Tourism Attractions and Sightseeing

All About Toronto

Toronto is a city that holds wonders in one friendly place: a theatre scene rivalled only by London and New York, more than 80 cultures from across the globe; and attractions that range from high art to rowdy family fun!

Better yet, many of the city's top attractions are within walking distance of each other and Hotel Le Germain. A stroll around downtown will take you to sports venues, the CN Tower, fabulous shopping, outstanding theatre, the waterfront and inspired cuisine. Beyond the inviting and unique neighbourhoods of the city lie more great attractions, including Niagara Falls and the picturesque wine country of the Niagara Peninsula, both an easy drive from the hotel.

Here are just a few of the city's many exciting attractions:

CASA LOMA
Meaning “hill house,” Casa Loma was built in the early 1900s by military man and entrepreneur Sir Henry Pellatt for himself and Lady Mary Pellatt. Take a trip through time and explore the secret passageways, stables, and majestic 5-acre garden of Toronto’s only castle, nestled on a hill at 1 Austin Terrace.

The CN Tower
Standing at 553.33 meters and officially opened in October 1976, the CN Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the world. It is open daily from 9 am and is just a 5 minute walk from the hotel. Dine at 360 Restaurant, which boasts breathtaking views of the city and a great menu to boot.

Royal Botanical Gardens
Located just 45 minutes from downtown Toronto, the Royal Botanical Gardens is a National Historic Site of Canada with over 2,700 acres of scenic gardens and gorgeous nature sanctuaries. Its five gardens feature dozens of plant collections and displays. Its four nature sanctuaries boast approximately 30 kilometers of hiking trails.

Royal Ontario Museum
Designed by world renowned architect Daniel Libeskind to create the illusion of the old building being trapped in an iceberg, the ROM has finally completed it new look, with the crystal donated by Michael Lee Chin. Six new crystal galleries overlooking the street are covered in a spectacular combination of 75% aluminum and 25% glass. Twenty-six new and refurbished galleries give the museum a grand total of 43 galleries. The number of pieces in the ROM has almost doubled, including some objects on display for the very first time. Three new restaurants have also opened, including Crystal Five Bistro & Bar, a fine dining establishment.

Shopping

A ten minute walk from the hotel through the heart of the city's Entertainment District takes you to one of Toronto's hippest shopping areas. Queen Street, home of City TV, Much Music, and the famous Speaker's Corner— where anyone can rant on TV—is also home to some of the best known names in retail. Even more fun are the trendy little shops that dot the neighbourhood. Vintage clothing, hand-made jewellery, retro chic—today's struggling designers may be tomorrow's international stars, and it's likely they got their start right here.

Those who have already made it—the Hermes and Chanels of the retail world—are ensconced a ten minute drive north on glamorous Bloor Street. From the classic Canadian elegance of Holt Renfrew to hip Club Monaco and ultra-chic Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, this is the place to pick up designer goodies.

Family Activities

AFRICAN LION SAFARI - within an hour’s drive from Toronto, holds all the wonders of Africa. A one-hour drive through the reserve takes families past grazing giraffes, playful monkeys, exotic birds and majestic lions. African Lion Safari also provides picnic areas, the "African Queen" boat tour, the "Nature Boy” railway, and Misumu Bay water play area for the kids.

TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDENS - Take in the sights and sound of nature at its best, while learning about the beautiful world of horticulture, in a carefully manicured, enlightening and stimulating self sustaining urban oasis.

TORONTO ZOO - with over 5000 animals representing over 460 species from around the world, over 10 kms of walking trails and a series of interactive, educational and conservational activities, a visit to the Toronto zoo is nothing short of a unique wild life experience.

ONTARIO PLACE - Located on the waterfront of Lake Ontario, this world-class attraction is still a must-see, with over 30 rides and attractions including bumper cars, pedal boats, a children's play area, an IMAX theatre, a Mega Maze, miniature golf, a motion simulator ride and much more; Ontario place is the perfect place for a family outing while visiting Toronto.

CANADA’S WONDERLAND - Located about a 30 minute drive from downtown Toronto, Canada’s Wonderland is fun for the whole family. This amusement park features roller coasters, the Splash Works water park, shows and much more. Every year they add an exciting new ride. This year it’s the Behemoth. At over 5 300 feet (1 616 m) in length, Behemoth sets the stage for thrills with a 230 foot (70.1m) climb followed by an adrenaline-pumping 75 degree drop with speeds reaching 125 kilometers per hour in 3.9 seconds and more. Gray Line now offers a shuttle bus service that can take you there and back for $36-$60 roundtrip.

Centre Island - is Toronto's island getaway, an escape from the city that is just a short ferry ride from downtown, housing a number of bike and rollerblading trails throughout the island. There is a variety of things to do and see, including the popular children's attraction Centreville Amusement Park. Enjoy a series of fun filled activities like a ferris wheel ride, water slide, miniature golf course, train rides, picnics on the beach, or stroll through far enough farm, the island's petting zoo.

