Toronto Family Travel Archives - Page 5 of 19

Ideas for Your Next Weekend Getaway

November 19, 2019

Travel doesn’t always have to be a long voyage. Sometimes all you need is to take a quick trip to relax and recharge. That’s why a weekend vacation can be such a great idea. You don’t have to book extra time off work to enjoy this short but sweet travel experience.

So, if you’re planning a weekend trip, where should you go and what should you do? Whether you’re looking for ideas for fun weekend getaways for couples, weekend trips with the family or a solo adventure – there’s plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas for your next weekend trip.

The Best Weekend Getaways:

3 Day Vacation Ideas

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

If you’re based near Toronto, Niagara Falls is the perfect option for long weekend getaways. It’s easy to get to from the city – with multiple options for trains and buses. Once you are there, you’ll want to marvel at impressive volume of the spectacular falls. However, that’s not the only things you can do in Niagara Falls. You can take a stroll through Niagara Falls State Park, taking the pedestrian bridge over to Goat Island and admiring the view of Horseshoe Falls from Terrapin Point. You could also book a wine tour out to Niagara on the Lake to taste some of the delicious vintages from the area.

Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key, Florida, USA

If you’re looking for a beautiful sandy beach to spend a sunny long weekend – consider this beautiful park in Big Pine Key. It’s a great spot to experience the Florida Keys on a budget. You could hop on a boat to go snorkeling at the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, or rent a kayak for your own adventure. There are many options for where to stay – from simple campsites to cabins to luxurious resorts.

San Antonio, Texas, USA

This vibrant Texas city is an affordable place to visit – packed with a great dining and nightlife scene, historical significance and lots of great things to do. You can visit the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park or visit the Alamo for free – both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then, take a stroll down the famous San Antonio River Walk. The banks of the river are lined with bustling waterfront restaurants, unique boutiques, cute shops and so much more.

Victoria, British Columbia, USA

Take the ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver Island to enjoy one of the best weekend getaways on the West Coast. One of the oldest cities in the Northwest, BC’s capital Victoria was first settled by the British in 1843. It’s a great mix of British charm, historic architecture, beautiful nature and a laid back hippie vibe. Take a stroll through the impressive flower displays at Butchart Gardens and explore the Inner Harbour, where you can see the Parliament Buildings and have afternoon tea at the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Savannah, Georgia, USA

If you’re looking for weekend trips with historic, magic and charm – Savannah is absolutely oozing with it. This city is known as one of the most romantic destinations in the USA. Take a stroll through the Old Town on a walking tour to hear the ghost stories of the many characters who haunt this town. Dine at one of the delicious Southern BBQ joints, then cap off the night with a swanky cocktail at a sexy, sultry speakeasy.

Napa Valley, California, USA

If you love wine, there’s no better spot for a weekend getaway than the beautiful Napa Valley. You can spend your weekend relaxing at stunning hillside vineyards, sipping wine near luxury resorts, spas and golf courses. Plus, there are many cool activities to enjoy here from cooking workshops, cycling tours, fishing charters, stand-up paddleboarding and much more.

Tips for A Better Weekend Getaway

How can you make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible? Here are some tips that will help you have a great weekend adventure.

Stay in an accommodation that will be as close as possible to the things you want to see and do on your trip. A weekend is not a lot of time, so you don’t want to spend too much of it on transport.
Search for “weekend getaway ideas near me” and stay somewhere close by – so you don’t have to spend too much of your weekend in transport.
Keep your luggage as light as possible. It should be easy to do if you’re only going for a couple of nights, and it will make transport a lot easier. Plus, if you’re traveling by air you’ll be able to fly cheaper if you travel with hand luggage only.
Spend some time without your phone, so you can take a break from work emails and social media and live in the moment. You’ll come back feeling happier and recharged.
Do as much as you can on the Saturday, to take the pressure off Sunday. Many attractions will be closed on a Sunday anyway and you don’t want to miss your chance to see them.

Have fun on your weekend getaway!

Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel

Reasons Why Different Demographics Relocate

November 8, 2019

What are the reasons why people move? What are the life events that might be the catalyst for making the shift to a different city?

