The (Room) Key To Toronto’s Most Iconic Summer Starts Here

This summer, there’s no better place to experience the energy of Toronto than from the city’s most storied address. From exclusive behind-the-scenes sports experiences and unforgettable dining to luxury stay packages timed to the season’s biggest festivals and events, Fairmont Royal York is redefining the ultimate city escape. We caught up with Eva Leone, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at Fairmont Royal York, to find out how the landmark hotel is turning one of Canada’s most exciting summers into an unforgettable stay. —Noa Nichol

Fairmont Royal York has been at the heart of Toronto for nearly a century. This summer, with everything from Pride and Luminato to major sporting moments happening in the city, what makes the hotel the ultimate front-row seat to Toronto right now?

For nearly 100 years, Fairmont Royal York has been Toronto’s city-defining hotel, a landmark where the city comes together and where its most memorable moments continue to unfold. This summer is no exception. As Toronto reaches its peak energy, the hotel sits at the centre of it, offering guests not just a place to stay, but a true connection to the city. What makes the hotel unique is that guests do not just visit Toronto; they are immersed in it. Through experiences shaped by our connections across the city, we are able to offer access that goes beyond the expected, bringing guests closer to the culture, sport, and creativity that define Toronto today. This is complemented by award-winning dining and cocktail destinations, including REIGN, Library Bar, MONOGRAM and CLOCKWORK, each offering its own distinct expression of Toronto’s culinary identity. Together, these experiences allow guests to engage with the city in a meaningful and memorable way while enjoying the comfort and service of one of its most iconic landmarks.

The new Fairmont Gold Scotiabank Arena experience gives guests access usually reserved for athletes and VIPs. What surprised you most about bringing this behind-the-scenes sports fantasy to life?

What surprised us most was how emotional the experience can be. Walking through the dressing rooms, standing near the players’ bench, and entering spaces typically reserved for athletes and broadcasters creates a genuine sense of connection to the teams and moments that define Toronto’s sports culture. The experience is designed as part of a broader summer of sport in the city, offering guests unique and memorable access to iconic venues and creating once-in-a-lifetime moments for visitors and locals alike. Guests can choose from three tiers of access, Classic, Premium, and VIP, each offering a progressively deeper level of behind-the-scenes entry. From guided arena tours to more exclusive access points, the experience is designed to bring guests closer to the game and the city. We wanted to offer something truly exclusive and, for the very first time, in a way that feels both authentic and elevated. What emerged is an experience that resonates far beyond sport itself, from lifelong fans to guests simply looking for a unique way to connect with Toronto.

The hotel’s summer lineup ranges from Shark After Dark family adventures to late-night cocktail collaborations and luxury stay packages. How do you create experiences that feel equally exciting for families, couples, foodies, and culture lovers?

We start by recognizing that today’s travellers want more than a place to stay – they want experiences that feel personal and memorable. Our approach is to create a portfolio of offerings that reflects the diversity of Toronto itself. Families are central to our Fairmont Family positioning, with Little Royal experiences designed to make our younger guests feel just as valued. This includes working alongside Ripley’s Aquarium, for the second year, as well as on-property experiences such as our indoor pool, REIGN brunch, and dedicated kids’ programming that enhance the stay. Food lovers can discover exceptional culinary programming at REIGN and Library Bar, couples can enjoy a luxurious staycation, and culture enthusiasts can connect with events like Luminato and Pride. The common thread is thoughtful curation and a sense of discovery that allows every guest to experience the city in a meaningful way. We are fortunate to have expert leaders in every department who bring these experiences to life. Our colleagues share their expertise and passion, and it is truly them who shape each moment. We simply help orchestrate the vision, while they deliver it with care and creativity. Our goal is to ensure that whether someone is visiting for the first time or rediscovering their hometown, they leave with a deeper connection to Toronto.

Library Bar has become one of the world’s most celebrated cocktail destinations, even earning a spot on North America’s 50 Best Bars list. Why do you think Toronto’s cocktail scene is having such a major moment?

Toronto’s cocktail scene reflects the city itself through its creativity, diversity, global influences, and constant evolution. Bartenders here draw inspiration from cultures and traditions from around the world while maintaining a distinctly local perspective. At Library Bar, guests seek out experiences that combine storytelling, craftsmanship, and hospitality, and that’s something Toronto excels at. The city’s talent, innovation, and collaborative spirit have created a cocktail community that’s gaining well-deserved international recognition. What stands out most is the creative lens of the city and the access to an incredible range of ingredients, alongside a strong culture of collaboration. At Library Bar, this is reflected through Director of Beverage, James Grant and the team, whose approach blends precision and creativity in equal measure.

CLOCKWORK’s summer programming includes live music, seafood towers, Champagne, and Pride-inspired cocktails. If someone only had one unforgettable evening at Fairmont Royal York this season, what would your dream itinerary look like?

I’d begin with a glass of Champagne and sliders at CLOCKWORK while enjoying the atmosphere of the lobby as it comes alive with live music. From there, I’d move to REIGN for a seasonally driven dinner showcasing the best of Canadian ingredients. The evening would end at Library Bar, with one of the most acclaimed cocktail programs in North America. What makes that itinerary special is that it captures so many sides of Toronto in a single evening — its energy, sophistication, creativity, and sense of celebration, all under one roof. It’s the kind of experience that feels both distinctly Toronto and uniquely Fairmont Royal York.

Toronto summers are famously packed with events and energy. What’s one under-the-radar Fairmont Royal York experience that even locals might not realize they can enjoy without booking an overnight stay?

Many people know Fairmont Royal York as a hotel, but fewer realize that our restaurants and bars are destinations in their own right. One of my favourite under-the-radar experiences is spending an evening at CLOCKWORK, whether that’s enjoying live music, sharing a seafood tower, or simply gathering for cocktails in one of Toronto’s most iconic spaces. It’s a wonderful way for locals to experience the energy and hospitality of the hotel, outside of a guest room. The hotel has long been a gathering place for Torontonians, and we’re proud to continue creating experiences that feel just as relevant to locals as they do to visitors from around the world.

From celebrity-worthy cocktails to dressing-room tours and luxurious staycations, this season feels like it’s all about embracing joy and making memories close to home. Why do you think people are craving those elevated, experience-driven moments more than ever?

People are increasingly prioritizing experiences that create lasting memories. There’s a growing appreciation for moments that feel special, whether that’s discovering a world-class cocktail, gaining access to a behind-the-scenes experience, or simply reconnecting with loved ones during a thoughtfully planned staycation. These experiences offer a sense of occasion without requiring extensive travel. People are looking for opportunities to celebrate, connect, and be present, and thoughtfully curated experiences provide exactly that. They allow guests to turn an ordinary evening or weekend into something truly memorable.

Photo by Rick O’Brien