Toronto is a four-season city full of eating and drinking patios,

fabulous roof-top hotel views and foodie neighbourhoods, brimming over with tourists and locals alike. We love our city in the spring, summer, and this incredible Indian summer-fall and have been known as well to plop ourselves down on a winter-white park bench to extend our patio cravings. As official fall is but a few short months away, followsummer asked Halla Rafati, Managing Partner at Toronto’s Halo Public Relations to share some of her favorite Toronto MUSTS, whatever the season!

Toronto Must Stay:

Four Seasons Toronto. Image courtesy of Gregory George

“just the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto!  🙂 It’s not because, (full disclosure!!) they are one of our clients, but because I have had the Four Seasons experience in other destinations, and it truly is second to none.”

Toronto Must Eats: Halla serves up her favourites for some traditional (and not so) Toronto resto choices:

Byblos “my favourite Mediterranean restaurant”  Yasu “hands down the best sushi in town!” Bua Thai ” A guilty hidden pleasure – not fancy at all and it’s probably better to order delivery than dine in!” Playa Cabana:  “my go-to for Mexican.”

Must Enjoy Patio:  Halla’s Picks for a cocktail, beer, or simply to people watch:

d|bar at the Four Seasons Toronto. Image courtesy of Gregory George

“Of course d|bar Patio! Best see and be seen spot in the heart of Yorkville.” (followsummer totally agrees..see below!) Terroni on Yonge. “great late night drinks buzz  with a ton of food choices.”

Must Shop: favourite fashion finds:

“BCBG on Bloor St. West is my go-to when I’m in a crunch. I enjoy designer vintage stores, with my favourite being Fashionably Yours on Queen West for their authentic lux consignment buys”

Must Visits: Halla offers up her favourite tourist spots: 

image courtesy of Bloor-Yorkville BIA

“Toronto has so many beautiful neighbourhoods to explore, but while exploring, take advantage of all the festivals the city has to offer. Whether its Taste of Danforth, Pride, or TIFF, there’s always something happening in the city. But nothing beats a weekend stroll through Yorkville. You can grab an espresso and gelato, or sit down and relax on a patio and people watch the day go by while enjoying some delicious sangria.”

Must Explore: neighbourhood or out of town? 

“I like to day trip to Niagara on the Lake for some real exploration. It’s such a cute and quaint village and a quick break from the city.  In the city itself, I’m drawn to West Queen West for food and funky fashion. Nothing beats spending an afternoon shopping and having a tasty bite. For out of towners, I most definitely take them to the Distillery. It’s a must-see.”

Halla’s Must See Toronto View?

Toronto Harbour Front – HDR | image courtesy of Kirk Lau

“Take a boat out on Lake Ontario and enjoy the skyline from there. We tend to forget that Toronto’s skyline is world renowned, and it is also an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle. The obvious must-see view is the famous CN Tower.  I would suggest to take your experience one step further and try Edge Walk for the ultimate view of the city if you have the nerve.  I had a chance to do this, and it’s a remarkable experience.”

Our own followsummer ‘Toronto Must’ is a sip and nibble from the inventive cocktail list and ‘food for the table’ menus and people watch the Yorkvill fabulousness from Halla’s very own d|bar . Move upstairs and get more of your Yorkville ON at Toronto’s own taste of Lyon,  Café Boulud. 

Check out other Four Seasons ‘Like a Local’ City Guides here: