If you have time for a day trip while in Toronto, I highly recommend the McMichael Gallery for a truly Canadian art experience. Located about a one-hour drive northwest of Toronto, this gallery is devoted exclusively to showcasing Canadian art, including works by First Nations, Inuit and other artists.
This is the perfect place to enjoy Canadian landscape paintings: the rural-style building is built with hand-hewn logs and set on 100 acres of conservation land. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow visitors to enjoy views of the densely wooded Humber River Valley. Through a network of outdoor paths and hiking trails, you can also spend time outside.
A day can easily be spent gazing in any of the thirteen exhibition galleries, the theatre or gift shop. The gallery boasts the largest collection of the Group of Seven landscape painters in Canada, those who painted distinctly Canadian landscapes from 1920 to 1933. The First Nations Art includes traditional, ceremonial and religious art, as well as contemporary pieces.
The Inuit Art collection includes paintings, prints, drawings and sculptures created using many different materials.

www.mcmichael.com
10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg, Canada
+1 905 893 1121
Google map: bit.ly/TBJyRc

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If you want to buy gifts that are very “Canadian” as well as fashionable, Roots Canada will have
something for everyone on your list.
This clothing retailer was founded in 1973, and since then, has grown from selling shoes to items such as clothing for adults, children and babies, bags, watches, luggage, athletic and yoga wear, accessories and home furnishings. Roots is very well known for its excellent quality
leather, with bags coming in various sizes and colours. I own a few that I’ve had for over a decade. As a bonus, there is always a Sales Items rack somewhere in the store.
There are several locations throughout the city, including fashionable Queen Street West, the
Eaton Centre shopping mall, and on Bloor Street, Toronto’s location for high fashion.

canada.roots.com/

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Casa Loma, or “Hill House”, is a grand Gothic mansion built in the early 1900s. Located in downtown Toronto, “Canada’s Castle” and its gardens are open to visitors year-round. Self-guided audio tours are available where you can visit the property at your leisure. The tour can take up to two hours. There is also a 22 minute documentary on Sir Henry Pellatt and Casa Loma included with admission.
This former estate of Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellatt consists of 98 rooms, including many decorated suites, secret passages (my favourite part!), an 800-foot tunnel, towers, stables, and beautiful gardens.
It took about 300 men nearly three years to complete Casa Loma, and the cost was just over $3 million. Sir Henry enjoyed Casa Loma for just 10 years before financial loss forced him to move out. Today, the property is owned by the City of Toronto.

www.casaloma.org
1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, Canada
+1 416 923 1171
Google map: bit.ly/Okvey1

Go to Spadina subway station and take the Davenport 127 bus to Davenport & Spadina Avenue, climb the stone steps (about 110 of them) until you reach the top of the hill.

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The Danforth, a popular neighbourhood in the city’s east end, is named after the east-west arterial road that crosses through the city.
On the western end of Danforth Road, between Broadview and Chester, the area consists of health stores, juice bars, yoga studios and many shops devoted to naturopathic medicine and holistic healing. Known as The Carrot Common, www.carrotcommon.com, this shopping area consists of an organic grocer, vegetarian food emporium, juice bar, wholistic dispensary and other shops selling non-GMO and environmentally safe products. Also in the vicinity, there are some great restaurants, pubs and clothing stores.
Going further east, the area between Chester and Pape is referred to as Toronto’s “Greektown” with plenty of fruit markets, loads of authentic Greek restaurants to suit any budget or taste, specializing in either grilled fish or meat, several bakeries showcasing baklava and spanakopita in their windows, as well as lounges and bars that are open very late.
And finally, between Pape and Woodbine, you will find a mix of Italian bakeries, Asian grocers, some more pubs, and a large assortment of great North African restaurants, all run by local families. My favourite Ethiopian restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner, is Lalibela, www.lalibelaethiopianrestaurant.com. I highly recommend the coffee ceremony after any meal. For Moroccan, I prefer Walima Cafe, www.walimacafe.com, which offers great tagine dishes and incredible appetizers.

