Downtown Toronto Archives - Page 7 of 27

The Best Cheap Eats in Markham, Ontario

March 5, 2020

Markham is a great place to be hungry on a budget. There are so many great cheap eats in Markham to enjoy!

In this city, within the Greater Toronto Area, you’ll have a wide selection of excellent restaurants that serve up delicious meals at a very affordable price. Some of the best value restaurants Markham has to offer (when it comes to price vs quality) are Chinese – although there are many other cuisines to choose from as well. Even if you don’t have much to spend on dinner, you’ll be able to feast until you simply can’t eat another bite.

Looking for cheap eats in Markham? The following are some of the great options within the budget dining scene in Markham.

Papa Chang’s

Have you ever tried Taiwanese food before? At this casual spot, you can taste a number of yummy dishes such as chili braised pork, beef noodle soup and Taiwanese chicken with basil. Even the largest and most expensive dishes on the menu don’t cost more than $8 – and most of them are between $5-$7. Go with a friend – so you can share your food and try more different flavours!

Malay Thai Famous Cuisine

The food court in First Markham Place is like heaven for a hungry foodie on a budget – there are so many great choices here to try. Malay Thai Famous Cuisine is one of the highlights – a casual eatery known for its tender boneless Hainanese-style chicken, served with rice cooked in a juicy broth. It’s served with even more broth on the side, making it an incredibly satisfying meal on a cold winter night. It’s one of the most well known local cheap eats in Markham.

Northern Dumpling Kitchen

This local favourite serves up some truly excellent and affordable Northern Chinese fare. For example, their pork and leek dumplings explode with flavour and are only around a fiver. Crispy, oily and irresistible onion pancakes are only $3. Also, try the soup dumplings – they can be tricky to eat but they are oh-so-satisfying! (This is another great place to go with a few friends and share several dishes.)

Bluenose Fish and Chips

A local favourite, this family-run fish and chips shop serves up flaky, delicious halibut in an irresistible crispy batter alongside hand-cut chips. They have been around for over 20 years – and they’ve been using the same incredibly popular secret family recipe.

The prices are quite affordable and they often offer great value specials. For example, a meal deal for two that includes two haddock, an order of fries and a small salad for $22.95. So, bring a friend and have a fishy feast!

T&T Bakery & Cafe

This friendly family owned and operated cafe is located on Main Street in Newmarket. It’s always busy and it’s not hard to see why. The delicious homestyle cooking and baking will make you feel right at home. The portions are generous and comforting and everything is made fresh.

It’s not fancy, but the prices are very affordable and there are also some great daily specials. It’s always busy with customers but if you can’t find a spot, you can always take your food away.

Jim Chai Kee Noodle

If you are a fan of Jim Chai Kee Noodle, just the mere mention of the delicious juicy wontons here will make your mouth water. They are the BEST wontons you’ll ever have. Golf-ball sized and packed with delicious shrimp, they are served in a savory soup that will warm you up from the inside on a cold Toronto day.

This popular lunch spot has been open for 19 years and is still going strong! Whenever the craving strikes for a tasty, quick and cheap bowl of noodle soup, this is the place to go!

Cravins Caribbean Grill

In the mood for something with a little bit of spice? At Cravins Caribbean Grill, you can enjoy generous portions of delicious home-cooked Caribbean cuisine. The curry chicken roti is one of the most popular dishes and will rock your world.

Plus, they often have delicious lunch specials such as curried goat on the bone and the jerk pork. The portions are generous and will keep you full for the rest of the day. When it comes to cheap eats in Markham, it’s a great option.

To learn more about our Markham apartments, click here.

Downtown Toronto, Toronto Entertainment

The Best Shopping in Midtown Toronto

December 27, 2019

If you love shopping, Midtown, Toronto is where it’s at. From enormous shopping malls to cute boutiques and much more, you’ll find everything you could wish for in this area of the city.

There are several great shopping areas within a short distance from each other, so you can cover a lot in a day. You’ll find all of the typical North American flagship brands, as well as luxury retailers and local boutiques with unique one-of-a-kind items. Put on your comfy shoes – there’s a lot of ground to cover!

So, where should you start when shopping in Midtown Toronto? Let’s take a look at the best shopping options in this part of the city.

