Hotel in Yorkville Toronto Welcomes Families to Winter Wonderland at IceFest

TORONTO--(Marketwire - Feb 15, 2013) - Families looking for a mid-winter escape will find plenty of fun at this year's 8th Annual Bloor-Yorkville IceFest, taking place just minutes from this boutique hotel in downtown Toronto.

For one weekend, the 22^nd through the 24^th of February, locals, visitors, adults and children will gather in this fashionable neighborhood to enjoy the works of frozen art created by some of Ontario's most talented ice carvers. Guests of this hotel in Yorkville Toronto will have a front-row seat to the action with a location that's just steps away. Be amazed by the "Wonderful and Whimsical Exhibit," featuring an enchanted garden filled with fairies, gnomes, oversized butterflies, snails, a mouse and giant flowers -- all crafted from 35,000 lbs. of ice.

Every day at the festival is filled with events for the family including skating performances by Glisse on Ice, ice-carving demonstrations and selections from the top Bloor Street restaurants, who will be serving hot beverages, crepes, soups, mac and cheese and much more. Little ones can take home a complimentary Ice Kiddie Cube with GoGo's Crazy Bones toy.

The highlight of IceFest is the 13^th Annual Sassafraz Ice Carving Competition. Expert carvers take over the Village of Yorkville Park and employ picks, chisels and chainsaws to create their ice masterpieces. For a full schedule of IceFest events and information, visit www.bloor-yorkville.com/icefest/.

After a day in the cold, warm up with a good meal and drinks at the hotel's Matisse Restaurant + Bar, featuring Matisse-inspired artwork, a warm color palette and food that's inspired by the world but created with ingredients found locally. Don't miss the spectacular ice sculpture at the hotel entrance before heading out for boutique shopping or a visit to nearby attractions including the Art Gallery of Ontario, Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Science Centre and CN Tower.

About the Toronto Marriott Bloor Yorkville Hotel
A boutique hotel in downtown's fashionable Yorkville District, the Toronto Marriott Bloor Yorkville Hotel is just steps from world-class shopping, dining and entertainment. Connect to the rest of the city via the Yonge and Bloor Toronto subway systems, conveniently connected to this Toronto hotel via underground walkway. Nearby attractions include the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Bata Shoe Museum, Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Eaton Centre and Air Canada Centre. Visitors will also find plenty to keep busy on property, including a fitness centre, sauna and Matisse Restaurant + Bar; the menu features globally inspired cuisine made with local ingredients, and the decor is rich and inviting with Matisse-inspired murals, a warm color palette and wood floors. Upscale accommodations offer plenty of space and amenities including high-speed Internet access, a plush bedding package, large desk with ergonomic chair, coffee/tea service and 42-inch LCD TV. Concierge-level accommodations include additional amenities and access to the exclusive lounge. With award-winning service and business-friendly amenities, this hotel is a top choice for meetings and conferences, and offers 12,000 sq. ft. of event space.