Downtown Toronto, Toronto Entertainment, toronto toursim

Awesome Things to Do in Toronto

September 13, 2019

Toronto is often referred to as the “New York City of Canada” – thanks to its diversity, museums, excellent food scene and great attractions. It’s one of the biggest cities in the country – the Greater Toronto area is home to around one sixth of the entire Canadian population. There is so much to see in this bustling metropolis, that you won’t struggle to fill your days when you visit Toronto.

Whether you’re into art galleries, shopping, history or simply relaxing in the park, there’s something for everything in Toronto. Even if the weather is cold and stormy, there are plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy – making Toronto a great destination for all seasons.

Wondering what to do in Toronto? Here are some of the top things to do in Toronto you should have on your list:

Top Things to Do in Toronto

Discover History at the Royal Ontario Museum

Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum (aka ROM) is known for being one of the best museums in North America. It has a collection of over six million artefacts, with some galleries about natural history and others showcasing art and items from around the world.
The museum also has an impressive collection of minerals and dinosaur bones, as well as a collection of designs from the Art Deco period.

Tour the Impressive Casa Loma

This famous Toronto landmark was designed in the style of a Gothic Revival castle. It is one of the most impressive works of architecture in the city. In fact, it has been a location for several films, including Chicago, The Pacifier and X-Men.
The castle, which has been turned into a museum, offers self-guided audio tours. So, you can explore the grounds and learn about the stories behind the many secret gardens, stables and passages within the castle.

Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame

If you’re a hockey fan visiting Toronto, you’re going to want to head straight to the legendary Hockey Hall of Fame. It’s where you can learn every detail of the history of your favourite sport. Plus, you’ll be able to see the famous Stanley Cup – in its resting place within the Great Hall.
There’s also a 125-seat 3D theatre that shows documentary films about the greatest players and moments in the history of hockey. This is one of the best things to do in Toronto Canada for hockey fans. After all, hockey is a very big deal for Torontonians!

Take the Ferry to Toronto Islands

If you want to take a break from the city and relax at a slower pace for a while, you can jump on a ferry to the Toronto Islands. These peaceful green islands offer a quiet contrast to the busy hustle of the city streets. Once you get to one of the three islands (Ward’s Centre and Algonquin), they are all connected. So, you can wander through the parks, picnic areas, gardens, beaches and play areas all day long. (Plus, the views of the Toronto skyline are incredible!)

Feast at the St. Lawrence Market

The St. Lawrence Market was once named the world’s best food market by National Geographic magazine. It’s the best place in the city to go for produce and unique artisanal food creations.
The market has been in the same location since 1803 and it is home to over 120 vendors, selling everything from gourmet bread to home-grown vegetables. If you are a food lover, this is one of the best things to do in Toronto. There are even cooking classes where you can learn how to prepare the delicious treats you’ve found. You’ll also find unique local crafts, as well as antique dealers selling a range of wonderful trinkets you’ll want to take home with you.

Admire the View from the CN Tower

The CN Tower is the tallest free-standing building on the continent, standing 553 metres above the city. It’s one of the most iconic things to do Toronto has to offer. You can take the glass floor panelled elevator to the SkyPod, where you can see spectacular views. If you really want to get a thrill, you can try the Skywalk. You’ll stand on a hands-free ledge towering over the city (while strapped into a safety harness, of course.)

What to do in Toronto, Canada

These are just a few of the many amazing things to do in Toronto. When it comes to Toronto attractions and Toronto things to do, the main problem is fitting everything into your visit. You’re going to want to extend your stay in order to take advantage of all this city has to offer. (Make sure you bring comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking!)

Have fun exploring one of Canada’s most interesting and diverse cities! If you’re looking for somewhere to stay during your trip, consider our short term apartment rentals in downtown Toronto.

Business Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation Travel

Tips for Packing Your Bags Without Stress

September 6, 2019

Packing your bags with everything you need for a trip, without bringing too much, can be a challenge.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of saying, “I’ll bring this along, just in case.” Before you know it, you have a suitcase that is overflowing with “just in case” items and is impossible to carry. Bringing an over-packed bag with you can actually make your vacation more stressful. You’ll struggle to drag it around and you’ll have to pay more in excess baggage fees.

