Toronto recommendations
 

My husband and I will be spending a weekend in Toronto in mid-March. Considering the short stay, are there any special things we shouldn't miss. Also, I'd like some restaurant recommendations. We are staying at the Marriott Bloor Yorkville on Bloor St.

Hi Lois,<BR>We spent 5 days in Toronto last August. Check out Epic @ the Royal York.The dining experience was terific. If you can't make it for dinner, try itin the evening for cocktails or desserts.(They are the best). Good luck and enjoy your stay in our new favorite city.

Lois - One of the finest restaurants in the City and winner of Zagats favorite of diners is North 44. I have dined there several times and have never had a bad experience... its a short cab ride from your hotel and a favorite of the visiting Hollywood movie crowd. Its a "shouldn't miss".

North 44 is one of the most expensive restaurants in Toronto a quite a hike from downtownThere's also nothing else to do around there. I don't see why anyone would bother, especially on a short trip. <BR><BR>Of course, since you give no hint about your preferences or budget, it's hard to see how anyone could give you a reasonable recommendation.

You'll be staying close to the Sultan's Tent. Try there for excellent Morrocan food.<BR><BR>Downtown try Joe Badali's on Front Street for the businessman's buffet lunch.<BR><BR>Have a good time.

There are some very nice restaurants along the Danforth, which is what Bloor Street is called east of the Don Valley. Many of them are Greek, but there's others as well. One restaurant which I like very much has just moved to a new location - it's called Cafe Brussel and it's a Belgian restaurant known for its mussels. I haven't been to the new location, but it was always very nice before. Also like Pan or Lolita's Lust along the Danforth. They are more Mediterranean restaurants. <BR><BR>A good very upscale Portuguese restaurant is Chiado, which is on College. You'd have to take a taxi there or you could go by transit, but taxi is much easier. <BR><BR>There are a lot of restaurants along Yorkville and Avenue Road. I don't have any specific recommendations though.

Thanks to everyone for the restaurant recommendations. Does anyone have an opinion about what we should see while there? I'm concerned that, going in mid-March, it will be too cold to see some things. We're in our mid-50's,and with my arthritis, I may not be able to do too much walking. So many people have said what a great city Toronto is. What are the highlights?

Hi-lites of Toronto in my opinion:<BR>Royal Ontario Museum (which is very near to where you are staying)<BR>Art Gallery of Ontario (Dundas St between University and Spadina) - short subway ride from where you are staying<BR>Also it is right in China Town - interesting in its own right - tons of Chinese restaurants.,<BR>Ontario Science Centre - a subway ride + a bus ride from where you are<BR>Metro Toronto Zoo ( outside of city, subway ride + bus ride - only if animals interest you but it is a good zoo - a lot of walking though)

Lois, there is a lot of good theatre in Toronto. Both the Lion King and Mamma Mia are playing - both very good - Mamma Mia was especially fun! It's probably hard to get tickets, but you might be able to luck into something. Those are just 2 of the shows playing, there may be more. <BR><BR>Good websites for Toronto are www.toronto.com and www.torontolife.com.

Thanks for the suggestions. Is driving around the city not a good idea? We will have a car.

Lois - Toronto is a lot like NYC... lots of cabs and high priced parking. We prefer to plant our car at the hotel lot(especially if you have cheap rates) and walk or cab around...<BR><BR> There is a vast underground tunnel system called PATH and a subway,trolley system and buses also. To drive and park everywhere can be a frustrating experience that wastes time and you may end up testing that arthritis by constantly looking for the nearest ramp or lot and then paying flat rates that start at $8 to $10 and STILL have to walk. <BR><BR> The best way to experience the city with your condition may be to hop in-and-out of cabs at the door of your destination... it will be worth the $$$.

The hotel has access to the subway. That can help you get around also. AS far as restaurants: The Danforth is a great idea- try Avli of Astoria (the latter is larger and faster). Avli makes the best lamb shank, is smaller and cosier. Try Yorkville - Sushi Inn if you like Japanese, Sassafraz if you like to be seen (ask for a table near the back area), for breakfast or a light lunch head to the tiny restaurant at the Windsor Arms (to the right when you walk in), Lox, Stock and Bagel in Hazelton Lanes, for a special dinner go to the Pasta Bar at Scaramouche (Benvenuto Apt). On Avenue Rd. go to Sotto Sotto or upstairs Spuntini. Take a hop-on, hop-off tour of Toronto. It's narrated, you don't have to worry about parking, and you can see areas that you may want to spend more time in or just sit on the tour bus eliminating more walking. Definitely go see Mama Mia. Or check out T.O. Tix (in the Eaton Centre) for half-price theatre tickets. You must go to Panorama in the Manulife Centre for a drink. Spectacular view. Or take in a movie in the Manulife Centre but only in the VIP rooms. Studio Cafe in the Four Seasons is lovely. So much to do, so little time.

Thanks for the great suggestions and help. I didn't think Toronto would be that busy, sounds silly, huh? Of course, when we go into NYC, we usually drive and know where to park for free and when to get there to do that! It wasn't originally part of my plan to see a play, since that is something we can [and do] do often in NYC, but it occurred to me that it is probably cheaper for us there, so I'll definitely look into it. Where do we pick up the tour bus that you can hop on and off of? WE did that years ago in Washington DC and thought it was so convenient. The only thing is, they didn't run in winter. We are going to Toronto in mid-March. Is the tour bus running then?

Hi Lois,<BR><BR>Toronto is full of lots of things to do. I would recommend checking out ticketmaster.ca, if you are interested in a musical. I also recommend the Royal Ontario Museum, they have a variety of exhibits on. I am not sure how much you would enjoy the Metro Zoo in March. I would spend my time on Queen Street or Royal York area shopping and get a show. Also, there is the CN tower, and having dinner at the top is always wonderful, with the view of the city at night. Remember, Toronto is a full of diversity, especially in cuisine. I would recommend to venture out, and not eat at a chain restaurant while you are there. Have fun!<BR><BR>

Thanks Tanya, for your suggestions. I didn't know about the site for ticketmaster in CA. I will check into it. Regarding restaurants, I couldn't agree more about staying away from chains. I like to experience the unique places of each area when I travel.