OT: Visiting Toronto
- Thread starter Isles5513
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Best fishing is Bay of Quinte which is on the way to or from New York.
Distillery District is my Fav place in Toronto, but it's not really kid friendly.
Centre Island great place to take the kids for the day, If you have young kids there is a mini amusement park there. Pack a lunch or buy a lunch it's worth seeing.
Clifton Hill in Niagara falls Fun for the kids they have Clifton hill passes, Also fireworks over the falls at night. Also Niagara falls has two outlet malls. One Huge Water park, lots of family oriented things to do.
I'd do the CNE as well get a beavertail.
For adult time if you can get any without the kids I'd do the distillery district or Niagara on the lake for some wine tasting
Also do a drive in. We still have them. The best one though that i have been to is in the Quinte area but there is others.
For Money exchange Casino do it at cost. I'm not a huge fan of Toronto but i also live in the area. We have many trails, many waterfalls and lots of outdoor stuff to do all over Ontario.
The best advice i can give is decide upon things you would like to do and Well have a blast.
Distillery District is my Fav place in Toronto, but it's not really kid friendly.
Centre Island great place to take the kids for the day, If you have young kids there is a mini amusement park there. Pack a lunch or buy a lunch it's worth seeing.
Clifton Hill in Niagara falls Fun for the kids they have Clifton hill passes, Also fireworks over the falls at night. Also Niagara falls has two outlet malls. One Huge Water park, lots of family oriented things to do.
I'd do the CNE as well get a beavertail.
For adult time if you can get any without the kids I'd do the distillery district or Niagara on the lake for some wine tasting
Also do a drive in. We still have them. The best one though that i have been to is in the Quinte area but there is others.
For Money exchange Casino do it at cost. I'm not a huge fan of Toronto but i also live in the area. We have many trails, many waterfalls and lots of outdoor stuff to do all over Ontario.
The best advice i can give is decide upon things you would like to do and Well have a blast.
No matter what time of day, you're going to hit traffic. The 401 is a disaster, especially though the stretch between the 400 and DVP where you would be driving. You could take the 407 over to the 404 (which turns into the DVP), but I wouldn't advise it, because the tolls are insane (and yes, even as an American, you'll either get the bill in the mail or be hit up when you go new plates, because of a mutual agreement between Ontario and NY state). And by insane, I mean more than $10 to go 20km (the government sold off the road for pennies on a dollar to some private swindlers in the late 1990's). You're going to hit traffic on the DVP too, particularly around Eglinton. Once you get to the Gardiner, you'll be fine. Word of Caution: Learn the rules around streetcars. It's an extra challenge that most visitors aren't used to dealing with. Treat it almost like a school-bus. Always stop behind the open doors.
There is also a commuter train from Barrie (and stops south of it) to Downtown, but they only run a few trains per day, so it's more geared to the business crowd (work in the morning/home at night) and not ideal for your situation. Once you do make it Downtown, I suggest find a place to park and walking/using public transit to get around. If you try to dot around from one place to another, you'll have to find (& pay for) parking every where you go. The TTC offers a day pass and a weekly pass. The Yonge Subway is good for N/S travel but in Downtown, E/W you're probably going to have to either hail a cab, use a streetcar, or walk.
In terms of things to do, June-September is peak festival season, so there will be no shortage of events ongoing. Buskerfest is taking place around when you're in town, as well as the Canadian National Exhibition. You're sadly coming a couple weeks late for the Greek Festival (one of Toronto's best) and a couple early for the Polish & Ukrainian ones. You'll want to see the usual attractions, the CN Tower, the HHOF, apparently Ripley's Aquarium is fun though I've never been, Centre Island is nice. Some others: St. Lawrence Market, the Distillery District is a hidden gem albeit on the far eastern edge of Downtown (how times have changed, we used to tell people not to go east of Yonge), Fort York, the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario if you're an artsy individual, and if you're looking for a unique museum experience (in North America, at least), the new Aga Khan Museum holds one of the most exclusive collections of Islamic arts and antiquities outside of the Middle East, although it's a bit of a trek (the Ontario Science Centre is also across the street, it's nothing special but is fun for kids). You could also check out a Blue Jays game, and while the Skydome isn't a "dump", it is the last multi-purpose buildings in the MLB. As a Mets fan, it might make you feel slightly nostalgic for Shea Stadium... for a little while at least.
