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Community Events, Entertainment, Family Vacations in Toronto, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

Neighbourhood Guide: The Toronto Beaches

July 3, 2015

The summer season is one the best times to be in Toronto yet sometimes, city living in the summer can be hot, muggy and crowded (even though our short term rentals Toronto are centrally located). The Toronto Beaches (or “The Beach,” as it has been intensely debated), located on the eastern edges of the Greater Toronto Region is one of those neighbourhoods which feels like a little village, enabling you to escape the city without having to leave it. Here are a few of our favourite things to do if you have a day to explore the Toronto Beaches.

1. Explore the Martin Goodman Trail. The trail extends from east to west from the three separate parts of the beach along the lakeshore: Balmy, Kew, and Woodbine. The best way to see this is by biking if you’re coming from our furnished apartment rentals at our downtown locations. That said, you can easily walk, run, or rollerblade the three beaches. If you map this out with a few key pit stops in between to picnic or to go to a restaurant on Queen Street East, this is a scenic way to explore the city.

2. Swim! Though the water is deemed safe by the Toronto Department of Public Health (you can check for updates here and on your smartphone), you can also take the opportunity to swim at the Donald D. Summerville Olympic pool. Located at the foot of Woodbine Avenue and in the heart of Woodbine Beach, the pool is currently undergoing a $3.75 million capital renovation project to be completed in time for the Pan Am Games. If you are here for a longer term stay with your family or you like to swim, you may want to consider enrolling your kids in the Toronto Swim Summer Camp, or as an adult, enrol in the masters swim program or triathlon club.

3. Volleyball. If you pass by the western edge of Woodbine Beach, also known as Ashbridge’s Bay, you’re lucky to see rows of volleyball nets with lively players jumping up to the net with the music blaring to the skies. Want to go beyond people watching and try your hand at a spike? Check out the Ashbridge’s Bay Beach Volleyball Team or find a league through Beach Blast or the Ontario Volleyball Organization.

4. Events. The Toronto Beaches are home to many events, especially in the summertime. The biggest event is the Beaches Jazz Festival in

Boardwalk- Woodbine beach, Toronto | Photo Credit: Don Gunn

mid-July, which spans for two weeks. All event listings are here.

5. Watch a Movie. Beyond the boardwalk is a lively strip on Queen Street full of businesses, including the Fox Theatre. Located on the fringe of the Beach, this repertory theatre has been in business for over a century and is another way to discover the area and also watch a good film that you may have missed in the theatres.

Whether you’re living in Scarborough, Mississauga, Markham or North York, the Toronto Beaches are a wonderful area to explore and come back to from time to time when you want to escape the “city.”

Community Events, Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Events, Holiday Events

Things to Do on Canada Day 2015

June 29, 2015

Canada celebrates its 148th birthday this year and you’re invited! Whether you’re spending part of your long weekend at your furnished suite in Toronto or going away for the weekend and will be back in time for the celebrations, here are a few of our ideas and things to do on Canada Day 2015:

1. The Harbourfront Centre. Now accessible through the revitalized bike lanes on Queen’s Quay, the Harbourfront Centre is a central location for your Canada Day celebrations. Listen to the Sounds Like Canada: CaneFire series, be mesmerized by the Ballet Creole dancers, and stay for the fireworks off Lake Ontario. Bonus: it’s just a short walk away from your furnished apartment rental or suite.

2. Mel Lastman Square. Near our North York properties, Mel Lastman Square is the place to be to spend with your family in the early evening. Enjoy circus performances and face painting, followed by a variety of musical performances and the big fireworks finale!

3. Queen’s Park. In addition to the 21 gun salute at noon, the whole family can enjoy a rocket making workshop, face painting, and a midway among other entertainment from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

4. Rib Fest in Centennial Park. It wouldn’t be a Canadian celebration without some good down-home food. Centennial Park will have a number of activities alongside rib fest including musical performances, a cooking demonstration stage, and a kids zone. Located near our Nuvo and Parc Nuvo locations.

