BEST MONTH TO TRAVEL: September to November
COUNTRY TO VISIT: Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over 9.98 million square kilometers (3.85 million square miles), making it the world’s second-largest country by total area. Its southern and western border with the United States, stretching 8,891 kilometers (5,525 mi), is the world’s longest binational land border. Canada’s capital is Ottawa, and its three largest metropolitan areas are Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Canada is a country filled with famous landmarks, historical wonders, delicious food, incredible culture, and all the outdoor exploration you could want. From city adventures in Quebec and Vancouver to the well-known Rocky Mountains, Canada has so many amazing destinations that it’ll be hard to choose. Canada is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy in the Westminster tradition.
CITY – (ONTARIO / TORONTO)
Toronto, the capital of the province of Ontario, is a major Canadian city along Lake Ontario’s northwestern shore. It’s a dynamic metropolis with a core of soaring skyscrapers, all dwarfed by the iconic, free-standing CN Tower. Toronto also has many green spaces, from the orderly oval of Queen’s Park to 400-acre High Park and its trails, sports facilities and zoo. Toronto is known for its many skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, in particular the tallest free-standing structure on land in the Western Hemisphere, the CN Tower. The Toronto Islands were not always islands. Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run here. It’s the only city in Canada with seven major-league sports teams.
HOTELS
THE RITZ – CARLTON
The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto embraces the cosmopolitan edge of the city alongside its luxury heritage to offer an elegant escape in the heart of downtown. Here, guests can explore traditional Italian cuisine and Canada’s only hotel-based cheese cave, be pampered at Spa My Blend by Clarins and enjoy locally inspired experiences in the Club Lounge. Toronto’s biggest attractions, from professional sports to the CN Tower, await just outside.
THE RITZ – CARLTON SUITE
Separate dining room that seats eight with adjacent pantry with private service entrance. Spacious living room with welcoming entry foyer and powder room. Fitness area with Peloton® exercise bike, Expansive luxury bathroom with stand-alone soaker tub and Portuguese Estremoz marble stone walls.
FOUR SEASONS
A warm welcome framed by spacious, modern design awaits you in the heart of Toronto’s historic Yorkville neighbourhood. Enjoy authentic French cuisine paired with one of our 350 wine labels at Café Boulud, and specialty craft cocktails at our spirited lobby lounge and bar. Enjoy the serenity of the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rated Spa in Toronto, or step out and explore the vibrant character of Toronto’s most glamorous shopping and restaurant district.
ROYAL SUITE
One-bedroom: One king bed; Two-bedroom: Two king beds; Three-bedroom: Two king beds and two double beds, Cribs in king-bedded rooms; rollaway or crib in double-bedded room (by request). One-bedroom: 2 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child; Two-bedroom: 4 adults, or 2 adults and 2 children; Three-bedroom: 6 adults, or 4 adults and 4 children. One-bedroom: 245 m2 (2,635 sq.ft.); Two-bedroom: 307 m2 (3,305 sq.ft.); Three-bedroom: 355 m2 (3,820 sq.ft.). 21st floor.
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FAIRMOUNT ROYAL YORK
A million stories – One Fairmont Royal York. Toronto’s landmark hotel is the gateway to your essential Toronto experience. Located in the downtown core, Fairmont Royal York is minutes from the city’s biggest events and attractions including: The CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Scotiabank Arena, Rogers Centre, the Eaton Centre, and Meridian Hall performing arts venue.
ROYAL SUITE
Fairmont Gold Studio Suites feature an open concept living and sleeping area that is characterized by a high-end residence-style aesthetic. From the sumptuous furnishings to the art-deco accents, every detail of these suites reveal a story that is timeless and unforgettable. Studio suites include a home theatre; SoniCast for online streaming; marble bathrooms with luxury walk-in shower; and a full range of Le Labo bath amenities. Guests staying on Fairmont Gold have exclusive access to the Fairmont Gold lounge located on the 18th floor, where a full breakfast buffet is served each morning and canapes and hors d’oeuvres are served in the evening.
ACTIVITIES / SITE SEEING
NIAGRA FALLS – 80 MILES FROM TORONTO
Niagara Falls is a geological wonder and one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. Straddling the border between the United States and Canada, it has been a popular tourist attraction for over 200 years, as well as a major source of hydroelectric power. Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls at the southern end of Niagara Gorge, spanning the border between the province of Ontario in Canada and the state of New York in the United States. The largest of the three is Horseshoe Falls, which straddles the international border of the two countries.
