48 hours in Toronto
Jun 21st, 2012, 07:44 PM
#1
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48 hours in Toronto
DH and I have decided to spend our 10th anniversary this summer in Toronto since neither of us has visited the area before. We have tickets to War Horse but that's it. We're arriving on a Saturday afternoon after a quick early morning visit to Niagara Falls, and leave Monday afternoon.
What would you recommend we see? The CN Tower is on our list (maybe lunch at the 360?) but nothing else. And where would you recommend we stay?
Interests are theater/entertainment, wine, culture, and experiences that are different (& even romantic considering the situation
. We don't mind walking a bit to get places, as long as it's within a mile or two. We'll have a car but would prefer to walk generally speaking. We live in a Victorian home and I've heard there's a lovely district of old homes - I'd like to check out the area if it makes sense from where we're located. We'll take any suggestions! Thanks!
What would you recommend we see? The CN Tower is on our list (maybe lunch at the 360?) but nothing else. And where would you recommend we stay?
Interests are theater/entertainment, wine, culture, and experiences that are different (& even romantic considering the situation
. We don't mind walking a bit to get places, as long as it's within a mile or two. We'll have a car but would prefer to walk generally speaking. We live in a Victorian home and I've heard there's a lovely district of old homes - I'd like to check out the area if it makes sense from where we're located. We'll take any suggestions! Thanks!
Jun 21st, 2012, 09:01 PM
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after leaving Niagara Falls, drive up the Niagara Parkway to Niagara on the Lake... it is only 20 minutes from the Falls and along the Wine Trail... consider lunching at Peller Estates or Hillebrand Winery for that romantic vineyard experience... the QEW highway is nearby to Toronto so after lunch head up to TO...
The best hotel for your trip is the Hyatt Regency Toronto which is a stones throw from the Theatre... the hotel was fully renovated and is perfectly located in the entertainment district and is across the street from a row of great pre-theatre restaurants...
you can also walk to the CN Tower and its a short cab to the Lake front... consider a ferry ride to the Toronto Islands (centre island has a great park and beach for a Sunday picnic)
On Monday AM, head up to Yorkville for the ROM and a walk through the ritzy shopping district... the celebs lunch and dine at Sassafrass, and "ONE" at the Hazelton Hotel is the hot restaurant in Toronto
I would skip 360 unless you want that tourist badge...
The best hotel for your trip is the Hyatt Regency Toronto which is a stones throw from the Theatre... the hotel was fully renovated and is perfectly located in the entertainment district and is across the street from a row of great pre-theatre restaurants...
you can also walk to the CN Tower and its a short cab to the Lake front... consider a ferry ride to the Toronto Islands (centre island has a great park and beach for a Sunday picnic)
On Monday AM, head up to Yorkville for the ROM and a walk through the ritzy shopping district... the celebs lunch and dine at Sassafrass, and "ONE" at the Hazelton Hotel is the hot restaurant in Toronto
I would skip 360 unless you want that tourist badge...
Jun 21st, 2012, 09:08 PM
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In the Falls, try to make the Cave of the Winds on the US side as well as Maid of the Mist...
if you really want a world class experience, jump on the Whirlpool Jet boats on the way back from Toronto... bring a change of clothes (you will get wet so its better on the way home)
if you really want a world class experience, jump on the Whirlpool Jet boats on the way back from Toronto... bring a change of clothes (you will get wet so its better on the way home)
Jun 22nd, 2012, 09:42 AM
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The Westin Harbour Castle on the water would be a romantic place to stay. Make sure you ask for a high floor directly facing the water. Maybe even spring for a suite for your 10th anniversary. The Island ferry leaves from the dock located outside the Westin.
You can stroll along Queen's Quay, maybe have dinner at Pink Pearl restaurant (now called The Pearl I believe.)
You can walk to the theatre but is it not a "nice" walk as you have to cross under the highway. Take a cab. It's only a short trip.
Or, you cld stay at the Intercontinenatl(downtown on Front Street), walk to the theatre & restaurants & cab it, or walk, to the ferry docks.
