Trip to Toronto

[DHSTL]

I'm leaving Thursday for a hockey tournament in Toronto and I have a few questions for you Toronto area residents. How is your subway system? We will be staying at the Holiday Inn Yorkdale and it looks like there is a station across the street at the mall. We will be playing possibly 5 games in three days but there should be some time for sightseeing and I know we will want to check out the Hockey Hall of Fame. We will have a couple of vans for transportation but figured it would be easier taking the subway to the HOF? What other attractions might interest a bunch of middle aged athletes. Thanks for any input and look forward to seeing your city.

 

[ccudmore]

Former Toronto resident here...

Subway is quick, clean and efficient. People coming into the city from west of Toronto often park around Yorkdale and take the subway downtown. Definitely the way to go.

Other things for people in your demographic:
- CN tower (too bad you weren't going after August - the EdgeWalk will be open then - http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2011/05/09/cn-tower-edge-walk.html)
- Tour or Jays game at the Rogers Centre
- Go up to Dave and Busters for the evening - think virtual reality/arcade for grownups. It's closer to the airport.
- Tour of Steamwhistle brewery located right by the base of the CN tower
- If your wives are going, head over to the Eaton Centre mall downtown or see a live show

That's a start - if I think of anything more I let you know.

 

[Tower]

As mentioned, the subway is the usual way to go. The HHOF is right at Yonge/Front so it's easy to get to. Lots of nice restaurants in that area, and a little bit of a walk east of there is the Olde Spaghetti Factory for a great dining experience.
The TTC subway has 2 main lines. The North/South line runs in a U shape at Union Station, but one of those routes is right on Yonge. The east/west is along Bloor Street, and pretty far north of the action. You may need to transfer to a Red Rocket (rail streetcar on the surface) or a bus to get to where you're going so make sure you get maps from the ticket agent that shows all of the TTC routes. The maps show the subway, streetcar and bus routes all over Toronto.
Because you're in a group, you may want to explore the group passes that the TTC has available. It may work out to be cheaper than buying individual tickets/tokens.
Of course it's absurd to consider the TTC for transport to the games. It would be too cumbersome to carry gear etc. through all that.
Keep your wallets in your front pocket and extra cash in a money belt. Just like you do when going to Disney.
Most of all, have a Fantastic Time!

 

[Ted in Halifax]

DHSTL ... you are wise to scope this out in advance. Many people don't realize that Toronto is one of the largest cities in North America (I think it ranks 5th). Having a plan to get around is important!

 

[CDN Prince Charming]

DHSTL ... you are wise to scope this out in advance. Many people don't realize that Toronto is one of the largest cities in North America (I think it ranks 5th). Having a plan to get around is important!

It may be only 5th largest in North America, but we all know it is the center of the universe!

DHSTL, have a great time in our city.

CPC

BTW - Ted in Halifax..congrats on your 1000th post

 

[DHSTL]

I got back home late last night. I loved Toronto. I wish I would have had more time to explore. I was able to go downtown and see the Hockey Hall Of Fame. AWESOME!!! The subway was a breeze. Your road traffic on the other hand. The 401 was crammed all the time going Westbound?. Coming back to the hotel it flowed better. I had some great food and love me some Molson Canadian beer! Hopefully my team will win our division next year and make it back to the tournament again. Thanks for all the replies.

 

[YukiPhnx]

I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed your time in Toronto!!

Yes....our 401 is notorious for being backed up ALL THE TIME.