There's no shortage of things to see and especially as you widen beyond Downtown. The city's mix of ethnic neighborhoods is probably only rivaled by New York and if you're willing to make a bit of a trek, eating dinner in Greekdown (Pape or Donlands subway stops) or in Little Italy on College St. is a nice way to spend an evening. Parks like the Scarborough Bluffs or the Niagara Peninsula in Hamilton or obviously Niagara Falls are great excursions (the Canadian side > the American side, not only for the view, but Niagara Falls itself is pretty vibrant, with kind of a Vegasy/Atlantic City feel). If you're a wine drinker, the Niagara region also offers some great wine tours. Honestly, if you're only going to be here for a short time, you might just consider taking one of those tourist hop on/hop off buses. That way you get to see the whole Downtown and get transportation to the main attractions.
Toronto isn't New York -- no city in North America is -- but it's got it's own vibe. I hope you enjoy your trip and if you do go on to Montréal (and haven't yet been), I think you'll really enjoy it as well. It's a great city, in spite of the taint the Habs bring to it.
There is also a commuter train from Barrie (and stops south of it) to Downtown, but they only run a few trains per day, so it's more geared to the business crowd (work in the morning/home at night) and not ideal for your situation. Once you do make it Downtown, I suggest find a place to park and walking/using public transit to get around. If you try to dot around from one place to another, you'll have to find (& pay for) parking every where you go. The TTC offers a day pass and a weekly pass. The Yonge Subway is good for N/S travel but in Downtown, E/W you're probably going to have to either hail a cab, use a streetcar, or walk.
In terms of things to do, June-September is peak festival season, so there will be no shortage of events ongoing. Buskerfest is taking place around when you're in town, as well as the Canadian National Exhibition. You're sadly coming a couple weeks late for the Greek Festival (one of Toronto's best) and a couple early for the Polish & Ukrainian ones. You'll want to see the usual attractions, the CN Tower, the HHOF, apparently Ripley's Aquarium is fun though I've never been, Centre Island is nice. Some others: St. Lawrence Market, the Distillery District is a hidden gem albeit on the far eastern edge of Downtown (how times have changed, we used to tell people not to go east of Yonge), Fort York, the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario if you're an artsy individual, and if you're looking for a unique museum experience (in North America, at least), the new Aga Khan Museum holds one of the most exclusive collections of Islamic arts and antiquities outside of the Middle East, although it's a bit of a trek (the Ontario Science Centre is also across the street, it's nothing special but is fun for kids). You could also check out a Blue Jays game, and while the Skydome isn't a "dump", it is the last multi-purpose buildings in the MLB. As a Mets fan, it might make you feel slightly nostalgic for Shea Stadium... for a little while at least.
There's no shortage of things to see and especially as you widen beyond Downtown. The city's mix of ethnic neighborhoods is probably only rivaled by New York and if you're willing to make a bit of a trek, eating dinner in Greekdown (Pape or Donlands subway stops) or in Little Italy on College St. is a nice way to spend an evening. Parks like the Scarborough Bluffs or the Niagara Peninsula in Hamilton or obviously Niagara Falls are great excursions (the Canadian side > the American side, not only for the view, but Niagara Falls itself is pretty vibrant, with kind of a Vegasy/Atlantic City feel). If you're a wine drinker, the Niagara region also offers some great wine tours. Honestly, if you're only going to be here for a short time, you might just consider taking one of those tourist hop on/hop off buses. That way you get to see the whole Downtown and get transportation to the main attractions.
Toronto isn't New York -- no city in North America is -- but it's got it's own vibe. I hope you enjoy your trip and if you do go on to Montréal (and haven't yet been), I think you'll really enjoy it as well. It's a great city, in spite of the taint the Habs bring to it.
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Toronto is just another city and you are not staying anywhere close to it, so why spend your vacation in another city??
