Related: Four Restaurants in Toronto with CN Tower Views

We spent the past weekend baby-free and unwinding at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel. Up until last year, I had no idea that right in the airport complex was a beautiful hotel with cool, runway views. Whether you’re staycationing (like us), passing through on a work trip, or travelling with family, you’ll wish you stayed here sooner.

Here is how we spent our weekend and why you should check out the Sheraton Gateway Hotel for your next Toronto getaway.

Five Reasons Why You Need to Recharge and Reconnect at the Sheraton Gateway

Prime Location

Snuggled within the Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 3 complex, the Sheraton Gateway Hotel delivers a seamless travel experience for you, whether you’re arriving or departing. You’re a literal stone’s throw away from the terminal making it so easy to walk from your hotel room to airport check-in within minutes.

Every time I travel I somehow seem to forget how much of a hassle it is to get to and from the airport, figuring out transportation, and trying to make it to check in on time. Can we normalize making the airport experience enjoyable and stress-free? I’m highly considering coming to stay a night before we head out on our next trip.

Aesthetics, Atmosphere and Amenities

The hotel property was recently renovated and you’re immediately welcomed with comfort and sophistication as soon as you step foot into the lobby. The guest rooms are thoughtfully designed with the softest bedding, modern furniture pieces, and airport runway views. How often do you get to lay in bed watching planes land and take off just meters away? You’re so close to the runway but somehow it is insanely quiet.

Everything about the Sheraton Gateway is so picturesque and completely Instragrammable if that is your vibe. There are photo ops in every corner!

One of my favourite amenities has to be the Peleton room. Being able to utilize the infamous bikes is such a cool perk. Live out your wellness girlie dreams during your stay. The fitness centre also features a full gym and pool.

I was a big fan of the workstations and private business rooms where I set up my laptop, got a cup of coffee and caught up on some blogging work. If you have a few hours to kill during your Toronto layover, consider taking advantage of the hotel’s day passes to enjoy the perks.

An Elevated Dining Experience

Let’s talk food because I was thoroughly impressed by the dining experience. How often do you stay at a hotel and actually look forward to eating on-site? The &More restaurant gives Michelin star vibes. From the appetizers to drinks to the main courses, every step is an experience. The menu is curated perfectly with something for everyone and you’re guaranteed to find something familiar or new if you’re feeling adventurous.

What We Ordered

• Canadian Whisky BBQ sauce wings
• Bam Bam Shrimp
• Ontario Cheese and Charcuterie Board
• Striploin & Tenderloin with seasonal veggies
• Gateway Gin
• Smoked Oldfashion

It is a Family-Friendly Environment

As a mom, I know and understand how important it is to maintain and mimic your little one’s routine, even when travelling. We’ve stayed at one too many hotels that claim to be “family-friendly” but have nothing on hand that caters to families. Imagine not having access to something as simple as a microwave to warm up a milk bottle.

The Sheraton Gateway Hotel truly welcomes families with open arms, offering a range of amenities and services tailored to guests of all ages. Little ones can join in on the fun, too. Even the standard rooms are spacious enough to accommodate hotel-provided cribs, high chairs and other essentials, upon request.

Thinking about food options? &More also offers an extensive kid’s menu which takes the stress out of finding child-friendly meals.

Sheraton Club Lounge

If there is one thing that I’d come back for it is the Sheraton Club Lounge. It is worth the upgrade. You can enjoy 24-hour access which includes unlimited refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, and a hot breakfast buffet. Forget the cold and bland continental hotel breakfast that you’re used to. I could not get enough of the smoked salmon and bottomless cappuccinos.

Thank you, Sheraton Gateway! This stay was hosted but all opinions are my own.

The post Travel Diaries: Weekend Staycation at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto appeared first on Told By Jo.

Toronto has a lot of hidden gems when it comes to places to dine and I’m delighted to share those that I’ve found. My husband and I recently moved to the downtown core and we love exploring on the weekends. While I’ve lived in the Greater Toronto Area for most of my life, I still feel like a tourist sometimes!

So whether you’re in the city visiting or are a local like me looking for something new, this post is for you. There is something fun about trying out places that are not overhyped and actually have good food.

While I do love a cute, Instagram-worthy restaurant, it’s usually the not-so-picturesque places that have the best food. At least that’s what I like to believe! Here are five places to grab breakfast and brunch like a local in Toronto.

Belfast Love

This super cute pub is located in the heart of King West. Since Belfast Love is on King Street, it attracts a lot of foot traffic and tends to be quite busy. You can usually get same-day reservations if you reserve a table in advance. The eggs benedict are delicious, the cocktails are strong (if that’s what you’re into!) and the service is great. Depending on where you’re seated on the patio, you’ll have a clear view of the CN Tower.

Toast on Bloor

Toast on Bloor is a quaint little spot that has AMAZING breakfast. I’m not usually a fan of french toast and it’s not something I order, but their rendition is so good. Do yourself a favour and try it if you get a chance to go. I’m big on customer service and they’ve got that down to a science. Toast on Bloor is located in Etobicoke near Islington subway station.

Our Spot Cafe

Our Spot Cafe is located in the hub of Kensington Market. This is a spot you’ll want to get to early before the market is open and the area gets VERY busy. It is a family-owned restaurant so the breakfast definitely has that homecooked feel to it. I love that it has a sort of underground character and I get the sense that it is certainly underrated.

Impact Kitchen

We discovered Impact Kitchen while we were on the keto diet. While the menu is completely gluten-free, the food was surprisingly delicious. We both ordered the eggs benedict on supergood waffles and got some almond brownies to go. Don’t knock it until you try it! There are several locations in the downtown area – one in the King West area and the other in Corktown.

