Toronto for a few days...
Aug 7th, 2013, 10:59 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,741
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Toronto for a few days...
I may be going to Toronto for 2 weeks on business.
If that happens, I'd like to take some extra time of my own to stay and "see" some of Toronto, as I've never been to Canada and am always open to seeing new places.
Two questions: Would 3-4 days be enough to get the "gyst" of the city? And what would be the highlights to see? I like art/food/history. Walking tours are good if it's a lot of walking and not a lot of "standing". (Can't take tours where you walk for 5 mts then stand for 20 in/in front of some establishment/building, then repeat.)
Thanks for all input!
If that happens, I'd like to take some extra time of my own to stay and "see" some of Toronto, as I've never been to Canada and am always open to seeing new places.
Two questions: Would 3-4 days be enough to get the "gyst" of the city? And what would be the highlights to see? I like art/food/history. Walking tours are good if it's a lot of walking and not a lot of "standing". (Can't take tours where you walk for 5 mts then stand for 20 in/in front of some establishment/building, then repeat.)
Thanks for all input!
Aug 7th, 2013, 12:14 PM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,813
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi sarge,
I'm so pleased you're coming to my city! When will you be here? And why do you just have 3 or 4 days to get the gist of the city if you're going to be here for two weeks?
irecommend had suggested a Toronto GTG a couple of weeks ago. Would you be interested in that?
Let us know when you'll be here and where you're staying and we'll recommend stuff to do.
gtg
I'm so pleased you're coming to my city! When will you be here? And why do you just have 3 or 4 days to get the gist of the city if you're going to be here for two weeks?
irecommend had suggested a Toronto GTG a couple of weeks ago. Would you be interested in that?
Let us know when you'll be here and where you're staying and we'll recommend stuff to do.
gtg
Aug 7th, 2013, 12:49 PM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,741
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi GTG!!
If I'm coming, it likely would not be until September or even October.
And, yes, I would be seeing whatever I can in the evenings, too! (Years ago I went to Philadelphia on business. It was my first visit to Philly. I was delighted to find out that the city had a "Wednesday Night Out" designed specifically for business travelers. It was an excellent idea to get business visitors to come back some time and spend tourism bucks. All the major attractions were open late on Wednesday night [Museums that normally closed at 5 stayed open till 10 or 11]. It was great and I loved the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Found a painting there I loved so much, I bought the art poster of it and it still hangs in my living room!)
So, yeah, knowing what the hours are and if any museums stay open late. (The Philly museum had a wonderful collection of Van Gogh. I don't know anything about Toronto, but if I can find some Caravaggios, Monets, etc.. that would be excellent.)
Most definitely, I will let you know if I'm coming for sure, and when. I don't think I have your email. If you want to send it to me, I'm at paulam910 @ Hotmail.
I expect to see you if I get to Toronto! And, certainly, a GTG if it is happening while I'm there!
Paula
If I'm coming, it likely would not be until September or even October.
And, yes, I would be seeing whatever I can in the evenings, too! (Years ago I went to Philadelphia on business. It was my first visit to Philly. I was delighted to find out that the city had a "Wednesday Night Out" designed specifically for business travelers. It was an excellent idea to get business visitors to come back some time and spend tourism bucks. All the major attractions were open late on Wednesday night [Museums that normally closed at 5 stayed open till 10 or 11]. It was great and I loved the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Found a painting there I loved so much, I bought the art poster of it and it still hangs in my living room!)
So, yeah, knowing what the hours are and if any museums stay open late. (The Philly museum had a wonderful collection of Van Gogh. I don't know anything about Toronto, but if I can find some Caravaggios, Monets, etc.. that would be excellent.)
Most definitely, I will let you know if I'm coming for sure, and when. I don't think I have your email. If you want to send it to me, I'm at paulam910 @ Hotmail.
I expect to see you if I get to Toronto! And, certainly, a GTG if it is happening while I'm there!
