Image via Diana Polekhina
Valentine’s Day is almost here, and with restaurants officially reopened, it’s time to make a reservation! Luckily, there is no shortage of romantic restaurants in Toronto offering special Valentine’s-themed menus. From Piano Piano to Lee, check out this list of the top Toronto restaurants to spend V-Day 2022.
Go big this Valentine’s Day by making a reservation at famed Toronto restaurant, Lee. On February 14th, they invite guests to indulge in a six-course, $220 meal consisting of crispy oysters, cornish hen, lobster, Alaskan black cod, slow braised adobo beef short rib, and chocolate pot au creme. Lee’s V-Day meal is also available for takeout.
Head to Aviv Immigrant Kitchen on St. Clair West this Valentine’s Day for a sumptuous three-course meal. You’ll have your choice of lobster bisque, steak tartare, mango salad, pan seared chicken or char fillet, a cheese platter, spinach and ricotta-stuffed ravioli, and for dessert, tiramisu or red velvet cheesecake. It doesn’t get any better than this!
One of the city’s most famous Italian restaurants, Piano Piano, is back with an exclusive Valentine’s Day menu. Available for both dine-in and takeout, the five-course menu costs $89 per person and features everything from roasted sea bass and veal parmigiano to truffle agnolotti, prosciutto crudo, lemon cheesecake, and Nutella tiramisu.
Enjoy Filipino cuisine this Valentine’s Day by reserving a table for two at Lamesa. Located on St. Clair West, this eatery is known for their authentic, Filipino staples, and their V-Day menu is no different. For $60 per person, guests can indulge in a prix fixe menu of seared adobo, spicy kare kare pancit, milkfish rillette, and lechon liempo. Lamesa’s Valentine’s Day features are available from February 11th until the 14th, for takeout or dine-in.
If you’re visiting Toronto this Valentine’s Day, then we recommend making it extra special by booking a dinner reservation for you and your partner. And if you need a place to stay during your trip, we’d love to have you at the Deluxe Inn Toronto. We combine luxe amenities and a romantic atmosphere with affordable prices.
Image via Cole Ciarlello
The holidays have arrived, and that means the return of Casa Loma’s extra-special holiday event: the Holiday Lights Tour.
Taking place at Toronto’s very own castle, the Holiday Lights Tour allows guests to see Casa Loma as they’ve never seen it before.
For the month of December, Casa Loma is being transformed into a magical winter wonderland, covered in thousands of twinkling lights.
More specifically, the Casa Loma Holiday Lights Tour features a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree, as well as several other Christmas trees, all decorated by Canadian designers.
Santa's workshop will be set up on-site for young ones to enjoy, and there is a self-guided tour through the gardens, walkways, and tunnels of the castle. These areas have all been illuminated by stunning light displays that are sure to put anyone in the Christmas spirit.
The self-guided lights tour is roughly two kilometers in length, and there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
Live performances and food and drink will also be part of the event.
Plus, most of the Holiday Lights Tour is outdoors (with the exception of only a few indoor activities), making it COVID-friendly. Remember to dress for the weather!
Casa Loma’s Holiday Lights Tour is happening for the whole month of December. Opening hours are 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm until December 12th, and then from December 13th until the 30th, the attraction will be open from 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm daily.
Tickets are available on both Casa Loma’s website and in-person, however, they cost $5 extra if purchased on-site. There are two types of tickets available to guests: general admission which ranges from $40 to $50 per person (depending on the date you choose and whether they’re bought online or in-person), and VIP tickets ranging from $125 to $150. (VIP tickets come with two tickets, line by-pass privileges, and a food and beverage credit that covers two drinks and two food items).
If you’re going to be in Toronto this month, then we suggest grabbing a ticket to this popular holiday event. And if you need a place to stay during your trip, we’d love to have you at the Deluxe Inn Toronto.
