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Summer Vacation Travel To Toronto

July 12, 2023

Overlooking the clear blue waters of Lake Ontario, Toronto is a bustling, vibrant city full of attractions and experiences just waiting for you to explore. Known as “the Six” because of the many neighbourhoods that make up its diverse cultural landscape, there is no better place to visit during the hazy days of summer.

After all, over 25 million visitors per year can’t be wrong!

With a population of nearly 250 diverse backgrounds and 180 languages, you’ll be swept away by the many cultures that make up the city’s unique identity. Whether you’re looking for a family vacation full of fun activities or a romantic weekend getaway with your special someone, summer in Toronto has it all!

In this article, we’ll help you plan your summer vacation in Toronto and introduce you to Toronto furnished apartments from DelSuites as an affordable, convenient and stylish alternative to a hotel stay.

Things to Do in Toronto in the Summer

With so much to do, finding the perfect activities to fit your needs and budget might feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Our suggestions cover everything from morning to night, including family-friendly (and budget-friendly) tips so you can plan a summer vacation to remember.

1. What are the Best Places to Visit in Toronto That Are Free?

There are a ton of activities and attractions that won’t empty your bank account during your summer vacation. These suggestions are only a few of the free opportunities that abound in the Six in the summer.

Graffiti Alley

One of the most popular and exciting free attractions to explore is Toronto’s Graffiti Alley. This vibrant laneway is located on Queen Street West, just east of Spadina Avenue. It spans Richmond Street to Portland Street and is called Canada’s most extensive outdoor street art gallery.

Here you can find over 200 pieces of street art by local and international artists that will take your breath away! Stroll through this urban canvas or snap some Instagram photos for a memorable experience!

The Distillery District

One of Toronto’s oldest and most iconic neighbourhoods, this area was once the home to the largest distillery in the world, which has been repurposed into an incredible tourist attraction. Today, it’s a mecca for art lovers and history buffs alike with its brick-lined streets and historic architecture from Victorian times.

This vibrant area features unique shops, galleries, restaurants, cafes and even a theatre – all free of charge! Enjoy wandering through cobblestone lanes or sit back on one of their many patios to soak up some sunshine while surrounded by stunning buildings and beautiful artwork.

Top Beaches in Toronto

Toronto is a great place to spend your summer vacation! With 11 beaches in the city, 8 of which are Blue Flag certified, you can be sure that Toronto’s coastal areas meet the highest water quality and safety standards.

Popular spots include Sunnyside Beach, Cherry Beach and Bluffer’s Park Beach. All three provide beautiful views of Lake Ontario and plenty of space for swimming or just relaxing on the sand.

2. Toronto Summer Festivals

What can be better than soaking in the music and savouring the cuisine of different cultures? In the Six, there’s no shortage of festivals for you to enjoy this summer, including:

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival

From July 11th to August 7th, 2023, the streets of downtown Toronto will be alive with music, art and a vibrant display of Caribbean culture.

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is one of the largest cultural festivals in North America and is worth checking out. Dance to Soca and Calypso beats or sample some delicious authentic dishes and experience why this festival is known as ‘the real taste of the islands.’

Canadian National Exhibition

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is a summer festival held annually in Toronto from mid-August to Labour Day weekend. It takes place at Exhibition Place, an event space along the waterfront of Lake Ontario and is one of Canada’s largest festivals.

Attendees can enjoy a variety of attractions such as rides, live entertainment, sports tournaments, food vendors and much more.

Source: Pexels

3. Recommended Places to Visit in Toronto for Sports Fans

There is no shortage of sports events over the summer months in Toronto. Whatever your taste in sports, there’s an event that will satisfy you. Here are a few of the most popular.

Play Ball with the Blue Jays

Canada’s legendary baseball team, the Blue Jays, usually play home games at the Rogers Centre on weekdays and weekends from April to September. The iconic stadium is located downtown and features an impressive retractable roof so fans can enjoy a game regardless of the weather.

The centre has plenty of snacks and drinks to fuel you during long innings, plus stunning views of Toronto’s skyline. Visiting a Blue Jays game is a fantastic experience that will make your vacation memorable!

The Honda Indy Toronto

This popular annual event is held at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto and is the only Canadian stop on the NTT IndyCar Series calendar. The race features world-class drivers competing against each other on an 11-turn street course around Ontario’s largest fairground.

Fans can experience heart-stopping speed combined with up-close views of all the action from grandstands surrounding most of the track. This exciting event is a must for any motorsports enthusiast.

4. Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Toronto This Summer

Toronto in the summer isn’t just for grown-ups. These family-friendly attractions will teach your children the wonders of the natural world and all its creatures, from land to sea and everywhere in between.

