Bed and Breakfasts in Toronto | Victorian Charm and Lakeside Living

Pimblett’s Downtown Toronto B&B sits in the heart of Cabbagetown, a maple-lined neighbourhood of elegant Victorian homes. On the fringes of downtown, the community’s name originates from the 19th century Irish immigrants who settled here and planted cabbages in their front yards.

When you arrive at Pimblett’s, it’s like entering a portal into the days of yore. Surrounded by an eclectic collection of antique furniture and artwork, take a minute to browse the property’s historical memorabilia. You’ll choose from five quaint and cozy guest rooms, like the Agatha Christie and the Butler’s Back Bedroom, each with its own private bathroom and some with those four-poster beds you’ve always dreamed of. Rise to a hot and hearty English breakfast to be enjoyed on the garden patio on bright summer mornings.

Walk a couple of blocks to Parliament Street to window shop at trendy independent retailers or pick up a vintage find. Stop for coffee and dessert at the Epicure Shop—make sure to grab goodies for a charcuterie from the shop’s specialty breads, deli meats and over 100 delectable cheeses. The varied bars and restaurants around here shine with the city’s multicultural vibe, from casual Irish pubs to a cool Taiwanese snack bar serving hip-hop themed small plates. At just over a kilometre from the behemoth Eaton Centre mall, Pimblett’s is convenient for a major shopping spree but far enough away from the hubbub to give you some peace in a leafy neighbourhood.

In keeping with the original character of this 1890s Victorian building, Toronto Garden Inn is loaded with charm in its hardwood floors and antique furnishings. Choose from snug rooms with shared bathrooms, or larger options with en-suites. For an ultra-private getaway, opt for the Trillium room at the top of the house to spend lazy mornings in your king-size bed before taking your first brew of the day out on your sun-soaked deck.

After indulging in the daily buffet-style breakfast, visit any of the communal areas for some space to relax and reflect beyond your guest room. Pick up a book in the library and nab a spot with a view of the manicured garden. When dinnertime rolls around, you can get your grill on with the outdoor barbecue—you’ll enjoy it most in summer, but Canucks don’t fear a bit of barbecuing in the snow!

Beyond the front door, head a kilometre west and you’ll hit Dundas Square in Toronto’s downtown core; with some luck, you might stumble across an outdoor concert or pop-up theatrical event. Travel 1.5 kilometres south and you’ll reach the historic Distillery District, a pedestrianized village of boutiques, galleries, restaurants and independent breweries. You could easily while away an afternoon here, enthralled by street entertainment and quirky artist studios. You’ll be spoiled for choice with dining options, too: Pure Spirits Oyster House and Grill serves sublime seafood, while you’ll find delectable handmade chocolates at Soma.

For an informal, relaxed bed and breakfast experience in Toronto, Rose Garden delivers on all fronts. You’ll have your choice of rooms with ensuites or rooms with shared bathroom facilities if you’re looking to save those Toonies. Drop your bags in your open, airy room with quaint furnishings like homey quilts and antique rocking chairs, then head downstairs for a casual chat with other guests on the sitting room’s green velvet sofa. In the morning, soak up some sunshine on the peaceful garden deck while your host whips together a fresh breakfast made to order. If you need a caffeine top-up later in the day, help yourself to fragrant teas or steaming cups of Joe at any time.

One of the city’s most popular attractions—Gothic Revival mansion Casa Loma—is a little over a kilometre away. In the opposite direction, stroll 6 blocks to the subway for speedy access to just about anywhere in downtown Toronto, or stick to Bloor Street and explore trendy Mirvish Village. This growing development houses an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, with cuisine ranging from spicy Sichuan to mouthwatering South American barbecue at VOS Restaurante Argentino. On snowy afternoons, spend some hours cozied up in Snakes and Lattes, a popular coffee stop where customers can spend quality time playing board games while chatting over a fresh brew.

The aptly named Downtown Home Inn is just that—a homey guesthouse in downtown Toronto. Nestled in a quiet, tree-lined cul-de-sac, it’s hard to believe you’re less than 700 metres from bustling Yonge Street, the city’s most famous thoroughfare. Like many bed and breakfasts in the city, it’s in a 19th century home that pairs elegant décor with modern creature comforts. Each room has shared bathroom facilities, and for something extra special you can check into the deluxe Violet room at the top of the house—you’ll get a sun deck all to yourself, great for a little morning yoga or just watching the snow fall in winter. Whether you go for the Violet room or standard digs, you’ll start your day with a continental breakfast made up of morning essentials like muffins, pastries, cereals and fruit.