Image via Arthur Edelmans
The holidays have arrived in Toronto, and that means all kinds of exciting, festive events. From the beloved Toronto Christmas Market (now the Distillery Winter Village) to a spectacular lights show and an iconic ballet performance, check out the top three can’t-miss holiday events in Toronto this year.
The City of Toronto has just announced that the annual Cavalcade of Lights Festival is back for 2021. After being canceled last year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we couldn’t be more excited that it’s making its return in 2021. The Cavalcade of Lights is a massive light show featuring illuminated displays, fireworks, live music, and a tree-lighting ceremony. This holiday event is set to take place at Nathan Phillips Square on November 21st, kicking off at dusk and lasting until 11:00 pm.
The National Ballet of Canada is back with its annual production of The Nutcracker. See this classic Christmas story come to life courtesy of one of the best ballet companies in the world. Taking over the Four Season Centre for the Arts from December 10th until the 31st, seeing this the two-act ballet is sure to be the highlight of your holiday season. Tickets are available online and all COVID-19 protocols will be followed.
The Toronto Christmas Market is everyone’s favourite holiday event, and this year it’s back but with a twist. Thanks to a little rebranding, the Toronto Christmas Market is now The Distillery Winter Village. But rest assured that the Distillery Winter Market will be just as festive as markets of previous years. Tickets can be purchased online in advance and will allow you to shop, eat, drink, and marvel at the market’s famed 50-foot-tall Christmas tree. The Distillery Winter Village opens to the public on November 18th.
If you’re going to be in Toronto this holiday season, then we highly recommend attending the festive events above. And if you need a place to stay during your trip, you’re always welcome at the Deluxe Inn Toronto.
Image via Neonbrand
Halloween is just around the corner, which means it’s time to plan how you’re going to spend it. From an after hours lantern tour in the dark to a family-friendly drive-thru light show, check out the top three Halloween events happening in Toronto this year.
As one of Toronto’s oldest locations, you can bet that there are some eerie stories associated with Fort York. Learn all about the spooky history of this Toronto landmark at Fort York After Hours: Lantern Tours. Over the course of a 90-minute tour, you will hear chilling tales of a haunted lighthouse, the bloody Battle of York, and perhaps even a few ghost stories as you explore a nearby military cemetery. The tour is outdoors and is not recommended for children under 8 years old. Tickets can be purchased online, with lantern tours taking place at 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm, and 8:00 pm on October 28th, 29th, and 30th.
The creators of last year’s Journey of Enchantment bring you the first-ever edition of the Spooktacular Light Show, a special Halloween event! This drive-thru Halloween light show promises to be like nothing you’ve seen before. Suitable for the whole family, the Spooktacular Light Show is set up in two GTA locations: the Meadowvale GO station in Mississauga and the Mount Joy GO station in Markham. Drive through an illuminated pumpkin tunnel and marvel at over 1.5 million lights and animated displays, all set up along a 2 kilometre route. Even better, proceeds of the event are being donated to three local charities: Sick Kids Foundation, OPACC – Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer, and Toronto Animal Services.
Is it really Halloween without being scared out of your mind at Canada’s Wonderland? We don’t think so. Thankfully, the theme park’s famous Halloween Haunt event is back for 2021. Prepare to be terrified by live monster encounters, horrifying mazes, haunted attractions, and immersive scare zones. Some of this year’s scare zones include CarnEvil, Forest of Fear, Gates of Terror, Streets of the Undead, and The Farmstead (the latter two of which are new). Tickets can be purchased online and start at $31.99.
If you’re going to be in Toronto this Halloween, then be sure to attend any of the festive events above. And if you need a place to stay during your trip, you’re always welcome at the Deluxe Inn Toronto.
Image via Hermes Rivera
Apple season has arrived, and we couldn’t be more excited! Throughout September and October, the GTA becomes home to tons of thriving apple orchards. Open to the public, visitors are invited to pick their own apples with lots of varieties available throughout the season. Check out the best spots for apple picking in the GTA.
