistillerydistrict.com
Map link

St Lawrence Market 

The city’s oldest market, dating back to 1820, St Lawrence Market is a fully-functional market space spanning across two floors. For over 100 years, this building has served the local community and travelling visitors, offering farm-fresh produce and ready-prepared meals. The space also houses an art gallery on the second floor and technically includes St Lawrence Market North, open on Saturdays for the farmer’s market. 

stlawrencemarket.com
Near Front St E and Jarvis St |  Map link

Bonus: Make sure to look up at the Gooderham Building, created by the whisky distilling family you would’ve learned about at The Distillery Historic District (currently under renovation). Just behind the building is Berczy Park and the Berczy Park Dog Fountain, a local favourite. 

Tip: Tour the market with a local food tour company, Culinar Adventures Co., to taste the best of the market and learn about its history. Culinary Adventures Co offers food tours in multiple corners of the city. Secret Food Tours, on the other hand, offers an expedited Market tour combined with a visit to the Distillery.

Hockey Hall of Fame

Museum and hall of fame for Canada’s hockey legends. Inside, visitors will find the infamous Stanley Cup through the years, special and permanent exhibits, NHL records, a change room replica, and endless historic memorabilia. The space is large, with multiple halls and elaborate displays showcasing the history of hockey beyond Canada. Within the museum walls are also multiple theatres and a TSN SportsCentre Studio.

Make sure not to miss the Great Hal,l where you can take a picture with the Stanley Cup, visit the walls, and be mesmerised the the rooms’ stained glass oval ceiling. Visitors have in-and-out privileges, allowing them to fully enjoy the interactive areas (everyone can shoot their shot). 

hhof.com
30 Yonge St, Toronto, however, the main entrance is from the lower level of Brookfield Place  | Map link 
Admission: Adults $25, youth $15, seniors $20, children under 3 are free

Above: Exterior of Hockey Hall of Fame and Brookfield Place, entry into the museum is through Brookfield Place. Below: images from the Hockey Hall of Fame. All images by Kateryna Topol.

CN Tower

553.3 metres tall, the CN Tower is one of the tallest buildings in North America. It is synonymous with Toronto and acts as a directional beacon, seen from nearly everywhere in the city. Finished in 1976, the top of the tower includes a glass floor, multiple observation decks, and the 360 Restaurant. The two levels included in general admission include a 360° view of the entire Toronto, Lake Ontario, and the Toronto islands. From up above, you will get a different perspective of the Rogers Stadium dome, spot the yellow umbrellas at the Waterfront, see the Steam Whistle Roundhouse in its full circular beauty, and witness planes take off from the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. 

Upon entry, you will be invited to take a souvenir photo, which will be available for purchase at the end of the tour at the gift shop. The lower level has an outdoor terrace and an area where you can lean over the edge of the tower. One of the newer experiences offered at the top is the Brave the EdgeWalk, which allows a small group of people, walk the edge of the tower 116 storeys above ground (tethered to the building). 

cntower.ca
290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto | Map link 
Admission: GA starting at Adults $45, youth and seniors $32, children 3-5 are free, add $12 for top floor access. Visitors have an upgrade option to include timed entry and priority line bypass.
Included in Toronto CityPASS.

Tip: Pop into the Steam Whistle Brewery to try some local beer and pretzels.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

The aquarium is located at the foot of the CN Tower and can be purchased as a combo ticket for the two attractions. The building holds 5.7 million litres of marine and freshwater species from around the world. Visitors experience the aquarium in a loop, passing through various rooms and spending a good part of it in the shark tunnel, which has a moving walkway. Many of the aquariums are floor-to-ceiling, transporting you to the ocean floor. The Rainbow Reef aquarium contains some of the most colourful fish in the centre, from neon stripes to black and white polka dots, this tropical fish highway in this room can be observed for hours. The shark tunnel is another favourite with multiple sharks, turtles, and a variety of fish floating around and over your head.

The aquarium hosts a range of special events like “Sharks after dark,” “Friday night jass,” and “Paint and waves,” among others. Much of the experience is curated for the children, with shark tunnels and playground submarines taking the kids into the pools. And at the end, everyone can gently pet a stingray before returning to the above-ground world.

ripleys.com
288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto | Map link 
Admission: Timed entry for adults $46, youth and seniors $30, children 3-5 $13.50. 
Included in Toronto CityPASS.

