The lake-side cosmopolitan city of Toronto seems to have it all, offering up world-class museums, shops galore, a vibrant nightlife and even city beaches. Encircling the city’s skyscraper-lined downtown is a maze of fascinating multi-cultural neighbourhoods – visitors can nibble dim sum in Chinatown, sip an espresso in Little Italy, eat moussaka in Greektown or catch a Bollywood release in Little India. OK! also discovered that Toronto is the perfect New York alternative for a girlie getaway, with plenty of places to exercise your credit card. Add in a spot of culture (there’s even a museum devoted to shoes), lunch at one of the cafés along the cobbled streets of the Distillery Historic District and catching a show in the Entertainment District and Toronto makes for a memorable trip. There are also beaches and countless islands on tap as the Canadian city is located on the shores of Lake Ontario. Plus the spectacular Niagara Falls are not too far away.

WHEN SHOULD I GO?

The summers are warm, in the mid 20˚Cs, so you can enjoy alfresco dinning and the city’s beaches. If you visit before April 19, take in the fascinating Tim Burton exhibition, where we saw props and sketches from some of the film producer’s famous movies such as Edward Scissorhands and Alice In Wonderland at the newly opened TIFF Bell Lightbox museum. Also check out the Burton-inspired dishes on offer in the centre’s chic Luma restaurant. In the winter months, the snow-blanketed city looks so beautifully festive you’ll be distracted from the freezing temperatures. Fortunately, the city boasts the Path – the world’s largest underground shopping complex with 17 miles of shopping arcades, so you can keep warm despite the winter temperatures!

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WHAT STARS WILL I SEE?

On March 26, Toronto will host the Juno Awards, the Canadian version of the Grammys. Expect to see Justin Bieber, who was born in Stratford (check out www.welcometostratford.com for his local haunts), as he’s nominated for several awards. Countless films such as Hairspray, My Big Fat Greek Wedding,  X-Men and Good Will Hunting have been shot in the city, earning it the nickname Hollywood North. The best time to celeb spot is during the Toronto International Film Festival in September, while the Thompson Toronto hotel, which opened last June, has already welcomed the likes of Kim Kardashian, Usher, Gemma Arterton and the Black Eyed Peas.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

As OK! likes to have its finger on the pulse, we checked into the recently opened Thompson Toronto (www.thompsonhotels.com). This is a chic destination hotel with two hip bars and a nightclub, so it’s easy to see why some guests never venture out to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife! On arrival at the 102-room hotel, OK! was struck by the vast three-dimensional mural of Toronto’s skyline adorning the lobby bar wall. City folk and fashionistas rub shoulders in the cool rooftop lounge bar adjacent to the awesome infinity pool, both offering unbeatable city views. In gourmet terms, there’s the upscale Italian restaurant Scarpetta, while in our plush suite we loved our huge comfy bed, the heated marble bathroom floors and the Dean & DeLuca snacks in the mini bar.

WHERE CAN I EAT AND DRINK?

With more than 7,000 restaurants you’ll find everything from gourmet establishments to hawker stalls here. To hang out with the hip crowd, head to the new super-stylish Ultra restaurant, bar and nightclub. Over on King Street West, celebrity chef Susur Lee serves up delicious food (OK! adored our slow braised beef, potato and leek purée and crispy shallots), cool lighting and loud music to a young hip crowd. Next door is the brand-new Lee Lounge – perfect for cocktails. Other hot dining spots include Nyood on Queen Street West, where you can sip berry Mojitos, eat tapas-style dishes and hang out on the rooftop patio. Canoe, atop the Toronto-Dominion Bank Tower, is still one of the city’s hottest meal tickets featuring top-notch Canadian cuisine with a side order of unbeatable city views. 

WHERE CAN I SHOP?

Toronto stands shoulder to shoulder with New York in terms of shopping. If your heart is set on upscale couture, make a beeline for Yorkville’s Bloor Street, nicknamed Mink Mile, where you’ll find everything from Chanel to Prada as well as Canada’s premier department store Holt-Renfrew. For more funky accessories and one-off boutiques, try nearby Queen Street West, and while you’re here stop off for lunch at Pizzeria Libretto, which locals say offers the best pizza in the city. For American staples such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic and Gap, head over to the Eaton Centre where you’ll also find Zara and H&M in this 200-plus store mall. Another OK! favourite was Kensington Market, a treasure trove of vintage and second-hand clothing shops.

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WHAT SIGHTS MUST I SEE?

A visit to the CN Tower, the city’s iconic landmark, is a must. OK!, however, had to overcome one large obstacle – our fear of heights! With a scarf wrapped around our eyes, we let the glass-bottomed lift whisk us up to the top of the 1,151ft high tower in just 56 seconds! It was so worth it as the panoramic city views are breathtaking – from both the observation deck and the revolving restaurant.
If you prefer terra firma, take a motorised Segway tour around the pedestrianised streets of the historic Distillery Historic District and discover the story behind North America’s largest and best-preserved collection of Victorian buildings. Today these former warehouses have been turned into art galleries, cafés and arts and crafts stores. It also had a starring role in the film Chicago.
Absorbing the natural beauty of Niagara Falls, a two-hour drive away, is a truly must-do experience. To get up close, be prepared to get wet and hop aboard the Maid Of The Mist, or if you’d prefer to stay dry, view from above on a helicopter ride.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Air Canada (0871 220 1111; www.aircanada.com) flies from London Heathrow to Toronto from £434 including taxes and charges. Nightly rates at the five-star Thompson Toronto start from £150 per night. To book, call ±001 888 550 8368 or visit www.thompsonhotels.com.