Toronto
Almond
1,427 Posts
(please direct me to a previous thread if there is one)
I'm planning on going to Toronto this summer for a wedding. I haven't traveled in a year, so I'm looking forward to getting out of CA.
If I was alone or with friends, I'd hop onto the subway and just go wherever. However, I'm going to be with family members (mostly my mother who is paranoid, ultra-conservative and slow) so I have to do family friendly stuff. Any recommendations? Tourist attractions that are worth the time and money? Parts of town I should avoid? Best subway/cable car/bus routes?
I'm planning on going to Toronto this summer for a wedding. I haven't traveled in a year, so I'm looking forward to getting out of CA.
If I was alone or with friends, I'd hop onto the subway and just go wherever. However, I'm going to be with family members (mostly my mother who is paranoid, ultra-conservative and slow) so I have to do family friendly stuff. Any recommendations? Tourist attractions that are worth the time and money? Parts of town I should avoid? Best subway/cable car/bus routes?
Comments
Where are you staying?
When are you coming?
You better figure out a way to get away for at least one night so you can come out with DOR and I (tell your Mom I'm a nice Muslim girl, don't mention DOR).
Anyway, what's good? I don't want to be eating biscuits and tea at my aunt's house if I can be doing something else.
I'm making a list of generic touristy stuff and just ordered a used Lonely Planet guide for Toronto.
Let's at the very least do some eats.
I have a rule of only hanging out with Bassie once a year, so I'll pick that time!
This is if you are mostly traveling by transit. If you are driving, then it's easier.
There are lots of family-friendly things to do that aren't boring
-car-free Sunday on the last Sunday of the month in Kensington Market
-Harbourfront Centre
-you should look through Now Magazine for their summer events round-up and pick one up or check the site the week you're here
-if you want to go clothes/shoes/etc. shopping, there are a load of places on Queen West - running west from University all the way to the lake. It is a day's walk, but worth going through all the different layers of gentrification while looking at cute shit. You'll easily hit five or so record stores, too.
-Ossington between Dundas and Queen has a bunch of vintage stores, as does Kensington Market
-Chinatown, Little India, Little Italy
-Ontario Science Centre - they have a Harry Potter exhibition on right now. It's out of the city core, but worth it if you ask me.
-the Royal Ontario Museum is a bit of a rip off imo, but the AGO is grand (and free on Wednesday nights). The AGO is right by Chinatown so you can kill two events in one go.
-for expensive shit, check Bloor going west from Yonge
-the Canadian National Exhibition is on at that time - it is kinda grimey, but the food building rocks and you will see every kind of human being possible
These are some regular things. I guess you can go to the CN Tower, too.
Dude - Toronto in the summertime is something to behold - you are lucky to be coming!
Thanks for the suggestions! Harbourfront/Waterfront is on the list.
-bring lots of money for cosmos (it's one of top record stores anywhere but don;t go with a non-record person who will rush you).
-if you're a fan of the comix and related stuff check out "silver snail" on queen.
-get bassie and dor to tell you where the best jamaican take-out spots are.
-get a belly buster bacon sub
Brampton is the the suburbs, out of Toronto limits. Get someone to drop you off at the GO station, or if they are really nice, at the closest TTC subway station.
It will be a tragedy if you are here for a week and we do not get to break bread with you.
If you make it to Harbourfront on one of those free days, try to go during the day and meet us for food in the evening.
I'll PM you my numbers - give me a shout if it looks like you can swing it.
might depend on your network
I'd definately say check out the Toronto island. It's $6.50 to take the ferry over. Weekdays are the best there are less families. Go to Wards island as Centre island has a small amusement park and is crawling with kids. Theres a nice beach on wards island facing away from the city so it really feels like you are somewhere else. The Rectory Cafe on wards island has fantastic patio to check out. http://therectorycafe.com/ Or pack a picnic lots of great places for a blanket or picnic benches. Oh and there's a frisbee golf course if thats your thing.
I was in Downtown Toronto for a day in a hotel near the fashion district. Harbourfront, Toronto Islands and just walking around. Now I'm in Brampton for the duration of my trip with a bunch of old folks. It's only been an hour. Good thing I have my phone and some books. I will post a few photos DJ Sheep style when I get back.
My long lost uncle says:
"There are two ways to take a shower. The first way involves turning on the water and soaping up and turning off the faucet when you're done 15 min later. But then the water runs out and the next person can't even wash their face. The second way involves turning on the water, getting wet, turning it off, soaping up and then quickly rinsing off. The second way is called teamwork."
Does the water really run out in Canada? Do they really think guests from CA will suck the city dry?
(Unless your uncle has not paid his water bill, I can only guess he is talking about hot water)
i have only had my hotwater run out and that is due to 25 minute shower in the dead of winter...lol, once the water heats up in the hotwaterheater shes good to go in about 20 minute or so...
also,
cosmo b's at the drake friday, and I'm driving in from the west end if it's a pow wow you seek.
Hope all is well in Canada.
And, what about older people who need to bathe in a tub?
-The grown-ups are trying to plan a trip to Niagara Falls.
-I started reading Eat, Pray, Love and it's cute.
-I saw some record spots downtown.
-Thanks for the suggestions, y'all, but it would be rude for me to leave in the midst of this hospitality.
Loved the street art in the Fashion District. Saw a few record spots along Queen Street, but I didn't spend a dollar on anything other than food or lodging, so I have no finds to share. Thanks, Toronto, it was fun, though we only had 36 hours together before I moved on to the suburbs. I think Cosmos Records relocated.
Maybe I'll post a pic of one of my bites and have y'all reassure me that it's not from a bedbug.
Those pictures were the inspiration for a really fantastic dream I had last night!
thank you Almond!!!