The Toronto Zoo

As the largest zoo in Canada, this park has over 5,000 animals worldwide. Located in the Rouge Valley off Meadowvale Road, its grounds offer many attractions for all ages.

Memorable adventures include Splash Island, Zoomobile – an electric ride that takes you around some regions of the zoo – and the Gorilla Climb Ropes Course, which allows visitors to swing like the gorillas.

Ripleys Aquarium

With its incredible Sharks After Dark and Stingray Experience, you and your family can explore the depths of the ocean and the wonders within at Ripleys Aquarium. Plus, with their Sea The Sky Combo Ticket, you get access to all sorts of exciting marine life, plus a trip up to one of the world’s most iconic structures – the CN Tower.

Standing 553 meters tall, it offers incredible views of downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario. Plus, admission includes access to a 3D theatre experience and a thrilling glass-floored observation deck – perfect for families looking for some fun together.

Affordable Accommodation in Toronto

Toronto is a fantastic city to explore and experience during the summer months. From its scenic views, vibrant culture, and exciting attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

With DelSuites furnished apartments for rent in Toronto, you can have a home away from home that offers convenience, comfort, space and privacy without breaking the bank. When you opt for a DelSuites condo for your summer holiday, you will get the following:

Fully stocked kitchens with refrigerator, range, dishwasher and microwave oven
Individual bedrooms and living rooms to guarantee seclusion and leisure time
Options of 1 bedroom, two bedroom or three-bedroom suites
Free high-speed Wi-Fi connection
LCD flat screens with access to quality television programs
En-suite washer and dryer

As an extra perk, if you are travelling with kids or pets, DelSuites has customizable features, including cribs, playpens, change tables, and pet-friendly accommodations. To top it off, they offer a complimentary Kids Care Package to make your stay even more enjoyable.

Take advantage of all that Toronto offers and make your summer vacation unforgettable with DelSuites.

Business Travel, North York, Toronto Condos, Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

Hullmark Centre Connects You to Toronto—Elegantly

August 23, 2022

There are the pictures, the video tour—and then there’s real life at Toronto’s Hullmark Centre. What’s it like to live day to day in a building—whether it’s for a month or six months? It’s a combination of neighbourhood flavour, personal design, and how your new home connects to the wider city.

This week, we’ll take a closer look at Hullmark Centre: 35 stories of glittering sophistication in Toronto’s Yonge & Sheppard neighbourhood.

An uptown neighbourhood that has it all

Hullmark Centre is the centrepiece of Toronto’s vibrant uptown, Yonge & Sheppard: a neighbourhood that combines business savvy, family fun, laid back city living, and the diversity Toronto is famous for into one place.

Without losing its community feel, Yonge & Sheppard packs a bustling corporate district into the sky. The neighbourhood is home to major corporations like Nestlé and Bank of Montreal, legal offices, and a growing medical technology hub.

Government and diplomatic offices are also quartered in the neighbourhood: Service Canada, ServiceOntario, and Canada’s federal immigration agency have major offices in the area. It’s home to multiple diplomatic offices, including the consulates of South Africa, Panama, Argentina, Ghana, Kazakhstan, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Despite its business credentials, Hullmark’s at the centre of one of Toronto’s most family-oriented neighbourhoods. Hullmark is surrounded by both public and private schools—including two Montessori locations and one of Toronto’s most famous arts schools, Claude Watson School for the Arts. It’s ringed by parkland and playgrounds, including a major golf course. The neighbourhood is also a hub for religious communities, with churches from multiple denominations, a mosque, and several synagogues in the area.

There’s also no lack of culture and fun. With a major movie theatre a few blocks north, a slew of karaoke bars and Asian cafés, and escape rooms, it’s easy to plan a quick night out. Hullmark is also a few short blocks south of arts and concert venue Meridian Hall and Mel Lastman Square, a 20,000 square foot public square complete with a winter skating rink, outdoor concert space, a regular farmers’ market, gardens.

The square also hosts one of Toronto’s biggest library branches—complete with a hands-on digital innovation space and fabrication lab—and programming for everyone from young children to adults new to Canada.

An elegant uptown lifestyle

Behind Hullmark’s doors is where the vibrant city life of Toronto’s uptown meets soothing elegance.

From its warm, bright lobby to the marble kitchen counters, DelSuites’s Hullmark suites are built for your urban lifestyle. Each is equipped with comfortable, modern furniture: warm wood, soothing greens, and ultra-chic greys. You’re welcomed into a space that’s bright, natural, and ready to fill with your own unique personality.