There are only a few must do's in Toronto, that being the HHOF (if you're a hockey fan) and the CN tower. Most Torontonians overlook the Tower, but the views are incredible and nothing really like it in the western world. The restaurant is actualy excellent and there are a few other attractions there. The aqaurium is also great and right beside it.
So if you are doing a day, there are a few other things you can cram in like a trip to the island, but otherwise enjoy what Canada and Ontario is best at: wilderness.
Take a trip up to Parry Sound, Ontario, about an hour from Midland. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attract...Parry_Sound_Northeastern_Ontario_Ontario.html
There are some good charters out of Midland as well, or just rent a boat, its pretty easy to get up to Beausoleil Island for a day trip.
Don't go anywhere near Lake St. Clair. sure there is some muskie hunting but its basically a big cesspool. There is great muskie fishing up around Midland too, among all kinds of other fish to catch depending on the season.
There are only a few must do's in Toronto, that being the HHOF (if you're a hockey fan) and the CN tower. Most Torontonians overlook the Tower, but the views are incredible and nothing really like it in the western world. The restaurant is actualy excellent and there are a few other attractions there. The aqaurium is also great and right beside it.
So if you are doing a day, there are a few other things you can cram in like a trip to the island, but otherwise enjoy what Canada and Ontario is best at: wilderness.
Take a trip up to Parry Sound, Ontario, about an hour from Midland. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attract...Parry_Sound_Northeastern_Ontario_Ontario.html
There are some good charters out of Midland as well, or just rent a boat, its pretty easy to get up to Beausoleil Island for a day trip.
Don't go anywhere near Lake St. Clair. sure there is some muskie hunting but its basically a big cesspool. There is great muskie fishing up around Midland too, among all kinds of other fish to catch depending on the season.
Finnish your Czech
J'aime Les offres hostiles
Not sure he'd have time for both. CNE is a big time investment. Centre Island is too if you're going to check out the whole island area, too.
18leafsfan18
Registered User
I have seen a couple more suggestions on here for going to a beach and going to a drive in.
The suggestion of Wasaga Beach was very accurate (Gets busy sometimes, night time is really busy) I would suggest Balm Beach, its like a mini wasaga beach (more locals go there) Small arcade, general store and restaurants there as well as its only about 5 min out of midland.
There is actually a drive in theatre in Midland (http://www.midlanddrivein.com/) as well as a 3 screen drive in about 50 min away in Oro Medonte (http://www.sunsetbarrie.com/)
As for night life in Midland, there in not a whole lot. There are only a few hotels in midland so I assume you are staying at one close to HWY 12. The only popular bar/club there is called Lot 102 its very close to the hotels, but the crowd can be young (ranges from 19-30s). There is a Boston Pizza very close to the hotels that has a good bar for watching sports/having a few beverages.
For better nightlife (and some attractions) and not as far away at Toronto you could look into Barrie, Ontario its another city about 45 min from Midland.
Just took a quick look at what's going on in Barrie around while you are in Midland
Barrie Fair (http://www.tourismbarrie.com/festivals-events/august/2016/08/25/default-calendar/barrie-fair)
Barrie Dragon Boat Festival (http://www.tourismbarrie.com/festiv...ult-calendar/Barrie_Dragon_Boat_Festival.aspx)
The suggestion of Wasaga Beach was very accurate (Gets busy sometimes, night time is really busy) I would suggest Balm Beach, its like a mini wasaga beach (more locals go there) Small arcade, general store and restaurants there as well as its only about 5 min out of midland.
There is actually a drive in theatre in Midland (http://www.midlanddrivein.com/) as well as a 3 screen drive in about 50 min away in Oro Medonte (http://www.sunsetbarrie.com/)
As for night life in Midland, there in not a whole lot. There are only a few hotels in midland so I assume you are staying at one close to HWY 12. The only popular bar/club there is called Lot 102 its very close to the hotels, but the crowd can be young (ranges from 19-30s). There is a Boston Pizza very close to the hotels that has a good bar for watching sports/having a few beverages.
