OT: Visiting Eastern Canada

[RingWraith]

Hello all. In June I will be venturing to Eastern Canada for the first time since a one week stay in Ottawa 11 years ago. Unfortunately the Maple Leafs boards have been beyond useless for suggestions. The moderators just stuff any and all inquiries in to the General Lounge thread which is flooded with idle banter which buries any serious posts. Misguided and pathetic. The Canadiens boards seem oddly unresponsive. So I'm tossing it on here in hope some of my fellow West Coasters have some migrant experience. Any help will be majorly appreciated!

We'll be driving and hitting up Toronto and Montreal as the focus of our trip with day trips planned to Niagara Falls, Ottawa and Quebec city respectively. Unfortunately we don't have a whole lot of time, so I think we'll only be in each major city for 2 or 3 days. Will probably hit up a Blue Jays game, the HHOF, and Canada's Wonderland in Toronto. I have general admission tickets to the Grand Prix in Montreal on June 9th. But I'm looking for other suggestions of things to do and see during our brief visits. Looking for intensive, very "Toronto", "Ottawa", and "Montreal" type experiences.

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[94eleven]

Hello all. In June I will be venturing to Eastern Canada for the first time since a one week stay in Ottawa 11 years ago. Unfortunately the Maple Leafs boards have been beyond useless for suggestions. The moderators just stuff any and all inquiries in to the General Lounge thread which is flooded with idle banter which buries any serious posts. Misguided and pathetic. The Canadiens boards seem oddly unresponsive. So I'm tossing it on here in hope some of my fellow West Coasters have some migrant experience. Any help will be majorly appreciated!

We'll be driving and hitting up Toronto and Montreal as the focus of our trip with day trips planned to Niagara Falls, Ottawa and Quebec city respectively. Unfortunately we don't have a whole lot of time, so I think we'll only be in each major city for 2 or 3 days. Will probably hit up a Blue Jays game, the HHOF, and Canada's Wonderland in Toronto. I have general admission tickets to the Grand Prix in Montreal on June 9th. But I'm looking for other suggestions of things to do and see during our brief visits. Looking for intensive, very "Toronto", "Ottawa", and "Montreal" type experiences.

CN Tower in Toronto, Maid of the Mist in Niagara Falls (along with the casino if you are so inclined), those were the first touristy things to come to mind that you hadn't mentioned.

 

[MajorCanuck]

Hello all. In June I will be venturing to Eastern Canada for the first time since a one week stay in Ottawa 11 years ago. Unfortunately the Maple Leafs boards have been beyond useless for suggestions. The moderators just stuff any and all inquiries in to the General Lounge thread which is flooded with idle banter which buries any serious posts. Misguided and pathetic. The Canadiens boards seem oddly unresponsive. So I'm tossing it on here in hope some of my fellow West Coasters have some migrant experience. Any help will be majorly appreciated!

We'll be driving and hitting up Toronto and Montreal as the focus of our trip with day trips planned to Niagara Falls, Ottawa and Quebec city respectively. Unfortunately we don't have a whole lot of time, so I think we'll only be in each major city for 2 or 3 days. Will probably hit up a Blue Jays game, the HHOF, and Canada's Wonderland in Toronto. I have general admission tickets to the Grand Prix in Montreal on June 9th. But I'm looking for other suggestions of things to do and see during our brief visits. Looking for intensive, very "Toronto", "Ottawa", and "Montreal" type experiences.

If interested, you can take a day out of your Montreal stay and drive to Quebec City and check out the Chateau Frontenac/Plains of Abraham area. Very unique.

 

[thefeebster]

Last May, I did Toronto and Montreal in about a week. Unfortunately the Jays were in Boston that week and when we went to Boston, the Red Sox weren't playing either!

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Toronto was spent with friends and a lot of touristy stuff. We actually got into the ROM for free one night. It was like an adult night and my friend had an SLR around their neck, they thought we were media and just waved us in. I liked the ROM.

I went alone to the HHOF, definitely don't skip it.

We bought the city pass, so we tried to do as much stuff in there very touristy though. Did the CN tower, which was cool, but a bit pricey for regular admission. Went to the ROM again with the pass. And did Casa Loma... it was a bit of a trek to get there, nice views, but i feel its haunted which creeps me out and it wasn't too worth while.

