Traveling to Toronto

[miller7796]

Hey, I'm going to be travelling to Toronto during the first week of May. I was there last summer and had a great time but didn't see too much of the city. So is there anyone that lives there or has been there that knows of anything I shouldn't miss in or around the city? Any ideas would be great!

Thanks!
Chris

[gphi2k]

okay chris,
get a pen and paper and get comfy! lol.
you have two people on this site who live in toronto who can help you. myself and cutiepie2000. but we'll need to know what kinda scene you're into so as to suggest the best hotspots bar/club wise.

tourist wise, you gotta go to Canada's Wonderland. It's our big theme park with tons of rollercoasters and rides. It's a bit pricey though, so if that's a consideration, expect to drop about 100 bux canadian (so what is that...15 bux u.s.??) while you're there. at least!

The CN tower is the ultimate tourist attraction, don't waste your money. they charge something like 20 bux to go up there and it's, in my opinion,anti-climactic. There is a really nice bar called 'panorama' at the top of a nice tall building just a bit north of cn tower. it's free to go up, the atmosphere is GREAT and there is a nice patio that you can walk out on and see pretty much what you'd see from the TOWER, for free.

Beyond that, give me some info on the types of restaurants and bars you like and i'll do my best, along with cutiepie, to suggest the best places to check out. there's a ton to do here. and our beer is better and our dollar crappier. so all the way around, you'll have a great time!

[CutiePie2000]

Hi Chris,
Yes Sirree! gphi2k is right...we're the 2 Torontonians on this board!
You should definitely go to the CN Tower....it is well worth it. It is tallest building in the world, so you should go!
Also, we have a castle here in Toronto called Casa Loma http://www.casaloma.org/ , you might want to go there as well....I thought it was quite interesting.
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC for short) is excellent and there really is no need for a car in Toronto. http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/ttc/ is the place to go for transit information.
Do you belong to AAA at all? I only ask because you can go there and often get free travel books..... there is definitely one for the province of Ontario and there will be good info. on Toronto in there.

Also, if you like concerts, you might want to check out what is playing while you are here: www.ticketmaster.ca (the .ca stands for Canada )

Do you like comedy? If so, definitely go to Second City Theatre (it is near the SkyDome)...Second City is where many Saturday Night Live cast members first cut their teeth.

If you have any further questions, feel free to email, or just post again, and I will respond! I'm not sure what you are interested in, but I will answer your questions!

Oh I just thought of 2 more good websites: www.toronto.com and www.myto.com
The first one is excellent for looking up stuff all Toronto related!




[This message has been edited by CutiePie2000 (edited April 14, 2001).]

[gphi2k]

Second City is a great idea!

We also have tons of live clubs down town that are well worth checking out.

We have the hockey hall of fame here also, if you have any interest in hockey it's well worth the visit.

I'm sure there's more but that's all I can think of off the top of my head. But feel free to e-mail either one of us or respost and we'll tell you all you need and want to know .

And if any of you gc'ers have been to our wonderful city, let us know what you saw and enjoyed!

[miller7796]

Thanks for the suggestions!

I went to the CN tower last year and I didn't think it was that great. The bar up there was pretty cool, but there's something about a $15 cover charge that doesn't sit very well with me...

Canada's Wonderland, that's north of the city right? I'm not a big fan of coasters, but if there's plenty of other things to do there I'll have to check it out.

As far as bars go, I'll say that I really don't like the dance clubs. I'd rather go someplace with live music (blues, jazz, rock, anything but country). Comedy clubs are a favorite of mine. I went to the Peel Pub a couple times, it was earlier in the evening before anything was really going on. I'll definitely go back there, any place that has a 32 oz pitcher of beer for $5 will get my business again...that's the price for one glass here! For restaurants, my favorite food is Italian. I am broadening my horizions a bit and exploring some new types, so I'll definitely check out anything you recommend.

Thanks for the tip about the TTC. I took the subway several times last time, and it was well worth it...I stayed out in Richmond Hill...long drive! Staying downtown this time with a station one block away...whew!

Also went to the Ontario Science Center last time and I'm thinking about going back, that's a cool place! I'm thinking about spending an afternoon checking out U of T...anything there I shouldn't miss?

Thanks for the website suggestions, toronto.com has been a great help, I'll check out myto.com.

Thanks for all of your help!!!!
Chris

------------------
Chris Miller
Delta Sigma Pi
Kappa Sigma Chapter
Indiana University at Indianapolis

[CutiePie2000]

I'm not sure if you are interested in checking out the Greek Life at U of Toronto, but here is a good start.... http://www.canadiangreeks.com/directory/uoft.html

Being American, you probably like baseball? If so, you may be able to see a Toronto Blue Jays game at the SkyDome. Don't forget that we have basketball (The Raptors) and also hockey (Leafs, which you will likely NOT be able to get tix for given that it is playoffs time now)

Another activity which you may enjoy is to catch the ferry from Queens Quay (Quay is pronounced "key") and go to the Toronto Islands. Centre Island is quite beautiful and nice to visit. I'm not sure if you are interested in museums, but I have hear that the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) is good, and also the Art Gallery of Ontario (I've never been myself).

At the Paramount Theatre (John Street near Queen Street, around the corner from City TV -which is where we have Much Music, which is Canada's idea of MTV), at the Paramount is an IMAX theatre and I saw a really cool 3D movie called "Haunted Castle". It may still be playing when you get here.

Be sure to take the Queen Street Streetcar and go to the neighbourhood called "The Beaches". It is quite pretty and lovely.

If you like interesting foods and cheeses, go to Kensington Market (College Street, just west of Spadina)....they have fruits, veggies and cheeses like you would not believe. Also there is St. Lawrence Market which is near Front Street (Walking distance from Union Station).

If time permits, I would also say it is worthwhile to go with Gray Line or Greyhound and take a daytrip to Niagara Falls.

Hope that this helps!

[CutiePie2000]

Sorry, my computer "hiccupped" and posted twice!

[This message has been edited by CutiePie2000 (edited April 14, 2001).]

[gphi2k]

Live Music....
Definately check out Queen street. There are a bunch of bars with live music in the back. Cover usually runs around 5 bux. Two bars of particular note, Rivoli and Horseshoe Tavern. About 2 doors down from one another and have great music.
If you're into jazz, go to King street and check out 'nawlins'. ihaven't been there personally but have heard great things about it. I've also checked out a place called resevoir lounge, which i think is on front street. They have amazing live blues/jazz on fridays.

Peel pub is a great place to go to get hammered. honestly. they have 4 quart pitchers for 20 bux. they won't even give you one of them unelss you're with at least 3 people. it's hilarious.

okay. that's it for this installment!