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One of Toronto’s most unique bed & breakfasts is Boatel: the city’s only bed & breakfast on a boat.
Open from May 18 to September 30, 2012, Boatel is a 65-foot custom trawler which stays docked in the harbour, allowing guests the experience of living on a boat and the convenience of being able to walk around the city. Located very close to the downtown core, you can book one, two, or all three guestrooms.
Boatel boasts a panoramic view of the Toronto Islands and harbour, giving one the impression of no longer being in the city. The cozy interior has a mahogany finish with Brazilian cherrywood floors and there are three decks to choose from to lounge the afternoon away.
Diane and Captain Greene are your hosts while on the vessel and they will happily accommodate your requests for meals. A gourmet breakfast is served and gluten free, vegan, weight watchers or healthy low-fat breakfasts are available upon request. Special dinners can also be arranged on board or reservations made elsewhere. Boatel does not offer charters or harbour tours, but those arrangements can be made for you as well. Kayak and bike rentals are also available during your stay.

www.boatel.ca
375 Queen’s Quay West, Toronto, Canada
+1 647 403 2764
Google map: bit.ly/NBRly5

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A friend from Germany visited Toronto this spring for a month-long work program, and she stayed at this hostel and had a magnificent time. It’s centrally located, inexpensive, safe and very clean. And, as an added bonus, she says she’s made lifelong friends here.
Located a few minutes from the Entertainment District and major landmarks, the hostel caters to travelers of all ages, but everyone I saw whenever I visited seemed to be in the 20 to 30- something category.
With a large guest kitchen and dining area, there is ample space to store food in the fridge or pantry. The kitchen is used very often and is a popular place to meet other travelers. There is also a common TV area, a large outdoor patio, a 24-hour access pub, laundry, long-term storage, and great security. The front door is locked at midnight, and an access key is required to enter after hours. Front desk staff is available anytime, day or night.
The front desk also offers travel assistance and can organize local tours within the city as well as regional ones to places like Niagara-on-the-Lake to visit wineries. The airport bus drop off point is also just one block east of the hostel.
Summer rates for dorms range from $27 to $29 CDN, and discounted rates for guests planning to stay in Toronto for an extended period. Check the website for further information.

www.globalbackpackers.com
460 King Street West, M5V 1L7
+ 1 416 703 8540
Google map: bit.ly/KjFAgY

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This free event showcases outdoor entertainment, including carolers, brass band concerts, choirs and European folklore dancing. The Distillery District is a historic area with brick-lined streets filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops, all housed in Victorian-era industrial buildings.
The entire district is decorated and lit up for the season, including a 45-foot White Spruce tree with 18,000 light ornaments, located in the main square. There are endless things to do for people of all ages. Kids can ride the Ferris wheel, visit the Reindeer Zoo, walk through a fairy tell forest maze, learn about Christmas traditions all over the world, and make ornaments and stocking stuffers. Adults can try a variety of specialty beers, mulled wines and Christmas cocktails, as well as shop for hundreds of unique and local handicraft products, as well as
Christmas merchandise and specialty baked goods. There is also plenty of “street” food to be had: hot chestnuts, grilled sausages, and warm pretzels with artisan mustard. This is the perfect place to get you in the mood for the Christmas holidays.

www.torontochristmasmarket.com
Distillery Historic District, Toronto, Canada
+1 416 364 1177
Google map: bit.ly/s4vwiP

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Stop for a lunchtime sandwich at Mustachio, known throughout the city for its famous Italian-style sandwiches: generous portions of veal drenched in tomato sauce and parmiggiano reggiano, with layers of crispy, breaded and fried eggplant, fried onions and roasted peppers on warm foccacia bread. Mustachio also offers pasta dishes, soup and salads.

South Market, Lower Level B34
93 Front Street East
+1 416 367 VEAL (8325)
Google map: bit.ly/o8uT3m

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Domino’s has an excellent selection of bulk goods. I like wandering in here, checking out the tightly packed aisles of nuts and dried fruit, candies, baking supplies, olive oils, spices, grains, imported teas and freshly ground coffee, ethnic foods and those hard to get items such as fregola sarda and black chick peas from Italy and dried lavender for baking. Dominos also stocks a very impressive collection of imported chocolates. My favourite: Pocket Coffee, individually-wrapped dark chocolate pralines that contain Italian liquid espresso in the centre.

