Every once in a while we all need a change of scenery. With winter in full force and one too many days spent cooped-up inside, a break from the everyday may be just what’s needed to refresh and recharge. I have to admit that a getaway somewhere warm this time of year is certainly tempting, but all the prep work, packing, and airport stress also makes this a very daunting thought. So when Expedia.ca asked if I was interested in spending a weekend in Toronto, of course I jumped at the opportunity.  The idea of some R&R close to home (without the excess baggage) certainly appealed to me.

While a getaway alone with my husband was the first thought that crossed my mind, an exclusively breastfed baby immediately brought me back to reality –  and so a fun family weekend it was!  A mere 30-minutes from home, our family spent a wonderful staycation in the city – relaxing, taking in attractions and dining at some of our cities great restaurants. Want to try this for yourself? Here’s how we did it.

Making our plans on Expedia.ca couldn’t have been easier. With just a few clicks we selected our hotel, the room we wanted to stay in, and voila – all set! The booking included Free Cancellation which gave me peace-of-mind knowing that if our plans suddenly changed (children are full of surprises), we could easily rebook or cancel at no charge. I also downloaded the Expedia.ca App onto my phone which was super handy as I could easily check on my reservation details, and be alerted to when check-in at the hotel began.

WHERE TO STAY:
Expedia.ca helped us decide on the Delta Toronto (one of the city’s newest hotel properties) as the perfect home-away-from-home for the weekend. The hotel is sleek, modern, and the perfect retreat for a family getaway in the city. The hotel management and staff could not have been more friendly, even treating us to some wonderful perks during our stay (a cheese plate and selection of house-made pastries was the perfect welcome). We stayed in a spacious, 800Sq.Ft (approx) suite with floor to ceiling windows that looked right onto the CN Tower (the ideal vantage point for the nightly illumination). The space allowed us to spread out, feel at home, and just kick back and relax. Breakfast in the 46th floor Club Lounge was a special treat that gave us pristine views of the lake and skyline, and where cappuccinos and farm-fresh eggs were the order of the day. And with a 12pm check-out time, our Sunday morning was just about as relaxed as it could be.

WHERE TO EAT:
We dined at Drake One Fifty for classic Canadiana with an innovative twist (their Moscow Mule is a must), and the newly opened (and oh stylish) Figo, for Italian-inspired contemporary cuisine. While each of these are not necessarily “family” restaurants, an early reservation will allow you to enjoy your meal and not feel the need to rush out when the place starts to fill up and the little ones get restless.

For a special treat (which we picked up and enjoyed back in the comfort of our hotel room), stop into Nugateau Patisserie for the prettiest (can you spot a trend here?) and most decadent French éclairs you’ve ever tasted! If you’re looking for a few other spots for fancy coffee and pastries, be sure to visit some of my favorite downtown jaunts such as Maman, Dineen, and Balzacs.

Drake One Fifty (Photo Credit: Jimmy Limit + James McDonald)

Figo (Photo Credit: Joel Levy – Toronto Guardian)


WHAT TO DO:
The hotel concierge kindly left us an information package of Kid Friendly Attractions in the city, so naturally we chose to visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, which is literally a stone’s throw away from the hotel.  (Bonus: Hotel guests enjoy 15% off when purchasing tickets through the Concierge desk). If you’re visiting the Aquarium on the weekend, be sure to go early to avoid the crowds and groups , as it can be difficult to maneuver a stroller through the masses.

True Canadian culture requires that any downtown stay should include skating at Harbourfront Centre. The views at the Natrel Rink are the best in the city. After a whirl around the outdoor rink, take a short drive along Lakeshore East and you will arrive at the serene setting of Sugar Beach. Probably a bit more enjoyable during warmer weather, the view of infinite pink umbrellas will surely put a smile on your face. And for a little retail therapy, a visit to shopping mecca the Toronto Eaton Centre is a must for any downtown stay, especially now that U.S. luxury goods chain Saks Fifth Avenue has opened their first Canadian store here.

We had an amazing staycation in Toronto thanks to our friends at Expedia.ca and could not have asked for a better hotel to rest and unwind in with the family. If you’re looking for a little change of scenery close to home, why not spend a few nights in Toronto and enjoy all that our great city has to offer.  A little break may be just what you need to refresh and recharge.

For more information about where Expedia.ca kindly sent us, check out Delta Toronto, or other similar hotel deals here.