“Eh?” Bachelorettes: Canada awaits. With open borders, friendly denizens and a U.S. dollar that’s stronger when used within its borders, Canada may be the perfect spot for that international party destination to celebrate your favorite bride. The vast, eclectic nation holds a trove of possibilities. On opposite ends of the country, seaside Vancouver and urbane Toronto provide two distinct experiences, either of which your besties will remember forever. To wit, the resplendent Shangri-La group has options in each city, and some ideas to get your party started.
Vancouver Shopping Extravaganza
Set on the west coast, infinitely explorable Vancouver is composed of irresistible neighborhood villages that edge and stretch toward some of the world’s most jaw dropping nature: towering trees, unbridled seas, moody mountains and bottle-green Stanley Park. A hip city with an intellectual underflow, it offers scores of options for outings from gastronomy to live entertainment. The Shangri-La Vancouver, located in the tallest building in downtown, with both sea and mountain views proposes its Holt Renfrew Shopping Experience package, prime for bachelorette parties. You’ll get a personalized styling experience in a private space for your crew at Holt Renfrew, Canada’s most luxurious department store. The offer includes: a luxury suite, Holt Renfrew Seasonal Welcome Gift, private transport to and from the hotel to Holt Renfrew, a private personal shopping experience at Holt Renfrew, expedited alterations and complimentary delivery of purchases to the Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver, lunch at the Holt Renfrew Café, valued at $100 for two (2), one Holt Renfrew promotional gift card of a value of $100, a personal shopping appointment and more.
Tip: Don’t forget an extra suitcase to bring back all your purchases, especially if you also take the time to explore the seasonal Vancouver Christmas Market, a glittering extravaganza of holiday fun.
Toronto Foodie Foray
It only makes sense that Canada’s most populous city, a haven with scores of languages and legions of cultures would have one of the most alluring culinary scenes on earth. A buzzy metropolis on the sea, often called the Hollywood of the North for its vigorous film industry, Toronto tempts with its Frank Gehry re-vamped Art Gallery of Ontario Museum of Contemporary Art and wait for it … the Bata Shoe Museum (you heard it … shoes). There’s Toronto Island Park, on Lake Ontario, accessible by ferry for your outdoor pleasure, and lively entertainment districts, which make nights out with the besties a cosmopolitan event. Of course, when you get hungry, choose from opportunities as diverse as dumplings in Chinatown or plates of pasta in Little Italy. Gallivant as a group with Secret Food Tours, which does private noshes, which highlight the city’s iconic offerings — such as those Canadian Peameal BLTs. Gather stylishly with your gaggle the Torontonian way at sleek Shangri-La Toronto, conveniently situated downtown, walking distance from the waterfront. Take advantage of the hotel’s Experience More with Breakfast, Upgrade & Parking package, which includes lots of extras — such as complimentary bikes, spa credits and an exclusive tour of the hotel’s urban bee hive.
Tip: For Holiday Bachelorette party attendees, don’t miss the renowned Toronto Christmas Market at the historic distiller market, Nov.18 to Dec 31.
