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Family Vacations in Toronto, North York

4 Tips You Should Know When Looking for Short-Term Furnished Rentals in North York 

March 14, 2023
short-term rentals

Short-term furnished rentals in North York are like a mixture of staying at a fancy hotel and owning a condominium. You get the luxurious feel of a furnished hotel, but with the ability to stay in a location for months at a time. 

We want to do everything in our power to make your stay a success. However, when it comes to staying in North York, there are a few tips you need to keep in mind. 

While you can have a great time by choosing a location at random in Toronto (it’s a great city), knowing where you want to stay can make all the difference, especially if you want to stay in North York.

In this article, we will cover the benefits of staying in North York and clear up common misconceptions that some people, especially those new to Toronto, may have when visiting for the first time.

Tip #1: North York Isn’t Downtown—But Don’t Let That Stop You

Visitors to North York sometimes believe that they will be near all the downtown action that Toronto has to offer by renting in North York. Near is relative. Given that most visitors may not bring their cars, “near” is a 20+ minute subway ride to the downtown core, at the least. For many people, this is nothing. 

However, if you want to walk out of your short-term rental and be immediately where the action is, you should look for a rental closer to the waterfront.

Renting in North York is great, but expectations should be made realistic. Your first tip is to isolate neighbourhoods and regions of the great city of Toronto specifically before you look into short-term rentals.

Tip #2: Expect Peace, Quiet, and a Cozy Experience

If you have ever travelled to Toronto and North York before, you will notice when you cross the invisible inner-city barrier between North York and the geographically-lower areas of Toronto. 

The region of North York is quieter, fewer cars are on the road, and more local businesses are open. 

The upside is that short-term renters get to experience a great time. You can do all of your shopping, sightseeing, and work in downtown Toronto, and then retreat to a cozy furnished rental.

The second tip is to determine if you want the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto or want to retreat to a cozy and quiet rental at night to prepare for the day ahead.

Tip #3: North York Has Everything The Typical Traveller Needs

Just because North York is not the downtown core does not mean that North York is a sparse desert out of Mad Max. 

There are shops and shopping centers. There are diverse and multicultural neighbourhoods, all with their events going on. There are parks and open pathways, where you can explore the flora and fauna of the city. There is something for everyone. You just have to plan where you want to go and what you want to do beforehand.

Barring some specific experience like a broadway show, which is typically located downtown in the Entertainment District, North York will have everything you need and want out of your Toronto experience.

The third tip is to know what you want to do, even a rough outline so that you can maximize the benefits of your rentals’ location. 

Tip #4: Amenities, Amenities, Amenities

No one mentions the amenities, but we feel we should. Amenities can make or break an experience, and we want your stay with us to be your best yet.

While our rentals do include amenities, not all rentals include the same amenities. Depending on the short-term rental you select, amenities may vary.

Here are some amenities you may be able to use, depending on your rental:

  • Gym
  • Pre-Arrival grocery shops
  • Parking
  • Close to transit, education, and government offices
  • Theatre Rooms
  • Fitness centres
  • Swimming pools
  • Meeting rooms
  • Round-the-clock security

Amenities really separate us from our competition. We offer fully-furnished clean short-term rentals designed to maximize the luxury and enjoyment of your stay. 

Ready to Book Your Short-Term Stay in North York?

We go above and beyond, because we know when it comes to a short-term rental, it’s the little things that matter.

We can provide you with a short-term rental to your liking. Browse all available listings on our website to see which one is the right fit for you. 

With the variety of listings and locations we offer, we have something for everyone with every budget. Contact DelSuites and speak with our team today to learn more.

See our latest short-term stay condo rentals in North York.

 

Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Family Vacations in Toronto

How To Enjoy A 30-Day Staycation in Toronto

March 7, 2023

Toronto is a busy and varied city that gives visitors a wide range of things to do and see.

There’s something for everyone in Toronto, whether they like art, food, history, or the outdoors. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time in the city if you plan to stay there for 30 or more days.

First and foremost, you need to choose where to stay. We would suggest a DelSuites condo rental, giving you all the amenities of a luxury condo building but the flexibility to stay as long as you need to after the 30-day period.

After you are settled at your new condo rental conveniently located in the city, it’s time to explore what the city has to offer.

Here is How you can Enjoy 30-Days in Toronto

Try New Food Spots

The food scene is one of the best things about Toronto. People from all over the world live in the city, so there are many different kinds of food to try. There’s something for everyone, from street vendors who sell traditional Canadian poutine to high-end restaurants that serve modern, delicious food. New to the city? Head to St. Lawrence Market for some smoked meat sandwiches, butter tarts, and peameal bacon are some dishes you must try. Take a food tour to try different dishes and learn about the city’s food history for a more unique experience.

Attend New Exhibits at Toronto’s Museums

Going to one of Toronto’s many museums or art galleries is another popular thing to do there. The Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art are all located conveniently in the city. These places have a lot of different kinds of art and artifacts, including works by Canadian and international artists. You can also see modern art, photography, and design in a number of smaller galleries and specific exhibition spaces.