For an evening meal, look no further than a couple of blocks from the inn. At stylish Bumpkin’s Restaurant, the menu features dishes like mesquite-smoked roast duck and Atlantic salmon grilled to perfection. For a lively pub restaurant experience, Fox on Wellesley serves comfort foods like a Tex Mex burger and British bangers, beans ‘n’ mash, alongside expertly mixed cocktails and a broad beer selection. After filling your belly, it’s back to your cozy Downtown Home Inn for a well-earned rest (and maybe a nightcap on that deck).

McGill Inn B&B, just 300 metres from Yonge Street, couldn’t be better placed for the attractions of downtown Toronto. The Eaton Centre, the city’s massive shopping mall of more than 230 stores, is just a kilometre away, not to mention world-class venues like the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts and the Elgin and Winter Garden. And if you’re a sports fan, the Hockey Hall of Fame is a historic must-see amid the skyscrapers of the financial district.

At the bed and breakfast, you’ll find downtime from the downtown rush in a restored Victorian townhouse on a quiet residential street. Cozy up in your intimate space, where winter nights are something to look forward to in your four-poster bed surrounded by hardwood floors and original 19th century furniture. In the warmer seasons, relax on the plant-filled garden deck, or stick to the sofa in the warm living room next to the glowing fireplace with a quilt thrown over your lap. As for your morning meal, get to know other guests at the communal table in the country-style kitchen and tuck into small bites like fresh fruit, cereals and pastries at your leisure. The kitchen is open 24/7, too, so you’re welcome to help yourself to nibbles at any time—ideal for a midnight snack attack!

In the South Annex/Koreatown area where the University of Toronto reigns supreme, Clinton and Bloor Bed and Breakfast is a charming little spot smack in the middle of a lively, youthful neighbourhood. Choose from three comfortable guest rooms brightly decorated with light wood floors and thick duvets—great for snuggling under when the snow piles up outside. You’ll wake up warm in your queen-size bed and have the luxury of getting ready on your own time in your private ensuite—and if your trip is a romantic one, ask for the room with the corner spa tub. Early risers can even watch the sunrise over the city from the spacious Cathedral Suite, which boasts direct access to the communal patio garden.

Every morning, a nourishing continental breakfast awaits, to arm you with energy for exploring the neighbourhood, like the buzzing Koreatown section of Bloor Street just two blocks away. Stop by Hodo Kwaja to marvel as Korean artisan bakers whip up traditional Korean walnut cakes—spongey, walnut-shaped sweets filled with red bean paste—while your mouth waters at the sugary aromas filling the air. Then with your still-warm spoils in hand, stroll through the greenery of nearby Christie Pits Park. Clinton and Bloor’s convenient location means you’re also around the corner from Christie Subway Station, putting Toronto’s main attractions within easy reach.

For a unique summer bed and breakfast experience, step aboard the Making Waves Boatel, an ivory 65-foot-yacht on the city’s Lake Ontario harbour front. Docked on the scenic Waterfront Trail—the place for lakeside picnics and cycling in the sunshine—you’ll be greeted upon arrival with a complimentary drink and a chance to take in views of downtown Toronto in one direction and Centre Island in the other.

Your friendly hosts, Diane and Ted, open their three cabins to guests for an authentic “life aquatic” adventure. You can opt for one of two snug double cabins and share bathroom facilities, or dive right into the yacht life with the deluxe Bondi stateroom, where you’ll get your own private bathroom with shower. Sunsets over the lake can be spectacular, so make sure to take in the technicolour show from one of the boat’s three outdoor decks and help yourself to complimentary tea, coffee and cookies.

You’ll wake up to gently rolling waves and a downright sumptuous breakfast spread—think pecan waffles, blueberry pumpkin pancakes or maple bacon paired with Florentine eggs. When you’re ready to hit dry land, walk or cycle along the Waterfront Trail to the enchanting Toronto Music Garden, where you can dance under the summer sun at free weekly concerts. Stops for the city’s iconic streetcars are just 100 metres away from your “boatel”, so you can get into downtown and the rest of Toronto’s distinct neighbourhoods in a jiffy.