Or, you could stay in Yorkeville (Bloor & Avenue Road, farther North of downtown theatre) close to the Museum, the University of Toronto and Mink Mile ( shipping on Bloor Street). Hotel choices in Yorkville:
Intercontinental (Yorkville)
Park Hyatt
Hazelton Hotel(looks nice)
There are some lovely Victorian homes in Cabbagetown but I think you wld have to cab it to get there. Or, take the subway/walk. Perhaps somebody else here can help you out there. The Annex (near Avenue Rd/Bloor; Spadina/Bloor) is also a nice area to stroll & admire older homes.
Happy Anniversary!!
OB1
You can stroll along Queen's Quay, maybe have dinner at Pink Pearl restaurant (now called The Pearl I believe.)
You can walk to the theatre but is it not a "nice" walk as you have to cross under the highway. Take a cab. It's only a short trip.
Or, you cld stay at the Intercontinenatl(downtown on Front Street), walk to the theatre & restaurants & cab it, or walk, to the ferry docks.
Or, you could stay in Yorkeville (Bloor & Avenue Road, farther North of downtown theatre) close to the Museum, the University of Toronto and Mink Mile ( shipping on Bloor Street). Hotel choices in Yorkville:
Intercontinental (Yorkville)
Park Hyatt
Hazelton Hotel(looks nice)
There are some lovely Victorian homes in Cabbagetown but I think you wld have to cab it to get there. Or, take the subway/walk. Perhaps somebody else here can help you out there. The Annex (near Avenue Rd/Bloor; Spadina/Bloor) is also a nice area to stroll & admire older homes.
Happy Anniversary!!
OB1
Jun 22nd, 2012, 01:26 PM
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Thanks for the awesome ideas! We'll definitely skip 360, wineries sound amazing, as does the Westin Castle. I'll check into the jet boats - we weren't planning to do more than a cursory stop (I've seen the falls - DH just wants to check it off his list), but worth examining further.
Thanks so much! Keep the ideas coming if anyone else has them!
Thanks so much! Keep the ideas coming if anyone else has them!
Jun 24th, 2012, 08:07 PM
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Since you ARE tourists, I say go for it and go up the CN Tower...go early, tried with a visitor recently and there was a one hour wait around supper time.
Since you've not been here, maybe a sightseeing bus tour for an hour or so will help you decide what you want to see close up after the tour. http://www.citysightseeingtoronto.com/
If you do stay on the waterfront, it's not such a bad walk to the theatre for War Horse - walk north past the Rogers Centre, yes, under the expressway but not too awful, IMHO, upstairs past the CN Tower, north on John Street and the Princess of Wales Theatre should be on your right. On your left will be the Bell Lightbox, home of the film festival (in September) with two restaurants; across from the Lightbox is a whole block of places to eat.
Not exactly culture, but if you like baseball, the Jays may be in town and you might get to see the roof of the dome open or close.
Depending on where you stay, Cabbagetown is a streetcar or bus ride away and easy to reach. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabbagetown,_Toronto
Heritage Toronto and the Museum (ROM) offer free walking tours on various themes (including Cabbagetown). http://www.heritagetoronto.org/ or http://www.rom.on.ca/programs/rom_travel/index.php
NOW Magazine http://www.nowtoronto.com/ and The Grid http://www.thegridto.com/, both free and in newspaper boxes all over the place, will tell you what's going on and coming up. Looking at their sites before you arrive might be a good idea. Both NOW and the Grid publish on Thursdays.
BlogTO http://www.blogto.com/ is worth a look.
Transit: http://ttc.ca/ for schedules and fares.
Toronto Life magazine (not free but has a website) http://www.torontolife.com/...good for restaurant info but so is The Grid.
It seems there is a festival or major event every weekend in the summer - http://www.toronto.com/ is a good source for info, too.
The Fringe Theatre Festival is coming up soon http://www.ago.net/
Wine - http://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_be...rs_in_toronto/
Art Gallery of Toronto - http://www.ago.net/
The Islands are pleasant but if you want to see the city in two days, save it for another trip.
Since you've not been here, maybe a sightseeing bus tour for an hour or so will help you decide what you want to see close up after the tour. http://www.citysightseeingtoronto.com/
If you do stay on the waterfront, it's not such a bad walk to the theatre for War Horse - walk north past the Rogers Centre, yes, under the expressway but not too awful, IMHO, upstairs past the CN Tower, north on John Street and the Princess of Wales Theatre should be on your right. On your left will be the Bell Lightbox, home of the film festival (in September) with two restaurants; across from the Lightbox is a whole block of places to eat.