However, with a few tips you can reduce the amount of stuff you bring with you and make packing a lot less stressful. Here are our helpful tips for packing your bags:

Packing Your Bags, The Smart Way

– Buy a smaller bag. We have a tendency to fill whichever bag or backpack we bring with us, so choosing a smaller bag will force you to be more minimal.
– Packing cubes are your best friend. They will allow you to organize your clothes according to category (pants, shirts, underwear, etc.) Then, you can bring out only the cube you need rather than having to unpack your entire bag.
– Choose clothing from lightweight but high-performance fabrics like merino wool, which will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
– When traveling in an unpredictable climate, bring multiple layers rather than one large coat. Bring your bulkiest coat on the plane so you don’t have to squeeze it into your luggage.
– Make sure that everything mixes and matches. All your tops should be able to be worn with all your bottoms. If not, it’s not worth bringing.
– Bring along items that do double duty. For example, a sarong can be used as a shawl, a swimsuit cover-up, a towel, a scarf and a blanket. A pair of dressy flip flops can be worn to the beach as well as out to a restaurant in the evening.

Packing cubes are your best friend!

– Stick with neutral colours so that everything will match, then add visual interest with scarves and accessories.
– You only need to pack enough clothes for 7 days, even if you are traveling for months at a time. You’ll simply need to wash them at your accommodation (if you’re in a furnished apartment with laundry) or find a laundromat once per week.
– Roll your clothing rather than folding it. Your clothes will take up less room and will look less wrinkled when you unpack them.
– Roll your socks and underwear into balls and place them inside your shoes. Why waste the space within the shoes?
– Don’t bother bringing toiletries you know your hotel or apartment will offer, or that you will be able to buy cheaply in your destination.
– Pack the heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase, as this will make it easier to roll your bag. Also, it will be less likely to tip over.

Last but not least, consider making a list of everything you packed and actually used on your trip. Next time you travel, you’ll be able to refer to your list and pack only the items you’ll need and nothing else.

Corporate Housing, Downtown Toronto, Downtown Toronto Condos, Toronto Condos, Uncategorized

The Livmore: Toronto Living for Everyone

August 30, 2019

Toronto is one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in North America. It’s known for its robust arts and entertainment scene, it’s dazzling selection of international eateries, it’s world-class museums and it’s many exciting festivals.

Toronto is a city for everyone – no matter what you love you’ll find it here. Whether you enjoy shopping for unique styles, admiring works of art, relaxing in quiet parks, listening to live music or coffee-shop-hopping, you’ll discover a corner of this city that fits.

The best way to make the most of Toronto is with a stay at the Livmore. This downtown apartment building has a prime location that gives you easy access to everything the city has to offer. Plus, the Livmore has features and amenities that will make your stay incredibly comfortable and luxurious.

Condos Of All Sizes

The solo traveler who seeks out a compact, yet practical studio with everything they need for a comfortable stay. The couple searching for a romantic getaway in Toronto. The family relocating to Toronto and needing space for their children to sleep and play. The group of friends traveling together for a special event.

With studios as well as one, two and three bedroom condos, there are accommodations just the right size for everyone’s needs. Plus, they are equipped with features such as a full kitchen, washing machine and dryer, luxurious bathrooms and spacious closets.

For A Range of Activities

Keep up your active lifestyle while on the road at the gym and fitness area – or relax and centre your mind in the yoga studio. There’s also a theatre and screening room, which is a great place to enjoy your favourite films on the big screen. (If you have a furry companion, there’s even a dog spa and outdoor dog area for them to enjoy.)

Plus, you have the option to use the party room – a private function area with kitchen facilities. This can be very convenient if you plan on hosting an event during your stay.

For Every Stage of Life

It’s quite clear – the aspects of Toronto that will appeal to a couple in their 20s will likely be different than those of an older traveler, or parents visiting with young children. Depending on your priorities, you might be seeking out the nightlife and live music scene of this Canadian metropolis, or you may be more interested in quiet cafes and walks along the waterfront.

The good news is, the choice is yours. These apartments place you right in the heart of the city, so all of the options are right at your fingertips.

It’s all about versatility! For more info on the Livmore and downtown Toronto living, contact us today.

Food & Recipes, Toronto Entertainment, Vacation Travel

5 Top Restaurants to Dine At in Downtown Toronto

August 16, 2019

One of the delights of visiting Toronto is the opportunity to partake in its incredibly diverse and high quality food scene.

With such a multicultural population, there is a varied culinary landscape – you can take a trip around the world every time you go out to eat. Toronto’s pubs and bars have also been elevating their menus, in order to attract drinkers with a discerning palate. In other words, there’s something for every appetite and taste in this great city.

Here are a few great restaurants in downtown Toronto to check out during your stay at the Livmore:

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

10 minute walk from the Livmore

When you are craving a big, steaming, satisfying bowl of noodles – this is the place to go. This restaurant originated in Japan in the 1980s, when founder Hitoshi Hatanaka made a goal to create delicious ramen and dedicated himself to perfecting the recipe via trial and error. Santouka serves up rich, fatty broth with fresh, springy noodles and delicious pork cheek that just melts in your mouth.

