Travel

Top Travel Tips: Toronto, Canada

Travel: Toronto, Canada

Two fabulous stores sharing one space is the deal here at Durumi and Chocolate Shoes! The best part about this spot is that they have items you probably won’t find back in Los Angeles…or anywhere else in Toronto for that matter. This is also the perfect spot to go to if you are in need of a full outfit and accessories (*ahem* lost luggage) at a reasonable price. Their styles range from girly to fashionably tomboy-ish so there is something for everyone. Owners Moon and Chris are extremely welcoming and helpful.

Durumi and Chocolate Shoes

416 Queen St. West

Toronto, ON M5V2A7

Hotel (and Culture!): The Drake Hotel

The Drake Hotel is the full package. Aside from it’s modern, luxurious and quirky accommodations (a stuffed animal is placed on each bed), the boutique hotel is an entertainment, culinary and cultural hot spot for tourists and locals alike. With a quick browsing through their website, you will see that there is something to do there every night of the week.

The Drake Hotel

1150 Queen St. West

Toronto, ON M6J 1J3

Decor: Empire The Collection

On June 1st, Empire re-opened on Queen Street from it’s previous location in Greek Town. Congratulations to owners Creig and Christine Stearne. The store specialized in British style and imported products. This is a great place to find gifts to bring home to your loved ones and even find some adorable decor options for yourself. Don’t forget to pick up a Yorkie Chocolate bar for your man — it’s labelled “Not for Girls!”

Empire The Collection

7171 1/2 Queen St. East

Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

Restaurant: Il Gatto Nero

Time to do a little bit of people watching. Located in Little Italy, Il Gatto Nero is known for its cappuccinos and espressos and is a great place for a meal or just a quick stop. With its outdoor seating, you can take a break with your girlfriends or meet up for a date.

Il Gatto Nero

720 College St.

Toronto, ON M6G 1C3

Must See: Kensington Market

Kensington Market has been known in Toronto as being a center of working class multiculturalism. Back in the early 1900′s, the area was known as a predominantly Jewish and Italian section of the city. Today, with it’s artsy feel and outdoor vendors, it has a Venice Beach-meets-Santa Monica Farmer’s Market-type ambiance. Also, on the last Sunday of the month from May-October, the market is closed to cars so that pedestrians are free to roam the streets.

Need a map? We googled it for you!

BONUS: An address so special, no words are needed…