We did Kensington Market, Chinatown, but it was different. I like St.Lawrence market more, but you can walk through there quickly.

We did a day trip to Niagara Falls as well. I liked the boat ride. It was crazy and the best part of that day. The rest there is a bit blah. Good luck trying to find good food there!

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Montreal i really liked the plateau and all of the food there! Montreal for us was basically find all the great places to eat and walk around to walk off that weight! I liked Jean Talon Market. I felt that was very "Montreal"-y since it was basically local people selling their produce. You can walk around a test the produce several times ahaha. There is a great bakery in the market.

I also liked the walk around Mont Royal. Nice walk, seems like a lot of locals run there regularly.

 

[RingWraith]

Anybody know how much admission is to the CN Tower? I assume it's a brutal tourist trap but perhaps at certain times of the day the lines aren't so bad.

If interested, you can take a day out of your Montreal stay and drive to Quebec City and check out the Chateau Frontenac/Plains of Abraham area. Very unique.

Definitely plan to do that. My travel mates aren't huge history buffs, but this is pretty much the sole reason I want to go to Quebec city and it's one of my must sees for the entire trip. So I'm forcing them. =P

 

[67Cup]

A boat tour in Toronto Harbour gives you a great view of the skyline, a chance to visit the islands, if you wish, plus a history of the area. It is also cooler at a time the rest of the city may be hot and humid. Try Toronto Harbour Tours as a very godd company. There are lots of good restaurants and many cultural activities.

Greek restaurants, especially along the Danforth, are better than Vancouver. My favorite is Avli. Other categories of food are no better IMO.

I agree re the CN Tower, HHOF, and the Maid of the Mist.

 

[RingWraith]

thefeebster: That city pass seems like pretty decent value. For the Zoo, CN Tower and Casa Loma. All attractions I would probably see.

 

[thefeebster]

thefeebster: That city pass seems like pretty decent value. For the Zoo, CN Tower and Casa Loma. All attractions I would probably see.

Yes, its very good if you are intending to go to those places anyways. We used it for Toronto and NYC; its well recognized at the locations, so you won't have any problems using it.

 

[RingWraith]

Do you know if the city pass gets you to both observation decks of the CN tower, or just the first level? I checked the official website and didn't realize there are two levels, the second at an added cost.

 

[iamtherunner]

Lots of cool stuff to check out in Montreal. Driving can be stressful (Montreal has crazy drivers and pedestrians walk whenever and wherever they want) and I think the best bet for getting around is the metro. It's really hot in the summer but its fast, relatively cheap, and can get you most anywhere you want to go. Great for getting around to the different neighbourhoods. Best bet would probably be a one day pass for $9 or a 3 day pass for $18.

Not sure if this applies to you but don't be worried about the language divide. Some people get a little worried about this but there's not need to. In my experience of living in Montreal everyone speaks English. If someone starts speaking to you in French just try to be polite and say you can't speak French (if you do though people will definitely like it!). People will only be rude if you act arrogant or rude about a preference for English.

I'm pretty into food so here's what I recommend on that front:

Bagels from St-Viateur are a must in my mind, one of the things I miss most about living in Montreal. Open 24/7 cooking bagels in a wood fired oven. (Plateau area, Mont Royal station)

Smoked meat sandwiches are great. Lots of places to get 'em. Schwartz's is the famous one (usually a line out the door), but there are other good ones like The Main. (St. Laurent street)

For restaurants there ton to chose from. If you like pork and/or duck Au Pied de Cochon is Rene Picard's resto and its awesome. (Plateau) I've also heard really good things about Joe Beef. (Griffintown)

Montreal is great for breweries, lots of really unique stuff that's not usually available outside of Quebec. Check out Dieu du Ciel. There's also a lot of great brewpubs who brew their own beer on site. (Brutopia downtown is good, Dieu du Ciel have one in the Plateau.

For Poutine La Banquise in the Plateau is my favourite, but there's lots of good places.

For activities and areas to check out:

Montreal has a lot of great neighbourhoods and parks. If you want to go for a walk or rent bikes (can do this at Atwater market) there's a great path that goes along the Lachine canal. Closest metro would be Lionel-Groulx.

Park Lafontaine, in the lower Plateau just east of downtown, is another good one. Closest to Sherbrooke station.

