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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 34th 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 28th, 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 47th 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 43rd 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 1st 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 8th, 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.

***

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.

Customer Service Experience, toronto toursim, Vacation Travel

Accessible Travel is Yours at DelSuites

February 15, 2022
Accessible travel photo by Kampus Production from Pexels

Travel is for everybody: no matter the body you live in.

As awareness of accessible travel rises, more travel agents, carriers, and housing providers are creating spaces that meet accessibility needs for everyone. And there’s more effort being made to reduce the extra work that can go into booking business or family travel when you’re living a differently abled life.

Whether you’re traveling with a severe allergy, are mobility-impaired, Deaf, or just need a little more help now and then, here’s how DelSuites is here to meet your accessible travel needs.

Our buildings surpass accessibility standards

Every single one of our suites is located in a modern building already designed for access. Because we place our suites in Tridel buildings, every DelSuites common area is designed to surpass Ontario’s standard design requirements.

That means easy elevator access to suites, parking, and common areas. It also means our recreational amenities—swimming pools, workout rooms, cinema-style viewing rooms, and more—are barrier-free.

Our buildings’ dedicated concierge staff are always able to assist you with packages and information. And our online neighbourhood guides help you find restaurants, transit, and entertainment—whether it’s planning ahead or a last-minute night out.

Open-concept layouts help you stay comfortably

Our large, open-concept suites are perfect for travellers who use moderate mobility aids.

All our units have standard door sizes and one short step to the shower. But our wide layouts and large bathrooms make our suites easy to navigate, and give you plenty of room to turn a walker, brace a cane, or walk alongside a service animal.

Our easy-to-reach, open-concept kitchen spaces are fully equipped with all the dishes and utensils you need to cook and serve a full meal. Each unit also has a full fridge with adjustable temperature, in case you need to store important medications.

If you’re planning ahead, virtual online tours let you explore the space before you book, so you know immediately if the space is right for you—and our Guest Services team is available by phone, email, or chat to answer any questions.

Service animal-friendly

DelSuites is a service animal-friendly provider. We proudly accommodate service animals with no additional charge at any of our buildings.

Our pet-friendly accommodations are already equipped for your service animal’s comfort. Our recommended pre-arrival grocery delivery service lets you order both your groceries and your service animal’s food ahead of time.

While each building’s policies around animals vary, we’re happy to match you with the space that fits your needs and make sure your arrival goes smoothly.

Accessible booking processes

Our booking options are accessible for a broad range of guests. If you’re Deaf or hard of hearing, dynamic online rates and fully paperless transactions can make booking happen on your schedule. If you live with vision loss, our Guest Services team can book with you over the phone and set up your suite to your needs.

Our booking processes let you ask questions as you go with our live chat option, tour spaces ahead of time, and pre-book specialized needs like cribs, highchairs, and more.

An easy space to maintain

Our bi-weekly cleaning service makes it simple to get comfortable. Cleaning, linen service, and fresh towels are included in your booking, and our professional, friendly cleaning staff are ready to tailor to your needs.

Accessible travel that lets you explore Toronto

We’re always improving our ability to welcome guests from all walks of life. Contact us by phone at (416) 370-3504, email at info@delsuites.com, or use our live chat to find out how we can make your next trip to Toronto stress-free.

Business Travel, Energy Conservation, Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

Your Big Fat Green Vacation: Travel Sustainably with DelSuites

January 25, 2022
Travel sustainably photo by Scott Evans on Unsplash.

After a year of fires, floods, and hurricanes, how to travel sustainably in our networked world is a bigger question than ever.

But as travel restrictions lift and all those trips COVID put off become possible, the question is: how? Without spending cash on carbon offsets, how do we balance the travel we love—or have to make to keep business running—with doing what’s right for our climate?

