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The Best Shopping in Midtown Toronto

December 27, 2019
shopping in midtown

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!).
shopping in midtown toronto

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.

toronto toursim

Shopping Guide to Scarborough

December 20, 2019

In the mood for a little retail therapy on your next visit to Scarborough? This area of Toronto is incredibly diverse when it comes to shopping – offering designer brands, quirky local boutiques and discounted vintage thrift shops. It also has a set of Asian-influenced mega malls to explore.

If you’re planning on going shopping in Scarborough, here’s a few ideas on where to start:

Scarborough Town Centre


This is one of the biggest malls in Scarborough and it offers a huge selection. It is the 9th largest mall in Canada, the 5th largest in Ontario and the 3rd largest in Toronto. It has been around since 1973, but was recently renovated in 2010 to be larger, brighter and more modern.

Some of the many brands you will find here include Lululemon, Adidas, Ardena, Forever 21, Bluenotes, Foot Locker, H&M, Urban Planet and Suzy Shier. A popular spot is Torrid, a women’s clothing store known for lingerie, trendy plus-size cocktail dresses and stylish footwear.

The mall also features the Scarborough Walk of Fame, which honours famous members of the Scarborough community include artist Doris McCarthy, pulmonary scientist Dr. Charles C. Macklin and Olympic hockey player Vicky Sunohara.

If you work up an appetite while shopping, you can dine at the TASTE MRKT – the large open air food court with patio-style seating underneath a bright skylight.

shopping in Scarborough

Plato’s Closet

Scarborough also has a great selection of thrift stores and used clothing options – and Plato’s Closet is a great example of this. This vintage consignment shop has a lot of great finds and it’s a lot of fun to hunt through the racks for treasures.

You can often find a lot of great brands and stylish options for up to 70% of the retail price. As with any second hand clothing store you never know what you’re going to get and it can take some hunting to find the right option. However, when you find a treasure you love for a deeply discounted price – there’s no better feeling.

Also, if you want to get rid of some of your old clothes you don’t wear anymore to make room for the new ones, you can sell them here. They will pay you in cash for your old clothes, as long as they are in good condition.

Splendid China Mall

Another option for shopping in Scarborough is Splendid China Mall. This Chinese mall offers a lot of practical services, including optometrists, acupuncturists, hair dressers, accounting services and even a Feng Shui consultant. It is also a great place to find beauty products, as well as electronics and accessories.

It’s located in a neighbourhood that has one of the largest residential concentrations of ethnic Chinese in Canada. Across the street you’ll also find Pacific Mall and Market Village Mall – which are also large sprawling Asian mall complexes with a wide variety of shops.

To find out more about our high quality short term furnished apartments in Scarborough, Ontario – click here.

Vacation Travel

Christmas Vacation Ideas

December 13, 2019

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Yes, that special season is coming up again. Twinkling lights, Christmas carols, cookies, presents and jolly, smiling Santas are everywhere you turn. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – but are you going to spend the holidays at home or away this year?

Christmas vacations have become a popular trend in recent years. After all, it’s a pretty appealing idea to spend the holiday in a resort or a hotel where your every need is catered to and you can simply relax and enjoy. Plus, Christmas can be a wonderful time to enjoy certain destinations – as the twinkling lights of the season will create a magical atmosphere.

Looking for some inspiration for your next Christmas getaway? If you are looking for ideas for Christmas trips, here are some destinations that are absolutely magical at this time of year.

Unforgettable Christmas Vacation Ideas

christmas vacation ideas

Helsinki, Finland

The capital of Finland calls itself the “Christmas City” and it’s fully decked out for the holidays. The streets of the downtown are lit up with sparkling decorations and the shop windows are spectacular. Take a stroll out in the crisp, snowy air and then warm up with a mug of Glogi – which is a special Christmas-time beverage made with spiced wine, raisins, almonds and vodka. You could even take the opportunity to make a trip up to Lapland, where you can visit the official hometown of Santa Claus and meet St. Nick himself.
christmas vacation ideas

Krakow, Poland

Krakow is a charming city no matter what time of the year you visit, but it’s especially magical at Christmastime. The Christmas Market takes up most of the Main Market Square and it’s filled with delicious holiday treats, from roasted chestnuts to smoked cheese to warm and steamy pierogi. Once you’ve had your fill, you can go shopping for gifts at the artisan stalls. You’ll find everything from jewellery to home decorations to knick knacks and so much more. If you’re in Krakow on Christmas Eve, you can even watch the famous Live Nativity Scene – a tradition that has been around for 25 years. (Plus, if you are looking for cheap Christmas vacations, you’ll be delighted by how affordable it is to travel in Eastern Europe.)
christmas vacation ideas

Toronto, Ontario

This vibrant, multicultural Canadian city sure knows how to celebrate the holiday season! You can’t miss the 50 foot tall Christmas Tree in the Distillery District, adorned with 40,000 lights and over 1 km of ribbon. Also, be sure to check out Christmas at Casa Loma, a stunning Gothic-inspired castle that dates back to 1911. Also, from November 22nd to January 5th you can experience the Aurora Winter Festival. It’s like a hidden village near the North Pole where you’ll find amusement rides, magical characters and beautiful light displays. Toronto would also be one of the best Christmas vacations for families, as there are so many great kids activities and family friendly things to do in the city.