When you want to sweat, socialize, or just relax, there’s also the chance to use Hullmark’s peerless amenities. Hullmark boasts a spacious, fully equipped fitness centre with treadmills, cycling, yoga facilities, and full weights available. For swimmers, an outdoor pool lets you get your laps in, and there’s an indoor hot tub and sauna to relax.

For friends and family, the indoor party room includes a wet bar and fireplace—perfect for dinner parties, cocktail receptions, or holiday meals. A theatre-style media room lets you host your own mini-cinema or invite friends to watch the big game. And if you’re working remotely, Hullmark’s sleekly professional conference room means you can meet clients and colleagues with flair.

The city at your feet

One of Hullmark’s best features is how it connects to everything you need for Toronto living.

Hullmark living makes groceries and necessities easy, with a Whole Foods Market, Rexall Drugstore, and an LCBO just downstairs in the building. Local upscale grocer Longo’s Fine Foods and Korean grocery H-Mart’s M2M concept are across the street.

But beyond the neighbourhood, Hullmark gives you direct indoor access to Yonge/Sheppard subway station and two transit lines. On hot or wintry days, you can unlock the whole city—and the greater Toronto region—without stepping outdoors.

For those who’d rather take the car, Hullmark is located just blocks from Highway 401, making your adventures through the Toronto area and Southern Ontario region easy. With five 24-hour charging stations in the neighbourhood, it’s an ideal area for electric, hybrid, and Tesla drivers.

Experience Hullmark Centre for yourself with DelSuites

There’s a little bit in the Hullmark Centre lifestyle for everyone: families, professionals, retirees, community-lovers, and more.

If you’d like to try out Hullmark living—or make it a fit for your energetic city life—call us at 647-370-3504 or email info@delsuites.com. With fully furnished short-term rentals at Hullmark Centre and throughout the GTA, DelSuites can give you a taste of Toronto hassle-free.

Entertainment, Events, Family Vacations in Toronto, Toronto Family Travel, toronto toursim, Vacation Travel

Discover Toronto in Six Summer Festivals

July 5, 2022

Toronto summer festivals photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on Pexels.

After two years on hold, Toronto summer festivals are back in action.

From music to theatre, cultural celebrations, and family-oriented fun, they’re a perfect way to enjoy something new, discover a neighbourhood, or spend some much-needed time together.

Here are some of the shows, events, and festivals—indoors and outdoors—that you’ll want to see this summer.

Beaches International Jazz Festival

Big Band, Dixieland—the Beaches have it all. This year’s Jazz Festival is already on, but you’ve got all month to catch it at a string of locations in Toronto’s East End Beaches and Leslieville neighbourhoods.

The main stage shows are the prime attraction, but this year’s jazz festival brings a double handful of fun interactive activities. Learn to swing dance at Jimmie Simpson Park on July 8-9, or see Streetfest transform Queen Street East into a massive, blocks-long concert on the weekend of July 21-23.

The jazz festival runs from July 2-24, with most events public and free of charge. https://www.beachesjazz.com/

Toronto Fringe Festival

It’s the festival that launched Kim’s Convenience, Broadway’s The Drowsy Chaperone, and the team behind Come From Away. And it’s the most fun way to see what might be next.

Toronto’s 34^th annual Fringe Festival takes over eleven downtown venues this month with theatre, comedy, storytelling, dance, and musicals, as well as a full kids’ program. With over 1,200 independent, grassroots artists, Fringe is the perfect afternoon for anyone who loves new, fun, experimental, and offbeat shows—and it costs less than a good restaurant lunch.

This year’s Toronto Fringe runs from July 6-17, 2022. Single or multi-show passes are available now, with discounts for kids and teens. https://fringetoronto.com/

Toronto Caribbean Carnival

Toronto has Caribbean roots—and every year, we like to show it.

Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival—or Caribana, for us locals—is the largest Carnival celebration in North America. While the major festivities kick off July 28^th, Caribana is a month-long ode to everything Caribbean: from calypso showcases to kids’ events to crown junior kings and queens.

It’s all a buildup to the massive Grand Parade, a whole day of music, dancing, and some of the most incredible costume work anywhere. It’s accompanied by steel pan performances and Carnival Flavours, a showcase for Caribbean food and drink from across the islands.

The party runs from July 7-30, with tickets and event information available at https://www.torontocarnival.ca/.

The Canadian National Exhibition

How about an old-school county fair—but in the city? It’s a Toronto kid’s most beloved cheesy summertime destination—with plenty of room for all ages.

