As Toronto celebrates the city being fully open again, NI Travel News are excited to share a highlight of the top news & events happening in Toronto this year.
SPORT AND SUSTAINABILITY
2026 World Cup
Toronto was recently announced as one of the 16 North American cities set to host the 2026 World Cup. Toronto will host multiple matches at BMO Field and major fan events across the city for the duration of the 32-day tournament. The significant economic impact anticipated from the event will help sustain Toronto’s long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the hard-hit tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors.
FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the first in history to feature 48 teams and to be held in three different countries. With up to 10 nations playing in Toronto, Toronto’s pride in its diversity and multiculturalism will be strengthened, with the event touching all neighbourhoods, building a sense of anticipation and camaraderie for the next four years and beyond.
New Green Project
The Meadoway is transforming a hydro corridor in Scarborough into a vibrant 16km stretch of urban greenspace and meadowlands that will become one of Canada’s largest linear urban parks. The Meadoway will connect 7 river and ravine systems, 15 parks, 16 kilometres of trail, 13 neighbourhoods, over 200 hectares of meadow, and more than 1,000 diverse species of flora and fauna. Cyclists and pedestrians will be able to travel from the heart of downtown Toronto to Rouge National Urban Park without ever leaving nature. A project being developed over the next 7 years to create a rich meadow landscape filled with butterflies, birds and wildflowers – on a scale never before seen in Toronto.
HOTELS
ACE Hotel Toronto, opened 15 June 2022
The 123-room hotel introduces Ace’s inaugural project in Canada, housed in a new building designed by award winning Toronto firm Shim-Sutcliffe Architects. The new hotel also features dining from critically acclaimed chef Patrick Kriss, who helms the signature restaurant, Alder, and a yet-to-be-named rooftop bar and lounge debuting later this summer.
W Toronto, opening 21 July 2022
The W Toronto will be the latest addition to a slew of new hotels in the city. Surrounded by iconic galleries, sophisticated shopping, and electric nightlife, the brand-new luxury hotel is an urban oasis of culture and style located in the heart of Yorkville. Explore what’s New/Next at the live music and DJ series in the Living Room.
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
The Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel is welcoming guests again following the first closure in its nearly 50-year history; having closed to safely and effectively complete the first phase of its extensive transformation. Completed in the first half of 2022, the Sheraton Centre Toronto’s transformation includes a full re-imagining of the hotel’s porte cochère, lobby, pool deck, and 43rd floor Sheraton Club; introduction of new lobby-level collaboration studios and soundproof booths; and upgrade of the food and beverage program, as part of Sheraton’s worldwide transformation unveiling its new design vision.
Sheraton Gateway Hotel
The Sheraton Gateway in Toronto International Airport has received a massive $30 million makeover. The 484-room hotel has undergone an overhaul that has completely reimagined the entire property, the only hotel directly connected to Canada’s busiest airport. Today, the hotel is only one of a handful of properties in the world to fully debut the Sheraton brand’s sophisticated new look being rolled out worldwide.
St. Regis Hotel – Rhythm & Blooms Signature Rituals Pop-Up
Spring is in bloom at The St. Regis Toronto with the launch of its Rhythm & Blooms Pop-Up in Astor Lounge open now until 31 July, 2022. The elegantly Instagrammable experience provides the perfect setting to celebrate the season and return to in-person hobnobbing.
The St. Regis Toronto introduces a playful twist on the global hotel brand’s traditional Afternoon Tea ritual with the launch of Prohibition Afternoon Tea with blooming cherry blossom trees, shareable prohibition-era style ‘iced’ teapot cocktails, as well as a reimagined menu of spring-inspired sweet and savoury bites. The hotel’s lobby-lounge will also feature exquisite signature gin cocktails in partnership with Whitley Neill Gin, the UK’s #1 Selling Premium Gin, live jazz music on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and the daily champagne sabrage ritual at 6:00 pm.
Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville, Autumn 2022
Coming this Fall is the Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville, the first Canopy by Hilton in Canada. The hotel, which is part of the new mixed-use Rosedale on Bloor building, will feature 178 rooms, an indoor pool, restaurant and cafe. The property will reflect the vibrant energy of the Yorkville neighbourhood by bringing in local elements through design, art, food and beverage in signature Canopy style.
FOOD, RESTAURANTS AND MARKETS
The MICHELIN Guide is coming to Toronto
Toronto is a city where top chefs want to establish a presence and where emerging chefs nurture their culinary talent – both drawing on locally produced ingredients unique to Ontario. In May 2022, Michelin and Destination Toronto announced that Toronto would be the first Canadian city to be entered into the renowned MICHELIN guide. The inaugural edition of the MICHELIN Guide Toronto will be announced in Autumn 2022, with a selection of restaurants receiving honours.