Yonge Street

Yonge Street is one of the most famous shopping streets in Toronto. It’s a dynamic street lined with exciting things to see and do – whether you feel like shopping, catching a movie or heading to the theater.

Take a stroll down Yonge Street and you’ll find a mix of chain stores from big name brands, as well as several unique storefronts that are home to unique local businesses. For example, there’s the stylish shoes at Studio D, or the beautiful bohemian boutique Canopy Blue.

You can also check out That’s Italy, where you can find elegant designer frocks for your next party. Afterwards, you can check in at Room 2046 to sip a latte and nibble a donut while you admire locally made jewellery and soaps. If you get hungry while shopping, there are several restaurants to check out – from luxurious sit-down dining to fast food outlets.

This is a great part of the city if you love discovering shops that are unique, quirky and one of a kind. Be sure to check it out on your travels in Toronto.

Yonge-Eglinton Centre

If you are looking for the big shopping mall experience in Midtown Toronto, this is the place to head. You’ll find 70 retailers, including a wide range of brands such as Sephora, Indigo Books, Reitmans and more.

It’s located across the street from the Canada Square Complex and it is connected to the Eglinton subway station via a lower level tunnel. It has everything you’ll need – from groceries to gyms to liquor stores and convenience shops.

This bustling shopping centre has recently been renovated and the architecture is quite impressive – with columns of colour-changing LED lights and giant digital billboards. It feels futuristic and thriving and the centre often hosts events such as free rooftop yoga sessions (in the summer, of course!).

Yorkville Village

Another shopping mall in the area, Yorkville Village is located north of Bloor Street along Avenue Road. It was previously opened in 1976 as Hazelton Lanes, and fell into disrepair in the 1990s. It was redeveloped in 2011 and rebranded as Yorkville Village.

Yorkville Village has great options for shopping and food and it has been recently renovated, so it feels bright, spacious and modern. It’s an upscale shopping experience and there are plenty of high end retailers such as TNT, Andrews, Bois et Cuir and Belstaff.

This is where to shop if you really love fashion and decor – and you want to pick up something unique and stylish. Also, the mall has a SoulCycle, so you can get your workout on with an energizing spin class to exciting music.

Plus, when it comes to fueling up after a busy day of shopping, the mall offers ELXR Juice Lab AND Mi’Hito Sushi Laboratory. Whatever those labs are experimenting with – it’s likely to be pretty delicious.

Manulife Centre

Located on the corner of Bay and Bloor, this shopping centre is another great place to get your retail fix. The Manulife Centre is located on what’s known as the “Mink Mile”. It’s an upscale shopping district in Yorkville, along Bloor Street between Avenue Road and Yonge Street. It’s the most expensive place in Canada to lease retail space and is the 7th most expensive shopping street in the world. Essentially, the Mink Mile is the Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive of Canada.

The Manulife Centre is one of the tallest buildings in Toronto. Within this shopping centre, you’ll find the Bloor Street market, as well as many great fashion brands such as Ron White Shoes, Petra Karthaus and De Catarina. There’s also a GoodLife Fitness Centre, A Post Office, a Pharmacy and much more.

The good news? If the weather is terrible you can go straight through the underground tunnel from the Bloor and Yonge subway station and reach the mall without having to brave the cold!

These are just a few of the great places you can shop while staying at our midtown Toronto apartments. Click here to learn more about our short term apartment rentals in Midtown, Toronto. Our locations are accessible to great shopping, dining, nightlife and more.

Downtown Toronto, Lifestyle talk

Pet Friendly Stays: Yes, You Can Bring Your Furry Friend!

October 25, 2019

Many people ask us whether Delsuites is a pet-friendly place to stay. The answer is: Yes! We welcome your furry friends at our spacious, well-located furnished Toronto apartments.

Any domestic cat or dog who weighs less than 25 pounds will be permitted. (There are just a few rules, which we outline in our pet policy below.)

We know that your pets are important to you, so we want to make you and your four-legged friend feel as welcome as possible. Just let us know in advance that you will be bringing your pet and we will be sure to accomodate you.

Travel is Better With Your Pet

Here at Delsuites, we believe that travel is always more enjoyable when you can bring your animal companion along. Your pet is more than just a cat or a dog, they are part of the family.

Toronto is a wonderfully pet friendly city, with plenty of great cafe patios where you can relax, green trails and parks for walking and excellent pet shops. From dog parks to bakeries serving gourmet treats, there’s a lot to enjoy. You and your pet will have a fantastic time exploring.

When you get back from your adventures, you can relax in your large, comfortable apartment, with plenty of room to sniff, stretch and cuddle. Our apartments are much more spacious than hotel rooms, which will make you and your pet more comfortable. Plus, they offer convenient amenities such as laundry, parking and a full kitchen.

Some of our apartments even have some pretty special pet friendly amenities. For example, at The Livmore there is a “Bark Park” on the 5th floor. It’s home to a dog spa and an outdoor dog run with artificial turf, an obstacle course, fire hydrants and benches. It’s the perfect place to relax with your pooch while enjoying views of the city.

What Are the Rules?

What guidelines do you need to follow when bringing your pet to our Toronto apartments?

First of all, the rules depend on the particular location where you will be staying. So, please check with your individual apartment to confirm that pets are permitted.

However, the standard policy is that pets must be on a leash at all times and carried through the common areas. Your furry friend is not permitted in the recreation facilities of the building. Also, if you leave your pet alone on cleaning day, please keep it contained for the safety of the pet and the housekeeping personnel.

Also, when you bring your pet your stay will include a $300 non-refundable additional cleaning fee. If your pet is a Service or Assistance animal, this additional fee will be waived.

If you have any questions about our pet policy or your stay at Delsuites, please feel free to contact us at any time. We aim to make your visit with your pet as enjoyable as possible.

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, Food & Recipes

The Best Bakeries in Toronto

October 11, 2019

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread.

There are several excellent bakeries in Toronto where dedicated bakers are kneading dough at the crack of dawn, pulling their soft, warm loaves out of the oven before most city-dwellers are even awake. At these fantastic bakeries, you will find fresh pastries, crusty baguettes, handmade cakes and so much more.

Here are just a few examples of the best bakeries that Toronto has to offer.

The Rolling Pin

The Rolling Pin is one of the most well known bakeries in Toronto, famous for their elaborately decorated over the top donuts. The owners of this bakery, Isabelle and Vanessa, are truly passionate about creating innovative desserts. They experiment with new flavours all the time and they always offer creative taste combinations – such as a Key Lime Pie donut or a marshmallow Fluff filled donut topped with Rice Krispies and drizzled with Nutella. The Rolling Pin also offers baking classes, so you can learn how to make your own unique cake creations.

Through Being Cool Vegan Baking Co.

If you don’t eat animal products, that doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on the bakery fun. Through Being Cool is a vegan bakery that serves up everything from cookies, doughnuts and scones – harming no creatures in the process. They believe that vegan food doesn’t always have to be healthy salads and other “rabbit food” – it can be sweet, indulgent baked treats as well! They also serve great coffee, made with high quality beans from Anchored Coffee.

Sweet Hart Kitchen

In a fantastic location just a few streets away from bustling Kensington Market, Sweet Hart Kitchen is a friendly, welcoming bakery serving up gluten-free, allergen-free and entirely vegan options. Everything they make is 100% vegan and uses real, whole ingredients. They avoid artificial flavours and colours and they make sure their ingredients are fair trade, organic and locally sourced whenever possible.

Roselle Desserts

From coffee caramel cakes to lemon tarts to Earl Grey infused cakes, you’ll find a delightful selection of treats at Roselle Desserts. The bakers, Bruce Lee and Stephanie Duong, honed their dessert-making skills in Hong Kong and Paris before they set up shop in Corktown. There is a strong Parisian influence here, with dainty and delicate French pastries decorated with toppings that are as delicious as they are beautiful.

Bakerbots

Located on a side street near Ossington Station, Bakerbots is a friendly and welcoming bakeshop that offers sweets such as cookies, macarons, cupcakes and fruit pies. One of their specialties is ice cream sandwiches, with surprising and delicious flavour combinations such as cocoa and French mint, Burnt marshmallow, Guinness stout and Maple bacon.

Planning a trip to Toronto?

These are just a few of the many delicious bakeries you can check out when you visit Toronto. For a warm and welcoming place to stay during your trip, take a look at our furnished apartments.

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