HARBOURFRONT CENTRE - is a year round facility featuring concerts, dance performances, readings, films and kids’ shows every weekend and some week nights. With a large emphasis on cultural diversity, the facility draws an impressive line up of international talents to Toronto every year. The centre has 12 major venues for music, dance and cultural events, and boasts a large pond that doubles as an outdoor skating rink in the winter.

“BRING THE BABY NOT THE STUFF” Don’t worry about carrying the stroller, the car seat or even the infant swing; concierge will take care of everything for you in collaboration with gogo Baby who is proud to provide us with clean, safe, top quality baby equipment. To inquire for rates, click here: concierge@germaintoronto.com.

Nightclubs

Lobby
A sexy glass and steel structure housing a restaurant and champagne lounge, a stylish boutique hotel lobby for the style set, designed to do just that. www.lobbyrestaurant.com

Budo liquid Theatre
A stylish club lounge, frequented by a good-looking crowd of upwardly mobile scenesters, has a member’s club feel to it, it’s spread over two-floors, with Pan-Asian dishes served in the club-come-dining area upstairs. Music is mostly chillout ambient lounge - always good with martinis. A waterfall flows gently down a colourful tiled wall to one side; overall, perfect for an urban escape or impressing your date. www.budolt.com

C - Lounge
The only patio bar that features an outdoor swimming pool centre-piece and intimate private Cabanas to lounge in on the side; with state-of-the-art cocktails delivered by model-like waitresses, mojitos and palm trees swaying above, you feel like you’re on the beach. C Lounge also features a spa with salon, massages, make-up artists and hairdressers. www.libertygroup.com

Century room
Situated in a warehouse built in 1904, this chic avenue is a sprawling loft space with high ceilings, exposed orange brick walls, and gorgeous leather-banquette seating areas divided by muslin drapes. www.centuryroom.com

Hotel boutique lounge
A romantic candlelit cocktail lounge with classy mis-matched leather-upholstered booths, friendly table service, and a fantastic selection of drinks: you can’t go wrong at Hotel. The setting style is hotel lobby chic where the designer crowds spend their time ordering champagne and martinis. The scene is a club space, with a mix of Latino, house and R & B.

Laide Bar
– is said to contain aphrodisiacs. www.laide.ca

Reservoir
Legendary swing-jazz and blues bar with a beautiful piano on a small raised stage that proves to be the centre piece of the action. The clientele is a mix of laid-back locals and international jazz lovers who have heard of the Reservoir's unique vibe. The décor is bare brick, carpet and stools, much like a swinging 50s piano bar; while the mood is as down-home as a New Orleans speakeasy. Celebrity guest like Tom Jones pops in and performs impromptu as he has been known to do. Food runs from pizzas and oysters to Southern-style fries, while bourbon and beer are the tipples of choice. www.reservoirlounge.com

Rosewater Supper Club
A stylishly retro supper club, you'll feel like Dean Martin with Marilyn on a Brat Pack bender. The building's an historic jewel with 22-ft-high ceilings, hardwood and marble floors and you can dine on caviar and lobster at throne-like blue-velvet booths; and in the lounge a slinky torch singer holds court over a baby grand - have a brandy over billiards in the velvet-draped downstairs room and enjoy. www.libertygroup.com

Ultra Supper Club
Home to one of the most beautiful rooftop patios in Toronto. Ultra has the Miami club feel. The restaurant turns into a club at 10:30pm. Enjoy great Continental Cuisine as well a night of dancing and mingling after dinner. For additional information log onto www.ultrasupperclub.com.

This is London
This hot spot for the beautiful people could be mistaken for a model-rich Mayfair playground. It’s funky aesthetic includes an on-location hairdresser and make-up artists in the women’s bathrooms, and a second-floor balcony. Strong cocktails ranging from flavoured Martinis to tasty Cosmos rule the night. This is London is strictly for grown-ups!

Schmooze
Tucked away down a dark side street in what looks like a former warehouse, it has no sign on the entrance, just two wooden doors with shiny brass handles. Enter inside and the high cathedral ceilings and elegant chandeliers remind you of a Hampton’s mansion. Red roses and floating candles add to the exotic private club feel while huge mirrors along the walls on the lower floor reflect the beautiful people walking past. Shmooze is the ultimate spot for the trendy 20 to 30-somethings in the hottest designer gears. www.schmooze.ca

Easy and the Fifth Bar and Grill
One of the best restaurants in Toronto. The Fifth also houses a club. Take their freight elevator up to the restaurant. The also a gorgeous roof top patio that over looks downtown Toronto. 225 Richmond Street West, Phone number 416 979 3000. www.easyandthefifth.com