Photo by traveljunction via Flickr CC

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Germany

Close your eyes and picture a German village out of a fairy tale. Chances are, you’re picturing something very similar to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This simply adorable 800 year old town is perfectly preserved and looks like it was ripped straight of the pages of The Brothers Grimm. Around Christmastime it is even more wonderful, when the Christmas market is in full swing. Make sure you treat yourself to a “schneeball” (snowball) while you are there. It’s a dessert made from a centuries-old recipe that features shortcrust pastry dough rolled into a ball and deep-fried, then dipped in chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar. Yum!
christmas vacation ideas

Barbados

Okay, let’s imagine that you want to skip the snowy cold and sink your toes into the hot sand of a tropical beach on Christmas instead? If you are in the mood for a warm and sunny Christmas, Barbados is a fantastic destination. You can enjoy festivals, delicious feasts with cake and baked ham, craft fairs, live music and so much more. Instead of a sleigh ride on Christmas Day, you can go for a swim in the surf and read a book on the beach. Sounds pretty nice, right? When it comes to the best places to spend Christmas, relaxing in the Caribbean is pretty far up there.

Christmas Vacation Ideas: Where will you go on your Christmas getaways?

When it comes to where to go for Christmas, these are just a few of the many exciting options. Of course, the best Christmas vacation ideas aren’t really about where you go. They are about choosing to slow down and enjoy the holiday season and really spend time with your loved ones. So, an unforgettable Christmas can happen anywhere in the world- it all depends on who you celebrate it with!

Vacation Travel

Great Ideas for Midwest Vacations

November 29, 2019
midwest vacations

There’s something so friendly and welcoming about the American Midwest.

The wide open prairies, the peaceful river valleys and the thriving cities – this region invites you to explore. Whether you’re looking for a chance to hike the great outdoors, enjoy the nightlife, visit historic sites, celebrate Spring Break or enjoy interesting museums – the Midwest has a lot to discover.

If you’re looking for inspiration for the best Midwest vacations, keep reading. We have some great ideas for Midwest family vacations that will make you fall head over heels in love with this region.

Where is the Midwest?

The area known as the Midwest encompasses the center of the United States. It stretches from the state of Ohio in the east, all the way to Nebraska, Kansas and the Dakotas in the west.

Diving deeper into the region, you have the Great Lakes States and the Great Plains States. The Great Lakes States are the ones that border the Great Lakes, including Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois. The Great Plains States include Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota and Iowa.

These states make up the heart of the USA – yet a great deal of tourism in America is focused along the East and West Coast and the South. It’s definitely worth taking the time to explore these midwestern states, so you can experience life in America’s heartland.

Midwest Getaways You’ll Love

midwest vacations

Indianapolis, Indiana

If you’re a sports fan, Indianapolis is one of the best Midwest cities to travel to. It’s known for car racing basketball, football and much more. You can visit the world-famous Indianapolis 500 racetrack, then see the 1930s gymnasium at the NCAA Hall of Champions. If you are traveling with little ones, they can take part in the interactive exhibits at the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

But Indianapolis isn’t just all about sports. It also boasts a thriving art scene, excellent restaurants and beautiful local hiking trails in Eagle Creek Park and Schoen Creek Trail. It’s no wonder so many Midwest vacations include this great city.
midwest vacations

St. Louis, Missouri

Standing high above this city, on the west bank of the Mississippi River, is a towering steel arch. It symbolizes the position of St. Louis as the “Gateway to the West.” A vibrant and youthful midwestern metropolis, there are a lot of reasons to explore St. Louis.

This thriving city keeps popping up on “Best Of” lists – thanks to the fantastic parks, excellent zoos and botanical gardens and high quality museums. Be sure to check out the Delmar Loop, which is a six block stretch of Delmar Boulevard – known as one of the best urban streets in America. It’s backed with great attractions like Blueberry Hill (Where Chuck Berry used to play), the old Tivoli Theatre and plenty of superb restaurants, lounges and pubs.
midwest vacations

Chicago, Illinois

When you travel the Midwest, you can’t miss Chicago. After all, it’s the most populous city in the Midwest and the third most populous in the entire country.

It has everything you could want from an exciting city getaway, from world-class museums to stunning architecture to a legendary theatre and stand-up comedy scene. Not to mention, there are 7,000 restaurants to choose from serving everything from hearty deep dish pizza to high end cuisine.

