vacation in Toronto?

vanilla15 · January 2010

We are planning on going to a friend's wedding in June in Buffalo, NY. We were thinking of turning their wedding into our vacation & hitting Niagra Falls and then maybe Toronto. I've never been to Canada and don't know anything about it. Is Toronto some place you would want to vacation to or is it just a big city with not a whole lot for tourists?

Any other suggestions?

kaesha · January 2010

I love, love, LOVE Niagara-on-the-Lake (way more than the Falls, which is just a tourist trap). You can go to see plays as part of the Shaw festival, tour any of the 30 wineries and stay in super cute hotels/B&Bs. I'd definitely recommend you do that! The restaurant at the Hillebrand winery is fantastic!

Toronto does have lots, but it depends on what you like to do! The ROM and the AGO (art gallery) are both pretty cool museums - especially if you like architecture at all! There's tons of upscale shopping in the Yorkville area (little boutiques as well as your Hermes, Vuitton, etc), and more independent shops on the Queen West strip and areas like the Beaches and Leslieville. You can do boat tours of the Harbour, or take the ferry out to Toronto island and rent bikes and do a picnic, take in a baseball (Blue Jays) or soccer game (TFC), go kayaing. There are TONS of great restaurants - all easily accessible on the subway system. My faves are Canoe, Scaramouche and Globe Bistro. If you love dirt cheap vietnamese, Pho Hung is right across the street from the ROM.

vanilla15 · January 2010

Thanks Alyson! I am definitely intrigued!! It is always nice to get a local's opinion. I was also looking into Ottawa, Quebec, Montreal. We only have probably 3 -4 days since we are going to Buffalo first so I want to make sure we spend our time wisely!

Thanks so much for the suggestions!

Amy4773 · January 2010

MrsBabySalute has family in Toronto and just spent the holidays there (I believe).....I have nothing of value to add other than I'd LOVE to go to Toronto!

kaesha · January 2010

I say everyone should come on up! We could have a GTG! There's a pretty good community of knotties/nesties up here that I see regularly.

inamra · January 2010

Hopefully I don't get in "trouble" for saying this but I thought Toronto was like a big Vancouver...but I LOVE Vancouver so I have nothing to complain about Toronto. They're both very nice cities and they both have the best dim sum outside of Asia

But I've only been to Toronto for 2 days and I didn't get to explore everything but I'd love to go back again, so I personally think it's a great place to vacation.

SirenSong · January 2010

I lived in Toronto for a year and so only really see it as a big city to live in, I didn't see it as a tourist.

I, personally, would go to Quebec.

There's a lot of interesting things in Toronto for sure (my husband and I are considering moving back in a few years) but I wouldn't say it was a 'vacation' spot per se.

Again, just my personal viewpoint, though. As I lived and worked there, I saw it with different eyes compared to someone on vacation.

kaesha · January 2010

Ottawa is a nice place to visit too - I lived there for ages (like 14 years) and am planning to move back. I never know what to tell potential visitors to see there! Although... I could give restaurant recs for there too!

If you want the most European feel, definitely go to Montreal or Quebec City. I find that Quebec has a more old world charm, but Montreal has a lot going on.

I don't think Vancouver and Toronto are all that similar, but I've lived in both places for extended periods. Vancouver feels... hm... well, it's got that west coast healthy vibe. Living in downtown Toronto feels more... erm... dirty.

KShiz · January 2010

LOVE Toronto! Montreal is gorgeous! Niagra on the Lake...ditto! Have fun

MrsIH · January 2010

kaesha:
I don't think Vancouver and Toronto are all that similar, but I've lived in both places for extended periods. Vancouver feels... hm... well, it's got that west coast healthy vibe. Living in downtown Toronto feels more... erm... dirty.

Okay, I totally LOL'd when I read this!

I was only in Tronoto for a quick 2 day business trip... but I was excited about finally being there, we had dinner at the CN Tower and it was awesome, great way to "see" the city from above.

vanilla15 · January 2010

thanks for all of the info.. When we finally figure out where we are going, I might need to ask for more insider tips & restaurant recommendations!!

vacation in Toronto?

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