{"id":3718,"date":"2025-07-28T19:47:44","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T19:47:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandboxworld.com\/travel\/?p=3718"},"modified":"2025-07-28T19:50:48","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T19:50:48","slug":"summer-2025-in-toronto-offers-a-full-spectrum-of-activities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandboxworld.com\/travel\/summer-2025-in-toronto-offers-a-full-spectrum-of-activities\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer 2025 in Toronto offers a full spectrum of activities\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Mike Cohen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toronto does indeed offer pretty much anything you\u2019d have on your list for a good holiday: professional sports, Broadway musicals courtesy of Mirvish Entertainment, museums, a large amusement park, a zoo, an aquarium, shopping, world-class restaurants and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toronto\u2019s visitor economy is a vital economic engine for the city, generating nearly $9\u00a0billion in visitor spending in 2024.\u00a0Originally incorporated in 1926 as the Toronto Convention and Visitors Association<\/strong>, the appropriately named Destination Toronto\u00a0 (https:\/\/www.destinationtoronto.com<\/a>) operates in partnership with the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Hotel Association. They \u00a0 market and promote\u00a0 the city to attract visitors and major meetings and events, and support local businesses to maximize the opportunities of the visitor economy.`<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summer in Toronto is pure magic. Sunshine sparkles off Lake Ontario, patios buzz with laughter, and every neighbourhood feels like a festival.\u00a0 Whether you\u2019re visiting for the first time or rediscovering the city you love, these timeless Toronto summer activities are your go-to experiences\u2014the kind of warm-weather moments that never go out of style. Looking for the best Toronto skyline views? Head up the\u00a0CN Tower<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0for a panoramic cityscape or try the\u00a0EdgeWalk <\/strong><\/a>for the thrill-seekers. Prefer something low-key? Enjoy skyline snapshots from a ferry ride, or lie down on a blanket at Riverdale Park East for a relaxing, photogenic picnic. See the city from a fresh perspective by paddling Lake Ontario. Rentals are available from the\u00a0Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0or on the\u00a0Toronto Islands<\/strong><\/a>, making it easy to hop in a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and\u00a0explore the waterfront<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0 Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned paddler, it’s a relaxing way to experience Toronto\u2019s waterfront charm. Consider an\u00a0Indigenous-led paddleboarding experience<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0at sunset for a truly powerful way to connect with the water.\u00a0 Toronto’s beaches are summer essentials. Whether you’re diving into the lake at\u00a0Woodbine Beach<\/strong><\/a>, enjoying a quiet swim at\u00a0Cherry Beach<\/strong><\/a>, or soaking up the sun at\u00a0Hanlan\u2019s Point<\/strong><\/a>, there’s a sandy spot for everyone.\u00a0These beaches are perfect for volleyball, sunbathing, and picnicking with a city-meets-nature vibe<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BROADWAY IN TORONTO: <\/strong>Mirvish Productions is Canada’s largest commercial theatre production company. It owns and operates four major downtown Toronto theatres and, in my opinion, serves as a driving force for the city\u2019s tourism industry. Every year, Mirvish Productions produces and presents dozens of plays and musicals, chosen from the best theatre originating in Canada, New York, London, Australia and beyond. The company programs two subscription seasons: the Main Season, which offers popular, large-scale productions, and the Off-Mirvish Season, which specializes in smaller, more challenging productions. It also programs many stand-alone shows featuring new works and revivals, supplemented by special concert engagements of dance, music, and comedy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Owned by the Mirvish family, the company got its start when Ed Mirvish, an iconic Torontonian who founded the landmark bargain department store Honest Ed\u2019s, made headlines in 1963 when he purchased and saved from demolition Toronto’s historic Royal Alexandra Theatre, one of the oldest and most famous legitimate theatres in North America. For the next 23 years, Ed Mirvish operated the Royal Alex \u2014 as it had been operated for most of its history \u2014 primarily as a “roadhouse”, staging short-run touring productions from London and New York and renting the space to local companies, such as the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada. But Ed Mirvish did more than just operate the Royal Alex; he created an exciting neighbourhood in which the theatre could flourish. In 1963, the King Street West area was filled with derelict warehouses and foundries. Ed bought several of these buildings and opened popular restaurants, laying the foundation for what is now the most thriving entertainment neighbourhood in Toronto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1986, David Mirvish assumed responsibility for the family’s theatrical interests. He changed the focus of the company to not only offering touring productions but also producing original plays and musicals, producing local productions of blockbuster international titles starring Canadian talent, as well as co-producing with such regional Canadian theatres as the Stratford Festival, the Shaw Festival, the Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Citadel