Notable Places to Grab Breakfast and Brunch Like a Local in Toronto

• The Pilot – their mimosas are very generous!
• Black Angus

I hope this post was helpful and that you found some spots that you haven’t visited before. If you’re a breakfast and brunch lover like myself, you won’t be disappointed. I’d love to check out some restaurants that you recommend too. Feel free to leave some of your favourite spots for breakfast and brunch in the Toronto area in the comments below!

Related: Restaurants in Toronto with a View

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One of the best things about summer in Toronto or living relatively close to the city, is getting to enjoy the skyline and views from different spots. If I could spend all my summer days on patios all around the city, or anywhere for that matter, I would.

I’ve decided that my favorite summer activity is finding restaurants in Toronto and the surrounding area that offer patio seating with a view of the city. Though I don’t consider myself a city girl, this is probably my favorite pastime when I get a chance to drive into Toronto.

Restaurants in Toronto with a View

KOST

Between you and I, KOST has one of the best views of Toronto skyline and the lake. My favorite details are the infinity pool and watching the CN Tower light up in the evening. It’s the perfect spot for a summer date night, celebrating something special or for a “just because” outing.

KOST is located at the rooftop of the Bisha Hotel so if you’re feeling extra luxurious, it’s the perfect spot for a staycation. Do yourself a favor and try the smoked short rib if you stop by for dinner – it literally melts in your mouth. Hubs and I had the cutest date night here. It felt so good to dress up for the first time in months and head out for a night on the town. 

The Porch

The Porch is such a fun, laid back spot for food and drinks with friends. It’s usually busy (but I mean, can you really blame them?) but is totally worth the wait to get up to the roof top. Maybe I’m bias because I’m have a slight obsession with margaritas (extra salt on the rim) but if you get a chance to go, you have to try their margaritas.  They are made in the cutest sand buckets with full size watermelon slices. I think this is such a unique concept!

Against the Grain

Against the Grain has the best Sunday brunch vibes. It’s perfect for sitting on the patio and just relaxing after a busy weekend. It’s located in downtown Toronto and the most unassuming place, away from the hustle and bustle of busy city streets. There’s something about being right by the water and watching people sail by on their boats that is incredibly soothing.

Maybe that’s just me and the mimosas talking. Speaking of mimosas. If that is your brunch attendance requirement, you’ll love that Against the Grain offers the option of an entire bottle of champagne for the table and a variety of different juices. 

Stackt Market

We discovered Stackt Market towards the end of the summer and wished we had come across is sooner. During the time that hubs and I visited, the indoor market of restaurants were closed however we were still able to order from the assortment of menus that they offered. This reminded me of our experience at Chef’s Hall! This is an amazing spot for a nice summer day.

They offer different areas for seating, food and entertainment which is great if you want to walk around and check everything out. Or you could just pig out,  enjoy cocktails in the sun and take tons of pictures like we did! If you love beer, you’ll enjoy the Belgian Wheat brewery selection that they have.

Since Stackt Market is home to a variety of different food and shopping vendors, you’ll enjoy a different food and drink experience each time you go, with the same great view, of course.

I’d love to know if there are any other restaurants in Toronto with a view that are worth checking out. Leave a comment below and let me know if you had a chance to visit any of the restaurants I’ve mentioned or if they’re on the top of the list for your next weekend outing!

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We had the opportunity to visit the Sensory Garden at the Reif Estate Winery which features aromas, colours and characteristics of wines produced in the Niagara region. It was my mom’s first time wine tasting so it was a very special experience shared together. It was such an intimate atmosphere and the wine was merely a bonus. Given the circumstances, our drinks were served in cute reusable stemless glasses that we got to take home. 

Red wine is where my heart is so I was happy to be seated in the Merlot section of the Sensory Garden. Naturally, I tried the Cab-Merlot and it didn’t disappoint. Once in a while when I’m feeling adventurous (so pretty much always) I have white wine. I had a glass of the Riesling which in my opinion was a good balance of not too sweet and not too dry, but just right.

*cue Goldilocks and the Three Bears*

We finished off our wine tasting experience but taking a walk through the vineyard and taking customary “I was at the winery over the weekend” photos. The winery did a great job of staggering guests visits so we were uninterrupted and away from other guests for most of our visit which was great.

Overall we had such an amazing experience and can’t wait to visit Reif Estate Winery again in the fall to embrace romantic, vineyard vibes surrounded by beautiful, fall colours. 

Comment below and let me know if you’ve visited any wineries recently in the Niagara region that you enjoyed and would recommend!

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With everything going on in the world right now, we were eager to finally be able to go outdoors and enjoy some sort of normalcy again. Patio dining for us was the next best thing to being able to go to a restaurant again, especially with the summer weather. Chef’s Hall ensured that all the tables were spaced apart adequately to maintain social distancing and their cleanliness was top notch. 

We tried a few different options from Colibri: their Mexican fries and pork tacos, along with the chicken ramen from Ramen Isshin because why not, right? I’ve been a huge fan of Ramen ever since I tried it for the first time a couple of years ago and given the opportunity, I won’t say no to a bowl. 

We received such incredible service and the staff was so welcoming, making our dining experience so personal. 

Long before we had made our reservation at Chef’s Hall, I was scrolling through their Instagram page and came across so many photos of the Aperol Spritz that it peaked my interest. I had no idea what it was and had never had Aperol in my life but I was determined to have one. If I’m being honest, it was one of the reasons I was excited to go. In case you were wondering, it did not disappoint! I highly recommend it. 

This patio dining experience was gifted to me, courtesy of the NODE app. All opinions are my own. You can sign up to receive complimentary meals and products to review, while supporting local businesses in your area by clicking here.

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