City Hall and the Spirit Garden

The City Hall actively houses the current municipal government and has served as a filming location to make Hollywood films and series, including The Handmaid’s Tale. The building resembles a floating spaceship, which visitors can view from an observation deck across the square. In front of the City Hall is a shallow fountain which turns into an ice rink during the winter, illuminated by the infamous Toronto sign. 

To the left of the City Hall is a newly built Spirit Garden, designed to foster teaching, learning, sharing and healing for Indigenous communities and visitors. The garden incorporates elements from multiple Indigenous peoples, including First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Wendat. This beautiful garden is a great place to iteratively learn about the Indigenous communities of Canada. 

100 Queen St W, Toronto | Map link 
Free

Canadian Opera Company (COC)

COC, or Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, is a purpose-built structure for opera and ballet performances, which ensures spectacularly clean sound. The building is a glass box, allowing for a preview into the world of opera from the streets of the city. The company works to create a welcoming environment for all guests, following the slogan that “opera is for everybody”. The intricately designed stage allows for two operas to be on stage consecutively, each one is a showcase of high production value, fully occupying the open space. 

A range of performances is available seasonally. This fall, attendees can see “Orfeo ed Euridice,” “Bluebeard’s Castle and Erwartung,” “Rigoletto,” “The Barber of Seville,” and “Werther”.  

Opera members also have access to the Henry N. R. Jackman Lounge, which offers a more intimate pre-show cocktail hour atmosphere. On the opening night, the lounge brings together theatre fans and the cast in one room for a short presentation from the director. 

coc.ca
145 Queen St W | Map link 
Ticket costs vary show-to-show; COC offers a handful of free performances per month. 

COC Ticket offer

Get 15% off tickets this fall with code KTCOC15. Some restrictions apply; the code is valid for 25/26 mainstage performances, expires on December 31, 2025.

Above: Images from the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Canadian Opera Company (COC). The middle is a scene from Romeo and Juliet. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Art Gallery of Ontario

The city’s biggest art gallery, dating back to 1900 and recently renovated with Frank Gehry’s vision. The gallery spans five floors of contemporary and classic art, figurines, and sculptures. Annually, the visitors can access a series of travelling and temporary exhibitions in addition to rotating permanent galleries. 

The gallery hosts a range of events, from social to educational and hands-on adult workshops. On the premises is also the AGO Bistro (ground floor), Espresso Bar (past admission check), and Norma Ridley Members’ Lounge located in the original gallery building, which some say is a little haunted.  

ago.ca
317 Dundas St W, Toronto | Map link 
Admission: Adult $30, youth $15, children under 9 free; Special exhibitions might cost extra.
Free on Wednesday evening. Youth between 14 and 24 can access a free annual pass. 

Images from the Art Gallery of Ontario by Kateryna Topol.

401 Richmond Building

The building is a cultural and art hub in the heart of the city. It is a heritage-designed industrial building housing a handful of public art galleries, artist studios, a bookstore, and a cosy coffee shop. If you visit the city in May, make sure to check out the CONTACT Photography Festival schedule, with art shows happening all across the city. 

401richmond.com
401 Richmond St W | Map link 
Free

Bonus: Keep walking West to get to Toronto’s colourful Graffiti Alley for some sightseeing and photo ops. 

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

The museum is a heritage building spanning exhibitions across 6 floors. In the simplest terms, there is a lot to see at the museum, “18 million artworks, artefacts, and specimens from around the world,” kind of a lot. With some rooms having multiple rows of displays, you can easily spend the entire day at the ROM. The exhibits include permanent collections across ages and special plus travelling exhibitions. 

rom.on.ca
100 Queens Park, Toronto | Map link 
Admission: Adult $25.50, senior $15.50, student and youth $19.25, child $15.50.
Free on the 3rd Tuesday night of every month. Special exhibitions might cost extra.
Included in Toronto CityPASS.

Images from the Royal Ontario Museum by Kateryna Topol.

Gardiner Museum

Located across the street from the ROM, the Gardiner Museum is a smaller museum dedicated to mostly ceramics. The building itself is quite beautiful, with a few outdoor installations and a handful of carefully curated galleries inside. The top floor also houses Clay Restaurant, where the terrace overlooks the ROM. 

gardinermuseum.on.ca
111 Queens Park, Toronto | Map link 
Admission: Adults $15, seniors $11, children under 18 are free.

