Toronto
 

Hi going to Toronto mid August for two days. Need sightseeing recommendations and restaurant suggestions. Anyone try Christina's in Greektown? I must see CN tower and do double decker tour. Mud Taso see Casa Loma...anything else. I'll have 10 yr old granddaughter too.

A trip to The Islands in August would be a wonderful way to spend a late morning/afternoon and have a picnic. You may be able to rent bicycles too.
Ferry at the end of Bay St./Harbour near Westin Hotel.

You probably already know this but if not, Monday, August 5th is a civic holiday in Ontario.

OB1((H))

You said mid-August so info about Aug 5 not relevant to you.

A 10 year old might be bored by Casa Loma as its basically a house tour and a bit out of the way...

The Wizard of OZ Broadway play is on daily if you are theatre fans...

There are several fun restaurants along King St., many with outdoor dining...

I second OB's suggestion of the ferry ride out to Centre Island... there's a small amusement park and a great beach as well as a huge park...

The Canadian National Exibition starts on August 16th and can be only described as the "Mother of all Fairs" rides,food, music,exhibits, the CNE runs for 3 weeks...

check out the events calendar at www.seetorontonow.com

Love Gary's suggestion for OZ! I had forgottten about that. We saw it back in April. It's lots of fun! Ends Aug 18 so get your tix now!

OB1((H))

Thank you Gary and Océn Breeze. I see lots of Theatre at home (NYC) so need to do it on travel since i have time constraints to begin with. Will I get a better and quicker overview if we do e double decker tour. Restaurant suggestions for Little Italy and Greektown please?

I've never eaten at Christina's but it always seems busy when we walk by. For a traditional Greek restaurant, we go to the Pantheon at 407 (I think) Danforth. I can't remember the appetizer that they set on fire (opa!) at the table but your granddaughter might get a kick out of it. For dessert, there are lots of frozen yogurt and gelato places but skip them and walk a block or two east to the Athens bakery for custard in phyllo or honey balls. Heaven!

In Little Italy, I'd say go to Cafe Diplomatico http://cafediplomatico.ca/. It's very casual and a neighbourhood tradition. Good pizza. There are lots of gelato places for dessert.

By the way, I agree with gary about Casa Loma. I've never found it to be very interesting.

The ferry to the Toronto Islands is fun and there's also a tall ship at Harbourfront which does a tour around the harbour. They encourage kids to get involved pulling the ropes and singing the sea shanties. http://www.tallshipcruisestoronto.com/

Check out Harbourfront http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/ for other events there. If you're here on a Thursday night, they have dancing on the pier (it's not really a pier) with a live band. It's fun to watch the good dancers and just nice to be sitting out by the lake listening to the band, even if you don't dance. There's a boat pond at Harbourfront, usually an international market, concerts, festivals, theatre/dance, etc. Worth checking out.

Center Island & the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) are excellent suggestions & your granddaughter will appreciate either. The Ontario Science Center is also a great attraction for both children & adults to enjoy (especially on a rainy day). You can go to the Zoo if you're into that. Definitely see the CN Tower and be sure to check out its glass floor. China Town is always fun & affordable to explore. Greek Town: Check out Astoria or Mr. Greek. There are a lot of really wonderful suggestions above that have already been made. Have a great trip!

Also given the age of your granddaughter she may enjoy Casa Loma. The tour guide Rick, does a fantastic job and there are often children's shows & programs available at Casa Loma from time to time. Call in advance to see. The gardens in Casa Loma are lovely this time of year too.

I think that a visit to Kensington may be worthwhile. There are a lot of second hand stores and also some with newer stuff. If you go, take your grandaughter for some Hungarian crepes at Krepesz http://www.krepesz.com/ or try the amazing tacos at Seven Lives http://www.sevenlives.ca/

http://www.blogto.com/kensington

I second Astoria for Greek food (located @ Chester & Danforth).

St Lawrence Market is a fun place to roam a round & grab some lunch (Front St, b/t Church & Jarvis)& cheeses, bread & fruit to take back to your room if you are staying at a hotel. And, there's a liquor store conveniently located next to The St Lawrence Market if you wld like some wine to go w/ that cheese tray/cheese board!

Where are you staying?

OB1((H))

OceanBreeze1...we will be at the Courtyard Marriott Downtown. I believe it is central to everything. I read several articles about the marketplace and plan to make it a stop. I will look into either Astoria or Pantheon for Greek food too. I've visited Toronto twice before and both times missed CASA LOMA, MUST BE DESTINY FOR ME TO SEE IT THIS TIME WITH THE 10 YR OLD.

Travel,
Which Marriott is that? What is the address?

I always stay @ Marriott(Eaton Centre) @ 525 Bay just north of Queen Street which is w/in walking distance of The Market, etc.
Not familiar w/ "Courtyard".

Enjoy Casa Loma & everything else!

OB1((H))

Internet says 475 Yonge St...

Ok we are going to Astoria for Greek food, cafe ilia for Italian, a blue jays game and purchasing the 3 day hop on/off pass with harbor cruise. Then on to Niagara. Thanks y'all

Sounds like a great time. Enjoy!

Travelbuff,

I was just thinking about you & your GD this morning! Your plan sounds great!! Is your GD excited?

Are you in Toronto?

Where is Cafe Ilia?

When will you be in Niagara?

OB1((H))

About Niagara, it is pecah season in Niagara. This year's perfect weather has produced one of the best peach crops ever! 2012 was the worst ever.
So, make sure that you buy a basket of Niagara peaches while in Niagara!!! ((H))

Oceanvreeze1: very much so. But we are not there yet. One more week. I believe I have the name of the restaurant wrong???? Hummmmm. Niagara follows Toronto. Both excited. Don't like to reveal much on social media.��