5. Toronto Events. As stated in our June and July calendars, many ongoing events will coincide with Canada Day. Perhaps, you’ll be at the Jazz Fest, the Pride Parade, or Luminato? If you’re more sports inclined, spend the afternoon at Rogers Centre where the Blue Jays play the Boston Red Sox.

Happy Birthday Canada! What are your plans? Do you have things to do on Canada Day 2015?

Community Events, Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Family Vacations in Toronto, Food & Recipes

Our Top New Places to Eat in Toronto Now

June 18, 2015

Over the past 8 years, Toronto has rapidly risen its reputation as one of the best cities in the world in which to live, mainly in part due to becoming a destination for a variety of quality restaurants that range in tastes, cultures, and flavours. The best part? They are in short distance of your furnished rental in the metropolis. 2015 has been an exceptional year for many anticipated openings. Here are our favourite eateries and places to eat in Toronto this year, thus far.

1. Bar Raval
Following his success at one of our top ten favourite restaurants, Bar Isabel, Chef Grant van Gameren’s Bar Raval was most anticipated opening of the year and it has not disappointed his loyal following. Those who have ever had to wait for a seat at Bar Isabel can now chow down on Gameren’s pinxtos at his stand up bar, morning, noon, and night. The shrimp and cream pinxtos and the Galician octopus are standout dishes. As much as the bar is adored for the food, the architecture by the firm, Partisans, is just as much of a highlight with its all encompassing wooden curves, bars, and peek-a-boo hideouts.

2. La Carnita Eastside
The neighbourhood of Leslieville has embraced La Carnita’s second location in the east and it’s a quick streetcar ride over the bridge across the Don River from your furnished apartment in Toronto. The funky Mexican eatery is serving up the classics like their fish tacos and feature daily specials which range from arctic char and chicken tostadas to shrimp tacos.

3. Dailo
Easily walkable from our downtown furnished suites, Dailo is the perfect restaurant for a special occasion. The Asian-American infused menu bursts with flavour and texture. Try the fried watermelon, the shrimp and the crispy Argentenian red shrimp served with kimchi grits, and tom yum buerre blanc. The 90 day aged rib eye from Oliffe butchers is served with bok choy, radish, soy pickled mushroom, and Asian chimichurri. It is great to share with a group and well worth the indulgence.

4. R&D
This brand new restaurant on Spadina from Masterchef Canada winner, Eric Chong and his mentor, Alvin Leung, is breathing new life for experimentation in the old Strada 241.You’ll be hungry after a short walk from our properties such as the Icon, 300 Front St. and the Element. The Peking duck and lobster chow mein were some of the twists on Chong’s dishes he made for the competition show and getting rave reviews.

What are your favourite new restaurants and places to eat in Toronto? What are your favourite places near your DelSuites home away from home?

Announcements, Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Events, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

Upcoming June and July Toronto Events, 2015

June 8, 2015

The summer of 2015 is going to be an exciting one in Toronto with a number of special events this year. Many of these events are located in downtown Toronto, centrally located and not too far from your furnished apartment. This is an ideal time to be in the city for your short-term stay or an extended stay. Here are a few of our favourite June and July Toronto events happening this year.

1. North By Northeast Festival (NXNE) (June 17-21, 2015). This festival has gone beyond just music to converge creatives artists into five different event-packed streams: Music, Film, Interactive, Comedy, and Art. Toronto will be a buzz with shows (and secret shows) at concert venues littered across town as well as free concerts at Yonge and Dundas Square. Discover your favourite shows and plan in advance so you can use your pass well.

2. The Toronto Jazz Festival (June 18-27, 2015). If you’re a fan of jazz, you’ll get a choice to hear over 1,500 musicians

Photo Credit: Mark Watmough

and 350 performances in over 40 locations around Toronto. This year, the festival will celebrate Oscar Peterson’s 90th birthday and welcome back Jamie Cullum to the stage. Festival headquarters are at Nathan Phillips Square, which features a fully licensed Mainstage Marquee and outdoor stage, where you can see some performances for free. It’s always a great way to introduce the summer!

