Hi all, <BR>I will be in Toronto the first week of July with my husband and 2 childred ages 11 and 15. We will be there for 4 days. I have looked at various Toronto web sites and they make all the attractions sound great. Unfortunately, 4 days is not enough time to see them all. So, besides the obvious which ones are the must sees and what should I skip? <BR>Also which restaurants do you recommend? <BR>I heard that there is a Fisherman's Wharf of San Francisco in Toronto. Is this true? If so where is it located? <BR> <BR>Thanks for all your help. <BR>Kathy <BR>

The Beaches is a definite for the whole family. Take the Queen St. streetcar all the way to Woodbine (make sure it goes all the way). Then get out and walk east along Queen street. There are great restuarants, cafes, and stores along Queen. Head down to the boardwalk and walk along the lake. the kids will love all the jungle gyms, etc. along the way. Going on a Sat/Sun will be VERY busy if the weather is good (and it will be). A week day would be better, less crowded, but still a great atmosphere. <BR> <BR>For Sunday brunch I recommend Movenpick on York Street, $25 per person and well worth it - great food, lots of variety and lots of it. <BR> <BR>Not sure what other Toronto attractions you were thinking of or what you are most interested in. Yonge Street south of Bloor is an interesting walk for the family, although not a must see in my books. <BR> <BR>Toronto Island would be great for the family. Head to Wards Island to see some really neat artists homes, then walk west to the Island cafe for a refreshment. Finally, head to Centre Island (walking distance from Wards Island) has an amusement park for kids, although you 15 yr old might a little old for it. You can rent bikes on the island. FYI - Hanlin's Point (sp?) has a nude beach. <BR> <BR>That's it - don't know what to say about restuarants - don't know what you like.

I agree with Ariel re the beaches - that's a fun neighbourhood. Harbourfront is also a good choice - there's restaurants, etc. down there and it's fun to walk around. If you're into sports, maybe the Jays will be in town. It's not a problem getting tickets for the games. There's also the Hockey Hall of Fame for hockey fans (I'm not). First week of July - Canada Day - there may be some special events at Nathan Phillips Square (City Hall).

I did send an earlier reply, but for some reason (lost in cyberspace?) it's not appearing. I am betting that it will show up later tonight. I forgot to mention a good area for restaurants. The Danforth is an area filled with Greek restaurants (as well as others). If you don't have a car, there are a few stops along the Bloor - Danforth subway (Broadview, Chester and Pape) which are just east of downtown. The area is very nice - lots of good restaurants and it's very lively in the evening.

Hi all, <BR>Thanks Ariel and Susan. Your information was really helpful. <BR> <BR>I'm sorry, I should have been more specific in my post. <BR> <BR>The attractions we are thinking we will most likely visit are CN tower, Toronto Islands, Royal Ontario Museum, Eaton Center, the Underground City, Playdium, and Ontario Place to see Symphony of Fire. What is your opinion on these? <BR> <BR>Also other attractions we are possibly considering are Ontario Science Center, The Pier, Fort York, Paramount Amusement Park, a tour of the skydome stadium, and Pioneer Village. What is your opinion on these attractions? <BR> <BR>Some of the restaurants we are considering are Hard Rock cafe, Planet Hollywood, Fishermans wharf if it exists, and 360 restaurant at the top of CN tower. Also any other restaurants that come highly recommended. Hard rock and Planet are restaurants the kids will like, and hopefully the food is good. If you have any favorite restaurants please let me know. As far as restuarants are concerned we are looking for reasonably priced food and a good variety. I'm sure there are some excellent Chinese restaurants in the Chinatown area, but unfortunately the 15 year old wouldn't like it. So if there are any good ethnic restaurants that also serve burgers and steaks please let me know. <BR> <BR>Also what is there to do with children at night. I would love to see a performance at Second City, but don't know is that is appropriate for children. The 11 year old would love to see a ballet, but will it be possible to get tickets once I get there? what else is there to do with children at night? <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR>Kathy <BR>

Kathy <BR> <BR>The Benson & Hedges Symphony of fire is definitely a MUST see at Ontario place. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot (lots of trees to see around) I was there at about 6 PM for one of the shows last year and goods spots were almost gone. Bring a blanket to secure a spot then take turns standing guard over it! Have fun! <BR>

