URBAN GUIDE

It's not easy to draw up an address list for Toronto. There are fine hotels galore, good restaurants all over town and heaps of lovely luxury shops. We've picked just a few addresses to give you an idea of the ambience. Enjoy.

WHERE TO STAY

Shangri-La 

A must. You'll see Toronto spread out below your luxurious room and you'll start the day with a relaxed moment in the pool before setting out to explore the city. In the evening you'll be back for the indulgence of an Asian-inspired dinner. 
188 University Avenue. Tél. (1 647) 788 8888

The Ivy at Verity

Four guestrooms, luxury with a poetic touch and everything you could want, in a cosy comfort inspired by Europe's boutique hotels. Guests are thoroughly pampered and dine at the George, one of Toronto's top restaurants, next door.
111d Queen Street East. Tél. 416.368.600

Le Germain 

This hotel near the Roger Centre stadium (whose baseball team the Blue Jays seem to be unbeatable this year) is welcoming, contemporary and comfortable. The ideal place to discover the soaring architecture of the Financial District. This spring a second Le Germain hotel opened not far away.
75 Bremner Bvd. Tél. 416 649 7575 30 Mercer St. Tél. 416 345 9500

The Hazelton 

A strikingly handsome building with its two-tone street-corner façade. Inside, the services are fully worthy of the hotel's 5-star rank. The 62 rooms and 15 suites ooze 1940s splendour and the presidential suite was designed by Brian Gluckstein, who has put his stamp on many of the mansions in the Forest Hill district.
118 Yorkville Avenue. Tél. 416.963.6300

WHERE TO EAT

Jacobs & Co 

There's nothing like a classic steakhouse for a great meal, as chef (and former gastronomic editorialist) Danny McCallum well knows. He has created a bistro ambience and applied his theory that quality ingredients make all the difference. Add a choice of excellent French wines and you have a great winning formula.
12 Brant St. Tél. 416 366 0200

Harbour 60 

Total fashion, luxury decor, meat and fish on the menu – after the cocktails, of which there are so many creative varieties that it's hard to choose. If you want to live like a fashion icon, this is the place. A memorable evening guaranteed.
6 Harbour St, Toronto, Ontario. Tél. 416 777 2111

Terroni 

This Italian family, who make their own condiments and preserves, have opened eight restaurants in different parts of town. The one we tried was La Bettola di Terroni, where the atmosphere is thoroughly Southern
106 Victoria St. Tél. 416 504 9998

WHERE TO HAVE FUN

The beaches 

After the bustle of Dundas Square, a laze on an urban beach is called for. There are a dozen places where you'll find white sand and big umbrellas, among them HTO and Sugar Beach, designed by landscaper Claude Cormier who took inspiration from Seurat's famous painting Sunday afternoon at La Grande Jatte..

Musik 

On Saturday nights in summer, thousands of hip night people flock to this huge beach night-club for the champagne, lights, balloons and madly artsy atmosphere. Leading fashion and perfume brands use it for their shows and the DJ and sound equipment are awesome. You won't want to leave – unless it's with the belle (or beau) of the ball.
15 Saskatchewan Road. Tél. 416 595 9998

EdgWalk 

Dizzying thrills in store at the CN tower. Safely hitched to a rock-climber's harness, dare to take the world's highest hands-free walk round the outside of the tower. Suspended high above the city (after a thorough coaching session) you gain some self-confidence before leaving with souvenir photos and a well-deserved achievement certificate.
Entertainment district. Tél. 416 601 3833