Applewood Farm is one of the most popular spots for apple picking in the GTA and is located in Stouffville, just north of Markham. This family-run farm is open all season long with different apple varieties becoming available each week. Apples are sold by the bag and are available in 10lb or 20lb bags, and admission costs $10 per person. This year’s picking schedule includes royal gala, McIntosh, honey crisp, spartan, empire, ambrosia, spencer, red delicious, and more. More than just apples, Applewood Farm is also home to a pumpkin patch and right now, admission to the farm includes one free squash or pumpkin (while quantities last)! Note that masks are mandatory when entering the farm and in all areas where social distancing isn’t possible.
Inglewood, Ontario is home to Downey’s Apple Farm, another popular apple orchard in the GTA. Here you’ll find wagon rides and rows upon rows of apple trees, making it a great spot to spend an afternoon (be sure to bring your camera!). There is no admission fee to the farm, meaning guests only pay for the apples they pick (there is a minimum requirement of $8 though). Visitors can choose to pick 10lb or 20lb bags and Downey’s 2021 harvest calendar includes tons of different varieties, like jonagold, honey crisp, empire, ambrosia, mutsu, northern spy, red fuji, and more.
Not far from the Deluxe Inn Toronto is Carl Laidlaw Orchards. Nestled in Brampton’s farm country, Carl Laidlaw Orchards is open on Saturdays and Sundays throughout September and October (as well as Thanksgiving Monday). Though they typically have both pear and apple trees, this year they will only have apples. For the 2021 season, Carl Laidlaw Orchards is charging $20 for a 10lb bag of apples, plus the admission fee of $7 for children and $12 for adults. Bags and baskets are provided, so guests are discouraged from bringing their own. Carl Laidlaw Orchards offers the greatest variety of apples of any orchard in the GTA, with options like honey gold, spartan, McGowen, creston, fortune, wealthy, Rhode Island greening, and many more.
If you plan on visiting Toronto this fall, then be sure to check out any one of the apple farms above. And if you need a place to stay during your visit, we’d love to host you at the Deluxe Inn Toronto.
Image via Susan Weber
Summer is in full swing here in Toronto and that means it’s time to get outdoors and celebrate. There are so many fun activities to take advantage of, no matter where you live in the city. From spending a day on the beach at the Scarborough Bluffs to roller skating on the Bentway, check out the must-do activities in Toronto this summer.
Every Toronto summer bucket list includes a trip to High Park. This massive urban park is filled with rolling hills and scenic spots to enjoy an afternoon picnic. Plus, it’s both subway and streetcar accessible which makes it a popular spot, no matter where you live in the city.
The Scarborough Bluffs are easily one of the most beautiful spots in Toronto (so beautiful in fact, it may make you think you’ve been transported elsewhere). Long, sandy beaches, towering cliffs, and turquoise water are what you’ll find at this park that’s roughly half an hour from downtown Toronto. Pack your lunch and spend the day swimming, hiking, and exploring this Ontario escarpment.
The Bentway has been transformed into a roller skating rink courtesy of Retro Rolla. Taking over the very same rink that is reserved for ice skating in the winter, Retro Rolla gives Toronto residents the opportunity to try their hand at a popular pastime from the ‘70s. Skates come in vibrant hues and can be rented by the hour (protective equipment like knee pads is also available). Reservations can be made in advance online.
Live like royalty for a day at Casa Loma. Their on-site restaurant (which features a stunning garden terrace) is now open and taking reservations. Garden reservations close in early September, so there’s only one month left to dine in this stunning locale. The restaurant is open daily from 4:00 pm and serves everything from lobster ravioli and ahi tuna nachos to grilled Atlantic salmon and banana beignets.
If you plan on visiting Toronto this summer, then be sure to partake in the activities above. And if you need a place to stay during your visit, you’re always welcome at the Deluxe Inn Toronto.
