Toronto holidays

Toronto takes its place on the shores of Lake Ontario, so it’s got a few options up its sleeve – both on and off the mainland – when it comes to beach days. Some of the best spots are on Toronto Island Park which is just a quick ferry ride from the city’s harbour, while others sit on the mainland a short drive from the centre.

Centre Island is the biggest of the 15 islands that make up the Toronto Islands archipelago, and it flaunts one of the most popular swathes, too. Centre Island Beach is a top pick for families, with a kids’ waterpark, an outdoor maze and an amusement park all part of the seaside scene.

Rouge Beach is one of the island’s lesser-trodden swathes. You’re looking at around a 45-minute drive from downtown, but it’s well worth it if you’re after a beach without the buzz. It sits next to a marsh where you can practice your paddleboarding skills, or you can check out the local wildlife scene while on a kayak.

St Lawrence Market is the best place to begin your bargain hunt in Toronto. It’s earnt its name as one of the city’s best markets, having first opened its doors back in the early 19th century. Locals tend to pick up fresh meat and veg here, but there are plenty of spots offering street-food picks, too.

The Eaton Centre headlines the shopping scene in Toronto, with more than 200 stores to its name. There’s a mixed bag of shops here, with local and international names both getting a look-in. They’re joined by more than 30 food outlets, so there’s a list of options for lunch, too.

Bloor-Yorkville – dubbed as Toronto’s Fifth Avenue – is the place to hit for high-end buys. The likes of Tiffany, Gucci and Chanel all have a home for themselves along here, so you know you’re in the right spot for luxe buys.

Little Italy’s laidback bars are a top spot for low-key nights out. Trendy cocktail bars are this place’s bread and butter, with many serving snacks and nibbles to go with your tipples.

If rooftop bars and stylish lounges are the base for your big nights out, the King West district has your name all over it. This place was once packed with warehouses, but these days its industrial image has been replaced by nightclubs and bars, which stay open until the early hours.

This simple dish makes for a popular pick with locals and tourists alike. Slices of bacon are grilled before they’re stuffed inside a soft bun. You can opt to eat it plain, or with a squeeze of mustard.

This thing is Canada’s take on the Bloody Mary – it’s made with clam-infused tomato juice, hot sauce, Worcester sauce and vodka. It’s added to a tall glass with ice, with a lime wedge and celery stick to garnish.

This combo may sound a little out there, but it’s one of the city’s staples – so, in our books, it’s well worth a try. Fried rice creates the base of the pizza, with layers of sliced avocado, salmon, tuna or crab on top. Mayonnaise mixed with wasabi adds a kick and pickled ginger’s usually served alongside.

These things originated in Ontario back in the early 20th century. Flaky pastry is filled with butter, sugar, egg and syrup and baked until the filling goes gooey inside and crunchy on top.

While you might struggle to find yourself a bag of these back home, they’re a cert on shelves in shops across Canada. They make for a great snack while you’re on the go, or you can try them out as a topper on mac and cheese.