In May 2022, a 4,000-square-foot night market in the style of an alleyway in Asia with indoor and outdoor seating opened in Toronto. Located at 384 Bloor Street West (former Annex Food Hall), Superfresh showcases Asian-led and owned businesses across the city combining food, drinks, live entertainment and a bodega under one roof.
Superfresh brings together vendors and brands highlighting different geographical regions of Asia, from Northern China and Nepal to Taiwan and Korea. Vendors include local favorites like BaoBird by Joybird Fried Chicken, Big Beef Bowl, The Good Goods, and the Asian-owned superette Auntie’s Supply amongst many others. Superfresh is also home to an array of community programming including artisan markets, live DJ’s, pop-ups, fashion events and more. One thing is for sure, heritage and community will always be at the forefront.
Mezcalero – opened spring 2022
An exciting new spot for tapas and tequila turned up the heat in The Annex in the spring. Mezcalero has a sprawling raised patio, supper club-style events, and delicious dining. Mezcalero serves up a variety of traditional Spanish tapas infused with Mexican street food influence. Mezcal will be the main feature of the bar, as well as various tequilas and cocktails designed to pair perfectly with the tapas.
Soluna – 314 Queen Street West – opened early June
Soluna, a new day-to-night restaurant concept with a rooftop terrace, opened at the iconic 314 Queen Street West address in early June. A laid-back dining experience awaits at the Soluna, where guests embark on a journey of the senses, exploring the flavours of coastal regions around the world in every bite. By day, the guests can enjoy a rooftop oasis for a perfect carefree escape from the bustling life in the city. As the sun sets, experience the indoor wanderlust space with earthy bohemian minimalism and effortless dining.
Something in the Water Brewery – opened spring 2022
Liberty Village is home to a new brewery, as Toronto’s Something in the Water opened its Euro-style spot in the spring. There is seating for about 40 people inside, with artisanal snacks from all over Ontario.
Mademoiselle Raw Bar + Grill – opened spring 2022
Originally set to open summer 2021 on King St West, Mademoiselle Raw Bar + Grill opened this spring, with the same team behind MARBL restaurant. Mademoiselle is a sophisticated, fine-dining experience, with inspiration from Southern France and the Mediterranean coast.
Don Alfonso 1890 – New location
Construction has begun on the soon to be permanent home of Don Alfonso 1890 at the iconic Westin Harbour Castle. Located on the edge of Lake Ontario, the new location will offer stunning views of the city skyline and Toronto’s harbour. Don Alfonso 1890 was voted best Italian restaurant in the world and also came in first place for its multi-course prix fixe tasting menu.
Le Sélect Bistro – opened 24 June
Maintaining the integrity of its traditional French menu and casually glamorous interiors, Toronto’s beloved Parisian-style restaurant, Le Sélect Bistro, re-opened in its legendary Wellington Street location on 24 June, 2022. The restaurant has been resurrected by renowned restaurateur David Aisenstat who has long loved the authentic legacy of the celebrated, traditional French bistro.
Smorgasburg – opening 23 July
Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in America, attracting thousands of people to Brooklyn, Manhattan, Jersey City, Los Angeles and Miami each weekend to eat from dozens of local vendors. This summer, Smorgasburg will launch the first-ever international weekly market in Toronto. Smorgasburg Toronto will launch 23 July on the waterfront for eight Saturdays (through 10 September), located at 7 Queens Quay East, at the foot of Yonge Street.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Many of Toronto’s major festivals have returned for summer 2022. See the full list here.
ArtworxTO
ArtworxTO is a year-long celebration of Toronto’s exceptional public art collection and the creative community behind it. This exciting new initiative supports artists and art projects that reflect Toronto’s diversity and creates more opportunities for the public to engage with art in their everyday lives.
Sandbox VR
Sandbox is a futuristic VR experience for groups of up to 6 where you can see and physically interact with everyone inside, just like the real world. Inspired by Star Trek’s Holodeck, our exclusive worlds let you feel like you’re living inside a game or movie, and are built by EA, Sony, and Ubisoft veterans. See why Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, Kevin Durant, and Will Smith support us.
Pirate Life – Escape the Ghost Ship
Due to popular demand, Pirate Life is bringing back Escape the Ghost Ship until 31 October 2022, to host an escape game that is held on a pirate ship sailing around the Toronto Harbour. The game blends together immersive theatre, escape room puzzles, and a boat tour for a unique escape room experience.