Not exactly culture, but if you like baseball, the Jays may be in town and you might get to see the roof of the dome open or close.
Depending on where you stay, Cabbagetown is a streetcar or bus ride away and easy to reach. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabbagetown,_Toronto
Heritage Toronto and the Museum (ROM) offer free walking tours on various themes (including Cabbagetown). http://www.heritagetoronto.org/ or http://www.rom.on.ca/programs/rom_travel/index.php
NOW Magazine http://www.nowtoronto.com/ and The Grid http://www.thegridto.com/, both free and in newspaper boxes all over the place, will tell you what's going on and coming up. Looking at their sites before you arrive might be a good idea. Both NOW and the Grid publish on Thursdays.
BlogTO http://www.blogto.com/ is worth a look.
Transit: http://ttc.ca/ for schedules and fares.
Toronto Life magazine (not free but has a website) http://www.torontolife.com/...good for restaurant info but so is The Grid.
It seems there is a festival or major event every weekend in the summer - http://www.toronto.com/ is a good source for info, too.
The Fringe Theatre Festival is coming up soon http://www.ago.net/
Wine - http://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_be...rs_in_toronto/
Art Gallery of Toronto - http://www.ago.net/
The Islands are pleasant but if you want to see the city in two days, save it for another trip.
Jun 25th, 2012, 08:24 AM
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Great info from Morningglory!
Upthread I had recommended staying at The Westin Harbour Castle which is located right next to The Islands ferry dock. This past weekend there was an article in the local paper about the extremely long lineups for the ferry on the weekend.
The article mentioned that as an alternative to taking the ferry, you can take a water taxi over to The Islands. It costs more than the ferry but well worth it. Anyway...just thought you shd know b/c you have indicated that you will be in TO on a weekend.
Have you decided where you will be staying?
OB1
Upthread I had recommended staying at The Westin Harbour Castle which is located right next to The Islands ferry dock. This past weekend there was an article in the local paper about the extremely long lineups for the ferry on the weekend.
The article mentioned that as an alternative to taking the ferry, you can take a water taxi over to The Islands. It costs more than the ferry but well worth it. Anyway...just thought you shd know b/c you have indicated that you will be in TO on a weekend.
Have you decided where you will be staying?
OB1
Jun 27th, 2012, 03:59 AM
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Wonderful ideas!
We were planning on the Hyatt (there's a rooftop bar at the Hyatt which seems to offer amazing views) but reading that the walk isn't too bad to the theater, we might reconsider the Westin. I think the overall views might be prettier along the lake.
Is the distillery district still a good area? Read an article about Gooderham & Worts and the area sounds interesting.
We were planning on the Hyatt (there's a rooftop bar at the Hyatt which seems to offer amazing views) but reading that the walk isn't too bad to the theater, we might reconsider the Westin. I think the overall views might be prettier along the lake.
Is the distillery district still a good area? Read an article about Gooderham & Worts and the area sounds interesting.
Jun 27th, 2012, 06:24 AM
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The walk to the theatre from the Westin is over 1 Mile... if you are dressed for the show (with heels) it can be a long journey... also the Westin is far from restaurants, the entertainment district, museums, the markets, shopping, and night life... its much better to just stay on King St at the Hyatt Regency and take that fun walk TO the waterfront...
the Westin views are pretty but you are away from the City core... mistake in my opinion...
the Westin views are pretty but you are away from the City core... mistake in my opinion...
Jun 27th, 2012, 10:32 AM
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Oh well! We made reservations at the Hyatt Regency though were considering SoHo Metropolitan also. The guaranteed view at the Hyatt plus the option to park there made the difference.
Are there any outdoor places to grab a drink or bite to eat that are near the hotel & theater?
Are there any outdoor places to grab a drink or bite to eat that are near the hotel & theater?
Jun 27th, 2012, 10:57 AM
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Interesting.
What is the "guaranteed view" from that Hyatt on King Street West?
Is that the one where you booked....Hyatt Regency on King West. Until recently, it used to be a Holiday Inn.
Just curious.
When are you coming to Toronto?
