It’s been quite some time since I’ve posted about my adventures as I travel the world doing fun things. I’ve come to realize that the thing I love most about my adventures is sharing useful information. My family and I returned from Toronto at the end of July and this trip did not disappoint us!
Where To Stay?
First thing to note is that we stayed in the Sheraton Centre Toronto, which is the perfect location for navigating around Toronto. The hotel is a 15 minutes walk to everywhere.
Visitors have the option to upgrade to the club-level rooms, which includes access to the Sheraton Club – billed as an upscale lounge on the 43rd floor of the hotel. It features complementary buffet breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres 7 days a week. For approximately $75USD per night, this upgrade may be an attractive option for large families with lots of mouths to feed, but we didn’t find the value as Angelo and the kids didn’t enjoy the food options. The lounge serves Starbucks coffee (I definitely maxed out on that!) and snacks throughout the day. There is a cash bar, as well as office equipment and space for meetings for business travelers.
Where To Eat?
Assembly Chef’s Hall
The Assembly Chef’s Hall was our go to lunch/dinner spot for the trip. The hall is an open eatery featuring cuisine from 17 of Toronto’s best chefs. The first meal I enjoyed was the mushroom gnocchi from Resto Boemo. Made with button and oyster mushrooms in a cream sauce, the thing that makes this gnocchi unique is that it is made from ricotta cheese instead of the traditional potato. The right amount of truffle oil and garlic set this dish on fire! I highly recommend checking this place out, as well as the steak or fish tacos from Calibri and the smoked turkey and brisket from Cherry Street Bar-B-Que. You will not be disappointed!
The Keg
The Keg is a Canada-based steakhouse chain with a few locations in the United States. The restaurant features staple steakhouse fare, but is currently serving their Lobster Summer menu. Our server accommodated us in every way, in particular by allowing us to substitute sides and add sauces to our meal. I thoroughly enjoyed the hot towel brought to our table to clean our butter soaked fingers.
360 Restaurant at CN Tower
Want a stunning view of Toronto from over 3,000 feet in the air? Well hold on to your dinner as you dine at the 360 Restaurant at the CN Tower. This restaurant is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food was okay, but the view makes up for everything.
What To Do?
Big 3
Our first destination was to the Scotiabank Arena for the Big 3 game. In case you don’t know, the Big 3 is a 3-on-3 basketball league featuring mostly retired NBA professionals as players and coaches.
Cineplex Cinemas
Our trip coincided with the release of Mission: Impossible Fallout and there’s nothing better than watching an action packed movie in a 4DX theater. We ventured over to the Cineplex Cinemas in the Yonge-Dundas Square (referred to as Toronto’s Times Square).
This cinemas is Canada’s only 4DX theater in which moviegoers experience movies as if they are on the screen. From water sprays, seat vibrations, and puffs of air to the back of your head, you will enjoy this unique movie experience every time. By the way….the movie was awesome!
Go Tours Canada Segway
One way my family and I get to know a city is through segway tours (we’re on number 6 right now!). We found a great deal for Go Tours Canada on Groupon. Our tour guide, Michelle, highlighted the history of Canada and the Distillery District – everything from the Gooderham family tragedy to the historical preservation and revitalization of the buildings in this area.
Toronto Waterfront and Tall Ship Kajama
Toronto’s Waterfront is a busy, buzzing area full of activities, eateries, and art. It is walking distance from many downtown Toronto hotels, as well as easily accessible by public transportation. As with most things in Toronto, there is a story and history to be found. And that fact was evident on our cruise down Lake Ontario aboard the Tall Ship Kajama as we learned the history behind this ship.
Toronto is a multi-cultural city with lots to do for a variety of interests. If you want a quick trip from the Northeast (90 minutes from BWI airport), add Toronto to your list of places to travel.
The Adventures of Marni 