Ceramics exhibition at the Gardiner Museum; images by Kateryna Topol.

Bata Shoe Museum

As the name suggests, this is a museum dedicated to shoes and their role within history and popular culture. The collection includes 15,000 objects, excluding temporary and travelling exhibitions. The building itself is a work of art, designed by renowned Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama. Much like the rest of the galleries and museums, Bata Shoe also hosts various community events and workshops. 

batashoemuseum.ca
327 Bloor St W, Toronto | Map link 
Admission: By donation. 

On the left, an exhibition at the Bata Shoe Museum. On the right, view from the top of the Baldwin Steps. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Uptown Toronto 

Casa Loma

The castle is a Gothic Revival-style mansion and garden in midtown Toronto, built by Sir Henry Pellatt in 1914. Your self-guided castle tour will lead through historically preserved rooms, a ballroom library, two observation tours, exhibition rooms, horse stables, and a picturesque garden. On-site is also BlueBlood Steakhouse, one of the city’s most romantic restaurants. 

Multiple events are hosted at the castle throughout the year, including Legends of Horror in October, performances and comedy in the garden through the summer, escape rooms, Easter Brunch, and many more. 

casaloma.ca 
1 Austin Terrace, Toronto | Map link 
Admission: Adult $40, youth and seniors $35, children 4-13 $25. All tickets are subject to a $6.67+ fee. 
Included in Toronto CityPASS.

Tip: Walk to the left of the main castle entrance to a pathway to the Baldwin Steps with a wide open view of Downtown Toronto. 

Casa Loma Castle, Toronto. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Museum of Contemporary Art 

More commonly known as MOCA, for many years the Museum of Contemporary Art resided Downtown, but a few years back moved into a bigger space up North. MOCA is an inclusive and inviting contemporary art space on a mission to “rotating exhibitions and programmes that prioritise twenty-first-century artistic production, primarily through commissioning new work”. The museum presents both visual and performative arts, occasionally inviting the public to join in through workshops, seminars, and after-hours parties. 

moca.ca
158 Sterling Rd #100, Toronto | Map link 
Admission: Adults $14, seniors and students $10, children under 18 are free.

Tip: If you’d like to make a day out of this trip, nearby you will also find Bandit Brewery and Henderson Brewing Co, Daniel Faria Gallery, and a short distance away Steadfast Brewing Company, Sounds Good cocktail bar and restaurant (where they spin vinyl), and Tommy’s Wine Bar, set inside an old convenience store.

Toronto Zoo

The zoo, located in the Rouge National Urban Park, is focused on animal conservation and public education. Across the park will find birds, marine and mammal wildlife, and plenty of other species from around the world. From lions and monkeys to armadillos and polar bears, the Zoo has a lot to offer. 

Among various public programs are sleepway youth programs, bush camping, and various (facilitated) animal encounters. Visitors have an option to explore the park on the Zoomobile for an additional $10. 

torontozoo.com
2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto | Map link 
Admissions: Tickets start at $29.20 for adults, $24.82 for seniors, $20.44 for children 3-12. 
Included in Toronto CityPASS.

Aga Khan Museum

The museum is focused on shining a spotlight on Muslim cultures and their connection with the rest of the world. In addition to temporary and travelling exhibitions, the museum houses a collection of over 1,200 beautiful pieces of art and artefacts. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Fumihiko Maki, surrounded by greenery and glass-like pools spread across 17 acres of land. 

On the property is a Diwan restaurant and Courtyard Café, serving Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian cuisines. The restaurant is managed by Chef Mark McEwan and is a local dining destination. 

agakhanmuseum.org
77 Wynford Dr, North York | Map link 
Admissions: Adult $20, senior $15, students $12, children 6-13 $10. 

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

This breathtaking complex includes a first traditional hand-carved Hindu Mandir (Hindu place of worship), Haveli, and the Heritage Museum. The Mandir was constructed in record time of 18 months by over 400 volunteers, but looking at it, one might think it took decades.

The Mandir and the Heritage Museum showcase the history and culture of the Indo-Canadian diaspora. Many festivals and celebrations take place here, but you can also just visit to see the beautiful building. 

baps.org
61 Claireville Dr, Toronto | Map link 
Admission is free; all visitors must cover their shoulders and will be required to take off their shoes.
Visiting hours are irregular to accommodate rituals; make sure to check the schedule. 