Theatre and bringing their works to Toronto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the notable early Mirvish productions and co-productions seen at the Royal Alexandra were Brian Macdonald’s acclaimed staging of Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore<\/em>; the world tour of the English Shakespeare Company’s Henry IV<\/em> and Henry V<\/em>; Sweet Bird of Youth<\/em> with Joanne Woodward; Spoils of War<\/em> with Kate Nelligan (in her first Canadian stage appearance); Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing<\/em>, the first Indigenous Canadian play to receive a major commercial production in Canada; the world premiere of the musical Jane Eyre<\/em>, which subsequently moved to Broadway; and the wildly popular Toronto production and national tours of Les Mis\u00e9rables<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1993, in response to the growth of the Toronto theatre community and local audiences, Ed and David Mirvish built the Princess of Wales Theatre, a luxurious 2,000-seat venue one block to the west of the Royal Alexandra (and the first privately financed free-standing legitimate theatre to be built in North America in more than 30 years). The Princess of Wales opened with the box office record-breaking Mirvish co-production (in partnership with London producer Cameron Mackintosh) of the musical Miss Saigon<\/em>. The two theatres formed the centre around which Toronto’s “Entertainment District” has since grown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mirvish theatre family doubled in size in 2008 when the company purchased two Yonge Street venues: the 2,300-seat Canon Theatre \u2014 now the Ed Mirvish Theatre, which was renamed in honour of one of Toronto\u2019s most beloved city boosters \u2014 and the intimate 700-seat Panasonic Theatre, now the CAA Theatre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Log on to www.mirvish.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

THE OPTIONS:<\/strong> You can also check out Young People\u2019s Theatre. Celebrating 60 years of nurturing young hearts and minds, the 2025-26 season features a slate of six compelling productions, reflecting the many ways young people see the world: from fantastically adventurous to eye-opening and relevant. The list includes Shrek the Musical, Nov. 13 to Dec. 30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go Tours Canada is celebrating 20 years of delivering captivating Segway and Walking tours.  With that,  they have launched a brand new tasting tour for 2025 \u2013 their Beer & Cheese Tour, along with promotions throughout the year! It blends history, beer sampling from 2 local breweries onsite and a tasty cheese and meat charcuterie board with local artisanal meats and cheeses.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2025, the Bata Shoe Museum is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Opening on May 6, 1995, the Bata Shoe Museum has been dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of footwear from around the world.  <\/p>\n\n\n

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THE ULTIMATE POOL EXPERIENCE<\/strong>: While in Toronto, we were looking for an outdoor pool experience. Having previously stayed at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel downtown, we remembered how beautiful their pool scene was. Fortunately, non-hotel guests can sign up for day passes and that is just what we did. The cost is $250 for two people (extra guests are subject to an additional charge). For this, you get two lounge chairs with an umbrella and side table, two environmentally friendly bottles of water, a poolside snack pack and complimentary WiFi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The snack pack contains two bags of chips, two chocolate bars, a bag of popcorn and some Twizzlers. It all comes in a nice-sized reusable bag. We were given identification wristbands and key cards for access to the fitness club and the sauna. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can order lunch to your seat all via a handy QR code. It asks you to identify yourself as a pool deck guest and to provide the number on the small table next to your chairs. I ordered a double smash burger, with all the fixings, while the other two members of the entourage enjoyed some steak sandwiches. The delivery came within 20 minutes and it was relaxing to enjoy in our chairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel is Canada\u2019s largest property within the Sheraton Hotels & Resorts portfolio and recently underwent an extensive transformation. That journey brought a new arrival experience, a reimagined lobby with town-square energy, world-class culinary experiences, open and collaborative workspaces and over 130,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. The downtown hotel is connected to Toronto\u2019s PATH system, a 16-mile underground network of shops and services. With 1,372 guest rooms and suites, a 24-hour fitness centre, 360-degree skyline views from its 43rd-floor Sheraton Club, a unique outdoor waterfall and garden area and the city\u2019s largest heated indoor-outdoor pool, this is an iconic meeting spot in the heart of the city for friends and business travellers alike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pool was very much part of the upgrades. Framed by lush greenery, the year-round pool and 6,000-square-foot urban and waterfall garden is an urban oasis in the heart of downtown Toronto, offering a premiere location for weddings, social gatherings, and events. It is a popular spot for Montrealers, illustrated by the fact that my optometrist ended up being seated in the row behind me at the pool. He and his wife were in town for a wedding and this venue was their first choice, no doubt enhanced by the outdoor pool option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Sheraton Hotel Toronto is located at 123 Queen Street West. You can call 416-361-1000. Log on to: https:\/\/www.marriott.com\/en-us\/hotels\/yyztc-sheraton-centre-toronto-hotel\/overview\/<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