Plan on going to the Beaches for the afternoon and evening. Lots of atmosphere for the whole family in the evening. For family friendly restuarants there try Licks (home-made hamburgers) or the Lion on the Beach for lunch or dinner. Sit out on a bench at Second Cup and watch the people go by. Also, Susan mentioned the Danforth, great place for the evening, lots of family restuarants and cafes with outdoor patios, and lots of people walking around. Two other neighboroughoods to check out in the evenings are Little Italy (around Bathurst & College, lots of restuarant patios) and Bloor Street west of Spadina. <BR> <BR>Ontario Science Centre would be great for the kids, totally kid oriented. Paramount is obviously great for kids, but quite a hike up the 400 Hwy. and pretty expensive. <BR> <BR>Lastly, I always watch the Symphony of Fire from my friend's apartment. Depending on how high your hotel room floor is (and that it facing south) you could watch from there.

Surprised no one has mentioned the Metro Zoo - excellent for kids and adults also - even on a rainy day you can visit the various pavilions. It is very big - allow at least 1/2 day and even then you will not see it all.

Hi Kathy <BR>I'm from Australia and although I've been to Canada(especially Toronto) on a number of occasions I'd never been to the CN Tower until last year. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the food at the 360 restaurant, while nothing extraordinary, it was right up there with presentation and taste. And of course the view with the revolving floor was spectacular. If I remember correctly, it did cost about $45.00pp(including wine) but this included the cost of the ride up which otherwise was about $15-$20 (outrageous) and we still got to see the glass floor on the 90(?) floor. <BR>Have a great time.

Commenting on the specifics of your message: <BR>CN tower, for sure <BR>Toronto Islands, yes, take the ferry from the foot of Bay Street <BR>Royal Ontario Museum, yes; skip the Children's Own Museum next door. It's for smaller kids. <BR>Eaton Center, just a giant shopping center, but a good giant shopping center, if you need/want to buy stuff. Check out the music stores one block north of the Eaton Center (Sam's, HMV, and several more, all on Yonge Street north of Dundas) <BR>The Underground City, only as a way of getting from place to place if it is raining. <BR>Playdium, why not, if you like this stuff. Remember there's a Playdium downtown on John Street and one out in the sticks of Mississauga, so stay downtown. Great bookstore next door, and many restaurants in the same neighborhood. <BR>Ontario Place to see Symphony of Fire.- go even if you don't want to see the fireworks. <BR>Ontario Science Center, I think this is the best kids' attraction in town, and I've got kids. <BR>The Pier, - have not been there (assuming you mean a newish maritime museum)Maybe you mean The Docks - a giant bar with ourdoor amusements -- if so, only during the day; it gets rowdy at night. <BR>Fort York, pretty far down my list of attractions,unless the kids love historical stuff <BR>Paramount Amusement Park, it's called Paramount Canada's Wonderland - semi-expensive, big lines of weekends, take bathing suits, I had season passes when my kids were 11 and 15, and we went five or six times a summer, but see the end of this note. <BR>a tour of the skydome stadium, -yes, it's next to CN Tower and near harbourfront, so do all this in the same day. <BR>Pioneer Village. - near the bottom of my list, partly because it is so far away. <BR> <BR>Hard Rock cafe, I'd skip it, and go to Mr. Greenjean's, in the Eaton Centre, right across the street from the Hard Rock. <BR>Planet Hollywood, can't comment Fishermans Wharf does exist - I would not pick it, though, for kids of 11 and 15. If they're sophisticated and love fish, go to Joso's on Davenport; <BR>360 restaurant at the top of CN tower.- expensive, fancy, and one of the best revolving restaurants anywhere. <BR>My favorites for teenagers are the Hot House Cafe at Church and Front Street East, Old Ed's (traditional beef, steak, etc. surrounded by antiques - honest, kids like it) on King Street West near Duncan, Kit Kat Cafe also on King Street West, Alice Fazooli's on Adelaide Street West just west of John (near Playdium) <BR>Hot dogs and french fries from the trucks in front of City Hall are excellent. Kids (and grownups) probably would enjoy many of the sidewalk cafes in Yorkville district, (Remy's is my favorite; good burger, of the veal sandwich for the 15 year old) and also the sidewalk cafes and Greek restaurants on Danforth Avenue, east of Broadview. <BR>Reerve burgers and steaks ... It's a kid after my own heart. I keep looking for these when my wife and friend's want to eat raw fish, etc. One trick is to order what "real food" you can find on an ethnic menu. I head for lemon chicken in the Chinese restaurants, and lamb in the Greek ones. The burger at Alice Fazooli's is particularly good, and there's more adventuresome food for the rest of you. <BR>RE -children at night. if you are in the Yorkville neighborhood in the evening, go to Movenpick for ice cream, either to eat while walking, or go inside and see the giant dessert menu. <BR>Ontario Place and Harborfront both have intersting evening events. If the kids like books, Indigo book stores and Chapters book stores are open late, have cafes in them, lots of chairs, etc. There's a set of Chapters and Indigo's at Yonge and Eglinton, and another near Bloor Street West and Bay Street. For an evening walk with thousands of other, nipping in and out of stores, try Bloor Street West, west of Spadina, over as far as Bathurst Street. Walking down Yonge Street from Bloor to Queen is fun, but maybe a little raunchy for the younger one; seeddy lingerie and video stores, strip clubs, etc. <BR>Re Second City, -- there are worse places to take an 11 year old, but youmight phone first to see. A lot of the humor is political, so this may not appeal. <BR>RE: ballet, there are often a few tickets at the last minute. Thger'es half price tickets for some other live thatre available from thebasement level of the Eaton Centre, too/ <BR>Other things for kids: daytime walk along Queen Street West, from University over to Spadian and perhaps a few more blocks west, then back to Spadina and north on Spadina to the Kinsington Market area 9a few blocks north of Dundas) <BR>For a day trip, Niagara Falls, Niagara on the lake, the Butterfly Conservatory between the two communities, and the Maid of the Mist boat trip to the foot of the falls make for a much better day than a visit to Canada's Wonderland. <BR>(The Beaches is pretty far down my list for the first visit of two kids to Toronto) <BR>BAK <BR>

