So, urm, I failed dismally at getting to the last meet-up :-(

However, I'll be in Toronto 12 - 18 August, doing the tourist thing; anyone fancy a meet-up? We could do Friday 15th evening at Scotland Yard (seems like the preferred BE place for meet-ups), or coffee/cocktails elsewhere at another time/day if anyone's interested ??

Also : any advice/tips on what to see/do in the city?

S

The best feature of the city is the St. Lawrence Market. It's at the end of the block where the Yard is. It would be efficient to see one then rest in the other.

I think the strength of Toronto is the diverse population and the many ethnic neighbourhoods, nearly all of which are safe to explore. If you wish to get a feel for the place then I think a good strategy would be to take the College streetcar from one end to the other and to get off and wander anywhere that looks interesting. That’ll take you through Korea, Ethiopia, China, India and close to Greece. This is a slightly dated boldts.net - Toronto but substantially accurate guide.

Spots I like that aren’t directly on that tram route include the Riverdale Zoo (and surrounding Victorian streets), the necropolis, the greenhouse in Allan Gardens, Kensington Market and the fabulously unhygienic Spadina Avenue.

The aquarium is new and a good one. The islands are pleasant to wander around. The boardwalk in the Beach offers an attractive view of the city. The Bata Shoe Museum is there to be enjoyed ironically.

The ROM and the AGO.

Ghastly buildings. See also the CNN Tower.

If you go to the Aquarium book online before you go. It saves some lining up.

The Hockey Hall of Fame is fairly interactive and the island is nice for a stroll if you are running out of tourist attractions.

It's the content not the buildings, though I like the AGO building. The ROM old parts are great.

If you want to do the CN tower its probably worth booking a meal at the 360 restaurant... its not the cheapest, but it may save you 2 hours of waiting for the lift with the unwashed tourist masses. Its cheaper than the queuejumping ticket price for the tower itself.

If you plan doing a few of the cities touristy things (Zoo, ROM, CN Tower etc), then the CityPass is a good deal, but you will wait for the lift at the CN tower

Oh Golly!! Thanks for all the suggestions :-)

Strolling, tram tours, street/ethnic markets/neighbourhoods sound very good to me. CN tower & similar not so much ;-), but I'm going there to meet up with US friends (1st, & maybe once-in-a-lifetime visit to Canada) who apparently have such on their "must do" list - so I'm thinking I might spring for lunch up there...

Off to google island visits: sounds like my style :-). I'll be staying in the Regent Park area, which gets mixed reviews on the internet regarding safety etc; but apparently is okay during daylight hours?

Edited to add: any recommendations for good Dim Sum?
S

Not that place with the bars on the windows, I hope, the Something-Scottish-Lodge?

Regent Park is gentrifying but still iffy (that said my kids went to high school in the general area and survived). If you're staying at the Grand and always walk north or west you'll be fine.

No, although your post gives me food for thought ... Staying with a friend in new-ish build public (I think) housing. Friend is upbeat but honest about the area; I'm just wondering how "iffy" is iffy ;-) I.e. It won't work if I can't come & go without an escort

S

I was going to make a joke about the area being too low-rent for an escort and more likely to find a street hooker, but thought better of it...

Its Toronto, there isnt really anywhere that bad....

Thanks for the laugh !! ;-)

:-) Thanks.
S

Ah. I'll be the one failing dismally this time. I'll still be in Normandy on that date.

Shame.