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Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

Ideas for Your Next Weekend Getaway

November 19, 2019
weekend getaway

Travel doesn’t always have to be a long voyage. Sometimes all you need is to take a quick trip to relax and recharge. That’s why a weekend vacation can be such a great idea. You don’t have to book extra time off work to enjoy this short but sweet travel experience. 

 

So, if you’re planning a weekend trip, where should you go and what should you do? Whether you’re looking for ideas for fun weekend getaways for couples, weekend trips with the family or a solo adventure – there’s plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas for your next weekend trip. 

The Best Weekend Getaways: 

weekend getaway

3 Day Vacation Ideas

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

If you’re based near Toronto, Niagara Falls is the perfect option for long weekend getaways. It’s easy to get to from the city – with multiple options for trains and buses. Once you are there, you’ll want to marvel at impressive volume of the spectacular falls. However, that’s not the only things you can do in Niagara Falls. You can take a stroll through Niagara Falls State Park, taking the pedestrian bridge over to Goat Island and admiring the view of Horseshoe Falls from Terrapin Point. You could also book a wine tour out to Niagara on the Lake to taste some of the delicious vintages from the area. 

Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key, Florida, USA

If you’re looking for a beautiful sandy beach to spend a sunny long weekend – consider this beautiful park in Big Pine Key. It’s a great spot to experience the Florida Keys on a budget. You could hop on a boat to go snorkeling at the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, or rent a kayak for your own adventure. There are many options for where to stay – from simple campsites to cabins to luxurious resorts. 

San Antonio, Texas, USA

This vibrant Texas city is an affordable place to visit – packed with a great dining and nightlife scene, historical significance and lots of great things to do. You can visit the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park or visit the Alamo for free – both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then, take a stroll down the famous San Antonio River Walk. The banks of the river are lined with bustling waterfront restaurants, unique boutiques, cute shops and so much more. 

Victoria, British Columbia, USA

Take the ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver Island to enjoy one of the best weekend getaways on the West Coast. One of the oldest cities in the Northwest, BC’s capital Victoria was first settled by the British in 1843. It’s a great mix of British charm, historic architecture, beautiful nature and a laid back hippie vibe. Take a stroll through the impressive flower displays at Butchart Gardens and explore the Inner Harbour, where you can see the Parliament Buildings and have afternoon tea at the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel. 

Savannah, Georgia, USA

If you’re looking for weekend trips with historic, magic and charm – Savannah is absolutely oozing with it. This city is known as one of the most romantic destinations in the USA. Take a stroll through the Old Town on a walking tour to hear the ghost stories of the many characters who haunt this town. Dine at one of the delicious Southern BBQ joints, then cap off the night with a swanky cocktail at a sexy, sultry speakeasy. 

Napa Valley, California, USA

If you love wine, there’s no better spot for a weekend getaway than the beautiful Napa Valley. You can spend your weekend relaxing at stunning hillside vineyards, sipping wine near luxury resorts, spas and golf courses. Plus, there are many cool activities to enjoy here from cooking workshops, cycling tours, fishing charters, stand-up paddleboarding and much more. 

weekend getaway

Tips for A Better Weekend Getaway

How can you make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible? Here are some tips that will help you have a great weekend adventure. 

 

  • Stay in an accommodation that will be as close as possible to the things you want to see and do on your trip. A weekend is not a lot of time, so you don’t want to spend too much of it on transport. 
  • Search for “weekend getaway ideas near me” and stay somewhere close by – so you don’t have to spend too much of your weekend in transport. 
  • Keep your luggage as light as possible. It should be easy to do if you’re only going for a couple of nights, and it will make transport a lot easier. Plus, if you’re traveling by air you’ll be able to fly cheaper if you travel with hand luggage only. 
  • Spend some time without your phone, so you can take a break from work emails and social media and live in the moment. You’ll come back feeling happier and recharged. 
  • Do as much as you can on the Saturday, to take the pressure off Sunday. Many attractions will be closed on a Sunday anyway and you don’t want to miss your chance to see them. 

Have fun on your weekend getaway!

Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel

Reasons Why Different Demographics Relocate

November 8, 2019
why different demographics relocate

What are the reasons why people move? What are the life events that might be the catalyst for making the shift to a different city?

The truth is that there is a story behind why each of the different demographics relocate. Everyone has a different motivation for relocating and their situation is unique. Here at Delsuites, we aim to cater to a wide range of visitors and help diverse demographics relocate by offering convenient furnished apartments located in prime areas of Toronto.