Paula
Aug 7th, 2013, 01:13 PM
#5
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you enjoy walking outdoors then I recommend visiting the Toronto Islands, which you reach by ferry at the foot of Yonge Street (downtown). It's about a 5-10 min. ride across the bay. You get a great view of the city so bring a camera. There's a small farm on the island and outdoor restaurants. You can rent a bike or a canoe. A beautiful park with walking trail and botanical garden is further uptown at Lawrence East & Leslie St. called Edwards Gardens. For an art experience be sure to go to Art Gallery of Ontario on Dundas St. They have a marvelous gift shop where you can buy art posters, etc.
Enjoy your visit.
Enjoy your visit.
Aug 7th, 2013, 02:03 PM
#6
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,005
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I went to Toronto for a convention once in September, and flew in Saturday morning so that I could spend the weekend. The weather was glorious, and I spent the whole weekend walking around.
One very interesting historical site was Fort York. It was a key site for the War of 1812, and fascinating to get a different (i.e. Canadian vs. US) perspective.
At night during the week, I continued the walks and explored the underground quite a bit. It was awesome.
One very interesting historical site was Fort York. It was a key site for the War of 1812, and fascinating to get a different (i.e. Canadian vs. US) perspective.
At night during the week, I continued the walks and explored the underground quite a bit. It was awesome.
Aug 7th, 2013, 05:31 PM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,813
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'll email you with my email address, sarge. In my opinion, Sept/Oct is the best time of year to be here. If you're here well enough into October the leaves will be turning and it will be beautiful.
When do you think you'll know your dates? We'll try to drum up a GTG but at the very least, the two of us (or three, if my SO is available) will get togther.
When do you think you'll know your dates? We'll try to drum up a GTG but at the very least, the two of us (or three, if my SO is available) will get togther.
Aug 7th, 2013, 07:42 PM
#8
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,784
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here are a couple of tourism advice sites; you can Google for lots more:
http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/co...0071d60f89RCRD
http://www.seetorontonow.com/
Through them you can link to the Toronto Transit Commission, which runs the subway, streetcars and buses. It's always called the TTC and it's how you will get around (abandon your car.) The city has major museums and art galleries and is among the best on the continent for live theatre and music, plus a very lively cinema scene. Even the craft beer movement is flourishing and you can find all these indulgences on the Internet.
PS: Canadians have certain language quirks, so we spell it "gist", and pronounce it jist like it looks.
http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/co...0071d60f89RCRD
http://www.seetorontonow.com/
Through them you can link to the Toronto Transit Commission, which runs the subway, streetcars and buses. It's always called the TTC and it's how you will get around (abandon your car.) The city has major museums and art galleries and is among the best on the continent for live theatre and music, plus a very lively cinema scene. Even the craft beer movement is flourishing and you can find all these indulgences on the Internet.
PS: Canadians have certain language quirks, so we spell it "gist", and pronounce it jist like it looks.
Aug 8th, 2013, 03:59 AM
#9
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You will want to see the Art Gallery of Ontario for sure-a stunning building,though not to everyone's taste-and some world class collections. Be sure to see whatever is on offer by the iconic Canadian Group of Seven and Tom Thompson.
The Bata shoe museum is open until 8:00 Thursday night so you could take that in prior to a night on the town. You don't have to be 'into' shoes to find it interesting. It's on Bloor and an easy walk from the subway.
In the same area you can find Philosophers Walk, a lovely green space near the Royal Ontario Museum and Royal Conservatory. You'll want to give ROM a good half day, especially if there is a big exhibit on something that interests you.
The Distillery district east of downtown is a relatively new conversion of an old industrial area into a trendy boutique and foodie enclave.
There is always lots of good theatre in Toronto, from classical to popular musicals.
Casa Loma is an old mansion trying to pass itself off as a castle. I was pretty thrilled when I went there as a kid in the 1950's but if you are a seasoned traveller you might find it pretty ho hum.
Then there is Chinatown, Little Italy....
St. Lawrence market, not too far east of Yonge street, is fabulous fun and you could walk and eat to your heart's content there.
Of course there is the CN tower, best done on a clear day. The restaurant on top isn't all that great from what I've heard.
Toronto transit is good and most places you will want to go are within an easy walk of a subway stop. I picked up a brochure re a downtown walking tour when I was in Toronto last week but no longer have it, so all I can tell you is that one exists. You will still have some daylight in the early evening in Sept. or October and TO is quite safe to walk about just about anywhere, so enjoy!
