Trip to TO and NOT work. Shopping and sight seeing??

Can you tell I took a day off work? I have been posting up a storm between m road trip to pick up stuff over the border and cleaning the house for a dinner party tonight.

I haven't had a chance to take more than a day or two off all summer and have been itching for a mini vacation. We were thinking of Vegas but then Tony's mom mentioned that she bought a condo in TO and it was furnished and empty. She said we were welcome to stay there and if she was there visiting when we wanted to go, her sister bought one too.

I don't know TO at all but it sounds like a nice place. It is a new building with a big outdoor area, gym, and games room on the harbor fairly close to downtown (about 10 kms I think).

I am hoping to get some shopping in while we are there and also do a bit of sight-seeing. For those of you who are in TO or visit frequently, any suggestions for either shopping or things to do?

9 years ago

Shopping

7 replies

Latest reply was from Runcarla

kerry

Veteran

Hi dianthus. I'm in TO. Where is the condo? There's lots to do in Toronto, lots of shopping too. We're also just experiencing now some more seasonally warm weather. Yay!

Queens Quay is lovely, although there is lots of road construction there right now. Toronto Island is also fun and just a short ferry ride. There's also the relatively new Ripley's aquarium if that's your thing. Are you travelling with kids?

As for shopping, of course there are the malls, Bloor Street and Yorkville. Were you looking to shop for something in particular?

9 years ago

Jules

Veteran

We are a big theatre town, so a lot of people like to catch a show while they are here. Check out for example mirvish.com for Broadway stuff, or soulpepper.ca for more classical - there are lots of other venues, but beware of scam ticket sale sites.
If your condo is near the GO train, that would make it easy to get down town, probably much easier than trying to drive and park.

Basically I feel there is tons of big-city stuff to do, especially if you are from a smaller place - shopping, eating, walking in safe, pleasant neighbourhoods. It's harder for me as a local to see the more "touristy" stuff as exciting because it's all kind of old hat to me. If you are interested in the aquarium, I would go in the evening - it apparently gets very busy during the day to the point of being unpleasantly crowded and rushed.

9 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Kerry & Jules. I will check out your suggestions. I'm not sure what we will be shopping for but we are going in mid-October so probably fall stuff.

The condo is on Marine Parade drive and looks like it is a few blocks from Gardiner Expressway and park lawn road. Not sure if that is a main intersection.

9 years ago

kerry

Veteran

Oh Marine Parade Drive is lovely! Not far from me actually. It's a little west of the downtown core but easy to get to by transit. Driving would be easy normally but the Gardiner is under construction. If you don't venture out at prime commute times it's still easy. Just walking around where the condo is will be nice. There's a gorgeous waterfront trail and several waterfront parks.
There's also a great Italian restaurant right on Marine Parade drive.

You're also quite close to High Park, walking distance actually. It's a 400 acre,park in the middle,of the city and will be gorgeous in the fall. Lots of walking trails and a cute cafe restaurant but maybe that's not big city enough?

Theatre would definitely be fun. Maybe a walk along Queen West?

Of course you could shop at the Eaton Centre if malls are your thing but you're even closer to Sherway mall from the condo.

9 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Kerry. We aren't sure if we will have a car or not. Tony's brother is there now and may fly home and go back for the car so we would have it. If not, I took the subway when I was in town a few months ago and it was pretty good. I am looking forward to our long weekend.

9 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

We live just across the border and used to go to TO all the time. Almost bought a condo on queen st w eons ago.

Love the waterfront. Best restaurants in TO. Adore holt and renfrew. The bata shoe museum is super fun.

9 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Having just started working in TO, I'm exploring like mad--but I only really have my lunch hour. This week it was Queen St. West of University. Today I managed a speed walk through the fashion district. Come to think of it, Toronto Fashion Week is some time in October!!!

Though I can't get there on my lunch hour (I work downtown, spitting distance to the CN tower!) I do love the boutique area behind the Holt Renfrew.

Lots of construction going on. Stick with the trains vs car, if you can.

9 years ago

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