This year’s Ex brings back the traditional mix of fairground rides, a late-night midway, a Biggest Vegetable competition, kids’ sports tournaments, and everyone’s annual dip into weird food that is bad for you (deep-fried butter, anyone?). There’s also a few steps into the future: a dedicated Gaming Garage, complete with esports and FIRST Robotics tournaments.

For music fans, the Ex is also the place for shockingly cheap live shows. This year’s mix at the Bandshell runs from indie rockers Hawksley Workman and JJ Wilde to familiar Canadian musicians like Gordon Lightfoot, Bruce Cockburn, and The Spoons.

This year’s Ex runs from August 19-September 5, with all-day passes available. https://www.theex.com/

Toronto International Film Festival

Some events put a city on the map. The Toronto International Film Festival does it with a great big star.

2022 marks the 47^th year of this internationally-renowned film festival—one that draws stars, media, and major industry movers and shakers alike to Toronto. It’s a marquee event for film fans—a chance to meet creators, attend Q&As, and see premieres from around the world—and a vital industry conference, wrapped into one. And with programming tracks like quirky cult favourite Midnight Madness or national showcases, it’s a chance for any kind of movie lover to see something sweet, gory, action-packed, incisive, or just plain awesome.

This year’s TIFF runs from September 8-18, and ticket packages are on sale now, with final schedules due at the end of August. https://tiff.net/

International Festival of Authors

Toronto’s most prestigious literary festival is back at the Harbourfront Centre for the Arts this September.

With a hybrid in-person/online format for its 43^rd edition, IFOA is bringing marquee authors for readings, interviews, and panel discussions to highlight what’s important and vital about books.

The lineup’s due to be announced late summer, and the festival itself runs September 22-October 2. https://festivalofauthors.ca/

Whether you’re traveling from far away or just from around the corner, let us show you Toronto at its best. Call DelSuites at 647-370-3504 or email info@delsuites.com to find out how we can open the gates to discovering Toronto’s festivals.

Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Toronto Entertainment, toronto toursim, Vacation Travel

DelSuites Gets You In the Action for Toronto Pride Month

May 24, 2022

Toronto Pride hotel photo by Rosemary Ketchum on Pexels.

Toronto Pride is back! After two years of distanced activities and shifting online, festivals are back on in the City of Toronto, and Pride 2022 is going to be bigger, better, and more glamorous than ever.

Toronto is home to one of the biggest Pride Months in North America—and one of the most diverse. There are events, parties, and celebrations of all things queer from the flag-raising on June 1^st to the full festival weekend on June 24-26.

If you’re gearing up to get the most out of Pride Month, here’s how DelSuites helps you really enjoy the party.

Stay as close to the action as you want

Some people like to be right in the centre of things. And some—don’t. Staying with DelSuites gives you the choice to get as much quiet—or as much excitement—as you want. With locations scattered through downtown Toronto, you can stay a heartbeat from the party—or a dozen walkable blocks away, for quieter nights.

While the main festival’s one weekend, our theatre district buildings put you in a prime location for major Pride Month events, like Cabana Pool Bar’s massive drag pool party and a full-day party on the Toronto Islands.

And since a DelSuites furnished rental has a minimum of 30 nights, it’s the ideal home base to take in both Pride events and enjoy Toronto’s lakefront neighbourhoods, great food, good vibes, and summer fun.

Go big for Toronto Pride

One thing a DelSuites Pride Month rental gives you is room to spread your wings. Our private, fully-furnished rental suites include everything—and we mean everything—you need to set up for Pride Month.

Your space comes with a full ensuite laundry, multiple bathrooms, and a fully stocked kitchen with pots, pans, dishes, cutlery, and more. Our regular housekeeping service and our linens and towels service keep your space smelling flower fresh. Wide, sunny balconies let you soak up some sun—or have romantic evening drinks.

Your suite lets you access all of our buildings’ common amenities: you can keep up your workout routine, have a swim, or host a big rooftop brunch for all your friends.

If you’re driving to Pride, our units have secure, assigned indoor parking spaces so you can park stress-free—and explore beyond Toronto city limits.

And if you’re putting in remote hours at work, we’ve got reliable wifi internet and North American long-distance calling included. Luxurious living rooms and full cable packages let you get comfortable with a movie when it’s time for a night in.

Stay together and save

Pride’s better when we do it together—and more people can make it to the party when your stay costs less.

Our two- and three-bedroom suites open Pride Month up for everyone who wants to be there. Multiple spacious bedrooms and bathrooms help you split space with friends—and keep enough privacy to stay friends afterwards.

If you are on a budget, our full kitchens give you the option of eating in, not just in restaurants—or treating each other to a home-cooked breakfast.