TORONTO ISLAND PARK
The Toronto Islands are a chain of 15 small islands in Lake Ontario, south of mainland Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Comprising the only group of islands in the western part of Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands are located just offshore from the city’s downtown area, provide shelter for Toronto Harbor, and separate Toronto from the rest of Lake Ontario. The islands are home to the Toronto Island Park, the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, several private yacht clubs, a public marina, Centreville Amusement Park, a year-round residential neighborhood, and several public beaches. The island community is the largest urban car-free community in North America. Public ferries operate year-round from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, and privately operated water taxis operate from May to September. A pedestrian tunnel connects the mainland to the airport.
KENSINGTON MARKET FOR INTERNATIONAL FOOD & COOL PHOTOS
Kensington Market is an open-air food and clothing market in downtown Toronto. This multicultural marketplace is known for its independent spirit, colorful shop fronts, vibrant murals, charismatic locals and people-friendly Pedestrian Sundays events.
SEWERS OF TORONTO
The sewers of Toronto are a fascinating place to explore as far as sewers go. They are a huge, well-preserved, well-maintained historic landmark. This secret underworld has tunnel after tunnel, each with its own story. The sewers cannot be explored without a guide, but tours are available through Top Dog Tours.
BUYING BEST SOUVENIRS IN TORONTO
HANDMADE ORGANIC SOAP
Handmade organic soap is a great gift for yourself or as a gift for a loved one. They are reasonably priced and easy to put in your bag while traveling. Toronto and Canada are a land of artisans, people love to make things from handicrafts and art to indigenous crafts and creations.
LOCAL MAPLE SYRUP
Locally made maple syrup is not hard to find. Most grocery stores deliver locally made syrup, and a visit to any of the city’s gift shops should show off great flavours in decorative bottles that you can keep later. The small bottle of maple syrup is a great gift or delicious treat for yourself.
CANADIAN CLUB WHISKEY
Canadian Club whiskey is the best whiskey produced locally in Canada. With a history of more than 100 years, the Canadian Club is made in Windsor, near Toronto, and has been the main brand of whiskey for generations. It was the only North American spirit to receive royal orders from several rulers, Queen Victoria II. To Elizabeth, and during the American ban, Al Capone smuggled thousands of cases from Windsor to Detroit. The price of these best things to buy in Toronto is different due to the period of storage.
CANADIAN CHOCOLATE
Canadian chocolate is different from American chocolate. Found in household brands like Wunderbar and Caramilk, Canadian chocolate has a sweeter, creamier texture than American chocolate. He even finds that the Canadian versions of American chocolate brands, such as Kit Kat and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, also have a unique taste as they are made in Canada. On your trip to Toronto, pick up some Canadian chocolates to taste the difference and enjoy a little creamy chocolate when you get home.
TRADITIONAL CUISINE
TOURTIÈRE
Tourtière is a traditional French-Canadian spiced meat pie that is often prepared between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but since it is so savory and fragrant, it doesn’t stay on the menu for too long. Usually made with pork, it sometimes also includes beef for a different texture and flavor.
BUTTER TARTS
Butter tart is a humble food that achieved iconic status in early 20th-century Canada. The filling is traditionally made with a combination of walnuts, eggs, brown sugar, butter, and white vinegar, and it’s then placed into small, flaky, deep or shallow tart shells before baking.
POUTINE
Even though its name stems from the French boudin—a word that usually refers to the pudding-like fillings of sausages—this soppy treat originating from the French Canadian province of Quebec consists of french fries drowned in a thick, brown gravy dotted with clumps of pale, soft, semi-creamy cheese curds.
PANCAKES WITH MAPLE SYRUP
Pancakes are traditionally consumed across North America and Canada, made from a starchy batter, eggs, milk, and butter. Their origin is probably German, with the traditional Pfannkuchen recipe being brought by German immigrants who settled in the United States in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
COVID TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Canadian authorities on Friday further relaxed Covid-related travel requirements for passengers, including those from India, like dropping the need to provide a quarantine plan or having to remain masked in public places for a period of 14 days after arrival. However, federal authorities have not removed the mask mandate. “All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, must also continue to wear a mask throughout their entire travel journey,” a statement issued by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) said. Fully vaccinated travelers coming to Canada will no longer have to monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms; quarantine if another traveler in the same travel group exhibits signs, symptoms, or tests positive; or maintain a list of close contacts and locations visited.
