Advertorial: Visit Toronto with Virgin Holidays

As the whirlwind of World Pride hits Toronto this summer, there’s never been a better time to check out Canada’s largest, most culturally diverse and undoubtedly gayest city.

The Ontario state capital was the first jurisdiction in North America to legalise same-sex marriage back in 2003 and is home to the country’s biggest gay community, centred on what is affectionately known as “The Gaybourhood” in downtown Toronto. The city’s scene is filled with supercool bars and nightspots but has a fun and friendly vibe: Pride week at the end of June sees an enormous street perty take over, and last year’s event saw over a million people turn out for the celebrations.

With that in mind, World Pride 2014 looks set to be the best yet. The first of its kind in North America, Toronto’s lively, progressive atmosphere makes it the perfect place to host the ten days of cultural festivities, which run from 20th-29th June. Canada’s answer to the Big Apple is a must-visit hotspot for any city-slicker looking for a new urban playground to explore, and with Virgin Holidays you can make the most of the inimitable Toronto buzz – just throw yourself into the melting pot and they’ll turn your mojo up to the max.

Located on the north shore of Lake Ontario, there are 43km of sandy beaches, marinas and working ports sat under the city’s dramatic skyline – and you can take in the stunning view of all there is to explore from the iconic CN Tower. As well as the fantastic setting, this eclectic city is filled with trendy stores, cafes and restaurants of every persuasion; it’s diversity owing to the fact that an estimated 50 percent of the population were born outside Canada.

With Virgin Holidays you can the most of the city’s treasure trove of delights, with CityPASS Toronto offering great savings to five Toronto attractions such as the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Science Centre, Casa Loma and the Toronto Zoo. Also be sure to enjoy some serious retail therapy during your stay: In recent years Toronto has emerged as a fabulous style destination, and from luxury designer items to some of the best vintage shopping in North America, there’s no shortage of stores to help you reinvent your wardrobe or home. The artisan vibe also extends to the city’s world-renowned theatre scene, which is one of the biggest and liveliest in the English-speaking world.

No visit to Toronto would be complete without venturing out to see the stunning spectacle that is Niagara Falls. Only 90 minutes from the city, the Niagara region is teeming with wineries and dramatic scenery to explore. Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming, historic town, but the star of the show is just a little way downriver – and you can enjoy its mighty beauty by land, sea or air.

Virgin Holidays have the magic touches that’ll turn this stunning experience into a truly unforgettable one, with an all-day excursion that includes a three-course lunch and a Hornblower Niagara Cruise ride, or – for the more adventurous amongst you – a helicopter tour right over the falls. As city breaks go, you can’t get much better than that.

For more information, the latest offers on Toronto and to book, call 0844 557 5850, visit us in store or click here.

Prices start from £945pp for four nights at a 4V hotel in Toronto departing 1st September 2014. Book by 31st May 2014. Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.