Getting to Toronto

If you are landing at the Toronto Pearson Airport, UP Express is the best way to get to Downtown Toronto (25 minutes to Union Station). However, TTC can be a better option if your accommodations are sufficiently North of the lake. 

If you are landing at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Nieuport Aviation offers a regular complimentary shuttle to the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, across from Union Station. 

City cabs, airport limos (by advanced reservation) and rideshare are also available across the city (Uber, Lyft, Hopp).

Rideshare offers 

• Use code ​​JRLQKU to get 60% off on your first ride with Hopp (max $15 per ride). 
• Use code KATERYNA824182 to get 60% off your next two rides with Lyft (max $12 per ride). 

Where to stay in Toronto

* The writer occasionally works for Culinary Adventures Co. 

The post Must-see Toronto attractions appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Note: If you are looking for a ride, TTC streetcars operate along the waterfront from Union Station to Spadina Ave. (510) and Bathurst St. (509). Water taxis are available throughout, ready to take visitors to the Toronto Islands or other corners of the waterfront.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 

1. Walk the boardwalk

The waterfront boardwalk is accessible from the West side of the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. Shaded by trees, it is frequently used by locals for reading and picnics. Nearby in the Harbour Square park, your attention will be immediately drawn to a concrete sphere sculpture, the Sundial Folly. Created by John Fung and Paul Figueiredo in 1995, the structure doesn’t have any real function but offers a unique window view of the lake through the opening in the sphere. 

The boardwalk continues pivoting around the marinas and looping around various attractions and activity stands. This route will take you to all other points of interest on this list with multiple opportunities to spread a picnic blanket in the shade. Along the way, you will also come across three WaveDecks, breaking up the monotony of the sidewalk.

Tip: Make sure to stop for the most Canadian dessert, the BeaverTail.

2. The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery

Canada’s leading contemporary art gallery, the Power Plant, is a local favourite. Throughout the year, the art gallery hosts a range of cultural events, art exhibitions, and learning opportunities. On premises, there is also a gift shop with a great selection of local and international art available for purchase. 

thepowerplant.org
231 Queens Quay W. | Map link
Free entry, check for opening times

3. Have lunch or dinner at Queens Harbour 

A new, 23,000 square foot, dining complex in the heart of Toronto’s waterfront. The restaurant has a wraparound terrace and is divided into two halves. The main dining room is open all day, while the Queens Garden opens after 5 PM on weekdays and 11 AM on weekends. Both areas are beautifully decorated with plenty of greenery and colourful floral motif wallpaper in the hallways. Queens Garden has a retractable roof and spans across two floors, with the upper deck being a mezzanine overlooking the centrepiece bar.

The kitchen is described as a “Chef-driven ‘MediterrAsian’ culinary journey”. The sushi bar in the main dining room pumps out fresh rolls and nilgiris per order. On busy nights, the main kitchen is also divided into two in order to serve the individual sides of the restaurant more efficiently. The main menu has fresh greens, sandwiches, pastas, meaty dishes, and quite a few shareable plates.

queensharbour.ca | Dine-in
245 Queens Quay W. | Map link

Nearby is also Amsterdam Brewery, for those looking for a more casual feel.

Queens Harbour restaurant, Toronto. On the table: Wagyu Sliders and Watermelon and Peach Salad. In the glass: Spicy & Passionate, a signature cocktail with vodka and passion fruit.

4. See what’s on at the Harbourfront Centre

Harbourfront Centre is a charitable not-for-profit cultural organisation spread across a 10-acre campus on Toronto’s central waterfront. The centre offers year-round programming for adults and children, from summer camps to craft to design workshops and public exhibitions, there is a lot to choose from. Throughout the summer months, the Harbourfront outdoor stage is host to regular multicultural performances accompanied by an outdoor market. 

harbourfrontcentre.com
235 Queens Quay W. | Map link 

5. See the waterfront from the lake

An assortment of boat tours and experiences can be accessed directly from the boardwalk. The water tours go around the Toronto Islands, offering a spectacular view of the city skyline. The Tall Ship Kajama, for example, is a traditional 165-foot, three-masted Schooner boat cruise that loops around the outer portion of the islands. Aboard the ship, guests are invited to help with the sails or simply sit back and enjoy a snack and a beverage. Great Lakes Schooner Company and Cruise Toronto also host dinner cruises on Obsession III.