Let’s take a look at some of the different demographics we see moving to Toronto.
why different demographics relocate

Young Adults

After they have finished college or university, the most common reason for someone in their 20s to relocate is for their job prospects.

They might be moving from a small town to the big city in order to enjoy more options for employment and a higher salary. Perhaps they might also be moving to a different destination in order to find a job with more interesting responsibilities. They are likely also seeking better benefits, more flexibility or a more suitable work/life balance. Sometimes, a new employer will even provide an apartment as part of a relocation package.

Plus, Toronto offers a great environment for young, ambitious, creative and curious people. The nightlife, art and music scenes are excellent. Plus, there are many great festivals and hobbies to enjoy.

why different demographics relocate

Families With Children

Another life stage when people move to Toronto is when they are starting a family. There are a lot of reasons why this city is great for families: it has parks and green spaces, plenty of libraries and children’s activities and excellent schools. Many parents choose to raise their children here, to enjoy what one of Canada’s most diverse and vibrant cities has to offer.

We also sometimes see families relocating to Toronto due to job transfers or opportunities. Our furnished apartments are an ideal option, as they provide a place to stay that is large enough for the entire family and offers all the conveniences of home.

Of course, a not-so-happy reason to relocate at this stage of life can also be divorce. As difficult as it is to end a relationship (especially if children are involved), relocating can be a chance to start fresh.
why different demographics relocate

Elderly

There’s another stage in life when many people tend to relocate. This is when the grown-up children fly the nest and they don’t need to live in such a big house anymore. During this stage in life, many people choose to renovate and use the space differently (changing a bedroom into a gym or a study). Or, they completely downsize to a smaller home.

Apartment life makes a lot more sense when you are older. There’s no need to mow the lawn on shovel the driveway. All the amenities are close by and your living space is compact, well-organized and easy to clean. Plus, there are so many cafes, shops, restaurants and community activities right on your doorstop.

What’s Your Relocation Story?

Tell us about the stage of life you find yourself in – what does moving to Toronto mean to you?

Lifestyle talk, Relocation

Things To Do Before You Move: A Checklist

November 1, 2019
things to do before you move

Relocating is a complicated process, so this list will help you to keep everything organised. 

When you are moving home, there are a lot of things to remember. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of this process, it’s easy to forget important steps. There are many things you need to do when you are leaving an old house and moving into a new one. 

 

So, we have put together a moving checklist that you can use to make sure that you have covered everything necessary when relocating. 

Things To Do Before You Move

  • Notify everyone who needs to know that you have changed your address. This includes the Post Office (so they can redirect your mail), your bank, the voter registrar, the department of taxation, your insurance company, your magazine subscriptions, your friends and family and any others. 
  • Stop any services to your old address, including magazine or newspaper subscriptions, telephone, electricity, water, gas and internet. 
  • Disconnect the washing machine and drain the water. 
  • Defrost the fridge and drain the water. 
  • Call your gas and electricity companies and ask them to disconnect the fittings from the supply. 
  • Remove your fittings and fixtures from the walls. 
  • When packing, make a small bag to take with you. Use this bag to carry your ID, your tickets, your passports and other important documentation so that they are not accidently packed. 
  • In this bag that you take with you, also pack important and irreplaceable items such as legal documents, insurance papers, taxation papers, birth certificates, etc. 
  • Make sure that you aren’t packing any dangerous items that should not be transported, including bleach products, kerosene, cleaning fluid, nail polish, aerosols, ammunition, partially used cans of paint and vegetable oils. You can either throw these items away, recycle them safely or give them to friends. 
  • If you are transporting valuable items such as jewellery, collectibles, paintings, antiques or furs you should get some transit protection for them. 
  • Avoid packing liquids such as perfumes and sauces, as they could break in transit and make a mess. 
  • Avoid packing perishable foods. If you can’t use up all of your perishable food before the move, consider donating it to a food shelter or giving it to friends. 
  • Make sure that the water heater, gas connections and main power are turned off before you leave the house for good. 
  • Think about whether you have any shoes at the repair shop, sporting goods at a club or school or clothes at the dry cleaner. 
  • Lock all of your windows and doors. 
  • Look over the house one more time in order to check for any belongings that the packing crew may have forgotten. Don’t forget to check in the basement, garage and attic. 
  • Give over the old house keys to the new owner or the agent. 

Print off this list and check it off as you go through your move – so that you can make sure that every detail is taken care of when relocating to your new home. 

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. 

pet friendly stays

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
niagara falls from toronto

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.
niagara falls from toronto

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 from toronto

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