Toronto Trip Report
 

Just got back from a great time in Toronto. I took my pre-teen daughter for a quick weekend getaway. No hassle getting across the border into Windsor or returning. There weren't alot of people on the outbound ride for a Friday when most people go. We stayed at the Royal York because I've stayed there before and liked its closeness to everything on my to-do list. We changed into our Detroit Wings jerseys and headed off to the Hockey Hall of fame ($12.00 CAD adult, $8.00 CAD youth). I attracted quite abit of stares as I was wearing my Joseph #31 ;) Had a great time and my daughter loved the interactive games; one being you shot pucks at Belfour and another where you played goalie against Gretsky and I believe Sundin. Left there for dinner at Joe Badali's. We each had the Fettucine Alfredo and garlic cheese bread appetizer with a wonderful Tiramisu for dessert ($48.76 CAD). Walked over to the CN Tower and did the glass floor and virtual motion ride combo ($25.67 CAD). Walked up Yonge St. for the Yonge/Dundas St. celebration for fireworks and music. Thousands of people there and you would have never known there was a SARS scare going on. Had breakfast the next morning at Marche Movenpick at the BCE Place. We both had crepes filled with fresh strawberries and chocolate sauce on top (This was so good!!!) and freshly squeezed juice ($34.76 CAD). For those that haven't been to this restaurant, I highly recommend it. Everything is made fresh for you while you wait. There is a station where all they make is dessert and breads, one that's just for meats, omelets, etc. Took off for the Science Centre. Had a great time here also, much better that ours here in Detroit. Plan on spending three to four hours minimum to properly see everything. Went back again to the hotel for afternoon tea in the Epic restaurant ($50.00 CAD) which was a treat for my daughter since she loves tea. Given the choice of dinner at Chinatown or Marche, when I saw the glazed eyes and drool coming from my daughters mouth, I knew we were going back to Marche. We both had the broiled chicken and roasted vegatables with a HUGE piece of bread pudding with vanilla sauce and chocolate mouse for dessert ($45.00). Headed back to the hotel for a must needed rest and soak in the jacuzzi and semi nap in the steam room. Since we were both so tired, we decided to relax in our room for the evening while I watched the rest of the Anaheim/Jersey game. Woke up the next morning, and went to breakfast (guess where?) where this time I had the crepes filled with strawberries and bananas covered in chocolate sauce (drool coming from mom's mouth this time). Checked out of the hotel around 11am and walked across the street to the station where I purchased a bagged lunch for the train ride home. All in all we had a great time even though I went over my planned budget. Any questions, feel free to ask.

Hi BjorkChop:

No questions here, but you have made me VERY VERY hungry. So glad you and your daughter enjoyed your visit to Toronto.

Great time in Toronto!!!
I live in Oakville (twenty minute drive) and I am thinking of staying at the Royal York and dining on Strawberry / Chocolate crepes myself!!

Please come back and enjoy yourselves again soon!!

We visited Toronto last year, and we ate twice at Marche Movenpick. The food was great and everything is made from scratch. We plan on eating at the Movenpick in Montreal, when we go next month.

BjorkChop-My 13 year old and I will be making the same trip in August. Did you take the train from Windsor? if so, what RR services this run? Did you buy the tickets the same day you travelled?

How were the rates at the Royal York? I have a price of $107.00 USD at the Delta so far.

Has anyone used Hotwire for hotels? They hoffer a 4 star for $69.00 UDS but I worry about their rating system. Thanks.

Lynne, making sure this is the Delta Chelsea Inn, which is downtown, and not the Delta by the airport, you've got a god rate for a fine hotel in themiddle of a great city in the heart of toruist season, so don't worry about moving.

There's a new waterslide in the hotel, a cafeteria with food kids will like, it's close to lots of interesting places, including music stores, lots more restaurants, and the subway system.

So, all in all, a fine choice.

The passenger rail company in Canada, except for some special tourist trainst, is VIA Rail.

www.viarail.ca

Thre's no real advantage to first class, and generally there's a big discount (like 40 percent if I remember right) if you buy your tickets in advance. The advance period used to be about a week, but you should double check.

The train arrives at Union Station, and then it's a five - seven minute taxi ride to the Delta hotel. Or if you want, you can walk with rolling luggage in about fifteen minutes.

For teens, the Delta has more fun facilities than the Royal York, but the Royal York is classier and more spectacular and almost castle-like.

Each has location advantages compared to the other, so it does not matter.

BAK

Lynne~

I had a special industry package price but the Royal York and the Delta Chelsea usually run neck and neck on prices. Maybe one has a better promo than the other. As far as train times, the earliest from Windsor leaves at 6am, the next is 10am then there are afternoon times also. The return: 8am, 12noon and so on. If you're going from the same area, look into what Key Tours has for prices, you'll probably save abit.

Thanks for all the info-Bjork, do you know where Key Tours is located?

They're located in Windsor, your local travel agent can reserve it for you.

Great tip on KeyTours. We are now staying at the Royal York due to fabulously low pricing. Better for dining at Movenpick Marche. Thanks again.