3. Luminato (June 19-28, 2015). Luminato celebrates Toronto’s vibrant arts and culture scene in Toronto, via this 9 day festival across the downtown core and at the festival hub in David Pecault Square. See performers like Jason Collett revive his basement revue; view the imaginary rose garden, a visual arts display; or dance the day away at a Brazilian block party! There are many events everyday, so do check the website to see which one appeals to you.

Photo Credit: US Embassy Canada

4. Taste of Toronto (July 2-5, 2015). This food event takes over the grounds of Fort York in its second year. Food enthusiasts are drawn to sample dishes from some of the best eateries in the city, including Montecito, Barque, THR & Co., Splendido, Bosk, and Richmond Station. Exciting food events will be on offer, as well, including the Toronto Life Chef’s Table, a series of interactive discussions with chefs; and the Metro Masterclass, a hands-on cooking session from the popular chefs (and a visiting chefs, including Christina Tosi, of Momofuku Milk Bar). The best part? You can walk home from your food coma! June and July Toronto Events

5. Fringe Festival (July 1-12, 2015). This is the best way to see theatre for cheap with over 150 shows at over 30 venues in the city. The shows are performed at unexpected places in the city, as well, from waiting rooms to the back parking lot of Honest Ed’s. Now that there’s Fringe Kids in place, this is also a great way to introduce grassroots theatre to your children.

6. Pan Am/Parapan Am Games (July 10-26, 2015). The most anticipated event for this year, the Pan Am and Para Pan Am games will bring in over 7,000 athletes from the Americas and the Caribbean to compete in 36 Pan Am sports and 15 Parapan sports all over Toronto and within Ontario. If you’ve never gone to the Olympics, this is your chance to see some sports of that caliber as well as many athletic facilities being upgraded in time for the games. Many events surrounding the games are forthcoming, including Panamania, a 35-day arts and cultural festival. Many exciting musicians will be performing for free at Nathan Phillips Square including Janelle Monae, The Flaming Lips, The Roots, and Tanya Tadaq.

What June and July Toronto events are you looking most forward to?

Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Food & Recipes, Lifestyle talk, Mid Town, Toronto History

Favourite Patios in Toronto

May 25, 2015

Hanging out on your balcony in your DelSuites furnished apartment rental in Toronto can be novel for only so long. Though it’s one of our favourite amenities, sometimes you want a change of scenery. As the summer heats up, here are our favourite patios in Toronto to grab a drink and people watch.

1. Amsterdam Brewhouse
Steps away from our downtown toronto apartments like 300 Front Street, The Icon, and The Element, Amsterdam Brewery’s patio is situated on the Harbourfront, lakeside, with a nice view of the Toronto Islands. Also named as one of our favourite craft breweries in Toronto, all you need to relax is a pint in hand in a muskoka chair to feel like you’re transported north of the city. Don’t forget you can buy some of their cans to bring home. Their bottleshop is open until 11pm!

(Photo by Tasting Toronto)

2. El Catrin
The vibrant patio, located in the Distillery District, and its Mexican details –cut outs, tiles and firepits –makes this one of the most popular outdoor spots to have brunch or lunch in the summer months. The food is just as great as the location. Try sharing some tacos or ceviche. For dinner, you could try a 7 course tasting menu with your friends. The best part? Your fellow patio-patrons surrounding you are best for people watching. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

3. Terroni (Rosedale)
This rooftop patio of the popular Italian trattoria is a more low key destination and in short distance of our mid-town properties, 173 Duplex and the Republic. Chow down on hearty pasta and many delectable pizzas under minimalist decor and a great view of the downtown landscape.

4. Speakeasy 21
This Financial District favourite –at Scotiaplaza–has a brand new 3-tier patio for after work libation. You can watch all of the drama of rush hour unfold from your perch right in the centre of things. Knock it back with a watermelon mojito or bites to share with coworkers or friends.

What are your favourite patios in Toronto?

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