Cranachin

I posted this as part of the conversation under another thread, but I figured I would add a separate thread for those who might not see the original.

I am looking at visiting Toronto on Friday, April 26. I would be going to the University of Toronto area at some point and would probably be there for a couple of hours, but there is no set time I have to arrive. I also want to visit the CN Tower if it is a clear day.

If I drive I might go to the Botanical Garden (I am debating whether to drive or take the bus). Especially if I take the bus, things in "central Toronto" would be the easiest to see. Some possible attractions I think I would enjoy are the Allan Gardens, the Sculpture Garden, and the Ryerson Image Centre. Maybe the Toronto Islands? I enjoy photography and plan to have my camera with me, so places that are good for taking pictures would appeal to me. The AGO, OSC, and ROM are out for this trip.

I would like to do a "Tap into TO!" tour with a Toronto Greeter, but it looks like you have to be there on a multi-day visit to sign up for one. I did a similar thing in Chicago a few years ago and enjoyed it a lot.

Thanks for any input you can offer (on bus versus car as well as things to see).

kodi

I would drive . If there is a tie up on the highway, the bus will be in it too . .
When you say the botanical gardens , where are you thinking of ?

You could stop halfway to Toronto at Royal Botanical gardens in Burlington . They are wonderful .
Check out their web site . Google RBG

Daniel_Williams

I love the Toronto Islands. Great way to escape the sometimes soulless skyscrapers of downtown Toronto and get into an oasis of greenery; the views of Lake Ontario from the Islands are just gorgeous. Cabbagetown has some charming architecture if you're looking for some photo-taking opportunities. The Chinatown near Dundas/Spadina is close to the U of T if you want an ambience-rich exploring experience and have limited time... good coupled with lunch.

With just a day, you won't be able to do all these suggestions. I agree a car over a bus, although you could park at a western stop and take the GO Train in too.

Have a great trip! Daniel

Cranachin

kodi—I was thinking of the Toronto Botanical Garden NE of "downtown".

Daniel—Any rec's on which western GO Train stop?

Daniel_Williams

Hi Cranachin,

I hope a Torontonian responds to your question about the GO Train, as I've never taken one in to the city.

Best wishes, Daniel

Southam

Maybe I'm confused about your time frame but it sounds as if you are trying to stuff a week's worth of activities into a single day.
Toronto is a big and crowded city. If you try to go everywhere by car you will spend hours navigating traffic jams and looking for parking, which is bound to cost a bundle. The rapid transit system of streetcars, buses and subways will make more sense both for time and cost. But you will need to do some planning, both to choose your attractions and work out a route. Information on the Toronto Transit Commission system at http://www.ttc.ca/

laverendrye

The Toronto Botanical Garden and Edwards Gardens are located beside each other near Leslie and Lawrence north-east of downtown. It's an easy drive to get there from downtown (outside of rush-hour), and by TTC it takes the subway and one bus (check the TTC website for directions). The Edwards Gardens has a wonderful collection of rhododendrons, but I don't know if they will be in full bloom when you will be visiting.

Another garden worth visiting, and closer to downtown, is at Casa Loma. You could combine that with a visit to the Historic Spadina House and Gardens next door.

There's lots to see in the city without heading to Burlington and the RBG (which is a magnificent garden, but huge).

Cranachin

Southam—I'm just looking at possibilities. Of course I realize I can't do all that in one day!

I would need to spend 1–2 hours in the University of Toronto area. I would like to visit the CN Tower IF it is a clear day. Those are the two "musts" (or one "must" and one "if conditions are right").

Beyond that, I'm open. I figured the Allan Gardens and the Ryerson Image Centre are close to the UofT and to each other, so they would be easy to visit. I could just walk between them (assuming that is safe—is it?).

The Sculpture Garden is a possible alternative to the Allan and/or the Ryerson, not in addition.

The Toronto Islands would be another alternative.

The Toronto Botanical Garden would be instead of one or all of the above (non-musts). Given that the TBG is open until sunset, it would be a nice place to wait out the evening rush hour. Certainly walking around some of the neighbourhoods (and maybe dinner) would accomplish that purpose as well.

My hope is to find one place to park and then walk and/or take public transit everywhere else I decide to go.

I would welcome suggestions on parking near the University or near the GO Train (I'm guessing the latter might be a little cheaper than the former).

Cranachin

laverendrye—Thanks for the tip on the Spadina House. The gardens at Casa Loma do not open until May 1.

I'll be driving through Burlington going to and from Toronto but I think I will skip the RBG this trip and focus just on Toronto for the day. Thanks for the suggestion, though, kodi.

kodi

You are welcome .. Since you are passing through Burlington, I wasn't sure if that's what you meant . I wasn't aware that Edwards gardens was now known as Botanical Gardens .. Back in the day it was just Edwards Gardens LOL

If you decide to take the GO train from Burlington,to Union Station, that will put you in a good location for public transportation in Toronto . Union station is right by the subway .

Good luck and enjoy your trip .

frogoutofwater

If the weather doesn't cooperate and you're looking for some indoor activities, consider the Bata Shoe Museum and/or the Gardiner Museum (ceramics). There also are some relatively photogenic areas in and around U of T itself (there are some ugly buildings but also some lovely ones, too).

laverendrye

The current edition of National Geographic Traveler has a very good piece on a number of downtown Toronto neighbourhoods. You might want to pick up a copy at a news-stand before your trip for even more suggestions on what to do.

Cranachin

Thanks for the advice, everyone. Unfortunately, the people I was going to visit had an illness in the family, so my trip had to be put off. Don't know when I will make it now, or whether it will include a visit to Canada when I do.

deladeb

Heading there in a couple weeks, any other suggestions?

LoriBosworth

The Toronto Botanical Garden is lovely. It's right beside Edwards Gardens and there are 17 themed gardens. A great place to take photos:

http://www.torontonicity.com/2013/06...anical-garden/

Also, the Distillery District at Front and Parliament Streets has some fabulous industrial era architecture for photographs and is a great spot to stop for a drink or meal in the summer.

moosegolf55

i will be in toronto between niagra falls and montreal on august 1st and 2d, one nite. in that short of a time span what 1 or two things are must see?