photo by Bisha Hotel Toronto
Travel
Psst. We Found the Best Place to Stay for an Unforgettable Toronto Experience
If Toronto isn’t on your group’s getaway list, it will be once you’ve finished reading this article. In recent years, Canada’s most populous city has ditched the all work and no play mantra for a hip new scene...
photo by Bisha Hotel Toronto
If Toronto isn’t on your group’s getaway list, it will be once you’ve finished reading this article. In recent years, Canada’s most populous city has ditched the all work and no play mantra for a hip new scene of stylish eateries, artsy neighborhoods and culturally-focused museums and parks. Of course, we’ve laid out all of the must-eats and must-sees of the city, but we’ve also taken your planning to a new level by scoping out the best place to stay for an unforgettable experience in the city.
At the center of it all, Bisha Hotel reflects Toronto’s hip looks with urban decor, cool art and a touch of glam. It has some of the best dining and venue spaces in the city, but also gets major points for its easy walkability to many other musts during your stay. Basically, all you need to do now is finish reading the article and book your visit.
Reporter: Erica Nichols
Created in partnership with our friends at Loews Hotels & Co.
To truly experience Toronto at its best, you’ll want to find a place to stay right in the center of it all. For that task, Bisha Hotel Toronto is our go-to. Artsy, urban and stylish—the luxury hotel stands in the heart of the Entertainment District and has names like Grace Zeppilli and Lenny Kravitz (yes, that Lenny Kravitz) as part of their design collaboration. Housing top-tier dining, glamorous event spaces and unique suites (including The Bisha Suite envisioned by Lenny Kravitz and designed by Kravitz Design), Bisha caters to every kind of special memory you’re hoping to create—whether it’s weddings, group getaways, corporate events, or a couple’s retreat.
Take in the best views in the city at Bisha’s rooftop infinity pool, 44 floors up. The stylish pool deck is the perfect place to enjoy the weather and relax into your vacation with a cocktail in hand and your feet in the water while overlooking the CN Tower and Lake Ontario.
Your daily vacay grind begins with a morning coffee at French Made. Alongside perfectly roasted coffee, the Parisian-inspired cafe serves up house-made pastries and gourmet sandwiches to grab and go, or a relaxed afternoon pick-me-up.
If you thought your brunch plans couldn’t get any better, KŌST makes a statement with unmatched, panoramic rooftop views of the city. Headed by Executive Chef Ben Heaton, the menu features dishes like coconut pancakes, breakfast wraps, eggs Benedict and more. Plus, the spacious, coastal-inspired space is a great backdrop for your next event—with semi-private dining and somm service available!
This famous arts museum is not only the largest museum in Canada, but one of the largest in all of North America. There’s a little something for everyone here, with arts and culture exhibits, natural history and interactive activities for any young ones in tow. The museum features works from all over the world, making it an ideal spot for art and history lovers in the group.
Sara offers a globally-inspired menu in an airy, modern environment. Plates are meant to be shared here over great conversation and libations. To sample everything, look into their tasting menus or their prix-fixe menu on Journey Mondays.
Tradition and New Age blend seamlessly here at Akira Black’s first Canadian namesake restaurant. Dine on modern plates inspired by Japanese cuisine and traditional Korean flavors, including toban filet mignon and hokkaido scallop kiwi. For your next get-together, the private dining room can seat 130 or hold 150 guests in a reception-style layout.
Prefer to dine in private? Bisha makes that possible, too, with exclusive dining right there in your glamorous suite. You and your S.O., bachelorette party or family can enjoy an intimate evening complete with delicious food and wine, all from the comfort of your own room.
This bright, airy, artistic restaurant is a lovely hangout spot no matter the time of day. Whether you’re looking for a morning coffee, a refreshing lunch, indulgent dinner or sunny brunch—La Palma puts an emphasis on an innovative ambiance and Italian dishes to strike up good conversation. For special occasions, check out their Chef’s Table experience.
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This Little Italy spot is in a field all its own with handcrafted vegan pizzas and ice cream. Yep, you read that—100 percent plant-based pizzas and ice cream. Enjoy pizza and wine, then save room for ice cream flights to taste-test each of their delicious flavors.
Off Grange Park and just a short 15-minute walk from Bisha, the Art Gallery of Ontario is a fun day trip featuring art galleries, exhibits and seasonal events. You can explore the contemporary and abstract artwork and take part in their rotating workshops on writing and photography.
A quick 15-minute walk from Bisha awaits traditional Italian eats at Oretta. In the Art Deco-chic ambiance, nosh on indulgent dishes of Ontario lamb striploin, veal and, of course, fresh pastas and pizzas. Here you can wow your guests with a number of event experiences to choose from, but the private chef experience is hostessing on a whole new level.
This urban retreat is a must on your group agenda. Named after the journalist and activist June Callwood, the park makes a bold statement with an all-pink play area and accents throughout the park.
Mister C’s Bar Room offers an enticing Happy Hour – or as they say, The Finest Hour – in their sophisticated and decadent lounge, perfect for an early evening respite from a day of exploring or pre-event drinks. Enjoy half-priced cocktails daily from 5-7 pm, or swing by for their nightly DJ parties and events.
Take your pick from two unique dining experiences at Sud Forno, situated in the Financial District, a short drive from Bisha. On the main floor, experience the grab-and-go bites of Italian pastries, hot and cold plates, and fresh bread. Save your special occasion for upstairs, for an intimate dinner of Italian classics.
Way, way up on the 43rd floor, the exclusive Sky Suite is ready to take your private dinner or party to new heights. Choose from lake or city skyline views and room to invite everyone. The space is completely customizable so check in with the team about the different possibilities.
At the core of Toronto’s Financial District, Drake One Fifty is a bustling haunt serving up delicious eats and drinks in a colorful atmosphere. Stop in for a Happy Hour cocktail, pre-show chef-driven meal, or even a late-night snack. Plus, the popular local’s spot features annual art exhibitions inside and fun events with weekly DJs.
Casa Loma has been wowing visitors for years with its historic Gothic Revival architecture and sweeping garden in midtown. Built in 1914, the home is a popular site for TV shows and films, as well as one of our favorite venues for wedding ceremonies or receptions!
Hidden below Templar Hotel, Mother Tongue is an exclusive and intimate restaurant with zesty cocktails and asian-inspired plates of duck dumplings, pork belly and more. The venue also has private dining options for larger group events.
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Go to a Toronto FC Game
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Photo by Abazz via Wikimedia
Your trip to Toronto won’t be complete without a stop to BMO Field at Exhibition Place. Canada’s professional soccer team has a roster of games extending through October— so consider planning your visit around one of their home games!
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