Travel Guide: Toronto, Canada

While Ottawa is the elected capital of Canada – a decision made by Queen Victoria in 1857 – it’s Toronto that’s the capital of Ontario, the province both cities occupy

A mix of green space and skyscrapers, it’s a popular business and leisure destination with literally unmissable attractions (we’re looking at you, CN Tower), as well as boho backdrops lined with coffee shops and elegant luxury hotels.

Star attraction: The CN Tower
Stretching a whopping 553m high, Toronto’s most iconic structure was the tallest free-standing building in the world until the Burj Khalifa came along. Today you can experience it in a number of ways, either by checking out the glass-enclosed ‘SkyPod’ for compelling views over the city, dining at the 360 Restaurant – set on a revolving platform – or getting intrepid with EdgeWalk, which has you harnessed up to circumvent an outdoor platform 365m above the ground.
cntower.ca

We love: Kensington Market
Eclectic boutiques and indie eateries aren’t hard to come by in Toronto, with the much-lauded Distillery District boasting both in equal measure. But for an alternative, look to this bohemian neighbourhood, where colourful Victorian houses have been turned into trendy bars, cafes and one-off shops, with vintage clothes and weathered books spilling into flower-filled gardens.
kensington-market.ca

Make time for: Lake Ontario
Toronto’s waterfront is well worth a visit with art galleries, beaches and marinas scattering the shores of this glittering stretch of blue. For one of the best ways of taking it all in, suggest a boat trip; Mariposa Cruises offers lunch and dinner cruises as well as standard harbour trips, taking passengers out to explore the grassy islands that stud these mirror-flat waters as the city skyline fades away.
hornblower.com/toronto

Where to stay: Chelsea Hotel
With 1,500 rooms spread across 26 floors, this is Canada’s largest hotel – and one of its best-located, set just off Yonge Street in the heart of Downtown, close to the renowned Eaton Centre shopping mall. It’s family-friendly and has a kids’ centre, indoor pool, health club, restaurant and cocktail bar among its draws, plus spacious, contemporary rooms with twinkling city views.
chelseatoronto.com

Excursion: Niagara-on-the-Lake
If clients are already heading out to Niagara Falls, suggest tagging on a visit to this postcard-pretty, flower-filled town set at the mouth of the Niagara River. Boutique shops in old Victorian buildings line its tree-fringed streets, while vineyards scatter the surrounding area – many of them offering guided tours and a chance to sample sweet ice wines, Rieslings and other vintages in idyllic emerald surrounds.
niagaraonthelake.com