Planning a trip to Canada for May (ish)

[paysensmom]

I think we will get the CityPass for Toronto. Hit the zoo and a few of the other things. Planning on two or three nights there and then driving to Niagara Falls.
I am wondering where we should stay to be in close proximity to all of the things on the city pass. We aren't interested in shopping or malls or anything like that. I read somewhere about riding on a ferry nearby too? We have three children. In may they will be 10, 7 and 13months.
How much time to do the things on the city pass will we need? I know we will use an entire day for the zoo.
Thanks for any tips you can give us. We have never been to Canada and we are super excited

 

[lizabu]

The CN tower, ROM and science center are all pretty central. I would stay on Lakeshore Blvd or Downtown. As for how long it takes it really depends on you and your group. I've spent an entire day at the Science center before. The museum has tons of things to see too. Some people can breeze through in a couple of hours too. I'm not sure about the ferry. I know there's a boat that will take you out to Center Island and there's lots to do on center island too.

 

[roxysmum123]

I'd look at the Westin Harbour Castle. It's walking distance to a lot of the things on the City Pass, and for the things too far it's walking distance to the main subway station. It's also right beside the ferry for Centre Island which is a nice little day trip with kids.

I do disagree with the PP that said the Science Center is pretty central. It's in North York and you will need to bus, drive, or taxi to it. It's worth the trip though, it's a great attraction.

 

[Northstar]

I'm guessing from what you've said that you're driving your own car? If so, most of the centrally-located downtown hotels are going to charge a hefty nightly parking fee. You might want to stay closer to the zoo or the science centre, where you might be able to find a motel where you won't need to pay for parking, and just take public transport to the downtown stuff.

If you don't mind paying for parking, I recommend the Residence Inn Downtown/Entertainment District. It's within view of the CN Tower and easy walking distance to the subway. There are all kinds of restaurants nearby and you can pick up groceries to keep in your kitchenette for snacking. The complimentary breakfast buffet is great for families with kids.

 

[the_green_machine]

Hockey Hall of Fame...If you guys are even remotely interested its a great way to burn a few hours! Jack Astor's is a great rest. downtown as well.

 

[CanadianMomofTwo]

We live near toronto and went for a few days last summer and did the citypass.
We also did Toronto Island which is a smallish amusment park that you take a ferry too... my kids really enjoyed it but they're a bit younger than yours (3&5).

A bit pricey, but depending on your budget you might want to look at the Delta Chelsea downtown. Right on the subway, I took all public transit except to the zoo for the week we were there. We got it covered since DH was doing a work training and they paid the hotel (we just paid my meals, it was kids eat free, the kids and I did day trips all week). They have a fun kid's play area, it's very child-oriented, arcade for the big kids, etc. Nice and central too. But not cheap.

Otherwise, if budget is more of an issue, I'd stay a bit further out and drive in, or find somewhere a bit further north on the subway line. You can get a ttc (transit) pass for a week or daily, that is definitely the best way to get around, avoid traffic and parking hassles. And my kids thought the subway was great.

 

[CanadianMomofTwo]

We live near toronto and went for a few days last summer and did the citypass.
We also did Toronto Island which is a smallish amusment park that you take a ferry too... my kids really enjoyed it but they're a bit younger than yours (3&5).

A bit pricey, but depending on your budget you might want to look at the Delta Chelsea downtown. Right on the subway, I took all public transit except to the zoo for the week we were there. We got it covered since DH was doing a work training and they paid the hotel (we just paid my meals, it was kids eat free, the kids and I did day trips all week). They have a fun kid's play area, it's very child-oriented, arcade for the big kids, etc. Nice and central too. But not cheap.

Otherwise, if budget is more of an issue, I'd stay a bit further out and drive in, or find somewhere a bit further north on the subway line. You can get a ttc (transit) pass for a week or daily, that is definitely the best way to get around, avoid traffic and parking hassles. And my kids thought the subway was great.

 

[tigger2on]

I second the Delta Chelsea. It's pretty central, has reasonable pricing and there is a nice waterslide for the kids It is also a minutes walk to the subway for CasaLoma or Science Centre. It's about a 25 minute walk either way to ROM or CN/Tower.The science centre is about 40 minutes by TTC. But the zoo is pretty far so either rent a car for the day or be prepared to take public transit for over an hour each way.