OB1
What is the "guaranteed view" from that Hyatt on King Street West?
Is that the one where you booked....Hyatt Regency on King West. Until recently, it used to be a Holiday Inn.
Just curious.
When are you coming to Toronto?
OB1
Jun 27th, 2012, 12:00 PM
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Yes King Street West. There's an upcharge to ensure a room on a higher floor (the description states "view" room vs a room on a lower floor - implying perhaps that those rooms might look directly into an adjoining building). I'm sure there are plenty of rooms on lower floors with great views, but I didn't want to take the chance.
The hotel has a rooftop pool open until 10pm, so perhaps we can enjoy that some evening instead. We'll be there in a few weeks so the weather should cooperate. Can't believe it used to be a Holiday Inn. I saw some photos of the exterior and it's a lovely building.
The hotel has a rooftop pool open until 10pm, so perhaps we can enjoy that some evening instead. We'll be there in a few weeks so the weather should cooperate. Can't believe it used to be a Holiday Inn. I saw some photos of the exterior and it's a lovely building.
Jun 27th, 2012, 12:07 PM
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That sounds great but I am still having difficulty with the view from that location!
There's a wonderful Italian restaurant v/ close to that Hyatt. It's called La Fenice located on King West. We have been going there for over 25 years!
www.lafenice.ca
Again, Happy Anniversary & enjoy Toronto!
Ocean
There's a wonderful Italian restaurant v/ close to that Hyatt. It's called La Fenice located on King West. We have been going there for over 25 years!
www.lafenice.ca
Again, Happy Anniversary & enjoy Toronto!
Ocean
Jun 27th, 2012, 12:49 PM
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Will definitely look into that OB1! Thank you so much for the help!
I have an additional question to throw out there...
How is public transportation? After reviewing the TTC map MorningGlory posted it looks like one could get almost anywhere via public transport with a little patience. Is it fairly easy to switch from an E/W streetcar line to a N/S one as long as the tracks intersect? And does the cost to ride cover all forms of transit (bus/subway/streetcar) or do we pay with each stop? What about safety later in the evening?
I have an additional question to throw out there...
How is public transportation? After reviewing the TTC map MorningGlory posted it looks like one could get almost anywhere via public transport with a little patience. Is it fairly easy to switch from an E/W streetcar line to a N/S one as long as the tracks intersect? And does the cost to ride cover all forms of transit (bus/subway/streetcar) or do we pay with each stop? What about safety later in the evening?
Jun 27th, 2012, 02:43 PM
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Toronto is a very safe city.
V/ easy to transfer b/t N/S lines (Yonge line and University line) and the E/W lines(Bloor).
You can get a "transfer" to connect from one to the other: subway/bus/streetcar.
An area that is really interesting is The Danforth. Check it out.
Where do you live? Are you accustomed to subway travel?
OB1
V/ easy to transfer b/t N/S lines (Yonge line and University line) and the E/W lines(Bloor).
You can get a "transfer" to connect from one to the other: subway/bus/streetcar.
An area that is really interesting is The Danforth. Check it out.
Where do you live? Are you accustomed to subway travel?
OB1
Jun 27th, 2012, 03:56 PM
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The view rooms are usually toward the CN Tower and waterfront... the "Holiday Inn" was totally erased by a multi-million dollar renovation...
You can purchase a "Day Pass" that covers 2 adults for $10.50 per day... with that you can use tranportation anywhere in the city www.ttc.ca
You can purchase a "Day Pass" that covers 2 adults for $10.50 per day... with that you can use tranportation anywhere in the city www.ttc.ca
Jun 27th, 2012, 06:17 PM
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Wonderful! Was planning on the day pass - perfect. Didn't realize The Danforth was in Toronto! - I know it from an old Barenaked Ladies song.
We live in Indianapolis, however we've traveled quite extensively so busses and subways aren't generally daunting. At least this will be in English.
We live in Indianapolis, however we've traveled quite extensively so busses and subways aren't generally daunting. At least this will be in English.
Jun 27th, 2012, 06:33 PM
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Well, I'm sure there are some drivers who speak English. Day passes are a good deal. You're staying right across the road from a block of restaurants plus the Bell Lightbox building as a couple. What BNL songs mentions the Danforth?