DINING OUT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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BANGKOK GARDEN:<\/a><\/strong> Housed in a historical building on Elm Street in downtown Toronto, Bangkok Garden introduced Authentic Thai food and culture to the city over 40 years ago. Acclaimed as one of North America\u2019s premiere Thai restaurants, Bangkok Garden serves authentic, house-made Thai food based on the Thai principle of balancing the five tastes. In addition, our cuisine caters to many dietary restrictions. From spiced stir-fries to fresh rolls and curries, there are several gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options to suit all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main dining room is lushly decorated in teak imported from Thailand. A gently flowing river, with a small school of fish and stones collected from the banks of the famous River Kwai in Kanchanaburi province, is guarded by Naga, a 150-year-old solid bronze protective dragon serpent from the home of a prosperous Thai merchant. Several pieces of statuary throughout the restaurant reflect popular Thai mythology. Furnishings and artifacts were chosen or designed specifically for the restaurant and imported, with special permission, from Thailand. This includes the teak temple bells and the hand-painted blue and white porcelain tableware. In October of 2013, a renovation transformed the bar & lounge area into a vibrant space for guests to enjoy a selection of Thai bites paired with exotic cocktails and martinis. The new interior with its bright colors and contemporary ambiance is a wonderful contrast to the warm teak interior of the main dining room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was alerted to this restaurant via a promotion with the Royal Thai Government and their Thai SELECT<\/a> Certification Program.  This <\/strong>is an internationally recognized certification awarded by the Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government to restaurants and food producers that offer authentic Thai cuisine. Certified establishments use traditional ingredients and cooking methods, ensuring consistent quality and a genuine taste of Thailand across global markets. Each certified restaurant is held to high standards that reflect the rich culinary heritage of Thailand. You can learn more about the Thai SELECT program at www.thaiselect.ca<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bangkok Garden is one of those restaurants. Several in Montreal have received the same distinction, including <\/strong>Siam Centre-Ville<\/strong><\/a> and \u00c9picerie Pumpui<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was joined for lunch by my old friend Anthony, who told me that this place has always been one of his favorites.  We started off with some drinks:  a serenity decaffeinated tea for me and a mango and lime mint fizz for him.  He selected from the main menu while I took advantage of the unlimited tasting menu buffet, which included a wonderful noodle bar.  The soup was simply fantastic! At the noodle bar,the server allowed me to select exactly what I wanted included and this was a treat. It was piping hot, containing rice noodles, chicken and some garlic bites. Anthony had a similar soup brought to the table by our server.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the main course, Anthony went with the Phad See EEW,\u00a0 containing broad rice noodles, vegetables and egg, with chicken added. I am a big fan of buffets and after having my soup, I went back and filled my plate with some spring rolls, chicken drumsticks, chicken fried rice, shrimp and some tasty chicken slices. There are dessert options as well.\u00a0 Our server brought their in-house sriracha hot sauce for us to try. It is imported directly from Thailand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Monday to Friday, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, the buffet is open. The cost is a very reasonable $24 for adults and $15 for kids (under 12).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See my chat with Brian So, a manager https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/shorts\/Ld414iLn5R4<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bangkok Garden is located at 18 Elm Street. It is open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, from Monday to Friday, from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 5 pm to 10 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 4 pm to 10 pm. You can call  416-977-6748 and log on to https:\/\/bangkokgarden.ca\/<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n

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TEA AT THE RITZ:<\/strong>  <\/strong>We have enjoyed the glamorous afternoon tea service at the Ritz-Carlton in Montreal in the past. So, it was very nice to do the same at the Toronto location\u2019s lovely EPOCH Bar & Kitchen (epochtoronto.com<\/a>). This re-imagined contemporary social hub, featuring a tailored cocktail menu and a chef-driven dining experience,<\/em> opened on Sept. 1, 2021, inside The Ritz- Carlton, Toronto. It offers a confluence of casual, yet imaginative dishes, focusing on sustainably sourced ingredients and cocktails in an understatedly elegant setting with a warm, inviting atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

 This re-imagined British gastrobar first opened on  Sept. 1, 2021, inside The Ritz. It offers a confluence of casual, yet imaginative, food and cocktails in an understatedly elegant setting with a warm, inviting atmosphere. 
