Travel Toronto?

Question

My boyfriend and I are thinking of traveling to Toronto for a two week vacation. If anyone has any advice or fun things to do or see while we are there we would really appreciate your opinions and recommendations . Thank-you so much

Answer 1

If you have never been before, I would suggest the CN tower, it is a really good way to fully view the beauty of the city. It really depends on how "touristy" you want to get. If you want to be a "tourist" I would suggest buying a Citypass, it will give you reduced admission to all of the major attractions.

If you just want to spend some time exploring the city, I would suggest Yonge street, and the Kensington Market. It really helps to have your hotel right downtown. I would also suggest seeing a theatre show - they are amazing, and this is a really good opportunity to see some Broadway quality shows. My favorite place to eat is Pieros, an italian restaurant in the entertainment district. I also love the sandwiches from the Black Camel, up by Rosedale.

I am an American who has been to Toronto more times than I can count, I can get around without a map, and I think the best thing to do is not have an itinerary, just let the city take you in. It's amazing, and you won't be disappointed.

Answer 2

There is the Hockey Hall of Fame at Yonge Street and Bay Street; the building was formerly one of the first banks in Toronto, with awesome stone carvings, and now it is attached to an amazing modern building, with awesome interior architecture.  To the west, (walking distance) you can visit CN tower if you want to go to the highest observation deck in the world, higher than the twin towers were, then go for a walk Front street, then north on York , see the architecture of new and old, Roy Thomson Hall, and St.Andrews church, then go north on University Avenue, see the picturesque fountains and statues along that grand University Avenue, as you approach Queen's Park, the parliament buildings for the province, named in honour of Queen Victoria.  Continue north and there is the Royal Ontario Museum, a major museum, and something interesting to see even if you don't go in it, because of the classic architecture plus the radically new wing.  Then have coffee and cake in upscale Yorkville area, and check out upscale shops.  Also, visit the picturesque architecture of the "Old City Hall" and the "New City Hall",  across the street from each other, and shopping is available a short block east of that, in the Eaton Centre.  

IF you want nightlife, check "The Docks", with a great view of the skyline, actually a great place to take your picture in the morning with the skyline in the background.  For a nice afternoon bike ride or rollerblade/inline skate, or long walk, take the ferry boat across the harbour to the Toronto Islands.  There is an awesome view of the skyline from Hanlan's Island, and gardens, fountains, and canoe-rental at Centre Island.  Rent a canoe !!! paddle around the lagoons and get amazing skyline views from there.  In the summer weekends, there are free cultural concerts at Harbourfront.  At Harbourfront, near the marine police unit, I think there are bike rentals available, better than the ones for rent at Centre Island.  If you're Canadian or really into Canadiana, take public transit to visit a life-size replica of the Avro Arrow (Canada's "Camelot")  at the little aviation museum at Downsview park.  

Also, check what festivals are on during the time you come.  

There are the Blues Festival (great!), also Jazz Festivals, world's largest Dragon Boat Festival, Caribana (Caribean/African) Festival, Chinese Lantern Festival, Fireworks competitions between (Victoria Day and Canada Day), etc... and for something really charming and down to earth, fresh-air theatre (www.Canstage.ca?)  Shakespeare in the park at High Park, you'll remember that fondly...

Enjoy !