Wet’n’Wild Toronto
Wet’n’Wild Toronto opened its doors for summer fun this season on 11 June 2022. A world-class waterpark destination, Wet’n’Wild Toronto boasts a 45-acre park that features an assortment of tube and body water slides, Bear Footin’ Bay kids’ play structure, the Big Surf wave pool and the Muskoka Soakah lazy river. Wet’n’Wild has something for everyone, whether guests are looking to beat the heat by the pool or enjoy a thrilling day of action-packed attractions. The park’s close proximity to the GTA makes it the perfect staycation destination.
Bob Marely One Love Experience
Running 15 July – 30 September 2022, the experience will showcase never-before-seen Marley photographs and memorabilia, while immersing you in a journey through his life, passions, influences, and enduring legacy. Venture through the One Love Forest, visit the Soul Shakedown Studio and delve into the multi-sensory experience celebrating one of the world’s most beloved and unifying musical figures.
Field Trip Festival Returns Summer 2022
Since its launch in 2013, the Field Trip Music & Arts Festival has distinguished itself as a multi-disciplinary, cross-generational event unlike any other. Thanks to the timeless performances of top-tier artists, a die-hard fanbase, and a welcoming, family-friendly environment, the annual event is a world-class festival celebrating all-things music and culture. Field Trip Life is a digital destination that keeps the spirit of the festival alive year-round with music-related content and commerce. Launching 9 July, 2022.
The FRIENDS Experience
After successful runs in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Phoenix and Washington D.C., the wildly popular The FRIENDS Experience will make its international debut in Toronto on 14 July, 2022. Originally created for the show’s 25th anniversary, fans can celebrate their favorite friends and revisit some of the series’ most iconic moments with this interactive experience created by Superfly X, Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television Group. “The One in Toronto” will be located at Yorkdale Shopping Center at 3401 Dufferin St.
2022 Tammuz Festival
The Tammuz Festival will take place from 15 to 17 July, 2022 at the Meridian Arts Centre in North York. The three-day festival features an exciting lineup of well-known artists and exciting programs for all ages. Tammuz will open on the evening of July 15 with a gala, an unforgettable performance by the Rastak Ensemble, followed by dinner.
Toronto Caribbean Carnival Festival
After two years, it’s time to reconnect, celebrate, and embrace diversity 28 to 31 July with the Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s (TCC) return. Celebrating the 55th Emerald Anniversary of the Parade, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival introduces a brand-new theme for the 2022 festival season – EMBRACE THE CARNIVAL IN YOU.
Immersive King Tut
100 years ago the boy king’s tomb was discovered. This summer, celebrate the anniversary by venturing into the valley of the kings at Immersive King Tut. The ground-breaking immersive King Tut experience takes you on a mythical journey through the Egyptian afterlife. As a pharaoh, Tutankhamun is the sun of his nation. In this immersive experience, you will follow him on his journey through the underworld – will he triumph and bring his people eternal light and prosperity? Immerse yourself! experience ancient Egypt like never before! Opens 10 August 2022, tickets on sale 17 July.
Summerlicious
Summerlicious, one of the city’s most popular culinary celebrations, is returning this summer from 12 to 28 August.
ON STAGE
Cirque du Soleil KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities
Toronto is host to the official return of KURIOS following its hiatus caused by the global pandemic. Hailed as an “enthralling, over-the-top magical show”, KURIOS opened under the iconic Big Top at Ontario Place in April and runs until 17 July, 2022.
Critically acclaimed the world over, KURIOS—Cabinet of curiosities astonishingly revisits the signature Cirque du Soleil style of performance by weaving jaw-dropping acrobatics with a refreshing touch of poetry, artistry and humour.
FACTORY Theatre
Proudly presented by outgoing Artistic Director Nina Lee Aquino and Managing Director Mark
Aikman, FACTORY’s 2022/2023 Season, Myth Makers, is the company’s biggest in recent memory – featuring a staggering ten new works, both for the physical and digital stage, many of which were commissioned or developed by FACTORY and each written by a Canadian Woman playwright.
Mirvish Theatre
Canada’s largest theatre company, Mirvish Productions, is welcoming audiences back with a packed schedule of exciting shows.
First up is the Canadian premiere of the international blockbuster Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which opened on 31 May at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre. Starring an all-Canadian cast and featuring dazzling magical effects, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will be the largest theatrical production in Canadian theatre history.
Also on major city stages this summer are: 2 Pianos 4 Hands, a comedy about studying to become the finest concert pianist, opened June 4th at the Royal Alexandra Theatre; and the North American premiere of London’s newest musical hit, & Juliet, opened on 22 June at the Princess of Wales Theatre. & Juliet features a hilarious script by David West Read (Schitt’s Creek) set to some of the biggest hit songs of our time that will have you dancing in the aisles.
