Victoria Day 2015: 11 Toronto Staycations

Every Victoria Day, it’s the same old routine.

Cars loaded with beer, raw meat and cheap fireworks hit the highway, fleeing north in search of green pastures and recently thawed lakes. A fun weekend, sure. But what about those of us without a Muskoka hideaway?

Don’t fret, city-locked friends. Consider checking in to one of these local escapes for a luxurious urban staycation, sunburn not included.

Smiley’s B&B
Toronto Island
Yeah, we know, the name is lame. But check out the digs: a quaint, bright apartment on Toronto Island. It won’t even feel like you’re in the city.

Gladstone Hotel
1214 Queen Street West
A Toronto landmark, the Gladstone is one of those places that every local visits but no one ever stays the night. And why not? It’s 37 artist-designed rooms come in a mix of themes, from “sugar bush” to “teen queen.” Our fave is the jaw-dropping tower suite.

The Boathouse
Toronto Island
Another cute spot on the Island, this cozy apartment comes with picnic blankets and beach towels. And for workaholics, there’s wifi!

The Ivy at Verity
111D Queen Street East
This former chocolate factory offers a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Plus, what better way to fête Queen Victoria than in a European-style hotel?

Drake Hotel
1150 Queen Street West
Calling itself “your Toronto home away from home,” the Drake has mastered that modern-cozy feel. If you have money to burn, ask for the suite: a 385-square-foot, mid-century apartment perfect for your hosting your fellow cottage-less friends.

Thompson Hotel
550 Wellington Street West
Live outside downtown? Consider a stay in the super-central Thompson. It has floor-to-ceiling windows and a proximity to King Street West that keeps you close to those new restaurants you’ve been reading about.

The Historic Paul Bishop’s House
Airbnb
Hear us out. For $550 per night, you get three bedrooms, free parking, a gym and a crazy stylish house all to yourself. (But heads up, you’ll need to put down a $5,000 deposit.)

This ridiculous, $1000-a-night penthouse
Airbnb
This stunning penthouse includes (take a breath) it’s own elevator, a panoramic view of Lake Ontario and an oversized terrace overlooking Toronto. If you can afford this, chances are you have a cottage.

Four Seasons
60 Yorkville Avenue
There is plenty of space at the luxurious Yorkville Four Seasons, which offers 259 spacious rooms in calm, earthy tones. Looking to get pampered? Its spa is one of the best in town.

Le Germain Hotel
30 Mercer Street
Tucked away on quiet little Mercer Street, this elegant oasis is just like the cottage — just a lot better. Grab dinner at the chic Victor Restaurant before working it off on the rooftop exercise green space.

Did we miss any T.O. staycations? Leave us a comment below or tweet us at @ViewtheVibe.