The truth is that there is a story behind why each of the different demographics relocate. Everyone has a different motivation for relocating and their situation is unique. Here at Delsuites, we aim to cater to a wide range of visitors and help diverse demographics relocate by offering convenient furnished apartments located in prime areas of Toronto.

Let’s take a look at some of the different demographics we see moving to Toronto.

Young Adults

After they have finished college or university, the most common reason for someone in their 20s to relocate is for their job prospects.

They might be moving from a small town to the big city in order to enjoy more options for employment and a higher salary. Perhaps they might also be moving to a different destination in order to find a job with more interesting responsibilities. They are likely also seeking better benefits, more flexibility or a more suitable work/life balance. Sometimes, a new employer will even provide an apartment as part of a relocation package.

Plus, Toronto offers a great environment for young, ambitious, creative and curious people. The nightlife, art and music scenes are excellent. Plus, there are many great festivals and hobbies to enjoy.

Families With Children

Another life stage when people move to Toronto is when they are starting a family. There are a lot of reasons why this city is great for families: it has parks and green spaces, plenty of libraries and children’s activities and excellent schools. Many parents choose to raise their children here, to enjoy what one of Canada’s most diverse and vibrant cities has to offer.

We also sometimes see families relocating to Toronto due to job transfers or opportunities. Our furnished apartments are an ideal option, as they provide a place to stay that is large enough for the entire family and offers all the conveniences of home.

Of course, a not-so-happy reason to relocate at this stage of life can also be divorce. As difficult as it is to end a relationship (especially if children are involved), relocating can be a chance to start fresh.

Elderly

There’s another stage in life when many people tend to relocate. This is when the grown-up children fly the nest and they don’t need to live in such a big house anymore. During this stage in life, many people choose to renovate and use the space differently (changing a bedroom into a gym or a study). Or, they completely downsize to a smaller home.

Apartment life makes a lot more sense when you are older. There’s no need to mow the lawn on shovel the driveway. All the amenities are close by and your living space is compact, well-organized and easy to clean. Plus, there are so many cafes, shops, restaurants and community activities right on your doorstop.

What’s Your Relocation Story?

Tell us about the stage of life you find yourself in – what does moving to Toronto mean to you?

Holiday Events, Toronto Family Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation Travel

The Best Spring Break Destinations

October 29, 2019

When the weather starts to get a bit warmer and school takes a break, it’s time to travel somewhere and celebrate the coming of spring. Spring break is also known as Easter vacation, mid-term break, study week and reading week. But let’s face it – you may not be doing much studying, you’ll probably be busy traveling instead.

Where should you go on Spring Break? The typical Spring Break trips take place in warm climates with lively party scenes, but the truth is you can go anywhere you like depending on what type of experience you want to have. There’s a spring break trip out there for anyone, whether you love lounging on the beach, hiking through the wilderness or checking out a museum.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular Spring Break destinations, as well as some slightly alternative options.

Where to Go For Spring Break?

Here are some of the best spots for your Spring Break vacations.

The Bahamas

One of the most popular spring break trip ideas, spending your break in the Caribbean will be a dream come true. There’s more than just pristine soft sugary sand beaches here. You’ll find quiet coves perfect for scuba diving, glamorous resorts and beautiful protected nature preserves to explore. If you want to mix a bit of history into your spring break trip, you can explore ruins from the Arawak and Lucayan Indians on Cat Island and San Salvador.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This beautiful Mexican coastal destination is known for being a great Spring Break destination. It has one of the most glamorous oceanfronts in Mexico, with excellent restaurants, bars and hotels. Plus, the food is fantastic. Local chefs prepare mouth-watering traditional Mexican food in innovative ways. When you’re not enjoying the culinary and nightlife scene, you can book an adventure tour sailing along the coast or hiking in the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Miami Beach, Florida

Miami Beach just might be one of the most famous Spring Break destinations. The sun shines down on the beach bars during the day and at night, the vibrant nightlife carries on until late. Enjoy some cocktails on a rooftop bar and then dance the night away. Then, sleep all day and do it all again. This is a very popular Spring Break destination for young singles, but it would also be perfect for couples or groups of friends.

Toronto, Canada

Perhaps you’re not much of a beach person and you’re looking for more of a city break this spring vacation? Toronto is an exciting city to explore, with plenty of farmers markets, festivals, shopping and live music to enjoy during the spring season. You can even take a trip out to Niagara Falls. Check out this list of Things to Do in Toronto in the Spring from Toronto.com for help when planning your trip.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Why not spend a beautiful sunny Spring Break on Myrtle Beach? The 1.2 mile-long Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade is a great place to go for a run or a stroll. You can also hang out at the Pavilion Amusement Park, with live music on most evenings. There are even Las Vegas-style casino cruises available if you want to try your luck with some gambling.

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs is a wonderful destination during spring break. It’s a great time to visit. The weather will be warm enough to enjoy the outdoors, but not too blazing yet. There’s a lot to see and do in Palm Springs, from the aerial tram to the Living Desert Museum. Or, you can even go hiking in Joshua Tree National Park. There are several beautiful and luxurious resorts located in and around Palm Springs, with fun activities and family-friendly amenities.

Zion National Park, Utah

When it comes to the best vacations for kids on Spring Break, you should check out beautiful Zion National Park. While the Grand Canyon is typically a popular destination, you’ll likely find smaller crowds at Zion. This naturally stunning park has hanging gardens and soaring sandstone cliffs that will take your breath away. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes you can enjoy throughout the region, such as the Weeping Rock Trail and the Canyon Overlook Trail.

Victoria, British Columbia

Why not consider a trip to Vancouver Island for your spring break? The weather will be beautiful – the spring days are warm and the flowers will be blooming. Victoria oozes old-fashioned British charm and the historic streets are lined with cute shops, local galleries and great restaurants. There are also several excellent museums in the city, such as the Royal British Columbia Museum. You can even take a day trip around the island to see the soft sandy beaches of Tofino, or go on a whale watching expedition.

What are your favorite Spring Break destinations?

Have any other Spring Break ideas to suggest? Let us know!

Downtown Toronto, Toronto Entertainment, Toronto Family Travel, Toronto History, toronto toursim

How to Get to Niagara Falls from Toronto

October 22, 2019

One of the most popular day trips from Toronto is Niagara Falls. It’s one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world and it’s hard to truly fathom the spectacular rushing flow of water unless you have seen it with your own eyes.

Niagara Falls is located just outside Toronto, so it’s perfect for exploring on a day trip or a weekend getaway. There are several choices for accommodation in the area, from luxurious boutique resorts to simple, affordable and basic hotels. So, it’s easy to stay over and explore the area more.

Since going to Niagara Falls from Toronto is so popular, there are multiple options for getting there.

Can I Take the Train from Toronto to Niagara Falls?

Yes, Via Rail offers direct daily service between Toronto and Niagara Falls. There are two trains daily and an adult return ticket will cost around $55-$75 depending on how far you book in advance. Keep in mind that the evening return trip to Toronto is a train that originates in New York City, so it often runs late.

Go Transit also offers a combination train and bus route between Toronto and Niagara Falls. You’ll need to transfer to a bus in Burlington and then continue onto Niagara Falls.

In the summer months, from May to Labour Day in September, Go Transit runs a convenient direct train service from Union Station to the Niagara Falls train station. It operates on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as holidays only. There is one return trip on Friday evenings and three return trips on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.

It’s important to note that the train station is in old Niagara Falls, which is about a five minute drive from the Falls themselves. So, when you arrive at the Niagara Falls Train Station, you’ll need to go a little bit further to get to the Falls. It’s a short taxi ride (which should cost around $10-$15 CAD), or you can use the bus route 104.

Is There a Toronto to Niagara Falls Bus?

You can take the bus from both Megabus and Greyhound to Niagara Falls. They are both direct buses with no transfers and the prices for tickets range from $14-$30 CAD. The journey takes around 1.5-2.5 hours depending on the number of stops.

Both the Megabus and Greyhound leave every day, multiple times per day. To get a cheaper bus ride, book online in advance.

There are also shuttle buses between Toronto and Niagara Falls and coming back the other way from Niagara Falls to Toronto. They cost more than public transit, but you’re paying extra for the comfort and convenience. You might even get picked up at your hotel in Toronto and delivered to the door of your hotel in Niagara Falls. Here’s an example of a shuttle bus service.