tallshipcruisestoronto.com, reserve online or in-person at the stand
235 Queens Quay W. | Map link 

Further, along the barwalk, a more adult concept is departing from the HTO park, Toronto Palapa Tours. This vessel is a floating tiki hut wrapped around a mobile bar. Enjoy a beverage of your choice while this little boat navigates through the narrow waterways between the islands, offering a close-up of the local wildlife. The sunset tours on Lake Ontario are a really special experience, with the sky changing colours throughout the tour.

torontopalapa.tours, reserve online
319 Queens Quay W. | Map link 

6. Kayak and paddle on Lake Ontario

Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre is where you can find seasonal rentals, lessons, and group excursions. The company has been operating since 1985 and is the leading organisation for waterpots in the city. The paddling route goes into the Islands’ waterways, close to the shores where you can spot blue and green herons, painted turtles, swans, beavers, raccoons, muskrats, and many other birds. 

paddletoronto.com, reserve online or in-person
283 Queens Quay W. | Map link 

7. Take a break in the HTO Park

HTO Park is an urban beach park, sister to Sugar Beach on the East End of the Downtown. The park is divided into East and West. The East side is a sandy stretch of beach dotted with yellow stationary umbrellas and colourful Muskoka chairs. Connecting the boardwalk with the main road are grassy hills shaded by trees. Even in the winter, with the lake frozen over and snow on the ground, the beach maintains a restful atmosphere. HTO Park West is mostly a green park, slightly less crowded than the photogenic umbrellas.

Fun fact: HTO, the name is word play between the chemical element of water, H2O, and the common abbreviation for Toronto, TO.

8. Find live music at the Toronto Music Garden

Set in Toronto’s inner harbour Toronto Music Garden is a small, charming garden inspired by Bach’s First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello. Curving passages of the garden are representative of different parts of Bach’s Suite No. 1, and so naturally, there is also a stage. In the summer, Harbourfront Centre hosts music in the garden, bringing together local communities and award-winning musicians in this intimate public space. The garden is quite large, with a beautiful gazebo stage and a large willow at the foot of the hill. Wildlife flocks into the greenery with monarch butterflies hovering over flowering plants well into the fall.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is on the island across the water, so time permitting, you can sit on the bench and watch planes take off and land at the city airport.

Where to stay in Toronto

The post 8 things to do at the Toronto waterfront appeared first on Paths to Travel.

The national finals and international finals are a multi-day competition, culminating with the final challenge during which the winner is named in real time. The winning bartender becomes the face of World Class, travelling the world for international competitions as a judge and hosting pop-up events and learning sessions for the international bar community. Needless to say, the competition is not for amateurs. Bartenders train for months in advance and often enter multiple years in a row for a chance at the title. In 2024, Keegan McGregor from Halifax took the global title; the year before, Jacob Martin from Toronto went all the way on his first try.

The final challenge, even on the national scale, is a huge celebration. Friends, family, and the public are invited to witness the competition rounds in person while sipping cocktails created by previous years’ winners. “World Class celebrates innovation, craftsmanship, and the extraordinary talent that shapes the global bartending community,” commented Michael Armistead, Diageo Canada’s National Reserve and Sponsorship Manager. “Every year, we are thrilled to contribute to the evolution of cocktail culture and hospitality in Canada, creating memorable experiences for guests,” he added.

For the first time in the history of competition, Global World Class Finals are coming to Canada. The events will take place from September 28th to October 2nd in Toronto, welcoming 56 global finalists and over 1,000 international guests. To kickstart the celebration, multiple venues across Canada have added cocktail creations from past global and national winners to their menus in a month-long celebration called World Class Cocktail Festival. Throughout the competition week, industry members will also have access to The Industry Forum on September 29 and a series of cocktail labs on September 28th and October 2nd.

Diageo World Class Canadian winners: Kaitlyn Stewart (2017, middle image), James Grant (2021, middle image). Jacob Martin (2023, on the left) and Keegan McGregor (2024, on the right). Image courtesy of CNW Group/Diageo.

World Class Cocktail Festival

World Class Cocktail Festival is taking place from August 16th to October 3rd across Canada. Participating bars are spread across Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Whistler, Penticton, Halifax, Toronto, Montréal, and Saskatoon. As host city, Toronto will welcome guest shifts by the world’s best bartenders across its best bars, host special events, and offer drink experiences. Start dates vary per location.