To find out what's going on at Harbourfront, go to www.harbourfront.on.ca

Hi all, <BR>Thanks to everyone for all the information. I will have to read it over several times before I absorb it all. I feel like there is so much information and so much to do in Toronto that I will never get it all done. This is going to be the vacation like the merry-go-round that never stops. If anyone has anything to add please feel free to do so. I check back quite often. <BR> <BR>Thanks again, <BR>Kathy <BR>

Hi, <BR>our son will be in the NARCH tournament in july and i have never been to toronto <BR>please someone..help me with a nice hotel close to the hockey stadium where all of the shenanigans will take place. <BR>car rentals all that i need to know <BR>i live in west palm beach ,fl however, <BR>i am from detroit mi <BR>thank you eeeverybody.

Hi Kathy, <BR>Upon searching I could not find a Hockey Stadium. Is the NARCH tournament going on at the Hockey Hall of Fame? Or perhaps is it at the Skydome? If it is at either of these two places there are many great hotels nearby. Also if it is in this area then renting a car is not necessary. The public transportation system in Toronto is clean, efficient, and safe. <BR>Some good websites that may answer a lot of your questions are www.toronto.com www.torontotourism.com and www.ontario.com <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR>Kathy <BR> <BR>

Hi Kathy, <BR>We too will be visiting Toronto in early July....for the long holiday weekend. I have two sons, 12 & 15. We go to Toronto about once a year and just do one or two things each visit. My boys love the Ontario Science Center....they would pick it over the Royal Ontario Museum since they like the hands on displays. We like to go down to the waterfront if the weather is nice to have a meal and walk around...the boys enjoy many of the street performers. At night you could take them to a play....Lion King is in town, but it may be difficult to get tickets. I had planned to go, but the almost 16 yr. old decided he didn't want to see another play. We are doing Canada's Wonderland just so they can get one amusement park in this summer. Let me know if I can give you anymore help.