South Market, Lower Level B8 / B17
93 Front Street East
+ 1 416 366 2178
Google map: bit.ly/o8uT3m

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If you need something for your kitchen, Sam can get it for you. This small shop is stuffed to the gills with an enormous collection of cookie cutters, mixing bowls, specialty pots and pans, mandolins and other gadgets, virtually anything and everything your heart desires.

St. Lawrence Market, Upper Level 29
93 Front Street East
+ 1 416 603 1649
Google map: bit.ly/o8uT3m

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Established in 1803, this is one of Toronto’s major markets. The complex consists of the South Market, where over 100 vendors, including butchers, bakers, cheesemongers and green grocers sell their goods on a daily basis (closed Sunday). On Saturdays only, the North Market features seasonal produce, meats and baked goods from over 50 local farmers; and on Sundays only, an Antique Market with over 80 dealers is open to the public. From antiquarian books to vintage jewelry, fine china and furniture, there is something for everyone here.

www.stlawrencemarket.com
92-95 Front Street East (corner of Jarvis Street)
+1 416 392 7219
Google map: bit.ly/nxKSpR

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Located on Ward’s Island, the Rectory is a two-story, stucco residence built in 1948 and originally housed the priest in charge of the nearby island church, St. Andrew-by-the-lake. It has been a restaurant since 2003, offering a gorgeous outdoor patio, among a lovely garden. This is a great place for brunch.

www.therectorycafe.com
102 Lakeshore Ave, Ward's Island
+1 416 203 2152
Google map: bit.ly/lBBhiV

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You cannot visit the Distillery District without having a beer, and the Mill Street Brew Pub, which is located in the original Gooderham and Worts tankhouse, is the place to go for one or two. This open-concept brewery produces handcrafted beers and ale, offers extensive pub-style food, as well as tours and sampling. My favourites include the Original Organic Lager (with 100% certified organic ingredients) and the Coffee Porter, which is similar to a stout with notes of coffee.

www.millstreetbrewpub.ca
55 Mill Street, Building 63, Toronto, ON M5A
+1 416 681 0338
Google map: bit.ly/iLDR6E

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How about racing into 2013 with a 5K run and then celebrating with a post-race party with champagne and fireworks?
Starting at midnight, the run takes place in Toronto’s hip Liberty Village, where there is a combination of mostly roads, paths and laneways, plus the scenic Liberty Market Lane. Some running will be through parking lots, with some gravel sections but trail shoes are not required. The course is extremely well lit from street lights and runners get a great view of the city’s skyline.
The final party venue is still be finalized, but showers and facilities will be available so you can get ready for the party. There is no formal dress code – come smart, sporty, casual or even in a costume.
And if running’s not your thing, you can sign up for the party only.
Run ticket includes winter gloves, post-race food, swag bag, finisher’s medal and free glass of bubbly. Party ticket includes free drink, finger food, party favours and the chance to win some draw prizes. Beer and wine are available for purchase.

www.midniteruntoronto.com/register/

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Looking for a New Year’s Dinner with a twist?
Mysteriously Yours Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre will be serving up a four-course dinner, an interactive murder-mystery, and after-party with dancing and a midnight toast.
This 25th Annual New Year’s Eve Gala will feature The Fine Art of Murder (A Sherlock Holmes Mystery). Dinner starts at 6:30pm, followed by the mystery and dessert, at around 8:00pm until 11:00pm, followed by dancing and champagne at midnight. The cost for a ticket is CDN $169, including tax and gratuity. Drinks are extra.

www.mysteriouslyyours.com/
2026 Yonge Street, Toronto, Canada
+1 416 486 7469
Google map: bit.ly/T9r7Gu