Richmond Station

13 minute walk from the Livmore

This unique restaurant only buys whole animals, so the kitchen is always coming out with creative uses for the variety of off-cut meats. They are committed to local ingredients and they also make most things by hand. They do all of their butchery, curing, aging, fermenting and baking in house.

This means that everything they serve is delightfully fresh and expertly made. Stop by for lunch on a Saturday or Sunday and you can enjoy the Slow Roast – a mouth-watering joint that the team has left in the oven overnight.

Eggspectation

8 minute walk from the Livmore

After you’ve enjoyed the Toronto nightlife, you’re going to want to treat yourself to a delicious late brunch the next morning. Head to this stylish chain which serves classic American breakfast fare.

It’s a great way to start your day off right – with hand-squeezed juices and real-fruit smoothies and a mouthwatering selection of breakfast dishes. Their menu includes Breakfast Poutine with smoked bacon, homemade gravy and cheese curds, Maritime Lobster eggs benedict and more. Or, why not try a Montreal bagel with cream cheese and wild salmon?

Kathmandu Restaurant

21 minute walk from the Livmore

Treat yourself to flavourful and spicy Nepalese and Indian cuisine at this local favourite. They have a Tandoor oven that gives the meat that irresistible smoky, oven-baked taste. Try the Goat Curry – cooked with ginger, garlic, tomatoes and hot spices. Or, share an “Everest Feast’ with your friends. This is a huge platter that includes everything from Chicken Tikka to Tandoori Prawn to Naan, Basmati Rice and Dessert. It’s perfect for parties.

The Elm Tree

3 minute walk from the Livmore

This family-run modern Mediterranean restaurant prepares classic pasta and meat dishes with fresh and high quality ingredients. It’s also known for its cocktails and craft brews.

The Elm Tree is one of the most highly ranked restaurants in Toronto on TripAdvisor and it has a Certificate of Excellence. If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a special meal – it’s a good bet.

What are your favourite restaurants in downtown Toronto?

Let us know in the comments below – we always love getting new recommendations!

Toronto Entertainment, Vacation Travel

Guide to Shopping In North York, Toronto

August 9, 2019

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift, a place to eat, a new outfit, or you just want to escape the cold weather, Toronto’s shopping malls are a great way to spend a few hours.

If you are based in North York, you’ll have plenty of great shopping malls and retail centres to choose from, each offering a diverse selection of brands. Here is a quick guide to shopping in North York, Toronto.

Sheridan Mall

Another great place to shop in North York is Sheridan Mall. It’s home to the major department stores – Winners and Walmart – which are great for finding the basics at a cheap price. There’s also plenty of mall favourite brands including Blossom, Ardene, Sirens, Payless Shoes, New York Connection and Urban Closet.

Plus, if you work up an appetite from all that shopping, there’s a diverse food court with cuisine from Japan, the Caribbean, Greece and more to choose from.

Yorkdale Shopping Centre

Located next to the Yorkdale subway station, Yorkdale is the fourth largest mall in the country and contains over 250 retail shops where you can stock up on everything you need. Many companies opened up their first Canadian store here, including Apple, Crate & Barrel, Bath & Body Works and J.Crew.

Grab a new book at Indigo Books and Music, then chill out at Michel’s Bakery Cafe while you read it. There’s also a lot of luxury brands here, such as Chanel, Versace, Prada and Gucci – so it’s a great place to treat yourself to something a little bit special.

By Oxford Properties – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12235649

CF Fairview Mall

This is not the biggest shopping mall in Toronto, but it does pack a great selection of retailers into a compact space. That means you can find a lot of great stuff, without having to spend hours walking around.

With the CF Fairview Mall you’ll find everything from toys to fashion to small appliances to books and more. Some of the shops here include Aldo Shoes, American Eagle Outfitters, Forever 21, Guess and Hot Topic.

Bayview Village

Fashion-lovers make regular visits to Bayview Village, a stylish mall that is home to more than 110 luxury retailers. This mall has a very “glam” vibe about it. You can valet park your car, drop off your dry cleaning, get a mani-pedi and get your hair done, as well as shop for elegant designer clothes.

The mall even offers a personal shopping service. The personal shopper will help you find that perfect item you need and the $50 fee will be given back to you in the form of a BV gift card at the end of your appointment.

The Shops at Don Mills

With 72 retail stores to choose from, this is another great place to shop in North York. You can find many of the big name stores here, including Guess and Calvin Klein.

It has the feel of a European piazza, with a central courtyard and great dining options. This means that the mall is a lot more fun in the summertime, but it does have a pretty spectacular Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in the winter as well.

To learn more about our short term rentals in North York, click here.

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