Travel Guide: 72 hrs in Toronto? Do This and Stay Here...

The Lobby of Fairmont Royal York

Outside of Fairmont Royal York, Toronto

Press trip with Fairmont Royal York - all opinions are mine

A few weeks ago I was invited by Fairmont Royal York to attend their 90th birthday celebration. The hotel recently went through some incredible renovations to ring in this amazing milestone and I can say from first hand experience it is stunning! This was my first trip to Toronto (hopefully not that last) and one for the books. For those familiar with Fairmont properties you know that their hospitality is incomparable. Take that to the next level (how is it possible?!) with Fairmont Gold and it’s straight royal service. While most of our time was spent at the hotel - enjoying the restos, bars and fab amenities - we did have moments here and there to explore. Keep scrolling to read more about the my trip (breaking a Guinness book of world record!) plus some must see’s/do’s for your next trip to Toronto.

Speaking of, did you know it’s ToronKNOW not ToronTOE? Or at least that’s how the cool kids are saying it these days.

P:S: there’s a play by play of my trip, including a room tour of Fairmont Royal York on my Toronto IG highlight.

Updated Clock in the Lobby of Fairmont Royal York

Outside of Fairmont Royal York

Celebrating 90 years with Fairmont Royal York with girl Caroline from Love + Loathing LA

Robe Life at Fairmont Royal York

Library Bar at Fairmont Royal York

Stay

Obviously I’m a little biased but if your budget permits I can’t recommend Fairmont Royal York enough. There’s so much history including hosting royal guests (THE QUEEN!!), heads of state and celebrities. We were treated to the Fairmont Gold experience which is basically a hotel within a hotel. Think exclusive rooms, check-in area, lounge, and amenities; a truly luxury experience. The lounge (pictured below) also provides hosted food and beverage all day long. I was introduced to Ice Wine on the first night which is a type of dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine and Canada staple.

Psst: Did you know all Fairmonts have Le Labo products in their bathrooms? Yup, sign me up!

We wined and dined at the newly revamped REIGN restaurant and enjoyed many a drink at the lobby bar called CLOCKWORK Champagne + Cocktails. The lobby (pictured above) is both opulent and welcoming at the same time. It’s centered around the “90th Anniversary Clock” which was created by the same manufacturer as the hotel’s iconic spiral staircase version. The two-sided clock tower represents the hotel’s timelessness, with one side showcasing a stunning constellation clock, and the other a classic motif for the next generation of guests to continue the legacy of the phrase synonymous with the property, “meet me at the clock.”

Fairmont Gold Lounge - Fairmont Royal York, Toronto

Shopping Toronto

Fairmont Gold Lounge - Fairmont Royal York, Toronto

Early Bird on Queen Street, Toronto

To Do

• Queen Street - shout out to the #EDPfam for recommending. This is one of the most popular streets in Toronto with tons of cute restaurants and shops. There’s big spots like Zara and Aritzia and other more local places. It reminded me of Chicago! Spend the afternoon shopping, eating, and dining.
  

• EARLY BIRD - I hosted a little meet-up with the #EDPfam here. Def a great place to go for coffee and breakfast (on Queen street). Their eggs Benedict and avo toast were SOOO yum and very instagrammable. (see pic above)
  

• CLOCKWORK Champagne + Cocktails - if you don’t get a chance to stay at Fairmont Royal York definitely stop in for a drink to a) see the beauty of the hotel and b) enjoy the delicious drinks that their mixologist has created. We all loved their espresso martini and the pink cocktail!
  

• Day trip to Niagara on the Lake - this was one of my favorite days. As part of your Fairmont Gold they offer a discounted rate to take a private flight from Toronto to Niagra on the lake. You can also drive there too! It’s a great way to get out of the city and enjoy a quant little town with mom and pop stores and lots of wine tasting spots. You can also grab some snacks and wine at a local shop and do a little picnic on the lake; it’s beautiful.
  

• Wine tasting at Peller Wines - a great way to spend the early afternoon if you do a day in Niagara on the Lake. We tried a handful of different varietals but my favorite memory was the ice room (see pic below) and the ice wine tasting.

• Edgewalk at CN Tower - want to talk about experiencing the best view in Toronto? This is it! 116 storeies up and nothing but a harness. It’s thrilling and absolutely crazy and your girl did it. See the experience on my IGTV! I can’t recommend it enough.

• Other recs from the #EDPfam:

  • The Distillery District

  • Kensington Market

  • Dundas West

  • Leslieville

  • Baro

  • Kost

  • Dineen Coffee

  • Quantum Coffee

View of the CN Tower from Fairmont Royal York Rooftop

View of Toronto from prop plane

CN Tower Edgewalk - Everyday Pursuits

Prop Plane to Niagara on the Lake with Fairmont Gold at Fairmont Royal York

Prop Plane to Niagara on the Lake with Fairmont Gold at Fairmont Royal York

Peller Estates Ice Wine Room

Wine Tasting - Peller Wine Estates

Wine Tasting at Peller Wine Estates

Adding Toronto to the bring back the hubby list. I also think it would make for such a great girl’s getaway. And a huge shoutout to Fairmont Royal York for an incredible weekend. If you have any fave Toronto spots would love if you could comment below so the fam can see! xo - Ash

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