The venue boasts 61 seats in the dining room, as well as 88 additional spots on a lovely terrace. This is set amidst lush foliage and Simcoe Park, with a stunning centerpiece bar and a feature wood-fired stone oven. Guests can sip cocktails at the bar, choose from lounge seating, dining tables, or the cozy Green Room with a fireplace and pool table<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We were guided to a comfortable table in the restaurant overlooking the terrace. Our server, Lindsay, provided a comprehensive overview of the tea selection and what a treat that was!\u00a0 They are divided into categories of white, green, black and herbal loose-leaf teas. She brought them over in a box, with each flavor in a different jar. We were offered to first enjoy the scent before making our selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While I chose the sugar plum fairy decaffeinated tea (organic rooibos, natural tangerine flavors and rose petals), the other two members of our party went for the eros (black tea scented with essential flavors of natural mandarin orange amd Madagascar vanilla) and the pear tree (organic young hyson green tea naturally perfumed with the essence of freshly plucked ripe pears).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lindsay brought an hourglass to the table with three different colors of sand to match our selections. We had to wait until each moved from top to bottom before commencing what turned out to be a delightful experience, with the option of adding cubes of sugar and honey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also elevate your experience with a toast and we took advantage of that option with two glasses of champagne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The service is classy all the way. In no time at all, a tower of delicate butter scones, finger sandwiches and sweets arrived at the table. It was so stunning to look at that I immediately took a photo before the bites began to disappear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what did the towers contain?  The scones, traditional and cranberry,  with house-made Devonshire cream, strawberry jam and rose petal raspberry jam,  came to us hot out of the oven, so we began with those first. The next tier featured was the mini lobster roll (sesame, poppy seed brioche bun),  sabl\u00e9es sal\u00e9s au prosciutto (rosemary sable cookies, whipped goat cheese, apricot jam), mini croissant with smoked salmon (lemon caper cream cheese, pickled onion and arugula) and the chicken sandwich   (milk, bread, gold raisins and dill cr\u00e8me fraiche).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For sweets, the Meyer’s lemon cake (lemon cake, lemon curd and candied lemon), mango coconut pavlova (crispy meringue, mango compote, coconut chantilly and mango jelly), the Ontario strawberry Paris brest choux (choux croquelin, strawberry compote, strawberry whipping ganache and strawberry coulis) and the tonka chocolate caramel tartlet (caramel tonka cremeux, chocolate cremeux, caramelia whipping ganache and cocoa nib crumble). The EPOCH Bar & Kitchen can accommodate dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and vegan preferences, for the afternoon tea experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We could not eat them all, so we packed up a few to go. But then came a surprise, a plate full of truffles. We sampled a few and added the rest to our take-home box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ritz-Carlton Toronto and EPOCH Bar & Kitchen are located at 181 Wellington Street. There is valet parking for free. Call\u00a0 416-572-8094<\/a>, e-mail info@epochtoronto.com<\/a>, or log on to https:\/\/www.epochtoronto.com<\/a>. Afternoon tea is available Monday to Friday from Noon to 4 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm<\/p>\n\n\n

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BLACK + BLUE TORONTO:<\/a><\/strong> \u00a0 Two years ago, Toronto welcomed a prestigious addition to its fine dining circuit. In no time at all, Black+Blue Toronto, located on downtown King Street in a vast building that used to house the Toronto Stock Exchange, became a cornerstone of the city’s dining scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Black + Blue offers a luxurious and dynamic atmosphere that highlights the finest and rarest cuts of beef and a top-tier seafood program. As part of Glowbal Group, a Vancouver-based hospitality brand synonymous with bold flavours and unparalleled guest experiences, Black+Blue exemplifies the group’s commitment to excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Morgan Bellis is the executive chef.   Black+Blue opened in 2023 amid much fanfare.  The two-storey, 9,000-sq.-ft. The restaurant is located in the First Canadian Place and features a posh outdoor patio sporting hanging greenery and two private dining rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This place exudes class.  