See the map of all participating cocktail festival venues coast to coast across Canada.

Consumer events & Pop-up bars

Ketel One After Dark
September 27 to October 1
Dineen Coffee Co., 140 Yonge St, Toronto
Featuring Benja Padron Novoa, Lorenzo Antorini, Kate Boushel, Jimmy Greek
Tickets & reservations

For 5 nights only, Ketel One After Dark unites the baristas from Dineen Coffee Co. and globally acclaimed bartenders to create the perfect cocktail. The immersive after-hours cocktail event spotlights their expertise and craft to serve up the most incredible Espresso Martinis that Toronto has ever seen. A dynamic and interactive celebration that will show the art and dedication behind each serve.

Don Julio 1942 Mini Bar Speakeasy Experience
September 28 to October 1
NOBU, 25 Mercer St., Toronto
Featuring Israel Baron
Tickets & reservations

This exclusive event invites guests to an intimate mini bar designed for two, hidden within NOBU’s luxurious ambience. Here, guests will witness the mastery of Israel Baron, Mexico’s World Class cocktail competition winner, as he crafts bespoke cocktails using Don Julio 1942 minis. Complementing this journey is a choice of gourmet appetisers from NOBU’s renowned menu, curated to enhance each moment of indulgence.

Guest shifts in bars across Canada

World Class Labs

Born to Ferment: An engaging session led by renowned mixologists, Massimo Zitti and Erik Lorincz. This lab will explore the application of fermentation techniques in a drink program, Lacto-fermentation vs Forced fermentation vs Symbiotic fermentation, and the sustainable aspects of fermentation.
Sunday, September 28th, 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Mother Cocktail Bar – 874 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
Tickets

The Art of Distillation: An insightful session featuring Massimo Zitti, Eric van Beek, and a Buchi Engineer. This lab will delve into how the Buchi Roto Evaporator works and how it can significantly contribute to a cocktail program.
Sunday, September 28th, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Mother Cocktail Bar – 874 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
Tickets

The Art of No & Low: Presented by Seedlip and led by industry experts, Kaitlyn Stewart and Christina Veira. This lab will discuss the change in consumer behaviour with the rise of moderation, how to craft balanced & flavourful No & Low cocktails, and the benefits of elevated No & Low cocktails.
Sunday, September 28th, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Civil Works – 50 Brant St, Toronto, ON
Tickets

Iconic Martinis: The Tomatini, the Espresso Martini, & the Filthy Martini. This lab will feature Dennis Tamse and Lorenzo Antinori as they discuss the techniques and the stories behind these three iconic cocktails.
Thursday, October 2nd, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Civil Works – 50 Brant St, Toronto, ON
Tickets

Water – A Deep Dive: Join Dr. Emma Walker, Tim Philips-Johansson, and Nick Kennedy for an exploration of how Scotland’s diverse waters, and unique habitats influence the flavor profiles in Johnny Walker Blue Label through tastings with three different waters.
Thursday, October 2nd, 12:15 PM – 1:45 PM
Civil Works – 50 Brant St, Toronto, ON
Tickets

Layers of Harmony: Lorena Vasquez and Vanessa Leon will lead attendees through a series of curated pairings using Ron Zacapa, exploring the principles behind certain combinations and how to translate these ingsights into cocktail & culinary design.
Thursday, October 2nd, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Civil Works – 50 Brant St, Toronto, ON
Tickets

Competition events

Over the course of the week, competitors will be pushed to demonstrate precision, creativity, and storytelling, all while showcasing their mastery of iconic Diageo Reserve brands such as Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, Ketel One, and Tanqueray No. TEN. The competition challenges can be gruelling and often take place behind closed doors or by invitation only.

Tuesday, September 30th

• Hop Scotch challenge with Johnnie Walker Black Label. The competitors are tasked with re-imagining a classic cocktail through the transformative power of scotch with a three-serve menu: one long drink, one short serve, and a one straight-up cocktail.
• Modern Icon challenge with Tanqueray No. TEN. The task is to create a brand-new modern classic, taking inspiration from a golden moment in history, something that brings a smile or something that has changed the world for the better.
• Digital Galeria challenge with Don Julio 1942. Bartenders are challenged to create a drink that represents their personal artwork. Judges, finalists, and guests will come together to enjoy mini 1942 cocktails inspired by the bartenders’ interpretation of personalised AI-generated artworks.

