Toronto - Things to do and see
 

We will be visiting Toronto in August with our two boys, ages 14 and 10. We have tickets to a Blue Jays game. What are some of the other "must sees" in Toronto. I have been reading about Toronto Island Park. How do you get there? Also, read about the boardwalk on lake ontario - what is there to do there? Good restaurants and sights? How far is Windsor from Toronto? Thanks for any help.

There is a lot to do in Toronto in the summer with your boys. The Toronto Island has a park were you can rent bikes, picnic and enjoy a small arcade/rides area. There are numerous daily ferries to the Island. Harborfront has a nice boardwalk-good for both boat and people watching(and of course ice cream on a hot August day). Ontario Place has a great water and slide park as well as other attractions for your kids. The zoo and Canada's Wonderland(huge theme park with rides and a nice water park) are also great, but are far from the center of the city (easily accessible if you have a car). Queen Street is great for shopping and eating. I think Toronto is great in the summer.
It really depends on what you all like to do and how much time you have.

I see from your otehr posts that your boys are very interested in the baseball fields.
I'm not much of a baseball fan, and yet I took a tour of the Roger's Centre and thought it was a great tour.
The boys might like it. We got to stand on the field and learned all kinds of interesting things about the building and the Blue Jays.

I'm not much for recommending the Toronto Islands. If it's your first time to Toronto, I'd rather suggest seeing some of the city, instead of going to park land. Go up the CN Tower, wander around the Eaton Centre.
Go to WAyne Gretzgy's restaurant for lunch.
If the boys are interested in hockey, there is the Hockey Hall of Fame.

As mentioned, Harbourfront is interesting, Ontario Place also a good place to go.

The Distillery District is great to walk around in. Also, Windsor is about 4 hours drive from Toronto.

Depending on what part of August you'll be visiting, you might hit the Canadian National Exhibition, known locally as the CNE or the Ex, an enormous fair with a big midway and tons of exhibits. This year it's August 17 to Sept 3 (http://www.theex.com/). It's also tied up with Ontario Place -- I think there are two for one tickets or something like that. Ontario Place has lots of stuff for kids, concerts, and a big IMAX theatre. The Ex is lots of fun for kids (and adults too).

How about a side trip to Niagara Falls? Only a little over an hour away and well worth the drive if you have never been there! A must if you go is the Maid of the Mist!

Windsor???
Unless you have a really good reason - like family or friends - give your head a shake and rethink that as a destination.

Windsor is about 400km from Toronto, a four-hour drive along the 401 hwy.

BTW, Aramis, the question simply asked how far it is. Maybe they're considering coming in from that direction, NOT making Windsor a destination.

The Royal Ontario Musuem would be interesting for your boys.
The Toronto Island is a lovely spot and the ferry is fun.
Hockey Hall of Fame, The Science Center, Kensington Market all might be of interest.

Oh ya -- I bet they'd love the Science Centre, especially the arcade and the sports rooms. There's lots of fun, interactive stuff for kids to do! Good idea, Kate!

The Titanic Exhibit is running at the Science Centre. If you haven't seen it yet, it's well worth it and the kids will enjoy it.

THE FAMOUS PEOPLE PLAYERS!!!

www.fpp.org/

It is truly awe inspiring - and just plain fun!

Thank you for all the great tips and information. We will be heading to Niagara Falls after Toronto on our way home to NJ.

The boardwalk you are referring to might be in the area of Toronto called 'The Beach' or sometimes called 'The Beaches'. It is a great area to visit in the summer and close to downtown. You can take the 501 Queen Street East streetcar from downtown and it will take you straight there, or a cab should cost no more than $15 from downtown. There are many shops and terrific restaurants on Queen Street East and the boardwalk is just south of Queen Street and follows the lake's shore for a couple of miles (The Beach area begins and runs east from Woodbine Avenue). If it's hot there will be lots of people swimming and playing in the sand, picnicking, playing volleyball etc. I recommend it. A fun, casual local staple is Lick's - which has great hamburgers and ice cream.

If you and your boys have ever been canoeing (and liked it) you can rent canoes at the Harbourfront (downtown) and canoe across the harbour to Toronto Island. It isn't at all strenuous and once there there are rivers/streams that run between the islands and you can pull up and have lunch on shore (either take a picnic or eat at one of the restaurants). You also get a fantastic view of Toronto from out on the water (whihc you would also see if you took the ferry over to the Island).

Toronto is a fantastic city - enjoy it!

Not sure if anyone has already mentioned this but a visit to the Toronto brewery district or the St. Lawrence Markets is always a great day out.

I think this site has a few pictures of that area and a map too...

http://www.torontotourtips.com/pictu...-pictures.html

Good luck with your trip and enjoy the city...I love it!

"Toronto brewery district"

Try the Distillery District.

http://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/

The Distillery District is where I met one of my favorite character actors, Alan Rickman, at Soma Chocolates (EXCELLENT chocolate!!)
:D

Also try a traditional English (savory) pie at the Brick Street Bakery.

I tend to think of the Distillery District as a bit of an "adult" destination - upscale bars, bistros and shops. Toronto Zoo is very good, Ontario Science Centre also great for families. Toronto is famous for multicultural neighbourhoods which might be of interest. Greektown on the Danforth is lined with Sidewalk Patios (Greek Restaurants - did you see the movie Big Fat Greek Wedding? Much was filmed here). Chinatown in the west downtown area is "colourful". Harbourfront (Queen's Quay area) is very nice and has free music/cultural festivals most summer weekends. Ferry to the Islands is there if you want to combine an outing. Harbour boat tours (which go around the islands) might be more interesting for boys that age. Ride to the top of the CN tower for a thrill and spectacular views. Lots of live theatre options if that interests the boys (but pricey and book ahead). Toronto is also known for wide variety of dining options, lots of ethnic eateries, and several famous very high end ones (e.g. Sursur's, Canoe, North 44, Scaramouche, lots more). How long are you there and will you have a car?

Since you are sports fans, how about a Canadian Fooftball league game - in full swing in August. Watch the Argos. Canadian footbal is 3 down, bigger field style with plenty of action.

We were just there with our boys 13 and 15. We went to the Black Creek Pioneer Village and Casa Loma, where parts of X-Men were filmed. Also enjoyed lunch in the nicer CN tower restaurant. The Royal Ontario Museum is free on Friday nights--boys liked it alot!