UNION STATION TO PEARSON AIRPORT
Only two short weeks ago I was graciously invited to try the UP Express and experience a stay at the newly renovated Fairmont Royal York Hotel. As with most happy surprises I was ecstatic by the news and knew the only way I could do the experience justice was to video document it for you.
The UP Express, for those of you who have not yet traveled to Toronto, is Toronto’s express airport train that runs between Toronto Pearson International Airport and Union Station in Downtown Toronto; Toronto’s busiest transpiration hub. Having opened its services less than a year ago the rail service has already lowered its cost to $9 for Adults with presto cards and $12 for those without (children 12 and under ride for FREE). With trains departing every 15 minutes they put the ease and convenience back in traveling to and from the airport and is a great alternative if you don’t want to take an expensive shuttle to and from Pearson Airport . Their trains are fully equipped with bag storage, power outlets and the WIFI is free! It takes a total of 25 minutes to get from the airport to downtown Toronto and the best part is that it’s completely traffic free. If you don’t need to go all the way downtown do not worry, the train also makes two quick stops along the way at Weston & Lawrence and Bloor & Dundas West. For more information on the UP Express and to view the UP Schedule, feel free to visit their website.
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FAIRMONT ROYAL YORK - A HOTEL IN DOWNTOWN TORONTO
Upon arriving at Union Station getting to the Fairmont Royal York is literally just a hop, skip and a jump. Located across the street from Union Station the Fairmont Royal York Hotel is Toronto’s most historic hotel having opened in 1929. The hotel has recently undergone renovations, revamping room decor including new HDTVs in every room! They have also renovated the pool (that’s right, a Toronto hotel with a pool) and exercise room, have upgraded services on demand, satellite iPad check-in during peak hours, paperless checkout, and digital path-finding monitors. I also highly recommend checking out the Fairmont Royal York Spa during your stay as it is fabulous. To book your next stay in Toronto at the Fairmont Royal York feel free to visit their website for easy web-booking.
Once I was fully able to settle into my room and lounge in their plush bathrobes before getting ready for dinner, I received yet another happy surprise – a small pre-dinner amuse bouche.
The evening’s dinner was hosted at the Fairmont Royal York’s Epic Restaurant. Chef de cuisine Joshua Dyer provided us with a four-course meal perfectly complimenting each dish with wine selected by the house sommelier. Each course presented is available on the current restaurant menu, which changes seasonally. The restaurant’s reputation for innovation and quality was truly evident with each dish. They are known for placing importance on sourcing and using regionally grown premium ingredients; purchasing ingredients from only the best of Ontario's growers. Further, you may also be interested to know that all of the Fairmont Royal York restaurants takes advantage of the hotel’s rooftop herb garden and hand-harvested honey, which they incorporate in many of the dishes and cocktails.
After dinner I was also able to sit down with chef de cuisine Joshua Dyer of Epic Restaurant and learn more about his passion for cooking and what it’s like working for the Fairmont Royal York. Below is a video of that interview. To book a reservation at Epic restaurant please visit their website.
If you have any questions about my experiences please do not hesitate to leave a comment below! If you missed my SnapChats from the event I'll add the video below!
Here are the links to all websites for quick reference:
UP Express - https://www.upexpress.com/Home/index
Fairmont Royal York - http://www.fairmont.com/royal-york-toronto/
Epic Restaurant - http://www.epicrestaurant.ca/home
Fun Fact:
Honey Bees: In June 2008, the Royal York installed three beehives on its fourteenth-floor rooftop terrace to serve its in-house garden. Approximately 350,000 honey bees provide several hundred pounds of honey each year, including 800 pounds (360 kg) in 2011.
Many thanks to Una MacNeil, Sonya Singh, Jessica Bertolo, Brody Horne and Chef Dyer for hosting me!
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