For better nightlife (and some attractions) and not as far away at Toronto you could look into Barrie, Ontario its another city about 45 min from Midland.
Just took a quick look at what's going on in Barrie around while you are in Midland
Barrie Fair (http://www.tourismbarrie.com/festivals-events/august/2016/08/25/default-calendar/barrie-fair)
Barrie Dragon Boat Festival (http://www.tourismbarrie.com/festiv...ult-calendar/Barrie_Dragon_Boat_Festival.aspx)
TheGroceryStick
Registered User
Ditch the kids for a night and go to Rama for a concert/show + some gambling. 
Aug 21
Don Henley
Aug 26
Creedence Clearwater Revisited
Aug 27
Russell Peters
Aug 28
Russell Peters
That is actually a decent lineup to choose from, for late AUG.
Aug 21
Don Henley
Aug 26
Creedence Clearwater Revisited
Aug 27
Russell Peters
Aug 28
Russell Peters
That is actually a decent lineup to choose from, for late AUG.
aresknights
Registered User
Georgian bay is one of ontarios 3 great lakes?
Dang school system lol. I learned something entirely different all thru school
p.l.f.
use the force
stymie
Registered User
- Oct 15, 2014
- 918
- 131
Don't pass up taking a charter on the Niagara River. It is a world class freshwater fishery & the captains know it well. Book a Canadian boat for a few hours & use your NY license to fish the US side & save.
The Upper River musky & bass are huge, plentiful & aggressive. Just about every species of native fish are in the Upper/Lower river at some time or another. You will catch many big fish even on a bad day.
Cottage country lakes are fished out/noisy/buggy, Georgian Bay/French River are finicky/buggy, Lake St. Clair is a 12 hour round trip & none of these come close to the mighty Niagara for numbers, size, & diversity.
If your into antiques/flea markets, hit Prudhommes in Vineland.
If your into guitars hit the 12th Fret & in TO.
For shwarma/falafel hit the Tarboosh in Hamilton.
The Upper River musky & bass are huge, plentiful & aggressive. Just about every species of native fish are in the Upper/Lower river at some time or another. You will catch many big fish even on a bad day.
Cottage country lakes are fished out/noisy/buggy, Georgian Bay/French River are finicky/buggy, Lake St. Clair is a 12 hour round trip & none of these come close to the mighty Niagara for numbers, size, & diversity.
If your into antiques/flea markets, hit Prudhommes in Vineland.
If your into guitars hit the 12th Fret & in TO.
For shwarma/falafel hit the Tarboosh in Hamilton.
Your visit....in Midland.
In the Midland area.
Visit the Wye Marsh
Sainte Marie among the Hurons
The Jesuit Church
Little Lake Park
Miss Midland cruise around parts around Georgian Bay
Huronia Museum. History of the area and native heritage
Might be something going on at the Midland Cultural centre that would interest you...movies, plays, bands,
In Penetang...Discovery Harbour. Heritage, plays,
If you get in "trouble" there is a large provincial jail and huge "mental" hospital.
White sand beaches at Awenda Provincial Park
The Penetang hockey arena and community just to walk around the museum part, same as the arena in Midland
Pickeral, pike, bass fishing close to the harbours of Midland and Penetang.
Want to go further out, you can but usually the same species unless you get lucky with salmon, trout or the rare sturgeon.
Swim at Gawley Park by Midland Park.
In the Midland area.
Visit the Wye Marsh
Sainte Marie among the Hurons
The Jesuit Church
Little Lake Park
Miss Midland cruise around parts around Georgian Bay
Huronia Museum. History of the area and native heritage
Might be something going on at the Midland Cultural centre that would interest you...movies, plays, bands,
In Penetang...Discovery Harbour. Heritage, plays,
If you get in "trouble" there is a large provincial jail and huge "mental" hospital.
White sand beaches at Awenda Provincial Park
The Penetang hockey arena and community just to walk around the museum part, same as the arena in Midland
Pickeral, pike, bass fishing close to the harbours of Midland and Penetang.
Want to go further out, you can but usually the same species unless you get lucky with salmon, trout or the rare sturgeon.
Swim at Gawley Park by Midland Park.
