The pandemic has changed the face of travel for most of us over the past one and a half years, and if you’re anything like me, you miss it desperately. Many people have been turning to staycations to get them through these times, and it’s a great way to explore your own area. Have you ever been a tourist in your own city? Well, this is your chance!
I started to get cabin fever a few months ago, a year of working from home and always been home was really wearing me down, so a friend and I decided to escape downtown for a night, and treat ourselves and it was so much fun! It definitely provided me with the break away from my apartment that I so desperately needed. If you are in need of an escape, and are ready to be a tourist in Toronto, then read on!
If you enjoy being in the thick of the action, and love people watching, then the Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel is for you. This is a luxury hotel in the heart of Yorkville, offering an elegant interior, an indoor pool, a spa, and a fabulous restaurant and vodka bar. The hotel is deluxe and it feels so elegant as soon as you step into the lobby. Our room was bright, spacious and very welcoming. The hotel is situated on the renowned Mink Mile, so if shopping in the likes of Louis Vuitton is your jam, you will love this location.
Once you step out of the hotel, if the designer stores aren’t calling you too, then go into the Yorkville area and grab a drink on one of the many patios. If it’s a hot day, then get yourself to Punto Gelato. Honestly their gelato won’t disappoint. If you’re in the mood for something a bit fancier than Gelato, then I highly recommend a visit to Cafe Bora. Cafe Bora is a Korean cafe specializing in Bingsu and other Korean desserts. Their shaved ice cream and ice cream is made from purple sweet potato, and it is so delicious, it’s a real treat and definitely a must when in Yorkville.
You have so many patios to choose from in the area, but I definitely recommend Eataly if you want to grab an Aperol Spritz and pretend you are in Italy. Bar Reyna is another favourite located in Yorkville. They have the cutest back patio space and their cocktails and food are really good. After you’ve wined and dined, you might be interested in visiting the ROM, which is basically outside the hotel door. Now that things are mostly re-opened in Toronto, the ROM is welcoming visitors back again and they have a great exhibition that’s running until March 2022 – Great Whales Up Close and Personal. I definitely want to check that out myself!
After your day of being a tourist, I’m sure you will have worked up an appetite, so why not done in the restaurant at the hotel, it’s called Proof Bar and Patio and you won’t be disappointed. We had an amazing charcuterie board to start and we enjoyed it so much. Everything there was great; the food, the service and the ambience. Their patio is nice an quite and secluded and it’s a great oasis just steps away from the buzz of Bloor Street.
If you need a getaway, or are just in need of a change of scenery like me, then playing tourist in your own city can be really fun. We often overlook our own city as a fun place offering an escape from day to day life, but this made me realize that even though I’ve lived in Toronto for 7 years, there are always new places to explore!
Enjoy! Until next time 🙂
