Toronto is an elegant global metropolis that never feels overworked, it moves at a polished, deliberate pace. Glass towers rise beside heritage façades, leafy avenues soften the urban geometry, and the glittering surface of Lake Ontario lends the city a sense of calm. This city is a charming and eclectic host, whether it is for a morning spent in a skyscraper boardroom with panoramic city views, an afternoon exploring local galleries or opulent late-night candlelit dinners.
Often described as Canada’s cultural capital, Toronto thrives on contrast. Its neighbourhoods feel like distinct cities in their own right, stitched together by streetcars. There is theatre that rivals the West End and dining that stands shoulder to shoulder with New York. At its heart, Toronto is cosmopolitan without pretence and earns your admiration rather than demands it.
Fly with Air Canada
Air Canada understands its guests instinctively, before you’ve even stepped foot on the plane. Before departure, Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 2 sets the tone. Originally launched alongside the Queen’s Terminal in 2014, the lounge underwent a thoughtful refurbishment in late 2024. New lighting softens the space, pieces by Canadian photographer Nicolas Ruel adorn the lounge and there are sumptuous new interiors and increased seating capacity.
There is also a staffed bar and self-service buffet offering a Canadian feast, including a croffle maker, serving maple-leaf-shaped croffles drizzled with, naturally, Canadian maple syrup. Why have one breakfast when you can have two? You’re on holiday after all. Air Canada’s reputation for having the best airline breakfast is well earned. On board indulge in a stack of fluffy, golden pancakes, with sausages and scrambled eggs, generously lathered in Canadian maple syrup.
On board, Signature Class, formerly International Business Class, offers a haven in the clouds. Executive or Classic Pods are designed with lumbar support and a soothing massage function, converting seamlessly into a fully flat bed measuring up to 6 ft 7 in. Crisp bedding with a pillow, duvet, and mattress pad is included, as well as a Byredo amenity kit.
There is an award-winning in-flight entertainment system with more than 1,400 hours of movies, 1,900 hours of television including content from Apple TV+, Audible, Disney+, and Hayu and over 600 hours of music and podcasts.
Stay at Shangri-La Toronto
Shangri-La Toronto is the city’s most elegant address. It occupies the first 17 floors of a striking 66-storey glass tower at the intersection of University Avenue and Adelaide Street, where Toronto’s financial district meets its entertainment core.
The hotel offers 202 spacious guestrooms and suites. The Deluxe One Bedroom Suite is draped in warming earth tones with rich mahogany panelling, the 76-square-metre suite features a separate living room with a convertible sofa bed and a guest bathroom, making it ideal for families.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame downtown Toronto and its iconic landmarks, while the marble-clad master bathroom boasts heated floors, a walk-in shower and a deep tub with uninterrupted views of the CN Tower. The view which is particularly mesmerising at sunrise and sunset, when Toronto feels momentarily sleepy. Golden strobes of light slip between the high-rises, catching on glass and steel in long, honeyed ribbons. At sunset the sun lowers behind the skyline and releases slow, golden strobes of light that stream like glowing corridors between towers.
Affectionately known as Toronto’s urban living room by locals, the downstairs Lobby Lounge is the cities heartbeat. It centres around a dramatic double-sided black marble fireplace, flanked by travertine columns and large-scale paintings by Shanghainese artist Wang Xu Yuan, depicting four iconic Peking Opera figures in modern calligraphy.
A light-oak Fazioli piano anchors the room, its lid engraved with the lyrics to Joni Mitchell’s My Old Man. Live performances by local musicians fill the space nightly and rotating displays of vintage couture, including vintage masterpieces from Alexander McQueen, Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent are a feast for the eyes.
Adjacent to reception, the TASCHEN Corner offers rare and collectible editions, making Shangri-La Toronto one of only two hotels in Canada where guests can purchase these coveted volumes.
The Health Club features a 20-metre indoor lap pool beneath a skylight, illuminated by a chandelier reminiscent of Chinese lanterns. An infrared sauna, steam room, whirlpool, and outdoor terrace with cabanas round out the offering, while a private studio hosts yoga, Pilates, and tailored training sessions.
On the fifth floor, Miraj Hammam Spa offers nine treatment suites, including Middle Eastern hammam rooms where traditional rituals meet contemporary French vinotherapy.
A Helicopter Adventure over Niagara Falls
For those seeking the extraordinary, Shangri-La Toronto curates a helicopter adventure that redefines luxury sightseeing. The experience begins with a chauffeur-driven journey from Toronto, unfolding into an 18-minute helicopter flight with Niagara Helicopters Limited.
Rising above the Niagara River, the route sweeps past the Whirlpool Rapids, Rainbow Bridge, Queen Victoria Park, the American Falls, and the Skylon Tower. Just as anticipation peaks, the helicopter arcs gracefully around the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, where rainbows shimmer and dissolve in the mist.
The journey continues into the wine region, touching down at the elegant Peller Estates Winery. Here, a delicious three-course à-la-carte lunch with the winemaker’s pairings awaits before a relaxed return to Toronto by chauffeur.
An Epicurean Getaway: Exploring the St. Lawrence Market
Culinary curiosity takes centre stage with an exclusive market experience led by Chef de Cuisine Troy Cabarios. A chauffeur-driven journey delivers guests to the historic St. Lawrence Market, where the finest local ingredients are selected with expert insight.
The experience culminates back at bosk, Shangri-La Toronto’s spectacular signature restaurant, with a delicious three-course feast crafted around the day’s discoveries, reflecting the restaurant’s deeply held “Rooted in Nature” philosophy.
The Ultimate Night In
Sometimes, the greatest luxury is staying exactly where you are. Shangri-La’s Ultimate Night In transforms the suite into a private retreat. A Signature Bath Butler Service prepares an indulgent soak with Bathorium’s Aphrodite bath bomb, rose petals, and the soft glow of a Shangri-La Essence candle.
Movie-inspired treats arrive, such as buttery popcorn in a candy red striped carton, a chocolate golden ticket, and a selection of sweets. As the city lights glitter beyond the glass and the CN Tower stands illuminated and proud, it is impossible not to fall in love with Toronto.
A return flight from London to Toronto, starts from £434 in Economy, £1,431 in Premium Economy, and £2,271 in Business Class, including all taxes and Charges. Air Canada flies year-round from London Heathrow to Toronto operating its direct service up to four times a day. For more details, and to book, visit aircanada.com.
@shangrilato | shangri-la.com/toronto/shangrila
188 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5H 0A3, Canada
