Can anyone give me some advise about Toronto?

[SaraMc]

If the kids like Hockey, Take them to the Hockey Hall of Fame. There is lots to do. Check out Toronto.com

Have Fun

Kungaloosh

Sara

 

[TiggerInNY]

Hi,

My family is planning on coming up to Toronto in early August to see the Jays play the Yankees and I have some questions, if you guys don't mind....

I got a good quote from the Courtyard Downtown Toronto Marriott. How is that hotel and how far is it from the Dome? We are only staying one night in Toronto and then heading back home, via the Falls for one night. I got a quote for the Marriott in the Dome and it's a little high in price for us. We're looking to spend between $100-150 US dollars/night. The game we're coming to see is at 1:00pm. We will have our own car.

You all are giving out some great advice and thought maybe you could help me as well. We have 2 boys, 9 & 5. I can't wait to come to your awesome city. Thanks for your help.

TTFN,
TiggerInNY
Maria

 

[mcms]

The Marche at the corner of Yonge and Front by the Hockey Hall of Fame is closed??!!??!!
Please tell me its another one.

Cheers,
Grumbo

The one that closed is the one at Front & John across from the Rogers Centre.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

I went over to the Wonderland site. Looks fun! They say the tickets are $49.99 (Includes a return visit) Will that mean the next day? Their site did'n say. I also noticed there is a season pass for $64.99 each and you get into the park an hour early. Is there any reason to pay the extra $15 for the extra hour? Finially DD is 5 and would be able to get in on a child's ticket, but if hers is not good the next day then she would end up costing the same $24.99 + $24.99, so no saving there. Are these about as good a deal as I'll get? Thanks again. Maybe I should also ask if there is enough to do to go for 2 days? I wouldn't spend 2 days at our local Six Flags but I can spend 8 at Disney!

 

[talicskai]

Canada's Wonderland has a lot of roller coasters - so if your family loves them- then two days would not be unreasonable. I can do it in a day but have been several times and know which rides I like best. Try the Holiday Inn on King Street for a good location close to the dome. You are literally two blocks north of Skydome (now called Rogers Centre) and you walk right past Wayne Gretzky's restaurant ~ which your kids would love!
Toronto can be extremely hot (90-100F) in August and the air just "hangs there" if you know what I mean. You would be within walking distance to Skydome, CN Tower and lots of great restaurants. I would take a cab to the ferry that runs to Toronto Islands. You can rent surrey bikes out there and the paths run all along Lake Ontario. It is quite pretty. The CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) usually opens mid August and runs for two weeks. It is like a huge country fair within the city. Usually lots of great concerts and admission to Ontario Place is included. That is another fun option. One day is hardly enough time but it is a great start! You'll be back - trust me
Have fun - Teresa

 

[TiggerInNY]

Talicskai -

Thanks for the advice. How is the Courtyard Downtown Toronto Marriott on Yonge Street? How far is that from Rogers Centre? And, how safe is it to walk back to the Holiday Inn after a night game? You have to remember, I come from NY and I would not walk too far from Yankee stadium after a night game. Or, is mass transit the way to go? I will have my two boys, 9 & 5 with me. And my husband, of course. Thanks a lot for all your help. It is much appreciated.

Thanks again for everyone's help.

Maria

 

[Glucas]

For family fun in TO you can't beat the Ontario Science Center to keep the kids busy and will educate them without them knowing it. The Toronto Zoo is rated as one of the best in the world and is a must see for families. If a trip to the Falls is in the plans then make a full day of it and stop at African Lion Safari where you drive through the reserve in your car and check out Marineland, that's always a hoot when you get surrounded by several hundred deer in the feeding pen. In the Falls there is lots to do but be aware of the crowds, it can get pretty wacky. For adult fun check out the casinos because your American dollar goes a long way. I hope you have a good trip

 

[Glucas]

Take the subway to and from the game it is a direct line and easy to use, as far as safety you won'. t find many large cities as safe as Toronto. If you do feel inclined to walk it is not that far but that end of Yonge street doesn't offer a lot to look at but after the game head up Yonge to Bloor where you will find lots to look at.

 

[jeannief]

I went over to the Wonderland site. Looks fun! They say the tickets are $49.99 (Includes a return visit) Will that mean the next day? Their site did'n say. I also noticed there is a season pass for $64.99 each and you get into the park an hour early. Is there any reason to pay the extra $15 for the extra hour? Finially DD is 5 and would be able to get in on a child's ticket, but if hers is not good the next day then she would end up costing the same $24.99 + $24.99, so no saving there. Are these about as good a deal as I'll get? Thanks again. Maybe I should also ask if there is enough to do to go for 2 days? I wouldn't spend 2 days at our local Six Flags but I can spend 8 at Disney!