David Mirvish is pleased to announce the return of Jesus Christ Superstar for two weeks only, 10 to 21 August, 2022 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. Featuring award-winning music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Gethsemane and Superstar.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World Tour 2022 – 18 to 19 August, 2022.
The Official RuPaul’s Drag Race World Tour returns with an all-new production for 2022. An experiment gone wrong has sent the audience spiraling through time with no way of returning to the present.
Join Gottmik, Jaida Essence Hall, Naomi Smalls, Violet Chachki and all finalists from the upcoming 14th Season on a journey through iconic periods of history in hopes of finding your way back to 2022. Presented by Voss Events in collaboration with World of Wonder and VH1.
Canadian Stage
Crypto By Côté Danse Co-presented by Canadian Stage and TO Live The power and allure of one of the world’s most celebrated dancer/choreographers. Guillaume Côté, Principal Dancer and Choreographic Associate at The National Ballet of Canada, is one of the most electrifying and in-demand dancers of his generation. Côté is also an incisive multidisciplinary artist, celebrated for his choreographic talent displayed in the riveting and complex creations, Frame by Frame and Le Petit Prince. Featuring the music of Swedish composer Mikael Karlsson and infused with theatre and technology, Côté’s latest cutting-edge contemporary dance creation is a ground-breaking work that explores forced displacement and the human need to control and transform beauty.
ARTS & CULTURE EXHIBITIONS
Art Gallery of Ontario
A few exhibits not to miss are I AM HERE: Home Movies and Everyday Masterpieces – a new AGO exhibition now open until 14 August, 2022, is a revealing look at our universal need to capture, share and cherish the everyday. Featuring lost-and-found home movies from the Prelinger Archives, alongside celebrated artworks by the likes of David Hockney, Patti Smith, Claes Oldenburg, Annie Pootoogook, as well as others. I AM HERE brings together a broad range of personal records from different time periods and locales to explore the shared human impulse to document life as it happens.
Blurred Boundaries: Queer Visions in Canadian Art All of the artists featured in this exhbition have the desire to question and redefine the societal rules of their time. Experimenting with different mediums and materials through the past 150 years, the installation of 13 artworks, curated by Renata Azevedo Moreira, AGO Assistant Curator of Canadian Art, presents works from the AGO collection that that illustrate the exciting ways queerness can be conceptualized in Canadian art. Open until 25 September 2022.
Aga Khan – IMAGE? The Power of the visual, Open April – September 2022
The 62-piece exhibition explores image-making over the centuries through the lens of historic and contemporary artworks from diverse Muslim cultures.The exhibition is divided into four main sections, with each one focusing on different aspects of how images express — and, in turn, shape — our beliefs, ideals, and experiences.
Ontario Science Centre
An exciting new exhibition landed at the Science Centre, running until 5 September, 2022. Celebrate the power of innovation to make dreams take flight with Above and Beyond: An Interactive Flight Exhibition. Soar like a bird with the help of virtual reality, pilot a jet, design a supersonic plane, race your friends, ride a space elevator—and much more! Plus, find out how scientists are still working to take humans faster, higher and farther than ever before.
Join scientists to unearth a prehistoric world now lost to ice on the southernmost continent of Antarctica. The latest IMAX® film, Dinosaurs of Antarctica, opened 1 June, 2022, Face fearsome dinosaurs and fascinating creatures that inhabited a lush landscape—one that looks nothing like the frozen desert we know today—while exploring the effects of a changing climate.
Royal Ontario Museum
The first gallery of its kind in North America brings the dawn of life to life with the Willner Madge Gallery, Dawn of Life. Explore one of the world’s most astounding fossil collections and journey through the wonders of the past, present and future.
Fantastic Beasts™: The Wonder of Nature opened on 15 June, 2022 and explores the links between the magical creatures of the wizarding world and the remarkable animals in our natural world, encouraging a greater connection to our planet and empowering us all to be advocates for its care. You will be awed by the powerful combination of science, nature, and imagination as you explore fantastic beasts in all their forms and learn how these animals inspired some of the world’s most incredible stories and folklore. Open until 2 January, 2023
The Power Plant
The Power Plant recently announced a unique partnership with curator Ala Roushan, to present BREATHLESS, a multifaceted project that considers the urgencies evoked by today’s air crises, including a global respiratory pandemic, racial injustice (“I can’t breathe”), forest fires, and carbon emissions, all of which instill feelings of uncertainty for our f’utures. Runs until 30 October, 2022.
Check the most up-to-date travel regulations before making plans to visit and be sure to contact businesses directly to book reservations, confirm availability, and to learn about health and safety guidelines.