Can I Drive to Niagara Falls?

If you rent a car in Toronto, you can drive to Niagara Falls during your visit. This gives you the advantage of being able to travel on your own schedule and make stops along the way. The trip will take about an hour and a half to two hours.

The most direct route is along the Queen Elizabeth Highway, alongside Lake Ontario. Keep in mind that this is a major commuter route, so there will be heavy traffic on this road during rush hour. The peak traffic will be going into the city in the mornings until 9am and out of the city between 3 and 7pm. Keep this in mind and try to travel outside of these times, if possible.

You may want to allow time to stop in Burlington along the way. It’s less than an hour from Toronto and it has a beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens that are worth a visit. You can also visit the town of Jordan along the way, home to the well known local winery Cave Springs.

Niagara Falls Tours from Toronto

Another option is to hop on a group day tour to Niagara Falls. There are several companies that offer these tours, including Gray Line, Niagara Tours, North Star Tours, Royal Tours of Niagara Falls Canada, Toronto Tours, Niagara Bus Tours and more.

These tours usually leave Toronto in the morning, take you to the falls for a few hours and then bring you back in the evening. They might include lunch or other activities as well – such as visits to the local wineries. If you aren’t sure which tour is best for you, take a look at the reviews on Tripadvisor.

Taking a day tour might be a great option if you have a limited time in Toronto and you want to sit back and relax while someone else takes you to the highlights of the region.

No matter how you get there, it’s absolutely worth visiting Niagara Falls on your visit to Toronto

Downtown Toronto Condos, Toronto Entertainment, Toronto Family Travel, toronto toursim

Spas, Parks and More: Healthy Living in Toronto

April 2, 2019

Healthy living in Toronto is not too difficult.

This Canadian metropolis offers nutritious food, cycle-friendly streets, relaxing spas and plenty of access to green spaces and water. Plus, there are lots of opportunities to enjoy activities such as kayaking, golf and rock climbing – within the city limits.

If you’re keen to keep up your healthy routine during your stay at the Livmore, here are some local attractions you should know about:

The Livmore

That’s right – you can start your journey to healthy living without even having to leave the building. The Livmore has a state of the art gym and fitness center, with cardio machines, weights, exercise balls and more. You can get a healthy, sweaty glow on while admiring the views from the beautiful floor to ceiling windows.

The Elmwood Spa

4 minute walk from the Livmore

healthy living in toronto

Stress can really take its toll on your health, so it’s important to take the time to relax and recharge. For the ultimate rejuvenation experience, visit a local Toronto spa like the Elmwood and let them pamper you. In this historic downtown building, you can treat yourself to a full menu of services – including facials, massage therapy, manicures, pedicures, exfoliation, detoxification and more.

Noah’s Natural Foods

7 minute walk from the Livmore

This Canadian owned health food store has been providing customers with delicious and nutritious goods for over 35 years. They pride themselves on only stocking the purest, highest-quality and safest products available – including organic cosmetics, healthy supplements and so much more.

Nathan Phillips Square

healthy living in Toronto

9 minute walk from the Livmore

In the long, cold Toronto winters it can be difficult to still get enough physical activity per day. However, a fun way to get your heart rate up in downtown Toronto in the winter is to go ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square. The rink is open from November 25th, from 9am to 10pm. Don’t worry if you didn’t bring your skates with you – you can rent them there! (Even if you’re a terrible skater, you’ll still be burning calories!)

Tommy Thompson Park

20 minute drive from the Livmore

An enormous study of more than 290 million people confirms what you probably already figured: being outdoors in nature is really, really good for your health. The report found that being close to nature reduced the risk of a number of diseases, including high blood pressure and type II diabetes. So, if you want to enjoy the sweet health benefits of a walk in the wilderness, head down to this beautiful park. The numerous trails will take you along beaches and wetlands, where you might be lucky enough to spot beavers, cormorants, coyotes and other creatures.

Get active and enjoy healthy living in Toronto!

As you venture out to the parks, spas, hiking trails and sports venues of Toronto – you’ll see plenty of other guests and locals enjoying the active lifestyle this city has to offer. Healthy living in Toronto is not only easy, it can also be a lot of fun.

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