2kids2dogs

DH and I have decided to take a vacation to Toronto in early September. We've been to Canada a couple of times before (Vancouver and Montreal) but never been to Toronto and we don't know what area to stay in or even what to do once we are there! I know we want to take a drive to Niagara Falls one day. We are in our mid 50s and like good restaurants, museums, shopping, and just exploring a new city. My hockey-obsessed DH would also probably want to go to the hockey hall of fame.
What are the "must-dos" for Toronto? Are there any other excursions out of the city (but not too far) that we should do?
We like to stay in nice hotels, but not willing to go to the very high end - for example, something in the $300's/night is fine but $700 is too high.

Any and all advice regarding hotels, areas to stay, restaurants, and/or what to see and do would be welcomed. Many thanks!

flywithclass

Canada was interesting for me, I've been many places but I just went to Toronto this last year for the first time. You had to use pin numbers with your credit cards and if you want to go downtown you better be VERY comfortable with parallel parking. Speaking of which make sure you have cash money on you at all times for such things. These sound like obvious things but for where I live, they were not.

Some must see things would be the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum and Rogers Centre. There is also a few art galleries and a nice aquarium if you like that sort of thing. Niagara Falls are of course a must see, but you know that already.

garyt22

Toronto is a great city for all of your listed interests... I would recommend any of the following areas...

One King West is near the hockey hall, halfway between the waterfront and many of the ethnic neighborhoods ... With easy access walking and by subway or streetcar, you can get to almost everything...

Front street is another great spot, a bit closer to the waterfront, and near the CN tower, Rogers Center and on the Southern edge of the Entertainment District... Walking is easy as is subway access.

You might also consider the Hyatt on King West... Right near the theatres and closer to the main museums and Yorkville, it's centrally located in downtown...

The St Lawrence market on Saturday is an amazing mix of farm, crafts, food and people... It is open during the week, but really shines as a fun Saturday... Yorkville is the high end boutique neighborhood and trendy star magnet...

Queen St W. Is a great place for bistro, street vendors and small boutiques... The waterfront and Queens Quay for boat tours, an outdoor brew, or nearby ferries...

The area between Toronto and Niagara Falls is a world renowned Wine Region with over 150 wineries. If you have time, plan at least an overnight in Niagara on the Lake... The Shaw Festival is active into October with several plays, and the area will be celebrating the Fall Harvest at the wineries... The village is the home of several fine eateries as well as several of the wineries...

You may be better off staying a night or two in Niagara on the Lake, and driving the 15 minutes to look at the Falls, but there are dozens of Fallsview Hotels including the Niagara Fallsview Casino and resort... Eating at the Falls is expensive and touristy, dominated by overpriced chains and cheesy tourist traps...

If you need more info, just ask... Have fun!

garyt22

The hotel on Front St is the Intercontinental Toronto Centre ... Missed that...

Southam

A warning that the Toronto International Film Festival runs at the start of September and clogs up the hotel scene in the city core. The festival is exciting; Toronto's obsessed cinema fans avoid the galas and head for exotic or even unknown attractions and there are always tickets available for something. But occupancy and prices at the hotels will certainly be up.
Hockey hall of fame is worth a look-see even for non-fans because it shows something of the Canadian character. He can join you at the Bata Shoe Museum for an amusing look at where we put our feet. A show of a major Canadian artist co-curated by Steve Martin is the big deal this summer at the Art Gallery of Ontario. A Blue Jays game at their unusual domed stadium is worth considering. Matilda the Musical will be playing downtown.
A simple Google search will turn up sources of tourist info and so will the Destinations function at the top of this page.

2kids2dogs

Just finally checking back in. These are great suggestions - thanks so much! One more thing I should have asked: is there a particular neighborhood that I should be looking at to stay in that is centrally located for the kinds of activities I mentioned in my OP? Thank you again!

ElroyH

There are many places to see in Toronto. The is a famous art gallery - The Art Gallery of Ontario. It has both Canadian art as well as Gehry renovations. Then if you are into gardens then you could visit The Casa Loma. Since your DH is into Hockey then you can make a visit to The Hockey Hall of Fame