Most have covered the major sight-seeing stuff. There are more off the grid experiences in Toronto (which is what I think makes the city so great) but I would only recommend it if you were staying longer (or if you prefer that over typical tourist stuff). Centre Island and Niagara will take up quite a bit of your day, HHOF is only a couple of hours but the CN tower and Ripleys are right in the area. If you're in Toronto anytime between the 19th and September 5th, CNE is a good option for a cheaper alternative to an amusement park but it also has more diverse offerings such as a world pavilion along with your rides, games and I believe they had horse shows there as well.
Street festivals are always going on. Harbourfront is a nice area that always has something going on. If you go to the Yonge/Dundas Square, there's lots of shopping, food and Nathan Phillips Square is also in the area. St. Lawrence Market, Kensington Market and Distillery District are nice are enjoyable as well.
Street festivals are always going on. Harbourfront is a nice area that always has something going on. If you go to the Yonge/Dundas Square, there's lots of shopping, food and Nathan Phillips Square is also in the area. St. Lawrence Market, Kensington Market and Distillery District are nice are enjoyable as well.
Pyrophorus
Registered User
Called Pride, and Pride month is this month, the parade at the end of it.
Taste of the Danforth (Greek) is about 2 weeks before they arrive
Might coincide with both the Polish and Ukrainian festivals-both of those are in the same weekend
I know a guy who got shot at Caribana, and knowing what type of person he is, he didn't change, and was definitely targeted. Another guy I knew from Trinidad was afraid of being mistaken for somebody else. In other words Caribana is safe, its all targeting, criminals will either know you, or mistake you for someone else.
For everything else, think of NYC, and what do we have that NYC will not.
The Rogers Centre isn't a great stadium (aside from its roof), but I wouldn't call it a dump-There is something: if you want to catch a ball game, and its raining or forecasted, you can still go, and the game will be played.
Hi guys!
I am visiting Toronto from January 30th till february 4th. Main highlight of my visit are games against Sens and Panthers. Also would like to see Marlies and Raptors.
I would like to ask you, if you can recommend me some cool places I should not miss durring my stay. I am intrested in all stuff related to hockey, Leafs.
I plan to visit CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame. Are there some bars, galleries or something related to Leafs?
Also, I love street food, can you recommend me some local must-try specialities? I am European, so I think lot of things will be new for me in TO.
I am visiting Toronto from January 30th till february 4th. Main highlight of my visit are games against Sens and Panthers. Also would like to see Marlies and Raptors.
I would like to ask you, if you can recommend me some cool places I should not miss durring my stay. I am intrested in all stuff related to hockey, Leafs.
I plan to visit CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame. Are there some bars, galleries or something related to Leafs?
Also, I love street food, can you recommend me some local must-try specialities? I am European, so I think lot of things will be new for me in TO.
ACC1224
Super Elite, Passing ALL Tests since 2002
- Aug 19, 2002
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Food wise, Toronto is very diverse, so it depends on what you want to try. Peameal bacon Sandwich as Carousal Bakery at St. Lawrence Market (about 10 minutes walk from the HHOF) is great, so is the Veal Sandwich as Mustachios. But, there is great Chinese, Jamaican and other local cuisines all around the city.
Bar-wise? Really depends on age, where you are and what you are looking for. If you want clubby-upscale than hit King West. If you want a good Irish Pub, one shouldn't be hard to find. If you want a dive bar try Ronnie's in Kensington.
Hope you enjoy the trip.
MMC
Global Moderator
I hope there’s no more recent thread, but I’m in Toronto visiting my girlfriend and I’m looking for stuff to do in the city. Obviously there’s not a whole lot open due to covid, but does anyone here have any ideas for cool places to walk around and sightsee that are open?
Oscar Peterson
Registered User
- Jun 27, 2015
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- 1,341
MMC
Global Moderator
Last time we went into the city actually we went there and I loved it as well. Certainly wouldn’t be opposed to going there again, but I’m hoping there’s something else we can see
Notsince67
Papi and the Lamplighters
- Apr 27, 2018
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Mickey Marner
Registered User