Image by: Sebastian Spindler
Just because the weather is getting colder, doesn’t mean the fun stops in Toronto. There are plenty of COVID-friendly events happening in TO this November, including a Christmas flea market, an immersive art exhibit, and a family-friendly holiday drive-thru experience. Keep reading to discover the top three events happening in Toronto this November.
Immerse yourself in the works of Vincent Van Gogh at the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit. Taking place at 1 Yonge Street, and on now until January 3, 2021, this one of a kind exhibition will see you walking or driving your way into a setting where some of Van Gogh’s most famous works are projected onto 600,000 cubic feet of screens. From Starry Night to the Sunflowers, you can see it all like never before. Social distancing is mandatory and tickets must be booked in advance. There are both walk thru and drive in tickets, as well as yoga and barre fitness classes held inside the exhibit throughout the week.
Stay safe and celebrate the holidays at the Polar Drive Thru Holiday Experience. This multilevel drive thru experience is the first of its kind in Canada. Each level features six different environments filled with beloved and iconic holiday elements. Visitors can expect to make their way through an LED light tunnel, a crystal cave, and a winter wonderland. You’ll also be able to snap a pic with Santa Claus from the comfort of your car as you exit the experience. The Polar Drive Thru Holiday Experience is conveniently located at Toronto Pearson International Airport and is taking place between November 27, 2020 and January 3, 2021.
The annual Trinity Bellwoods Christmas Flea Market is a go for 2020. This year, the event will take place on November 22, between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm at the historic Great Hall Toronto. All together under one roof, you will find over 100 local artisans, crafters, and small business owners selling their unique and festive gifts. Local food and drinks will be served and music will be played. It promises to be a festive shopping occasion for all.
If you plan on visiting Toronto this November, then be sure to reserve a room at the
Deluxe Inn Toronto. Conveniently located in Etobicoke, we are only a short distance from the airport and even closer to some of the best November events the city has to offer.
Image by: Marius Ciocirlan
Come fall, Toronto is pure paradise. The temperatures drop and the leaves start to turn, revealing a stunning canvas of red, yellow, and orange everywhere you look. Luckily, there are still plenty of sunny days in October, which make it the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the season in Toronto. From going leaf peeping to visiting a pumpkin patch, keep reading to discover three must-do fall activities in Toronto this October.
There is no better place to go leaf peeping than in Toronto. The city is filled with beautiful parks where you can walk among the stunning fall foliage. Trinity Bellwoods Park and High Park are both great spots if you want somewhere downtown. Alternatively, if you’re willing to venture slightly farther, there is nowhere more gorgeous than the Scarborough Bluffs in October. The turquoise blue water of Lake Ontario coupled with the orange and yellow leaves on the bluff is a sight to behold.
Pick up a pumpkin (or maybe just take a photo or two) in one of the GTA’s many pumpkin patches. You will find opportunities to pick your own pumpkins in several spots, including Stouffville’s Applewood Farm & Winery, Hampton’s Knox Pumpkin Farm, and Markham’s Reesor’s Farm. Most farms charge an entrance fee, but once inside you’ll be treated to wagon rides, a fresh farmers’ market, acres upon acres of pumpkins, and possibly even a corn maze!
Fresh produce, fresh flowers, and plenty of yummy food is what you can expect at the Leslieville Farmers’ Market. This outdoor farmers’ market is still open in the fall. From pumpkins and squash to bouquets of vibrant yellow sunflowers, there’s no better time to visit than in October. However, remember it’s open Sundays only, so be sure to get there during opening hours which are 9:00 am until 2:00 pm sharp.
If you plan on visiting Toronto this fall, then you’ll want to book a room at the Deluxe Inn Toronto. Conveniently located in Etobicoke, we are only a stone’s throw away from the airport and even closer to some of the best fall activities the city has to offer.
The city of Toronto is one of Canada’s marquee cities for visitors across the world. Whether you’re in town for a business conference or out for a getaway vacation with your family, checking out the amazing attractions this city has to offer is a must. Here are a couple of spots you might like:
CN Tower
If you had to name one attraction that is synonymous with the city of Toronto, the CN tower definitely tops that list. The 1800+ ft tower stands out as a benchmark for visitors around the world, and the tower’s captivating view that overlooks the entire city will leave you in awe.
