As the temperatures rise, we once again start thinking of our beloved summer vacations. We think of faraway places where we can discover the new and experience something different. First we must decide when and where to go, then how to get there and how much it will cost? It could take months of preparation and thousands of dollars, never mind the hassles of flying, jet lag, and delays. Now what if this same experience could be found in your own city?
Trip Atlas has scoured the streets of Toronto to come up with our very own Top 10 Staycation ideas. Leave the worries and hassles of travel aside, and take time to enjoy what your hometown has to offer. Be a tourist in your own city.
- Sports – for the sports enthusiast in you, a great afternoon out is a day at the ballpark with the hometown Blue Jays. This is still one of the least expensive professional sports games to attend. For something unique, check out Toronto Roller Derby, the largest flat-track derby league in Canada. Final games happen during the month of June. Those seeking something more active should check out the Great Urban Race and the Mitsubishi City Chase. These participatory urban adventures provide both mental and physical challenges while discovering the city in an exciting way. www.torontorollerderby.com, http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com, www.mitsubishicitychase.com, www.greaturbanrace.com
- Education – the best way to explore a city is to walk, and if you add an enthusiastic local to the mix you’ll discover so much more. Tap into TO! is an international program that matches up local greeters with visitors who want to learn more on specific areas or topics. This free program is fairly flexible, and operates on a request basis. For a more organized tour try Genova Tours to discover Toronto’s Jewish history or haunted past, led by historian and storyteller Bill Genova. A Taste of the World offers a wide assortment of ethnic food related tours, a walk in the footsteps of Charles Dickens, and gaslight strolls. www.torontowalksbikes.com, www.genovatours.com, www.toronto.ca/tapto
- Discovery – visit the birthplace of Toronto at Fort York, and hear the stories of how it all began back in late 18th century. Enjoy an evening of Canuck-comedy at the infamous Second City, where aspiring comedians climb their way up to stardom. Shows change ever few months, and dinner packages make a complete evening out. The recently opened Evergreen Brick Works has quickly become a hotspot of culture for families, artists, and green thumbs. Check out the weekend Farmer’s Market for fresh meats, produce, and specialty items. – www.secondcity.com, http://ebw.evergreen.ca, www.fortyork.ca
- Transportation – Toronto has the advantage of being fairly flat, which makes walking a pleasurable option for sightseeing. For longer jaunts or a different experience, pick up a TTC Day Pass that allows up to two adults and four children unlimited travel for $10.00. That includes buses, subways, and the city’s famous streetcars. Those a bit more adventurous may want to try out the new Bixi bike-sharing program. A $5.00 rental fee allows unlimited 30-minute rides over a 24-hour period. Catch one of the Toronto Islands ferries across Lake Ontario and spend the day frolicking between Wards Island, Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point. Your $6.50 return fare let’s you explore a plethora of activities, and enjoy the best views of the downtown skyline. www.ttc.ca, www.toronto.bixi.com, www.toronto.ca/parks/island
- Culture – Toronto is known for being one of the most cosmopolitan in the world, with vibrant neighbourhoods and tantalizing treats. Shop for spices and sarongs at the Gerrard India Bazaar in Little India, pick up fresh spanakopita and relax on a patio in Greek Town, or discover the charms of old Europe in Roncesvalles Village. There are plenty of other areas to discover each with their own distinct feel, making the dream of travelling the world in a day, a reality. www.gerrardindiabazaar.com, www.greektowntoronto.com, www.roncesvallesvillage.ca
- Festivals – summer would not be complete without street festivals. The Toronto Jazz Festival is celebrating 25 years with performances by Aretha Franklin, Bootsy Collins, and The Roots. Summerlicious offers an opportunity to sample hundreds of restaurants offering prix-fixe menus over a two-week period in July. The TIFF Bell Lightbox is less than a year old and already has developed into a destination for film buffs. The facility offers plenty of free programming, special screenings and exhibitions, and a children’s summer camp program. – www.toronto.ca/summerlicious, www.torontojazz.com, www.tiff.net/tiffbellightbox
- Adventure – The new CN Tower Edge Walk opens in August and provides thrill-seekers with an opportunity to the experience the world’s highest full circle hands-free walk 356m above the ground on a 1.5m wide ledge. Joyride is Canada’s first all-season multi-discipline indoor bike park. From beginners to experts, this biking playground is like no other. Canada’s Wonderland still reigns as the largest amusement theme park in the vicinity, located just north of the city boundaries. From roller coasters to rock and roll, it’s all here for one admission price. www.joyride150.com, www.edgewalkcntower.ca, www.canadaswonderland.com
- Dining – when hunger hits, it’s time to top the tummy up. Why not keep the fun going and experience something different while enjoying your meal? O’Noir is Toronto’s only “dine in the dark” restaurant, where patrons are served by blind staff in complete darkness. The Real Sports Bar and Grill can accommodate nearly 1,000 patrons for dinner and drinks, while surrounded by over one hundred television screens, the largest being two-stories high. The food menu is upscale pub grub, and the eclectic drink menu has a quirky Canadiana twist. Famous PEOPLE Players Dine and Dream Theatre is Canada’s internationally renowned black light theatre company where children and adults alike can experience dazzling world-class artistry through a feast of all the five senses. www.onoir.com, www.realsports.ca/bar, www.fpp.org
- Libations – after working up a thirst from sightseeing, why not take in some local entrepreneurial spirits. Vineyard Estate Wines flagship store located on Queen’s Quay West offers a large collection of VQA vintage blends, premium ice wines, and a smart selection of accessories. Ontario Spring Water Sake Company is eastern North America’s first sake brewery. Located in the historic Distillery District, guests can sample both pasteurized and unpasteurized sake made right on the premises, then purchase a bottle for later consumption. The Old Toronto Beer Tour is a full day of drinking and discovery, with visits to the top microbreweries in the city. Learn all there is to know about Canada’s beverage of choice! www.beerloverstour.com, www.ontariosake.com, www.vineyardsestatewines.com
- Shut Eye – book more than a bed when deciding on a place of rest. The Drake Hotel is a thriving sanctuary of culture, making it the destination of choice for creative types. Friendly staff, great food, and funky amenities make up for the small-sized rooms. The recently opened Thompson Hotel is a modern abode with spacious rooms, fantastic dining options, rooftop infinity pool, and amazing city views. The guest-only top floor lounge with wrap around patio is worth checking out even just for its exclusivity access. For a more serene, and affordable experience, check out the Annex Quest House located right on the Bloor Street subway line. It’s a Victorian Century home transformed into a South-Asian style oasis, following the principles of the design science called Vastu. www.thedrakehotel.ca, www.thompsonhotels.com, www.annexquesthouse.com
Don’t forget to visit Tourism Toronto for all your planning needs.
Oh yeah, real tourists are always welcome to enjoy our city secrets as well!