Toronto holidays

Beaches might not spring to mind when you first think of Toronto, but, being pinned to the shore of Lake Ontario, it’s got quite a few up its sleeve. Some of the best spots are on Toronto Island Park – a short ferry ride from the city’s harbour. Others are on the mainland, so they’re a top choice for a quick break from all the hustle and bustle.

Woodbine Beach is one of Toronto’s most popular summer chill-out spots. It’s easy to get to – there’s a bus stop five minutes’ walk away. The curvy sweep of soft sand’s backed by a wooden boardwalk and a smattering of trees. Plus, if you’re after a more active time by the water, there are volleyball courts on hand.

Gibraltar Beach, on Toronto Islands, has managed to keep itself hidden from most of the tourist crowds. It’s only a minute’s walk away from the Centre Island ferry, though, so you’ll have no trouble getting there. This long stretch of sand comes with a backing of big, shady trees, so it’s a great spot to kick back with a book.

St Lawrence Market is one of the city’s top spots for picking up food on-the-go. In fact, in 2012, National Geographic named it the best food market in the world. It’s housed in a historic building which, back in the latter half of the 1800s, was home to Toronto’s first permanent city hall and jailhouse.

Head for a stroll around the Toronto Eaton Centre for a spot of good old retail therapy. It’s one of the city’s most popular shopping spots, playing host to high street names like Levi’s, H&M and Sephora. Plus, it’s connected to the Toronto PATH underground network of shops, so it’s a great place to while away a rainy day.

If you’re hoping to pick up a few designer pieces while you’re out and about, make a beeline for Bloor-Yorkville. It’s been dubbed Toronto’s Fifth Avenue, thanks to its all-star line-up of high-end stores. As you walk along Bloor Street towards Yonge Street, you’ll pass the likes of Tiffany, Gucci and Chanel.

The Little Italy district’s brimming with laidback venues, from Irish pubs to cosy bars so it’s a great choice for a low-key night on the town. There are plenty of cool cocktail bars in the mix here, too. And best of all – a lot of the nightlife spots serve up late-night snacks to round off your evening.

If upmarket dining and swanky clubs are what you’re after, make tracks towards the King West district. Once full of warehouses and industrial buildings, it’s now home to some of Toronto’s most stylish night-time venues – think rooftop bars and swish lounges.

The peameal bacon sandwich sits near the top of almost every list of must-try foods in Toronto. It’s a simple concoction, consisting of griddled bacon and a bun, designed to bring out the bacon’s salty, smoky flavour. Add a squirt of mustard for a tangy kick.

Bagels are a morning staple in Toronto, so you’ll find them in cafés and bakeries all-over. Opt for a classic Montreal-style bagel with cream cheese, or pick up a rainbow bagel for a colourful yet equally tasty snack.

This twist on a classic West Indian favourite is a big hit on Toronto’s street food scene. The simple flatbread comes stuffed with a choice of fillings, from spinach and potato to curries and paneer – soft Indian cheese.

You’ll find a lot of meat-based street food on offer in Toronto, and a smoked meat sandwich is one of the city’s most popular picks. Expect to be served a hefty helping of succulent, thinly sliced meat – often veal – wedged between two slices of soft bread along with a squeeze of mustard.

This signature Canadian cocktail’s a twist on the classic Bloody Mary – it’s made with clam-infused tomato juice, hot sauce, Worcester sauce and vodka. It usually comes in a big glass with ice, a lime wedge and a simple celery garnish. But in fancier bars, it’s not uncommon for it to come topped with the likes of lobster tails, bacon or fried chicken skewers.