Nathan Phillips Square
If you visit this city and want to let all your Instagram followers know you were here, then make sure to pose next to the beautiful Toronto logo at Nathan Phillips Square. This enormous area is next to Toronto’s city hall and has a spectacular water fountain that turns into a skating rink from time to time.
Toronto Island Park
If you have already checked out all of what the city has to offer and are looking to be entrenched in nature for a moment, be sure to check out Toronto Island Park. This park is roughly a 15-minute ferry ride and has all that you need if you’re looking for an awesome experience in nature. Whether it’s biking, canoeing, or getting the family together for a picnic, be sure to check out this park if you happen to be in town.
If checking out all three of those beautiful attractions sounds like a plan, be sure to click here to book your stay at the Deluxe Inn Toronto. We offer quality amenities and our hotel’s relatively close proximity to the places you want to go to will make your stay much more convenient.
DISCLAIMER:
If you decide to go visit in one of these attractions, please ensure that you are abiding by and participating in all COVID-19 safety procedures and precautions brought to you by the Federal and Provincial governments in order to make sure that we can all continue to enjoy visiting our favourite attractions safely.
Photo by: Aaron Tait
Covid-19 may have paused many of our plans to hop on a plane and take a well-needed vacation but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a break! Deluxe Inn Toronto offers a central location, making it the perfect place for a staycation.
As phase 3 of the Canadian Government’s plan to reopen the economy means certain tourist attractions are now open! Located in the heart of Toronto, the popular CN Tower offers you a unique dining experience and the best view of our beautiful city! You’ll not only get a great picture for your social media but you’ll also be able to see the entire downtown core from the one revolving tower. Built-in 1976, the CN Tower is 553 metres high and is the tallest building not only in Toronto but in all of Canada. Don’t miss your chance at a great view and a delicious dining experience!
The Royal Ontario Museum has reopened its doors with social distancing practices. This museum is one of the largest in North America and the largest museum in Canada. You’ll find rich documentation of Canadian history along with exhibits including popular aboriginal artwork, dinosaur bones, military history and much more! Tickets range between $10 - $25 dollars with the museums’ new hours of 10:00 am - 5:30 pm.
Deluxe Inn is a close drive to both the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum.
Booking our Toronto hotel will not only provide a great location for your staycation but also a comfortable night stay with friendly staff and convenient amenities. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Image By: Marco Verch Professional Photographer & Speaker
Are you a chocolate lover? Then we have a delicious event for you! The Winter Chocolate Show is a chocolate lover's dream and it comes to Toronto this February 2020!
The Winter Chocolate Show 2020 is where you can sample tasty artisan chocolates and learn how they’re made. There will be various displays and stands set up throughout the venue with 28 chocolatiers and chocolate producers offering samples of some of the most delicious confections you’ll ever taste. There will be chocolate-making demos and seminars about the origins of chocolate, new flavours, the art of tasting, tempering and new bar-to-bean methods in chocolate production. In addition, you'll have an opportunity to win chocolate prizes! The Winter Chocolate Show provides a great shopping opportunity for Valentine's Day or perhaps an excuse for you to indulge in finely crafted treats.
This year’s Winter Chocolate Show will take place on February 1, 2020 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The event is hosted at the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse Museum & Special Events Venue located at 106 Trinity Street. Tickets can be purchased for $10 online and $13 at the door. The first 25 attendees will receive a special gift bag. The event welcomes everyone who enjoys chocolate.
Image by: Miguel Discart
You don't have to go all the way to the Northern Territories to experience the Northern Lights. You'll get the full effect and more when you attend the second annual Aurora Winter Festival, which is a magical winter playground filled with festive sights, sounds, and fun activities.