Get Out To Green Spaces

If you want to do something more active, Toronto has a lot of parks and green spaces for you to explore. The Rouge National Urban Park, which is in the city, is the largest urban park in North America. It has places to hike, camp, and watch birds. High Park, which has a zoo, an outdoor swimming pool, and a playground, is another popular park. Trinity Bellwoods Park is a popular place for picnics, outdoor concerts and plenty of trees to relax under for an afternoon.

Learn About The History

Toronto has a lot of historic sites and buildings for people who are interested in history and architecture. The Fort York National Historic Site is the oldest building in the city. It used to be a military fort and was built in the late 18th century. There are also several Victorian-era houses in the city, like the Spadina House, which is open to the public and can be toured.

Explore The Culture

You can also learn a lot about Canadian culture in Toronto. The city also has many festivals and events all year long, such as the Toronto International Film Festival, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, and the Toronto Jazz Festival, that you can enjoy. 

Shopping, Shopping, Shopping

Lastly, if you want a more laid-back trip, Toronto has a lot of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. There are many shopping areas in the city, like Queen Street West, Kensington Market and the shops along Ossington Avenue, which are known for their vintage clothing stores and small, independent shops. The Eaton Centre, which is a big shopping mall, and the Distillery District, which is an old neighbourhood with shops, restaurants, and galleries, are also popular places to shop.

Stay Close To All That Toronto Has To Offer

In the end, Toronto is a city where everyone can find something they like. No matter if you’re interested in art, culture, food, or nature, there are many things to see and do. With a month in the city, you’ll have plenty of time to see everything, so take your time and enjoy the city.

Our DelSuites condo rental units are conveniently located to the best that the city has to offer and complements your extended stay travel. Check-in is a breeze and you can enjoy all of what the building has to offer as well, making it desirable for young professionals, business travellers and families.

Book your furnished condo rental in Toronto through DelSuites now.

 

Downtown Toronto Condos, Family Vacations in Toronto, Toronto Entertainment, toronto toursim

Toronto in Film: Toronto’s Film Festivals

July 20, 2022
Toronto film festival photo by Martin Lopez on Pexels.

The film industry is big in Toronto. Everything from major Hollywood movies to Emmy-winning TV series like Schitt’s Creek and Orphan Black have been shot here. We’ve hosted superhero battles, futuristic space cities, and an endless stream of prop New York taxicabs.

Toronto’s known for an expert local talent pool, great locations, and thriving studios like Pinewood and Revival. But it also has a sophisticated, international audience of local moviegoers to show your finished product.

Whether it’s audio, video, documentaries, or short films: here’s a tour of the Toronto film landscape for both film lovers and filmmakers.

Toronto International Film Festival

When it comes to Toronto film events, the granddaddy of them all is TIFF: an 11-day extravaganza of gala premieres, industry sessions, awards, and networking opportunities.

Founded in 1976, it’s one of the biggest public-accessible film festivals in the world. It’s big enough to have grown its own dedicated five-story film centre: home to a film reference library, learning studios, event spaces, galleries, and vibrant year-round international programming.

With dedicated tracks for national cinemas, pulp, and documentaries, TIFF has nurtured an incredible range of film cultures in Toronto and abroad.

The 2022 edition of TIFF runs from September 8-18.

imagineNATIVE Film + Media Festival

All things Indigenous media—and we mean all of them—make it to imagineNATIVE. The world’s largest Indigenous media and film festival, imagineNATIVE puts on a blizzard of screenings, concerts, industry events, and interactive showcases—all from the vibrant world of Indigenous arts.

Running as a festival since 2000, it’s made a significant mark: early winners of its Best Dramatic Feature award have included Taika Waititi and Reservation Dogs creator Sterlin Harjo. Films produced as part of its Embargo Collective commissions have screened at TIFF and Sundance.

Today, that initial concept has bloomed into partnerships with the Canadian National Film Board and the Berlinale, a film producer mini-lab, tours, and community screening series.

ImagineNATIVE 2022 takes place from October 18-30, both physically and virtually through their digital platform.

Toronto After Dark Film Festival

Can’t get enough horror, science fiction, or action movies? Toronto After Dark Film Festival is all about the pulp, the cult, and the straight-up fun.

With over 10,000 eager viewers each year, Toronto After Dark hits both the highbrow and low, with enough room for moody Scandinavian horror, Troma films, Hollywood hits, and homegrown creations. It boasts a thrillingly international lineup, having showcased films from Israel, Thailand, Mexico, Iran, and Korea.

Hosted at Toronto’s downtown Scotiabank Theatre, the 16th edition of Toronto After Dark takes place from October 19-23, 2022.

Inside Out Film and Video Festival

Canada’s largest and most prestigious LGBTQIA+ film festival had a grassroots beginning in 1991 at Toronto’s Euclid Theatre. Since then, Inside Out has grown into an entertainment juggernaut, with funding and training programs, a school distribution program for new artists, grants, scholarships, and funding forums.

Now hosted at the TIFF Bell Lightbox and co-screens selected films with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Netflix, and Crave. Its own permanent distribution platform operates year-round, and its awards have recognized films from Canada, China, Australia, Argentina, and everywhere between.

