For British travellers seeking a dynamic North American adventure, Toronto presents a compelling and welcoming destination. Canada's most populous city proudly celebrates its multicultural identity, offering a familiar yet exotic experience for visitors from the UK.
Where to Stay: The Drake Hotel
Unconnected to the rapper who popularised the area's '6ix' nickname, The Drake Hotel on Queen West strikes a perfect chord for visitors. This trendy accommodation, featured in TripAdvisor's Toronto top ten, combines creative charm with community culture across its modern and classic wings.
With over 50 art-filled rooms and outstanding hospitality, The Drake offers more than just accommodation. Its vibrant social scene includes live events and club nights, while culinary experiences range from bolstering breakfasts to spectacular Saturday brunches hosted by the country's longest-serving drag host, Miss Moço.
Exploring Toronto's Cultural Tapestry
Toronto's diversity shines through its numerous cultural offerings. The West End Art/Design Tour led by polymath Odessa Paloma Parker explores eclectic galleries and haute couture boutiques, while the acclaimed Chinatown & Kensington Market Food Tour offers literal tastes of two diverse districts, serving everything from dim sum to Jamaican patties.
Culture enthusiasts have multiple world-class options, including the Soulpepper Theatre staging 16 productions this season and the Art Gallery of Ontario housing over 120,000 works. For breathtaking views, the Toronto Harbour Champagne Cruise provides stunning skyline vistas dominated by the iconic CN Tower, which soars 533 metres above the city.
Culinary Adventures and Nightlife
Toronto's food scene demonstrates remarkable reinvention and creativity. The sympathetically restored Waterworks Food Hall spans 55,000 square feet and houses 15 diverse culinary artisans around three bars. For those refusing to grow up, Peter Pan Bistro offers gastronomic adventures in a beautifully restored 1930s setting.
Dining excellence continues at Wynona, serving Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognised Italian cuisine, while Linny's steakhouse delights with comfort classics that would make the chef's late mother proud. The speakeasy splendour of Charlemagne Cocktail Bar offers Parisian-style mixology, creating the perfect end to any evening.
With the British currency currently strong against the Canadian dollar and direct Air Transat flights from the UK taking approximately seven hours, Toronto presents a golden opportunity for British travellers to experience Canadian hospitality at its most diverse and welcoming.