We felt that the moment we stepped inside. It was a summer Wednesday evening and the place was filled to capacity. That meant over 300 people. Customer service is key here. Manager Michael Bowers and Matre\u2019d Jesse Melbye circulate throughout the dining room. While we had veteran (and beyond extraordinary) Susie as our server, she was assisted by a team of colleagues. Everything went so smoothly. While Chef Bellis was off that evening, sous chef Michael  came to our table at one point to ensure the food was to our liking,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 The  Glowbal Group is owned by Emad Yacoub, a true success story. He began his culinary career as a kitchen assistant in Toronto and eventually moved to Vancouver, where he became a top restaurateur. He will soon debut another one of his brands here, Rileys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Susie, a one-time Griffintown resident, we certainly had a server with encyclopedic knowledge of the offerings. Full of charm and charisma, she walked us through the vast selections and offered us something we had not really experienced that often in our lifetime: a specially curated menu, complete with optional wine pairings selected to complement each course perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We started with some drinks, a prosecco for me and two ros\u00e9 sunsets for the other members of the table. Later, there would be some glasses of Chablis. One of Susie\u2019s colleagues, Tyler, was next to visit us with a tray of all of the restaurant\u2019s different cuts of meat. That was true education and helped us a lot in making our final decisions in related to the curated menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Black+Blue proudly displays its beef in the center of the dining room. The pale pink and orange wall is made of Himalayan salt bricks and the salt purifies the air and naturally removes moisture. This dry-aging process infuses an unforgettable flavor as it tenderizes the meat. All of the steaks are kept in the cooler for 28 to 45 days, which ensures a flavor concentration of the highest quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canadian prime-grade beef features abundant marbling (red meat laced with an even fat distribution). The presence of this fat creates a more tender and juicy cut of beef that cooks well in all conditions. Only two percent of graded Canadian beef is rated prime. USDA prime is the most tender, flavorful and highest quality beef that comes from the US. Black + Blue offers the long-bone ribeye steak, charred to perfection.  Japanese Wagyu cattle are known worldwide for producing meat with exceptional marbling, naturally enhanced flavor, tenderness and juiciness. All of the restaurant\u2019s Japanese Wagyu cuts have a quality score of A5 and a marbling score between eight and 10. Black + Blue also takes great pride in being one of the select few dining rooms in North America that offers certified Kobe beef ribeye and striploin cuts. The secret behind this prestige cut of meat is the umami flavor that\u2019s embedded in the \u201cshimofuri\u201d marbling. The fatty \u201csashi\u201d content dissolves at low temperatures, which literally means it melts in your mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The meal began with some appetizers: a burrata salad, some extraordinary beef carpaccio with small pieces of toast, bluefin tuna roll and the king salmon roll. We savored every morsel of these culinary masterpieces that Susie had suggested.  The beef carpaccio came topped with horseradish crema, pickled shimeji mushrooms, crispy shallot, fried capers and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the main course, Susie truly guided us in the right direction. She arrived with our dinner on a mobile carving station. There was a perfectly grilled Wagyu striploin, which she cut into five slices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Beef Wellington was a real treat and Black+Blue has truly mastered the recipe. This was an impressive beef tenderloin, wrapped in a cr\u00eape puff pastry and including mushroom duxelles, truffle jus, seasonal vegetables and pommes pur\u00e9e. Susie cut three mouthwatering pieces for us, with some absolutely delicious sliced carrots. Also on the side were plates of  Wagyu fried rice and lobster mashed potatoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For dessert, came the most decadent surprise of them all: the Black+Blue  butter cake. This is a rich vanilla cake with a cream cheese base, topped with white Chantilly cream, drizzled with salted caramel sauce and garnished with fresh berries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Melbye gave me a tour of the venue, from the elegant second level and private rooms to the patio, which features open windows and a convertible roof in the warm season, while  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

See my video chat with Matre\u2019d Jesse Melbye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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