Inside Out’s next edition takes place in May 2023.

Hot Docs

Toronto’s all-documentary film festival, Hot Docs, screens over 200 films from around the world every year—and adds on professional development programs, a full industry conference, and a developed schools program.

An annual festival since 1993, Hot Docs expanded to its own dedicated theatre—the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, formerly the Bloor Cinema—in 2012. It also recently launched a podcast festival, complete with a dedicated creators’ and industry forum devoted to the art of audio drama.

Hot Docs is set for an April 2023 return, and the Hot Docs Podcast Festival goes live in January 2023.

A city for movie-lovers and movie-makers

Whether you’re enjoying hot new films, making them, writing about or selling them, DelSuites can be your home base during Toronto’s film festival season. Call us at 647-370-3504 or email info@delsuites.com to find out how we can offer you a comfortable, fully-featured furnished rental—and help you reach the stars.

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

Toronto in Eight Quirky Local Museums

June 29, 2022
Toronto local museums photo by Jeff Smith on Unsplash

Local museums can be the best part of a trip abroad: an afternoon of culture you can’t find anywhere else. Fun, affordable, and frequently family-friendly, they’re a great way to find the more laid-back and local side of a city.

If you’re an art-lover, history buff, doing it for the ‘Gram, or just like getting a little culture while you get your steps in, here are some of Toronto’s best lesser-known museums.

Mackenzie House

It’s not everywhere that a city’s first mayor was also its most famous—and failed—revolutionary. Tucked between hospitals, hotels, and high-rises, Mackenzie House—William Lyon Mackenzie’s original 1858 townhouse—is a downtown shrine to Victorian Toronto.

Come for practical tips on daily 1800s life, stay for the political scandals and century-old spicy opinions. Features: a working 180-year-old printing press you can try yourself. 82 Bond Street.

Market Gallery at St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market is one of Toronto’s most famous foodie attractions. But it’s also home to a lesser-known local history museum and gallery on the second floor—a space that held Toronto’s first City Hall and was lost behind boarded-up doors until the 1970s. (Yes, you can lose an entire City Hall.)

The Market Gallery hosts rotating exhibits from the City’s fine art collection and notes on the historic architecture. Start with a little culture, end it with a sandwich. 2nd Floor, St. Lawrence Market, 95 Front Street East.

The Myseum of Toronto

One of the quirkiest museums Toronto’s got, Myseum is a year-round, city-wide project produced and hosted all around the city. The result? Something that’s part art collective, part distributed historical museum, made of crowdsourced collections and digital walking tours.

While most of their past exhibits are available online, new ones are mounted annually in locations around the city–usually starting in April.

Spadina House

The closest thing to Toronto’s version of Downton Abbey! Spadina House shows off early 1900s Toronto in a sprawling, elegant hilltop mansion—complete with servants’ quarters and evolving architectural décor.

The five-acre grounds, though, are a feature all by themselves, including gardens and a heritage apple orchard that hosts everything from events to autumn cider festivals. Features: Close enough to Casa Loma to make a day of it. 285 Spadina Road.

The Textile Museum of Canada

A favourite of costumers and fashionistas alike, The Textile Museum takes a subject that feels niche—the art and history of fabric—and makes it fascinating. Behind an anonymous side-street door lurks five floors of textile history, modern art, event space, and programs—complete with a gift shop.

With collections that start local and stretch to Peru, China, and Serbia, there’s something for everyone, even if they’re not an enthusiastic crafter. 55 Centre Avenue.

The Toronto Railway Museum

Model railroad fans unite! And—regular railroad fans too. The Toronto Railway Museum packs historical trains, a train-driving simulator, and lots of information into an indoor-outdoor exhibit space. There’s a steady collection of artifacts inside: maps, tools, dishes, and uniforms used by conductors past.

While small, it’s conveniently tucked away right beside the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and Ripley’s Aquarium on the waterfront—so there are lots of options for a full day out. Features: A mini-train ride. Because nobody says no to tiny train rides. 255 Bremner Boulevard. 

The Bata Shoe Museum

While this attraction has a little more profile than the rest, it’s not every day that a city devotes a whole museum to—shoes. Open since 1995, The Bata Shoe Museum grew from the private collection of shoe company executive Sonja Bata: a trove of rare and traditional footwear from around the world.

The result? A fascinating mix of modern couture, ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Italian artifacts, history, and celebrity kicks. And a sometimes surprising social insight into how they’re all connected. Features: Enough glitter for your fashionista friends, and enough depth for an anthropologist. 327 Bloor Street West.

Riverdale Farm

Sometimes you just need to have a cow. Or some goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, and horses.

Riverdale Farm is the destination for downtowners who really just need something fluffy to pet. Part working farm, part historic Victorian site for learning about rural life, the farm dates back to 1849. Features: tobogganing hills, hiking trails, a wading pool, picnic areas, and year-round crafts. And the best part for families: admission is always free. 201 Winchester Street.

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The authentic Toronto neighbourhood experience deserves a Toronto neighbourhood stay. 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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