Chicago is most enjoyable in the summer months between June and September, when the locals flock to the parks, Lakefront beaches and public squares to enjoy picnics, live music and festivals. In fact, during the summer it feels like there’s a festival happening every weekend! Check out the events calendar and plan your visit you can join in on the fun.
midwest vacations

Traverse City, Michigan

Located close to the Canadian border, this city overlooks Lake Michigan and is one of the best Midwest travel destinations for outdoor lovers. On a long summer day here you can head out onto the lake on a fishing trip, or go trekking through the trails of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. If you are here in the winter, you can enjoy the abundant snowfall. It’s perfect for snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding. At any time of the year you can visit the many wineries and craft breweries to sample locally made tipple.

If you’re looking to experience a bit of luxury with your nature, there are several beautiful Midwest resorts in this area – such as the Tamarack Lodge, the Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn and the Sugar Beach Resort Hotel.

Where will you go on your Midwest road trips?

These are just a few of the best weekend getaways the Midwest has to offer. This may be one of the most underappreciated regions in the USA, so why not get out there and see what the Midwest is all about?

If you’re keen to travel Midwest destinations, you’ll have a lot to see and do in this region!

Vacation Travel

Things to Know Before You Travel to Canada

November 26, 2019
travel to canada

Oh, Canada! The second largest country in the world is packed with so many great things to see and do. It’s home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, from the dramatic cliffs and stormy seas of the Maritimes to the vast prairies and the snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes of the Rocky Mountains.

Plus, Canada also boasts world-class cities that are alive with excellent nightlife, superb museums and galleries, delicious and diverse cuisine and fascinating history. No matter what you’re into, you’ll find something to love in Canada. Plus, you’ll also find plenty of friendly and welcoming people.

So, what should you know when visiting Canada? Keep reading for some important information you’ll want to be aware of before you embark on a trip to the True North Strong and Free.
travel to canada

Tips for Traveling to Canada

  • ➤ In Canadian airports, you’ll hear all announcements repeated in both official languages – French and English. So, if you don’t understand the announcement don’t panic – it will cycle back around to English again.
  • ➤ Be aware of how cold it can be in the winter. In the prairie provinces, it is not uncommon for the temperature to dip down to -30 degrees Celsius (-22 Fahrenheit) during the depths of winter. Dress appropriately and don’t plan to spend long hours outdoors.
  • ➤ Speaking of what to wear, layers is the best option when travelling to Canada. You can adjust to your comfort when walking outside or entering a building. Also, don’t forget a scarf, gloves and a hat (known locally as a toque).
  • ➤ The tipping culture in Canada is similar to that of the USA. Generally, the accepted range is between 15-20% of the final bill.
  • ➤ When you visit Canada you’ll notice right away that there is a federal sales tax added to all goods and services. Plus, in addition to this many of the provinces have their own tax. So, keep this in mind if your bill comes to more than you were expecting – even when shopping in a store.
  • ➤ Canada is a huge country and the distances between destinations are vast. Be realistic about how much you can cover during your trip. For example, don’t plan to visit Vancouver one day and then Calgary the next. There is over 10 hours of driving in between these two cities (even though they look relatively close on a map!)
  • ➤ If you are not a U.S. citizen, you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization if you are visiting Canada by air. It costs $7 and is valid for five years.

    • travel to canada

    Entering Canada: Travel to Canada from the US

    Wondering what you need to know about US citizen travel to Canada?

    If you are visiting Canada from the United States, you’ll definitely need to bring your passport to cross the border – or a “passport equivalent.” This can be an enhanced driver’s licence, or a NEXUS card. Ever since 9/11, visitors from the USA are no longer allowed to cross the border into Canada with a simple driver’s license.

    A tourist visa is not required for stays under 180 days. Children under the age of 16 may only need to present proof of U.S. citizenship – which can be a birth certificate.

    It’s also important to know what you can bring with you when you cross the border. For example, if you have proper documentation you can bring your pet with you. However, you should never take fresh fruit with you across the border, and there are limits on how much liquor and cigarettes you can bring.

    The good news is that your US driving license is still valid when you cross the border into Canada. However, be aware that the speed limits will be displayed in kilometers, not miles. So, figure out the conversion rate and don’t drive too fast!

    Some towns on the border will accept American dollars. However, you’ll want to change your money into Canadian currency as soon as you can. Also, keep an eye on your mobile phone settings. Your U.S. cellphone will work in Canada, but your carrier may apply roaming charges that can really add up quickly.

    It’s also important to know that although Canada has a wonderful universal healthcare system – it’s only for Canadians. As a visitor, you’ll want to get travel insurance coverage in case you hurt yourself or become ill during your stay. (That is, unless your U.S. health provider covers you outside of the USA.)

    Any questions about visiting Canada?

    If you’re going to Canada, feel free to reach out to us and ask any questions you might have about what to expect. Also, if you’re coming to Toronto, check out our furnished suites – ideal for families or couples who want the comforts of home plus a convenient location in the heart of the city.

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