The Aurora Winter Festival is fast becoming a must-do annual tradition for a reason. Presented by the Canadian National Exhibition, it is a lights display extravaganza, inspired by the awesome spectacle of the great Northern Lights. You can expect hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights illuminating Ontario Place with captivating exhibitions and events occurring throughout the 6-week event.
You'll find stunning light installations, sculptures, amusement park rides, games, live entertainment and more at the Aurora Winter Festival. Look out for a Disco Dome, a beautiful frozen pond for ice skating, the North Pole, Santa's workshop, and the 4 Mystical World displays. Other highlights include Candy Cane Lane and a Light Tunnel emulating the Aurora Borealis! You'll also find vendors set up throughout the venue showcasing handmade Christmas gifts. The event is welcome to all ages and tickets can be purchased on the official Aurora Winter Festival website. You'll also find 15 of Toronto's favorite food trucks poised and ready to serve up delightful holiday treats, meals and drinks. The Aurora Winter Festival takes place at Ontario Place located on 995 Lake Shore BLVD.
Image by: Rob Thurman
Come learn about and experience a part of Chinese culture at this year's second annual Dragon Festival.
The Dragon Festival is a celebration of Chinese culture as they share their traditions for a fun filled day! Everyone is welcome to enjoy the festival which will include performances from over 40 Chinese-canadian performing artists. You'll witness traditional dance routines, drumming numbers, musical acts, Kong Fu and other dazzling live performances by various talented artists including over 600 child performers in both dance and choir. These artists work hard year-round on their performances to ensure you'll get an unforgettable experience. All ages are welcome to attend.
This year's Dragon Festival will be hosted on September 6 beginning at 5pm and ending September 8th at 9pm at Nathan Phillips Square located on 100 Queen Street, Toronto. There's no need to pack a lunch since delicious Chinese cuisine will be served throughout the festival along with drink trucks to quench your thirst. As previously stated, this festival is open to all ages to attend and craft stations will be set up to keep your little ones entertained! Admission is free for all.
Deluxe Inn Toronto is a quick 25-minute drive from Nathan Phillips Square where the festival is hosted. Book with our hotel to ensure fantastic service, comfortable suites, and convenient amenities. We hope you enjoy your visit to Toronto!
Image By: Martin Cox
Join Toronto in Appreciation for Reggae with One Love Music Festival coming this August!
One Love Music Festival is an inspiring combination of Carribean sound and culture. This includes the likes of traditional Reggae artists along with Dance Hall and Soca. The festival spans across 4 days with different acts front lining different days. Acts include Shabba Ranks, Sizzle, Kes the Band, Bunji Garlin, Cocoa Tea, Nessa and many more. The festival is North America's largest Reggae festival so if you're looking to experience some Carribean culture, don't miss this opportunity!
The One Love Festival is a 4-day event hosted at Downsview Park location at 35 Carl Hall Rd, Toronto. Tickets range between $30-200 and can be purchased here. The event begins on August 30th at 6:00 pm and ends on September 2nd at 9:00 pm. Food trucks along with beer gardens can be found throughout the festival.
Image By: gabriellaksz
Soon to be an annual event; the Carribean Carnival comes to Toronto this July to bring you an unforgettable experience.
This year's carnival is a mixture of Carribean culture including music, dance, food and of course the carnival itself. This tradition is shared across many Latin American and Central American countries but originated in Trinidad and Tobago when French settlers inspired the tradition by hosting a masquerade party. Ultimately, this tradition has brought many cultures and people together to celebrate with one and other. While many countries and cities around the world partake in this celebration; this will be Toronto's first time hosting the event.
Carnival celebrations vary from culture to culture but the Toronto Carnival is here to appreciate all things Carribean. This includes Carribean music, dance, food, and costume. This event will be open to all ages to attend and those who choose to dress up and welcome to join the parade. The best part is, this is an all free event. The celebration begins July 9, 2019, from 12pm-2pm at Nathan Phillips Square in City Hall.
![]() |
![]() |