There are better deals for the park through hotels, AAA, etc. My work too offers "group" discounts to everyone in the building.
I worked at CWL for 9 years (yikes) before it was part of Paramount. I wouldn't pay, personally, for the extra hour. But a family season pass may be the best bet all around, depending on the price and how often you plan to go. But don't go expecting Disney. It is good it it's way, but can't hold a candle to Disney.
I second the science centre, the zoo, and the CN Tower for kid friendly events. And if you are a shoe fanatic the Bata Shoe Museum is quite neat. And near enough to Yorkville area so you can browse the high-end stores and have a coffee at an outdoor cafe.

 

[SnowWhite]

IMHO I can't do Wonderland in 1 day. We love it there and there is soooo much to do that you can't possibly squeeze it all in 1 day. If you go don't miss getting funnel cake.....it is definatley worth the trip North and dare I say better than Disneys. As everyone else said Ontrio Place is great too but if it isn't warm than I would avoid it because alot of its attractions involve water. If you can, definately go to Niagara Falls but plan to spend all day there...there is lots of touristy things to do. Hope you have a great trip....

 

[TiggerInNY]

Well, we are NOT staying in Toronto. We decided it would be too crazy to keep changing hotels, so we are staying at the Marriott in Niagara Falls. It's the newer Marriott right next to the falls on the Canadian side. We're very happy about it.

One more question...is there parking at the Dome? Like tailgate kind of parking. Or I guess in a garage would do. Since we're not staying in Toronto, we will be driving to the game. Does anyone know around how much it is to park?

Thanks for ALL your help. I love these boards. And our neighbors to the NORTH. Can't wait to come to your country. My 9 year old is excited, too.

See you all in August.

TTFN,
Maria

 

[digskat]

We park just up the street, in an outdoor lot. It's only a couple blocks, maybe 5 min walk. It's cheaper and you don't seem to sit forever waiting to leave. ++$$ to park right at the Sky Dome. Besides we like the wee walk to stretch our legs. Have a great time and WELCOME TO CANADA!!! (if I remember correctly it's $9 to park where we do)

 

[digskat]

IMHO I can't do Wonderland in 1 day. We love it there and there is soooo much to do that you can't possibly squeeze it all in 1 day. If you go don't miss getting funnel cake.....it is definatley worth the trip North and dare I say better than Disneys. As everyone else said Ontrio Place is great too but if it isn't warm than I would avoid it because alot of its attractions involve water. If you can, definately go to Niagara Falls but plan to spend all day there...there is lots of touristy things to do. Hope you have a great trip....

I agree two days at wonderland would be better than 1 and the Funnel Cakes at WDW do not even compare to Wonderland's they Rock!! I must say I was dissappointed in WDW, when we had one they were kinda soogy TTFN KAt

 

[TiggerInNY]

Thanks for the info. Parking up the street sounds good to me. Would you happen to know the cross streets by chance? Don't forget, I have no idea where I'm going.

Thanks.

TTFN,
Maria

 

[digskat]

If you go on Front Street, which is just along the Skydome/Rogers Centre, their are 3-4 parking lots within a 5 minute walk of the Dome. These lots are about $10 CAD compared to $20-25 for under the dome. I usually park on BlueJays Way. Digs

 

[SnowWhite]

I'm glad someone agrees Digscat!!...Wonderlands funnel cakes are the best things going and Disneys pale in comparison. By the way TiggerInNY...we park right across the street from the Dome in an underground parking lot that has $5.00 written all over the entrances to the parking garage (it is on Front St.)

 

[TiggerInNY]

Digscat & SnowWhite - Thanks for the info. Sounds good to me. I can't wait. Go Yanks...sorry. I just can't help myself. I can't believe that baseball season is right around the corner again. I don't know which is worse, the NBA or MLB? At least I enjoy MLB. You can keep the NBA as far as I'm concerned.

Thanks again.

TTFN,
Maria

 

[digskat]

No Problem Maria,
I only enjoy baseball when I see it live or when Digs is playing, I CAN"T STAND the annoying announcers!! hhehehe Otherwise I'm not a sports nuts (Digs is nutty enough for us in that department) The Skydome is awesome for games, I really love going to see the Jays play. If the Jays win they have fireworks....so maybe that will make up for it if your Yanks lose. Have fun!! ~Kat

 

[TiggerInNY]

I don't want to sound stupid, but who is Digs? Sorry, but I don't know who he is. Don't hate me if it's a Toronto player.

Whenever the Yanks and Jays play, it's always a good game. And I wouldn't miss the fireworks if they (Yanks) win. And my kids will be none the wiser.

Thanks.

TTFN,
Maria