Visiting Toronto area for a few days - need recommendations

[LynneSin]

I have a class in Toronto for the week of Sept 10th and extended my stay for an additional two days so I could see some of the area.

Thing is, I don't want to blow my budget and I don't necessarily need to stay in Toronto for those days. I was even thinking of heading down to Niagara area and wine region for a day.

I'd like to find a hotel where it's realitively inexpensive but safe and where parking is INCLUDED (I'll be renting a car - don't want to pay another $25 just to park the dang thing)

Thanks

[Telly Savalas]

1. Is your class somewhere not easily accessible by transit?

I'd seriously discourage you from renting a car unless the class is in never-never land. The transit system is pretty good and traffic sucks in most of the interesting places in town.

I'll follow up in the next couple days with ideas for things to see and do. It's late and I'm too tired.

[Telly Savalas]

2. A few thoughts...

As far as hotels go, I'm afraid I can't be of much help. Most places in downtown and the immediate surrounding areas are pretty safe, but I don't know about the price. (There are a few slightly rough neighbourhoods especially just to the east of downtown and waaaay up north, but I doubt there are many hotels in those places). The advantage of staying downtown is that you're centrally located, there's lots of stuff to see and do within walking distance, and the area is well serviced by public transportation.

If your class is in a burb or a remote area, then finding a nearby hotel might save some $ and would justify in renting the car, since transit service is pretty inconsistent out there. If you get a car 2 things to keep in mind:

1. You're still best off leaving the car at the hotel if you visit downtown. (Parking/traffic sucks. Take the subway.)
2. You're morally obligated to go to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. It's the only thing that justifies a visitor creating emissions in the Greater Toronto Area.

As far as things to see and do in town go, a few ideas:

*take the elevator to the top of the CN Tower. A very touristy thing to do, but fun nevertheless.

*If you visit the CN Tower and like beer, take a tour of the Steam Whistle Brewery. It's a microbrewery that's housed in an old railroad roundhouse. Neat place, tasty beer.

*if you like football and are in the area of the CN Tower/Steamwhistle Brewery, there's a Toronto Argos CFL game Sep. 9 at the Rogers Centre (f/k/a the Skydome)

*Another sports related thing is the Hockey Hall of Fame

*Taking the ferry to the islands is a lot of fun. You get a good view of the skyline too.

*If you're into the nightlife, pick up a copy of the free weeklys Now and Eye to see what shows are going on. I've been the parent of a young child for most of my residency of Toronto, so I'm not too in tune with the club/live music/bar scene.

*Queen St. West is a somewhat cool place if you're into funky little boutiques and strange people.

*Kensington Market is a really funky place. It almost has a bit of a third world feel to it (although there are quite a few used clothes shops.)

*For dining ideas, you might try the Chowhound Toronto message board: http://www.chowhound.com/boards/show/23

Some personal recommendations are: Bairrada Churrasqueira for yummy Portuguese chicken, The Friendly Thai (several locations) has kick-ass Pad Thai, there are a number of good Korean places on Bloor between Christie and Bathurst, and Amato's (several locations) for a decent, cheap slice. Heaven for a foodie would be St. Lawrence Market, which has dozens of vendors, most importantly Carousel Bakery where you can get a back-bacon sandwich. The area around St. Lawrence Market is a pleasant place to walk around too.

*My favourite thing to do in town is just walk around and soak in the environment. (Life in the slow lane - I'm pretty lame.) Good places to do this, among others, are Yonge St. south of Bloor, Bloor St. from Yonge all the way to Jane (there are a few dead spots along the way but most of it is interesting-Honest Ed's at the corner of Bloor/Bathurst is a hoot, Google for a picture of it), and King, Queen, and College from Yonge to Roncesvalles. If you're not much of a walker you can just ride the streetcar along these last 3 streets. Our family doctor said that when he first moved to Toronto from Newfoundland, he'd spend hours making such streetcar rides.

I'll follow up with some more ideas soon.

[LynneSin]

3. More than likely I won't rent a car while taking the class

I prefer public transportation especially if the system is good.

However, after my class is over I'm thinking of heading outside of the city and visiting the area - then I will need a car!

[Mother Jones]

4. Re Niagara

Just fyi - hotels aren't that cheap anymore, but you might still be able to pick up a package deal. They recently added a newer (and really nice) casino, so that's driven the prices up.

Niagara on the lake is exquisite. Some of the "hot" wineries right now are Stratus Vineyards (very modern, nouveau-type setting), Lailey Vineyard,
Riverbend Inn & Vineyard (very Victorian/Georgian elegance).

If you're looking for a nice meal in NOTL, check out Mark Picone Culinary studio, Treadwell farm to table cuisine, Restaurant Tony de Luca, Zee's patio and grill, and Stone Road Grille.

If you want the nightlife, try Copacabana Brazilian Steakhouse. (Obviously, it's a restaurant too, but a crazy, happening place at night)

Re Toronto, I'm with Telly on this, I wouldn't drive a car around if I didn't absolutely have to. Transit is excellent. The city is still very safe.

Hope you have a great trip!