The Bata shoe museum is open until 8:00 Thursday night so you could take that in prior to a night on the town. You don't have to be 'into' shoes to find it interesting. It's on Bloor and an easy walk from the subway.
In the same area you can find Philosophers Walk, a lovely green space near the Royal Ontario Museum and Royal Conservatory. You'll want to give ROM a good half day, especially if there is a big exhibit on something that interests you.
The Distillery district east of downtown is a relatively new conversion of an old industrial area into a trendy boutique and foodie enclave.
There is always lots of good theatre in Toronto, from classical to popular musicals.
Casa Loma is an old mansion trying to pass itself off as a castle. I was pretty thrilled when I went there as a kid in the 1950's but if you are a seasoned traveller you might find it pretty ho hum.
Then there is Chinatown, Little Italy....
St. Lawrence market, not too far east of Yonge street, is fabulous fun and you could walk and eat to your heart's content there.
Of course there is the CN tower, best done on a clear day. The restaurant on top isn't all that great from what I've heard.
Toronto transit is good and most places you will want to go are within an easy walk of a subway stop. I picked up a brochure re a downtown walking tour when I was in Toronto last week but no longer have it, so all I can tell you is that one exists. You will still have some daylight in the early evening in Sept. or October and TO is quite safe to walk about just about anywhere, so enjoy!
Aug 8th, 2013, 11:47 AM
#11
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh, I forgot to mention in my original post...the Toronto International Film Festival Sept. 5-15, 2013 is not to be missed if you are a film buff. Get all the details at www.seetorontonow.com.
Aug 8th, 2013, 07:09 PM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,741
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks, all!
The Botanic gardens, visit to the islands, and a trip to Niagara all sound great. As do the walking tour and museums!
I should mention that I love small plates. So, if you can recommend a place or two that specializes in small plates, I'd appreciate it!
Love Italian and Chinese, as well as "American" food.
thanks again!
The Botanic gardens, visit to the islands, and a trip to Niagara all sound great. As do the walking tour and museums!
I should mention that I love small plates. So, if you can recommend a place or two that specializes in small plates, I'd appreciate it!
Love Italian and Chinese, as well as "American" food.
thanks again!
Aug 9th, 2013, 08:27 AM
#15
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 799
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi sarge,
As for dining Toronto really has it all. You mention small plates, so I am going to suggest some places that you may want to check out:
Spanish -
Torito
Cava
Bar Isabel http://barisabel.com/
Mexican -
Playa Cabana
El Catrin (haven't been yet but it is new to Distillery District and getting a lot of buzz in TO right now)
Asian -
Try one of our Japanese izakayas - either one of the Guus or Kingyo
Ans since I know that you love Italian food, I would put Pizza Libretto, Enoteca Sociale and Campagnolo on your list too.
Make sure that you visit a great restaurant strip on Ossington, between Dundas and Queen (where Libretto and Enoteca Sociale are located).
And while you are visiting, Spadina Avenue south of College Street is great for Chinese food - my fav is Lee Garden. Then just head west from there on St. Andrews sidestreet across from Lee Garden to experience Kensington Market.
Post when you know more details - when you are coming and where you are staying.
I hope that you love Toronto.
PS - My fav restaurant is La Zucca as well.
As for dining Toronto really has it all. You mention small plates, so I am going to suggest some places that you may want to check out:
Spanish -
Torito
Cava
Bar Isabel http://barisabel.com/
Mexican -
Playa Cabana
El Catrin (haven't been yet but it is new to Distillery District and getting a lot of buzz in TO right now)
Asian -
Try one of our Japanese izakayas - either one of the Guus or Kingyo
Ans since I know that you love Italian food, I would put Pizza Libretto, Enoteca Sociale and Campagnolo on your list too.
Make sure that you visit a great restaurant strip on Ossington, between Dundas and Queen (where Libretto and Enoteca Sociale are located).
And while you are visiting, Spadina Avenue south of College Street is great for Chinese food - my fav is Lee Garden. Then just head west from there on St. Andrews sidestreet across from Lee Garden to experience Kensington Market.
Post when you know more details - when you are coming and where you are staying.
I hope that you love Toronto.
PS - My fav restaurant is La Zucca as well.