And with many of our units featuring pullout couches, you’ve got a safe space for someone to spend the night if it’s too late to get home.

***

However your Pride looks, we want to make it a month to remember. Call us at 647-370-3504 or email info@delsuites.com to find out how we can host you for Toronto Pride.

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

Take the Front Seat for Toronto Sports

April 12, 2022

Toronto sports photo by Tim Gouw from Pexels.

Play ball! Sports have come back to Toronto after two years of pandemic limits, and fans are itching to get into the seats. With most major Toronto sports venues just blocks from DelSuites locations, you’re in a winning spot to catch a game.

So if you’re a sports fan visiting Toronto, here are the best games you can catch this spring and summer: both major-league and underground.

Baseball: The Toronto Blue Jays

The Jays haven’t played at home since the COVID-19 pandemic started, so excitement for the 2022 season is high. With a homegrown lineup full of 2021 All-Stars—and a pitching staff that’s finally got itself right—a day at the ballpark is going to crackle this year.

The Rogers Centre is literal steps from Element and Icon—three minutes’ walk down the block!—and a short walk from 10 York and 300 Front Street West. Tickets can range from $20 a seat in the nosebleeds to significantly more at the luxurious, reservations-only TD Clubhouse behind home plate: complete with buffet, padded seats, and concierge service.

Toronto’s ballpark food can be much more interesting than the usual hot dogs and fries—although the traditional eats are all there. There’s lots of local beer and cider available, and you can bring your own snacks as long as they’re wrapped well.

Opening day is April 8^th, and games stretch into October.

Basketball: The Toronto Raptors

In 2019 the Raptors took the NBA championship, and nobody in Toronto will ever let you forget it. It’s a great reason to check out Canada’s only NBA team: the vibe is fun, competitive, and fierce.

The Raptors play out of Scotiabank Arena, just around the corner from 10 York and a short walk from Qwest, Element, Icon, and 300 Front Street West. It’s also connected to Toronto’s underground PATH Network, so it’s easy to get to the arena and stay dry on a rainy day.

Raptors tickets are in demand, and even modest seats will put you back about $90 after fees, but you’re getting an experience, not just a game. There’s a huge variety of concessions at Scotiabank Arena: sandwiches, hot dogs, poutine, and drinks feature. But you can also get sushi, premium rum and vodka, and high-end restaurant dining while you watch the shot clock.

The regular season goes into April, and tickets are still available.

Hockey: The Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Marlies, and the Toronto Six

NHL tickets are a splurge for most people, but a night at the Scotiabank Arena watching the Leafs is well worth the price. And with the regular season running into April, there’s still time to catch pro league hockey.

But for hockey fans who need something a little more affordable—or like a different challenge—there’s the AHL Toronto Marlies. The Leafs’ AHL development team plays out of Exhibition Place’s Coca-Cola Coliseum, a 10-minute trip by car or transit from our Qwest and 10 York locations.

A night out at the Marlies is its own kind of excitement. Not all the passes connect, and not all the shots get blocked—which makes the game a different kind of exciting. The season also stretches from October to April, and you can snag tickets for as little as $25.

If you’re into women’s professional hockey, Toronto’s best-kept hockey secret is its Premier Hockey Federation Team. The two-year-old Toronto Six plays in at York Canlan Sports Arena, in the city’s northwest. Tickets top out at $30 a seat, and with a strong roster, it’s a guaranteed good time.

Soccer: Toronto FC

Toronto isn’t always known as a soccer city, but the fan base for Toronto FC—the city’s Major League Soccer team—are absolute diehards. Toronto FC’s the first—and only—Canadian MLS team, and won the MLS Cup in 2017.

Toronto FC home games are at BMO Field—in the same Exhibition Place complex as the Marlies. It’s a newer venue with a full accessibility policy and barrier-free seating available. Snacks and concessions cater to Toronto’s soccer-loving Italian and Portuguese communities, with panini and hot chicken next to more usual favourites.

Toronto FC plays February through October, making them a great outdoor choice for long summer nights. Tickets range from an easy $28 to premium seats at over $150 each.

Racing: The Honda Indy

If you’re into an entirely different kind of sports—motor sports—Toronto’s also home to a major IndyCar race.

Taking place over the weekend of July 15-17, the almost 40-year-old race is IndyCar’s second-longest street circuit. The track loops around the Exhibition Place complex, and is accessible (ironically!) by TTC and GO Transit.

Ticket prices and catering options are yet to be announced, but should be available by May.

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Enjoy the thrill of being steps away from the beating heart of the city: on game day or every day. Call DelSuites at 647-370-3504 or email info@delsuites.com to find out how we can open Toronto up for you to discover.

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