10 Commandments of a Superior Toronto Staycation

The past year and a half has been different for all of us. While things are starting to feel ‘normal’ again, many of us still haven’t felt comfortable enough to hop on a plane for some much-deserved relaxation. But that doesn’t mean the fun stops for good. Who says you still can’t make a regular staycation a superior vacation that the entire fam will remember!? I’m here to tell you it’s possible and we’ve been doing it for years!

Here’s my 10 commandments to the perfect staycation here in Toronto!

Thou Shall Book a Hotel In a Neighbourhood You Love

Luckily for us Torontonians we have an amazing number of hotels to choose from in various parts of our city. Recently, we stayed at The Kimpton Saint George, which was in the heart of Yorkville. My advice is to choose a neighbourhood that you aren’t as familiar with - this will give you the allure that you’re away and you can feel like a real tourist in your own city! For us, it was in a perfect location and if you’re staycationing with kids in tow, ensure you book a hotel that caters to families. The Kimpton was great as they also offer scooters for the kids! It was also pet-friendly - amazing!

Thou Shall Enjoy Space

My advice is to alway splurge a little on the room. It’s nice to have the space when you’re in a hotel room because it makes it feel a bit more like a vacay when it’s not just a room and double bed. Psst … request a good view because that helps too!

Thou Shall Invest in Self Care

Whatever this might look like to you, do it. It could be doing a simple yoga session in your hotel living area or booking yourself at the spa (I love Touch Massage Bar and Hammam). Perhaps it’s just a bubble bath one night that will do the job. You deserve it! If you want a real relaxing and one-of-a-kind experience head to H20 Float Studio!

Thou Shall Not Cook

My fave part of a staycation is being able to enjoy as many good restaurants as possible. Brekkie in bed is also a must and don’t be afraid to splurge on lunch. Whatever you do, do not lift a finger to cook a meal. You’re on vacation, girlfriend! My fave family-friendly places to dine in Toronto include: Pai, Terroni, Eataly, and Piano, Piano! For a date night dinner, check out Vela, Amal, Byblos or Alobar!

Thou Shall Disconnect From Emails

Just like you would on a regular vacation, don’t check your emails regularly. Allow yourself to disconnect so you can succumb to being a tourist in your own city!

Thou Shall Pretend To Be a Tourist

I’m serious - book a reso at a restaurant you’ve never dined at before. Shop in stores you’ve never been. We love to hit up the museum and the girls love it!! You can even rent bikes and see the city from a whole other perspective. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a ride on the Hop On and Hop Off Double Decker bus to learn about our amazing city! Our go-to ‘touristy spots’ include: taking a pic in the Distillery District, shopping at Stackt Market or taking the girls to Ripley’s Aquarium!

Thou Shall Go With The Flow

Just like you would on any vacay, try and relax and go with the flow. Don’t jam pack your day with activities - find pleasure in walking around a new part of the city or stopping at a coffee shop to sip a latte on their patio. Our favourite Toronto coffee shops include: Pilot Coffee, Found Cafe, Dineen and Flying Squirrel. Take it slow and go with the flow.

Thou Shall Sleep

There is nothing like catching up on those zzz’s while you’re on vacation. Don’t rush waking up and pull down those black-out blinds so you can really sleep in!

Thou Shall Not Clean

Isn’t it amazing to not have to clean up your hotel room? Let the housekeeping do the work! This staycation you deserve to relax without guilt.

Thou Shall Not Stress

Breathe. Treat your staycation as you would any trip around the world. This is your chance to unwind. It might take a little practice, but a change of scenery (even if it’s in your own city) can really help to re-energerize you and breathe new life into your everyday routine!

Photography by: Leon Chai and all these images were taken at The Kimpton Saint George Hotel in Toronto.