Wednesday, October 1st

• The Sensory Sessions with The Singleton of Dufftown 21-Year-Old. Multisensory cocktail experience where music and mixology converge to create unforgettable moments. Competitors will design a custom record sleeve, press a track and pair it with a signature Singletong cocktail.
• Farmhouse challenge with Ketel One. This is a secret challenge, but historically, Ketel One challenges have a sustainable component.

The top 10 finalists will be announced at the end of the day.

Thursday, October 2nd

• Semi-final: Top 10 challenge
• Final: Top 3 challenge. This event will be livestreamed on the World Class YouTube channel from 19:30 EDT. Follow @worldclass and @worldclasscanada for updates.

The global winner is announced at the end of the day. Surrounded by their friends and family, the winner will step into their new role showered with cheers, confetti, and champagne.

The post Everything you need to know about the Diageo Global World Class Finals in Toronto appeared first on Paths to Travel.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
The experience was gifted to me by Tinggly.

Tinggly is a company built specifically for experience gifting and their range of offers spans across the world. The process is very simple:

• Choose and purchase a gift box
• The box gets delivered to the recipient
• They pick one of over 2000 experiences around the world and actually do it, IRL and all

So what could you do or give as an experience you might wonder? Anything! For example, a Bucketlist box ($239) includes 700+ experiences across 100 countries.

Money spent on experiential purchases tends to provide more happiness than having material stuff.

~ Cornell University Study (2021)

For my experience, I chose Aerial Tour of Toronto with iflyTOTO. After many pandemic-related rebookings, we were finally able to make our way to Buttonville airport this week. The original tour was meant to be with a small group of people on a bigger plane. But during one of the many calls iflyTOTO team kindly upgraded us to a private tour. I think they felt bad for me because of all the local cancellations.

Note: You can, of course, book this tour with iflyTOTO. In addition to the cost of the experience for this specific activity, there was also a fuel charge of $90. Upgrade that experience to the Toronto Aerial Tour with Niagara Winery Tasting Tour with iflyTOTO for that very special day.

As we approached the tiny aeroplane, a small wave of doubt passed through my partner’s face, wondering if he would fit inside. Being a tall man he worries, but he fits in comfortably. I take the seat at the front next to the pilot for a better view and to give B more room in the back. In a timely fashion, we taxied along runway 33, behind another small plane. As our tern approached we promptly took off into the blue sky.

For the next 30 minutes or so our pilot took us toward the waterfront, sharing minor commentary and answering questions. We did a few laps around downtown before going back to Buttonville a different way. The new direction showcased more of the city’s east-end waterfront.

It was pretty amazing to be soaring over Toronto, looking down at the city from a birds-eye, spotting our homes, and notable buildings, and seeing the city’s architecture from a new angle. “Well this is certainly a new angle on the CN Tower,” I hear B in my headphones, commenting on seeing the tower from above, “don’t know if I’ll ever see it like that again” he murmured. 

As my ears began popping on takeoff a small wave of fear began to fill my floating body, but a short internal dialogue convinced me that everything is totally fine, I’d flown before, and the man behind this “wheel” had flown commercial aeroplanes, I am in safe hands, free to enjoy the view. 

In retrospect, as we laughed a few hours later over dinner, it was a little scary to be basically sitting in a chair, coasting with the wind over the city on the tiniest plane I’ve ever been on. It is a unique experience and one that was much needed after this very long lockdown.

I stand by my earliest statement: experiences make fantastic gifts; I am looking forward to continuing giving them and hopefully receiving many myself .

If you go: The GPS may get confusing close to the airport if following the provided address, instead, key in “Million-Air” and that should take you to the right place. 

A few notes on the sustainability of experience gifting 

On an environmental note, Tinggly works hard on being a fully sustainable experience company, and among their many commitments is offsetting the footprint the experiences can make, for example: for every Tinggly experience gift box purchased Tinggly promises to remove 11lbs (5kg) of plastics from the environment – which is pretty awesome. And yes, all of the boxes are made from 100% recycled and recyclable packaging using planet-friendly inks.

The post The Experience: Seeing Toronto from new angles with Tinggly and iFlyTOTO appeared first on Paths to Travel.