At DelSuites, we’ve already taken care of the big things: situating our fully-furnished rentals in sustainably-designed, LEED-certified Tridel buildings which are pushing the limits on how eco-friendly a high-rise can be. And our fully paperless booking service also lets you book, bill, and plan your trip while keeping a few trees in the ground.

But if you want to max out your sustainability while you travel, here are a few easy ways you can make that Toronto trip a little greener—and have fun while you do it.

Ditch the plastic toiletries, and get some planet-friendly ones

Everyone always forgets the toothbrush—but it might not be a bad idea, this time. For no more than a few extra dollars, you can forget the toothbrush and pick up a biodegradable, planet-friendly bamboo brush for your stay.

Kensington Market health food store Essence of Life Organics has a whole selection of biodegradable, zero-waste kitchen, laundry, and bathroom products to sample for only a few dollars each—and they offer reliable next-day delivery. Schedule an order before you leave, and you’ll be happily picking up your zero-waste, plastic-free lemon-flavoured dental floss from the concierge on your way through your door.

If you’d like to give that bamboo toothbrush a longer shelf life—and use it for your next five trips, too!—Quebec-based OLA Bamboo also offers a case to take it home in.

Sustainabilify the souvenirs

It’s not a trip without a few treats for the people back home. But it’s easy to make those treats more sustainable, eco-friendly, and longer-lasting.

“Eco-conscious general store” Logan & Finley offers a wide selection of sustainable treats for friends and family back home, from clothes to sustainably sourced specialty chocolate and decadent bath soaks.

In the west end, the laid-back Roncesvalles neighbourhood’s Ecotique puts an emphasis on looking chic, with green accessories, Toronto-themed tea towels, and elegant lounging robes made from upcycled saris. They’re gifts so elegant the environmental impact is just gravy.

Clean up your caffeine

When we’re on the road, all those morning coffees add up. But there are a few cafés that’ll let you get your fix greener while you’re on the go in Toronto.

Low-waste café Poured Coffee is taking the indie coffeeshop entirely package-free: their beans are dropped off by roaster La Marzocco in reusable food-safe bins, their milk in glass bottles, and every cup served goes into a reusable mug or thermos—yours or theirs. Complete with locally sourced baked goods and neighbourhood art, it’s a low-waste haven for east end travelers.

On the west side of the city, regional coffee roaster Reunion Island Coffee Roasters is a certified B-corp focusing on sustainable coffee “from seed to cup”. Powered by renewable energy provider Bullfrog Power, they’ve made every part of their supply chain more sustainable, from compostable wood-pulp coffee bags to fair-trade beans. And if you have to get a few bags delivered, don’t worry; the packaging’s biodegradable too. Drink up!

Send it with pedal power

Have an important package to get across town by end of day? Need a prescription refilled, stat?

Send It Courier is one of Toronto’s all-cargo bicycle courier companies—this one worker-owned and operated, with an A-list client portfolio and reasonable rates (including the highly descriptive “Panic”).

Instead of a cab or a rideshare, hand your parcels—heavy or light!—off to one of those professional cyclists, and do business with no carbon footprint at all.

Love your new green bin

The city of Toronto’s Green Bin program is a citywide way to keep your organics out of landfill. And because DelSuites furnished rentals are residential spaces, your stay lets you access the program.

The rules for Green Bin use may look complicated at first glance, but they’re worth spending five minutes to get to know. The program takes in food waste, coffee and tea grounds, paper plates, tissues, and paper towels—and much, much more.

Instead of piling up garbage, your waste will be turned into compost for the city’s parks and gardens, and biogas to power renewable natural gas programs—a win-win for everyone.

Our smallest gestures count when we travel sustainably

No, your travel toothbrush isn’t going to save the world. But the small choices we make add up, and a few better habits can be enough to make a much-needed trip more sustainable in the long run.

For more sustainable travel planning, contact us at DelSuites by phone at (647) 370-3504 or email info@delsuites.com. We’ll help you make your next visit to Toronto green, clean, and easy.