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When it comes to ringing in the New Year in Toronto, dance clubs and restaurants aren’t your only options for getting out on the town.
If nightclubs aren’t your thing, you can take in a classical music performance – like the Bravissimo Opera’s Greatest Hits event at Roy Thomson Hall.
Beginning at 7pm, this concert is a nice way for classical music lovers to wrap up the year. Tickets range from CDN $55 to $145.
The program consists of excerpts from beloved operas throughout history, including pieces from The Magic Flute, Lucia di Lammermoor, Don Giovanni, La Traviata, Barber of Seville, La Boheme and more.
This event showcases the talents of an international selection of musicians:
Graeme Jenkins, conductor (England)
Davinia Rodriguez, soprano (Spain)
Annalisa Stroppa, mezzo soprano (Italy)
Gordon Gietz, tenor (Canada)
Ho-Yoon Chung, tenor (Korea)
Gregory Dahl, baritone (Canada)

tickets.masseyhallroythomsonhall.com/single/SelectSeating.aspx?p=339
60 Simcoe Street, Toronto, ON M5J 2H5, Canada
+1 416 872 4255
Google map: bit.ly/12rhTc9

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One of my favourite places in Toronto to go for afternoon tea is the King Edward Hotel. A tradition since 1903, the afternoon tea menu changes depending on the season, and the Nutcracker Tea, offered until the end of December, is not to be missed.
From 2:30pm to 5:30pm every day (except December 24, 25 and 26), tea is served at Victoria’s Restaurant in the hotel. The Nutcracker Afternoon tea is CDN $39 per person and offers delicate finger sandwiches, some of which are duck confit and smoked turkey, gorgeous pastries, including the mincemeat crumble tart and finally, my favourite, warm scones served with imported Devonshire cream and homemade strawberry preserves. And of course, there’s the tea. Only in December, you can choose the Nutcracker tea, which is infused with hazelnuts and vanilla or the Gingerbread House tea, a black tea with ginger root, nutmeg, vanilla, licorice, cinnamon and allspice.

Le Royal Méridien King Edward Hotel
37 King Street East
Toronto, Canada
+ 1 416 863 4106

Google map: bit.ly/Sob896
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While in Toronto during the winter months, enjoy one of Canada’s oldest and most popular recreational activities: ice skating.
While there are about 51 outdoor skating rinks in Toronto, the Natrel Rink located at the Harbourfront Centre is a really pretty place to skate. The trees surrounding it are lit, and you get a great view of Lake Ontario. Open until March, the rink offers skate rentals and heated indoor changing rooms with lockers and washrooms. The rink-side restaurant, Lakeside EATS offers hot chocolate and other goodies as well. And back by popular demand, DJ Saturday nights begins in December and runs until the end of February: depending on the DJ, you can skate to Top 40 pop tunes, rock, old school hip hop and Latin, among others.

Admission is free. Skate rentals are CDN $8 for adults and CDN $6 for children.

www.harbourfrontcentre.com/thenatrelrink/
235 Queens Quay West Harbourfront Centre Toronto, Canada
+1 416 973 4000
Google map: bit.ly/TS4of6

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Located a few hours’ drive from Toronto, Casino Rama is a large casino with a full-service hotel and entertainment complex that hosts singers, boxing events, and shows, as well as restaurants and bars.
The casino operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With almost 200,000 square foot of entertainment space, this venue has something for everyone: the casino has over 2,500 slot machines and 110 table games, spa and health club facilities, and 10 restaurants ranging from buffet to Italian to noodle house and steak bars. The Life Spa, located in the hotel, features a full complement of offerings: get a therapeutic massage, facial, pedicure or a seasonally themed
organic signature treatment. There is also an indoor pool, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi.

www.casinorama.com
5899 Rama Road, Rama, Canada
+1 705 329 3325
Google map: bit.ly/UeivtS

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If you’re looking for an original spa experience, try the Himalayan Salt Cave in Oakville, a posh town with superb dining and shopping, located just a 20-minute train ride from downtown Toronto.
Relax in a cave-like setting which has several inches of Himalayan salt crystals covering the floor, ceiling and walls. The salt concentration is similar to the consistency of salty air at the beach. The antibacterial environment is a 100% natural, drug free remedy to relieve respiratory illnesses, improve skin conditions and strengthen immune systems.
A typical Himalayan salt therapy session lasts for 50 minutes and the space comfortably seats eight people. The space was built under guidance and instruction from experts who have helped replicate Himalayan Salt Caves found in Europe, where salt caves are a popular and accepted form of alternative medicine. After your spa experience, take a walk along Lakeshore Road and browse the trendy shops, cafes and restaurants.

www.saltcaveoakville.com
302 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, Canada
+1 905 338 5555
Google map: bit.ly/11CFvKv

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