If you're interested in historic stuff the Old Port is the place to go. However, it's quite touristy and in the summer I imagine it'll be packed with tourists. It won't be cheap in terms of food and other stuff either. Closest to Place D'armes station.

Check out the Mont-Royal park. If you walk up the steps behind McGill you get a great view of the city, probably the best view you can get. If you're there on a Sunday the Tam-Tams at the Cartier monument (Drum circle type thing, lots of people hanging out) is a very Montreal thing.

 

[thefeebster]

Do you know if the city pass gets you to both observation decks of the CN tower, or just the first level? I checked the official website and didn't realize there are two levels, the second at an added cost.

I believe it was just the main deck plus some kind of movie ride thing, which we did not have time for. I found the one level enough, it was caged outside but very windy. I liked the glass floor, but terrifying when kids started jumping on it.

I find for these kinds of attractions one level is enough because the view will be similar. In NYC, we did the empire state building and top of the rock. Never really felt I needed to go to the next level, as they had two levels too, and pay extra for it too. But that's just me. You guys may find it worthwhile!

 

[RingWraith]

I believe it was just the main deck plus some kind of movie ride thing, which we did not have time for. I found the one level enough, it was caged outside but very windy. I liked the glass floor, but terrifying when kids started jumping on it.

I find for these kinds of attractions one level is enough because the view will be similar. In NYC, we did the empire state building and top of the rock. Never really felt I needed to go to the next level, as they had two levels too, and pay extra for it too. But that's just me. You guys may find it worthwhile!

One level may be enough, I guess I will decide at the time. I've been up the Space Needle and Calgary Tower which were fine, but the most impressive I've trekked up was the old Tokyo Tower. On that one the separate observation decks are actually at a substantially different elevation, and they sneakily place other attractions and gift shops on each, so they gouge you that way even if it's worth it.


iamtherunner: Mega thanks dude! I've heard a lot about the eats in Montreal and I'm really hoping to find some tasty local food stuffs. This will help a lot. Thanks again.

Totally figures that I get far more help from the bloody Vancouver boards than either Toronto's or Montreal's...

 

[thefeebster]

I didn't even see iamtherunner's post before. Very good.

We did the metro in both Toronto and Montreal. I liked Montreal's better, very easy/cheap to get around and our hotel was near a station.

Montreal i found was definitely full of good places to eat. My friend is a foodblogger so we did most of the important stops. St.Viateur Bagels were delicious. Fresh out of the oven, literally. We also went to La Banquise, and shamefully, i will admit, i finished my plate.

 

[Tiranis]

A lot of good food and pubs/bars in Toronto.

I recommend trying the Black Hoof for a real Toronto food experience. You can hit up the Cocktail Bar across the street while waiting for a table or the Raw Bar next door.

Happy to recommend other places but not sure if you're looking something more casual or high-end.

 

[RingWraith]

I didn't even see iamtherunner's post before. Very good.

We did the metro in both Toronto and Montreal. I liked Montreal's better, very easy/cheap to get around and our hotel was near a station.

Montreal i found was definitely full of good places to eat. My friend is a foodblogger so we did most of the important stops. St.Viateur Bagels were delicious. Fresh out of the oven, literally. We also went to La Banquise, and shamefully, i will admit, i finished my plate.

Yeah I'm hoping we can get reasonable accommodation near a Subway station in both cities, anchor the car there and just use the trains to get around. I don't mind driving in large busy cities, but I don't like parking in them...

And what's with the bagels?! I've never been much of a bagel fan but geez, I guess I don't have a choice on this one.

Tiranis: Hard to say, but we'll probably hit up a variety of places. Mostly casual I suppose as I think the budgets of my travel mates will be somewhat restricted, but one or two higher end places might be in order. As long as we're not talking 50+ dollars/plate here.

We are big fans of Japanese cuisine, but Vancouver has tons of fantastic Asian options. What Toronto will likely have Van beat in are Greek, Spanish, and Caribbean restaurants.

 

[Tiranis]

We are big fans of Japanese cuisine, but Vancouver has tons of fantastic Asian options. What Toronto will likely have Van beat in are Greek, Spanish, and Caribbean restaurants.