Pat, <BR>Thank you for the info. My son is also 15, and as you know it takes a lot to impress a boy that age. Does a kid that old really enjoy the Ontario Science Center? <BR> <BR>You mentioned that you like to go down to the waterfront area and walk around-- Are you refering to the Harbourfront area or the beaches? <BR> <BR>Also you mentioned taking in a play--My 11 year old would love to see a ballet, so which theater does ballets and will it be possible to get tickets once I am there? or do I need to get tickets ahead of time? Is there a website that lists plays, musicals, etc? <BR> <BR>Have you and your boys been to Casa Loma? If so, what was their opinion of it? <BR> <BR>One last question - Do you know where the Fishermans Wharf of San Francisco restaurant is? <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR>Kathy <BR>

Why hasen't anyone mentioned theatre yet? Toronto is the only city in North America with both The Lion King and Mamma Mia running. The first is excellent for kids right down to six years. Tickets are limited for the summer now but still available. See www.mirvish.com <BR>Also, if you have a car why not take a drive in the country north or northwest of Toronto. Lots of inns for lunch and antique shopping (although not as exciting for the kids). <BR>Don't forget Queen Street west of University Ave. - also an exciting place to stroll. <BR>Lots of chain restaurants mentioned here. How about Marche in BCE Place very different (right upstairs from the Hockey Hall of Fame). <BR>Make sure you take a stroll underground downtown during business hours to get the feel. There's nothing specific to see about it but it is unique. <BR>Looking for a quite stroll in the neighbourhoods (will bore the kids), try Mount Pleasent south of Eglinton, Bayview south of Eglinton, Yonge north (and south) of Eglinton, Yonge north of Lawrence (that's about as far up as you'd wanna go)- these areas are where the locals are strolling.

Fisherman's Wharf of San Francisco is located on Richmond Street just across from the Sheraton City Centre. Other restaurants I would recommend include The Bishop and Belcher (Queen Street W.), Cafe Diplomatica (Little Italy) and the Japanese Restaurant in Yorkville area that has a tepanyak in it(not the sushi restaurant) Also for italian try Coco Lozo (Little Italy) with a great little martini bar whose name I forget just a few doors down. Based on my last visit there, i found that Little Italy seemed to have really good restaurants everywhere. Trader's bar in the Sheraton was a good place to relax and have a drink, good bar food, and the bar at the Hilton, Tundra, looked interesting. Tortilla Flats on Queen Street W. might be a good place to take the kiddies. Have fun. Also, July 1 is Canada Day, so some things are probably gonna be shut down (just like in the U.S. on the 4th)

Hi all, <BR>Ariel, Susan, Daniel, JM, Anne, Brian, Pat, Camillo, and WildBill thank you so much for all your information. It was greatly appreciated. <BR> <BR>The one attraction that I failed to ask you about, but does sound fun, is Casa Loma. So what is your opinion on that one? <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR>Kathy <BR>

Hi Kathy - <BR>My husband and I just got back from a 4-day Memorial Day weekend in Toronto. We saw Lion King which was fabulous - if you have the opportunity to get tickets, do it, it is well worth the price of the tickets. We also found a great restaurant called Marche (part of the Movenpick group which has several locations throughout the city). It is located in the BCE Building on Yonge Street just off Front Street. The place was mobbed from early morning till after theater (it's open from 7:30 a.m. till 4 am Fridays and Saturdays and until 2am the rest of the week). Marche has something for everyone. When you go in, they give everyone a card. The restaurant is made up of food stations such as pizza, pasta, stir fry, salads, seafood, all made to order, plus the most wonderful desserts like made-to-order crepes and waffles. You pick what you want from the various food stations and move on, and you get your card stamped by each food station where you pick up something. Then you hand your card to the cashier on your way out and they add everything up based on the stamps on your card. We ate there twice for dinner and once for post-theater dessert and everything was just wonderful. If there was one of them in my neighborhood I'd be a regular. We have been to Casa Loma on a previous trip and enjoyed it, but I think kids may be bored with it. We also did Paramount's Canada Wonderland on a prior trip and loved it. If you go, plan on spending a whole day. It is a short drive from downtown Toronto. Have fun!