You don’t have to leave Toronto to feel like you’re on vacation — here’s a 24-hour itinerary by a Hotel X concierge 

You don’t have to travel far to feel like you’ve gotten away. Whether you’re a Toronto local looking for a change of scenery or visiting from just outside the city, a rooftop swim, a leisurely brunch and a walk by the lake can turn a city stay into a proper escape.

That’s the idea behind Hotel X Toronto’s experience, which encompasses lake views, a year-round rooftop heated pool and spa amenities with easy access to the city beyond its doors.

As part of Destination Toronto and Now Toronto’s Concierge Diaries series, we joined Hotel X Toronto’s lead concierge, Steven Hantziantoniou, to explore how to turn a city stay into a proper escape — without ever leaving Toronto.

Start the day above the city

Hantziantoniou says the ultimate resort-style stay begins at the hotel itself.

His recommendation? Get up early enough to enjoy Hotel X Toronto’s rooftop pool before the day gets busy.

“The pool opens at 7:00 a.m., and that first hour is magic,” he says. “The city is just waking up, the atmosphere is quiet, and for a few moments it can feel as though you have Toronto to yourself.”

After a morning swim, guests can take their time over brunch — either in bed, or at the in-house ROSES Social — before heading out to explore the waterfront. And those looking to make wellness a bigger part of their stay can also book Hotel X’s Experience Wellness add-on, which includes a group fitness class, a session in the Contrast Zone for hot-and-cold contrast therapy, and in-room use of Kala Red Light Therapy.

The point isn’t to squeeze in as many activities as possible, Hantziantoniou says, but to start the day without feeling rushed.

“The city is there whenever you want it; the luxury is knowing you do not have to chase it,” he adds. 

Make time for brunch at Mildred’s Temple Kitchen

A city getaway wouldn’t be complete without a memorable meal, and Hantziantoniou recommends adventurers to make room for brunch at Mildred’s Temple Kitchen.

Now Toronto stopped by the Liberty Village location alongside Hantziantoniou, shortly stepping away from the hotel to experience one of Toronto’s well-known brunch destinations.

For first-time visitors, Hantziantoniou has a straightforward recommendation: order the famous wild blueberry pancakes.

“They are the signature for a reason,” he assures. 

Restaurateur, founder and executive chef of Mildred’s, Donna Dooher, wholeheartedly agreed. 

“I love the pancakes still after all these years,” she laughed. 

“I think Mildred’s just has the perfect combination of anything that makes a good restaurant work, and that is great food, a beautiful ambiance, and amazing service,” Dooher added. “We have hands down a fabulous team of people that work here every day that are greeting our guests and ensuring that they have the best time we can possibly deliver.”

The bright, green-themed restaurant is a natural addition to a leisurely itinerary, particularly for guests who want to experience Toronto beyond the hotel without committing to a full day of sightseeing. 

It’s also a reminder that a resort-style getaway doesn’t have to mean staying on the property all day. Sometimes, getting away is simply having the time to enjoy a meal without immediately thinking about what comes next.

Find some breathing room at Trillium Park

After brunch, head toward the waterfront for a change of pace.

Hantziantoniou’s recommendation is Trillium Park, where the William G. Davis Trail offers views of Lake Ontario, lush Indigenous-forward green space and the iconic Toronto skyline.

We explored the park together, taking in a side of the city that feels a world away from its busiest streets, even though downtown remains close by.

For Hantziantoniou, the trail is particularly worthwhile early in the morning, when the waterfront is quieter. But sunset offers another reason to visit.

“You still see Toronto, but from the waterfront the skyline becomes scenery rather than something you are standing inside,” he says.

It’s an easy stop to build into a staycation, whether you want to stretch your legs after brunch, take photos or simply spend a little time outdoors.

The waterfront is also one of Hantziantoniou’s favourite ways to help guests disconnect. For those who want to explore farther, he suggests renting a Bike Share bike and following the Martin Goodman Trail along the lake, with an ice-cream stop along the way.

“There is no checklist, just the lake, the bike and Toronto moving past you,” he says.

Take the long way back — or head to the islands

If you have more than 24 hours to spare, Hantziantoniou suggests expanding the itinerary with a trip to the Toronto Islands.

“There is something about stepping onto the ferry and watching the skyline move away that immediately changes your mindset,” he says. “You have not actually left Toronto, but it feels like you have.”

For a quieter experience, he recommends Ward’s Island, which has a more residential feel than the busier parts of the Islands.

The ferry ride itself is part of the appeal: it gives visitors a chance to see the skyline from the water before spending time away from the city’s usual pace.

For a 48-hour stay, the Islands are his next addition after a day of waterfront exploring and time at Hotel X. With 72 hours, he suggests venturing into neighbourhoods such as Queen West or Ossington, visiting High Park or adding a seasonal event to the itinerary.

“The key is leaving room to breathe,” he says.

Wind down with a spa treatment and sunset drinks

After a morning of exploring, return to Hotel X for a slower afternoon.

Hantziantoniou recommends the award-winning Guerlain Spa for guests who want to disconnect completely, followed by time at the pool. Those who would rather stay active can visit 10XTO, the hotel’s athletic club.

For a quieter moment inside the property, he points guests toward the contemporary art-filled Gallery X early in the day. It’s easy to pass through on the way somewhere else, he says, but when it’s quiet, it offers an opportunity to slow down and take in the art.

Then, as the day winds down, make your way to Valerie for cocktails or dinner.

“With the lake and skyline around you, dinner or cocktails feel like a destination experience rather than simply dining at your hotel,” Hantziantoniou says.

The luxury of having nowhere to be

For Hantziantoniou, the best resort-style itineraries aren’t necessarily the busiest ones. They’re the ones that leave guests feeling better than when they arrived.

When asked what guests increasingly want when they come to unwind, his answer is simple: “Less scheduling and fewer decisions.”

That could mean arranging a spa appointment and dinner reservation in advance, then leaving the afternoon open. It could mean taking the ferry to the Islands or spending an hour beside the lake. Or it could mean staying at the hotel all day, swimming on the rooftop and watching Toronto from above.

The best part of a staycation is having the freedom to choose.

And with the waterfront, neighbourhood restaurants and the city’s cultural attractions close by, Hotel X offers a way to experience Toronto without turning the getaway into another busy itinerary.

To unlock more Toronto, read our Concierge Diaries series, powered by Destination Toronto.