Toronto has the three best authentic Japanese restaurants (I've been at high-end sushi places in Japan to compare) in North America outside of NYC:

Sushi Kaji - they only offer two types of tasting courses and it's pricey, but it's a great experience

Zen Japanese Restaurant - in the middle of nowhere but one of the top authentic sushi restaurants in North America; prices are reasonable and their menu is on their website (Omakase is $40-ish, I think)

Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto - insanely expensive, but pretty much one of the only legitimate kaiseki places outside of Japan

There's more too. There's a great, cheap authentic Japanese place all the way north in Newmarket that I can't recall the name of.

The selection for authentic sushi (read: non-westernized like most of the stuff in Vancouver) here is actually better than on the West Coast. You just have to know where to look and most of these places are not in central Toronto. I was pretty surprised when I found most of these places as I mistakenly believed, like many, that there wouldn't be much here.

I recommend checking out Chowhound for good Toronto restaurant discussion and tips. It's very popular over here and has great guides to the city.

 

[RingWraith]

Toronto has the three best authentic Japanese restaurants (I've been at high-end sushi places in Japan to compare) in North America outside of NYC:

Sushi Kaji - they only offer two types of tasting courses and it's pricey, but it's a great experience

Zen Japanese Restaurant - in the middle of nowhere but one of the top authentic sushi restaurants in North America; prices are reasonable and their menu is on their website (Omakase is $40-ish, I think)

Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto - insanely expensive, but pretty much one of the only legitimate kaiseki places outside of Japan

There's more too. There's a great, cheap authentic Japanese place all the way north in Newmarket that I can't recall the name of.

The selection for authentic sushi (read: non-westernized like most of the stuff in Vancouver) here is actually better than on the West Coast. You just have to know where to look and most of these places are not in central Toronto. I was pretty surprised when I found most of these places as I mistakenly believed, like many, that there wouldn't be much here.

I recommend checking out Chowhound for good Toronto restaurant discussion and tips. It's very popular over here and has great guides to the city.

I wouldn't doubt that. Like it's trendy hipster cafes, Vancouver has taken to westernized fusion sushi to an astounding extent. This was even more pronounced to me after returning from a visit to Japan in 2010. After not seeing a maki roll for several weeks, I was bombarded by them, lol. Having said that though I will still defend Vancity's Japanese cuisine. The authentic stuff is there, and it's good, and there's nothing wrong with westernized sushi if it's done well and that's what you like. I happen to like both.

On top of that Izakayas are becoming very big in the food scene and some of them are just as good as what I found in Osaka and Tokyo. I haven't had okonomiyaki quite as good as what I had in Hiroshima, but hopefully soon! One strong advantage Vancouver holds is the simple fact that it is a coastal city. You can see the differences in price to inland cities immediately. The quality of the low to mid range priced sushi in Vancouver constantly surprises me. Maybe the reason it surprises me is due to how much time I've spent in Calgary lately. Ugh.

You have me even more excited though to be visiting Toronto. I've done my share of sushi tasting, but a lot of it has disappointed me. It sounds like T.O. will not. Can't wait. As badly as I would like to indulge in some great kaiseki, it and Kaji look to be out of my price range. But it be tempting. Zen sounds viable. I will make a note of it!

Arigatou gozaimasu

 

[Tiranis]

I wouldn't doubt that. Like it's trendy hipster cafes, Vancouver has taken to westernized fusion sushi to an astounding extent. This was even more pronounced to me after returning from a visit to Japan in 2010. After not seeing a maki roll for several weeks, I was bombarded by them, lol. Having said that though I will still defend Vancity's Japanese cuisine. The authentic stuff is there, and it's good, and there's nothing wrong with westernized sushi if it's done well and that's what you like. I happen to like both.

I think the Japanese cuisine overall is good and especially the cheapness of it, it's mostly the sushi selection that really disappoints me in Vancouver having now been to Japan a few times and having now experienced what bigger NA cities have to offer. It pretty much gets by on the quality of the fish and little else.

 

[BigBadBread]

You should skip those places and go to the "real" Eastern Canada aka Atlantic Canada.

 

[RingWraith]

That I plan to do in a separate trip. I simply do not have the time and given the people I'm traveling with I don't think they'd be overly interested. Newfoundland, Cape Breton, PEI, Halifax, The Bay of Fundy, etc are definitely on my to see list. Some day.

 

[BrandonL]

In Ottawa you should probably just head down to "The Market", it's the main gathering for pubs and restaurants in the downtown area. Lots of good places to eat / grab a drink. Plus, it's only a drunken stumble away from the parliament buildings.