Tell me about Toronto
Discussion
Some of the regulars may remember I asked lots about Vancouver on a budget not too long ago; Vancouver may now be out due to my (need) want to camp... And the lack of suitable public transport...
So Toronto is back in the game, who's been, what's there to see other than the obvious, how easy is it to get out of the city and explore without a hire car...
Tell me all!!
As always I look forward to the real people, real advice!
So Toronto is back in the game, who's been, what's there to see other than the obvious, how easy is it to get out of the city and explore without a hire car...
Tell me all!!
As always I look forward to the real people, real advice!
It was over ten years ago that I went, but one of my favourite holiday, if not lifetime moments was sitting out on the deck of the bar just by the ferry terminal on the islands, watching the sun go down over the city. Nothing dramatic, but it was just cool, and the islands are lovely for a nose around.
I went down to Niagara via greyhound which was a nice way to do it I thought.
I went down to Niagara via greyhound which was a nice way to do it I thought.
On the other side of fence I found Toronto and the surrounding area very built up and industrialised. I drove all the way down to Niagara, falls are great but they have been a very tacky tourist destination from the place (think Blackpool with a big waterfall).
If I was going back to Canada it would be somewhere like Montreal.
If I was going back to Canada it would be somewhere like Montreal.
The CN tower is an obvious choice. Go up before sunset so you get to see it during daytime and nighttime (better then IMO).
Get a ferry out to Centre Island Park, where you can rent a bike to get around, or just wander. Lovely views of the city from here.
And Niagara of course.
I spent a week in Toronto, followed by a week touring Ontario, many years ago when I had to be over there for 2 separate business trips a fortnight apart. Rather than flying home for 2 weeks I stayed there and my wife flew out to join me. Ontario really is a lovely place to tour - some great places to visit (Algonquin Park, 1000 Islands, Tobermory Island) - and very, very quiet. Except for Naiagra of course. Also managed to get across to Montreal for the F1 race (this was when Mansell was a long way in front then stalled whilst waving to the crowd on the last lap!
Get a ferry out to Centre Island Park, where you can rent a bike to get around, or just wander. Lovely views of the city from here.
And Niagara of course.
I spent a week in Toronto, followed by a week touring Ontario, many years ago when I had to be over there for 2 separate business trips a fortnight apart. Rather than flying home for 2 weeks I stayed there and my wife flew out to join me. Ontario really is a lovely place to tour - some great places to visit (Algonquin Park, 1000 Islands, Tobermory Island) - and very, very quiet. Except for Naiagra of course. Also managed to get across to Montreal for the F1 race (this was when Mansell was a long way in front then stalled whilst waving to the crowd on the last lap!
We went to Toronto in the winter. Heard Niagara was spectacular in the winter and it was. Got around the place above ground in -15C for a while for the novelty then succumbed to the warm underground ways, train and walking. Think you can get around the whole city underground quite easily?
I went to Toronto last year as part of a Canadian GP trip. Also called in at Ottawa and Mont Tremblant and had a cracking time. We stayed just on the outskirts of Little Italy/Kensington which is a bohemian and lively area. Felt pretty safe but with a nice mix of different characters around. We mostly walked and it's not unattractive for a large city. We went up the CN Tower, had a look in the Blue Jays' stadium, did the malls, botanical gardens and so on. The best bit was the island though. Take a picnic and just enjoy the quiet and stunning views. It feels like it's in the sea, but is actually Lake Ontario.
In all, I don't reckon you'd fill more than a week but it's a really cool place to hang out, eat and drink.
In all, I don't reckon you'd fill more than a week but it's a really cool place to hang out, eat and drink.
i go to Toronto about 4 times a year as my company is HQ'd there. I absolutely love it, but a lot of it is down to having made a lot of friends there. In terms of tourist stuff to do, already been mentioned. Niagara Falls, CN Tower etc. Beyond that, there's really just basic museums and art galleries. If you want to stay downtown, then the vibe in and around the Eaton centre (big shopping mall) is where it's at. Cinemas, bars, restaurants, pubs and shopping. You're also close to the few galleries and museums, but they really aren't that great.
Ice wine area has already been mentioned, and again, really worthwhile. I don't drink, but watching the process and visiting the vineyards is great.
If you don't have a car, then you're restricted to downtown or public transport. Public transport is actually quite good, especially the bus service. The one thing I would recommend is to take in a game of some kind. Completely dependent on the time of year you go, but Toronto has a soccer, basketball, baseball and basketball team, all of which are great to watch. They don't have an NFL team, but they do have a CFL league which is really, REALLY bad, so if that's your only option, then pass.
Again, already mentioned is the park on the island, a great way to spend the day.
If I can help at all, I will. My next trip is an about 4 weeks, can't wait.
Ice wine area has already been mentioned, and again, really worthwhile. I don't drink, but watching the process and visiting the vineyards is great.
If you don't have a car, then you're restricted to downtown or public transport. Public transport is actually quite good, especially the bus service. The one thing I would recommend is to take in a game of some kind. Completely dependent on the time of year you go, but Toronto has a soccer, basketball, baseball and basketball team, all of which are great to watch. They don't have an NFL team, but they do have a CFL league which is really, REALLY bad, so if that's your only option, then pass.
Again, already mentioned is the park on the island, a great way to spend the day.
If I can help at all, I will. My next trip is an about 4 weeks, can't wait.
I've been to Torronto 5 times now ( 3 times in the last 6 years ) always spend 4 or 5 days before we fly home, cn tower edge walk is awsome ( bit pricey but worth the money) Niagara is like blackpool but the falls are worth a look at, try the jet boats from Niagara on the lake they run the rapids, only time I have been sat in a boat with water up to my shoulders. Watched a baseball game at the Rogers stadium Blue Jays V's Yankees -- atmosphere was brilliant about £35 for really good seats. Drive up to algonquin (3 hrs drive max) breathtaking scenery and plenty of outdoor activities ( camping in bear country , canoeing, fishing, mountain biking , walking, watching wildlife ect.
Ottowa is only a 3hr drive away. Watersports -Toronto is on lake Ontario , lake erie (1 hr drive) and lake huron ( 3 hr drive )these lakes have great beaches with crystal clear fresh water ( with no speed limits for speedboats ) which is about the temp of the med around greece, ideal for sunbathing summer temps are around 30c .
Torronto has plenty of shopping designer or budget , night life is good and plenty of bars /restaurants.
peter
Ottowa is only a 3hr drive away. Watersports -Toronto is on lake Ontario , lake erie (1 hr drive) and lake huron ( 3 hr drive )these lakes have great beaches with crystal clear fresh water ( with no speed limits for speedboats ) which is about the temp of the med around greece, ideal for sunbathing summer temps are around 30c .
Torronto has plenty of shopping designer or budget , night life is good and plenty of bars /restaurants.
peter
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