Jennie

Hi! My friend and I are planning a trip to Toronto March 31 - April 3 (which is a Friday-Monday). I am 19 and he is 21. <BR> <BR>I have been to Toronto many times but with my parents, so I am unsure of what HIP things there are to do in Toronto. Where are some cool: <BR>Bars, (the legal drinking age is 19, correct?) <BR>Independent record stores, <BR>Clothing stores? <BR> I'm looking for Urban Outfitters type shops if you know what I'm talking about. <BR> <BR>We're planning on staying in the Eaton Centre Marriott. I usually stay at the Westin Harbour Castle but I was looking for a change this time around. From what I've read, the Marriott is a decent hotel so I am confident with my choice. We don't want to stay at a cheap motel but we also didn't want to shell out the loonies for a lavish hotel, I figured the Marriott was a pretty good middle-ground. <BR> <BR>One last thing and I'll leave you alone <BR>Is it really cold at the end of March - beginning of April?? <BR> <BR>Thanks heaps for your help guys!! <BR>-Jennie

Donna

Since you obviously have web access, you may want to do a bit of "searching". Or, you could start with www.toronto.com...

Brian in Atlanta

Toronto is one of my favorite cities. We've got a trip planned mid April. <BR> <BR>The Marriot is a good choice. Much more central than the Westin. <BR> <BR>Not sure about the drinking age. <BR> <BR>You'll definitely want to walk west on Queen Street West for funky clothing shops (it's a long but pleasant walk). Bloor Street West is also a good walk for funky shops, coffee shops and the most diverse restaurants you'll ever see. Walk far enough and I bet you'll see 15 different nationalities. <BR> <BR>There's a strip of "pre-theater" restaurants down on King (I think - it's been a couple of years since I've been back) that offer decent food at good prices. And there's Alice Fazooli's (sp?) down that way that serves food until 1:00 or 2:00 for a decent late-night meal. <BR> <BR>For the weather, I imagine it can vary mightily that time of year. I wouldn't pack until you've seen the forecast on Thursday. <BR> <BR>There are a few good web sites dedicated to Toronto. Try http://www.toronto.com/.

Daniel Williams

Hi Jennie! <BR> <BR>I lived in Montréal for 5 years and very much enjoyed going over to Toronto from time to time. <BR> <BR>Yes, the drinking age IS 19 in Toronto, so you can go to bars, no problem. <BR> <BR>Brian from Atlanta definitely had a good suggestion about going to Queen St. West. I'd also recommend checking out the Fashion District/Little Italy/Eglinton-Yonge area/Kensington Market/Church-Wellesley area for good restaurants/nightlife. <BR> <BR>The best resource for you I think would be http://www.nowtoronto.com, Toronto's major alternative newspaper. In there this week is a Best of Toronto section (best jazz bar, etc...) and as always listings of places to eat/dance/lounge etc.... <BR> <BR>Good luck and have fun!

Greg

Jennie: If you're looking for hip clubs and bars, there's a lot of them in the entertainment district along Richmond St, and Adelaide St, between Spadina and University. That's a reasonable walking distance from your hotel, and I'm sure you'll find something to please you. <BR> <BR>Queen St. West is excellent for cool clothing stores and dining, and is easy walking distance from your hotel.

anne

Jennie--be sure to hit Queen St west, plenty of hip clothing stores there. The one most like Urban Outfitters is a store called Chateau Works (got a kickin pair of platform boots there) plus there is an excellent Body Shop type store called Lush. We ate at a cool Jamacian resturant right by the Lush store (can't remember the name) but they have a roof top patio. Had a pint at a pub called the Bishop and the Belcher. Be sure to go to Kensington Market and Chinatown, lots of cool asian toys and photo sticker booths!!