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Airport express is usually the best method of getting downtown, in terms of value and speed (it's a coach bus). Regular taxis are (I think) about $40, while Limo services are about $55 (rates are fixed, so i'm not sure).
Cheapest way is to take public transit to Kipling subway station, and then take the subway to Osgoode station. It's not a horrible option.
Also not a local, but have stayed at Sheraton Centre. Club level room was good but I haven't stayed in non-Club room so can't compare. Club lounge has great view, good food, friendly staff. Spacious, too. If you're interested, the gym is terrific, and the indoor/outdoor pool idea is kind of neat - though maybe not in Feb!
1. Quickest way from airport?
Taxi
2. Cheapest way?
TTC - 192 bus to subway, change at St. George to University line (upstairs) then exit at Osgoode
We are arriving around 10pm Thursday...leaving around noon Monday.
Any great restaurants/galleries/etc that are off the beaten path?
Try the restaurants on Baldwin Street - Matahari, Konichiwah, Cafe LaGaffe, and more. The restaurant that Woody Harrelson ate at is Swatow - on Spadina north of Dundas in Chinatown. I like the Boulevard Cafe on Harbord Street - Peruvian barbecue.
The Picasso ceramic exhibit at U of T art gallery is a special event - near Queen's Park - lots of signs. You could then walk to the Shoe Museum (which is pretty weird but Mrs. Bata has quite a collection). The art galleries in Yorkville (Hazelton Avenue especially) are worth seeing. The ROM is under construction and over-crowded. The AGO is the best overall museum. The Photo-Journalism exhibit (free) in BCE place is really good.
As for the Sheraton, any room floors, styles, etc that should be considered? Is the Club level worth the points?
I'd say go on Priceline and stay at the Harbour Castle for a lot less....
Check the *Wood forum for a comparison of the two properties downtown. Sheraton is better location, but Westin is cheaper and still a short walk to the downtown.
For the airport, we are torn between the shuttle and the TTC. How crowded is public transit at night? I don't know if I'm up for hauling luggage after a long day through crowds...but the difference in $$$ equals an extra basketful at Lush Cosmetics (I can be SUCH a girl sometimes) so the inconvenience might just be worth it.
For the Sheraton, we are staying on points and I like the idea of being in walking distance to things. I just wanted to know if the club was worth the points. The lounge sounds similar to the one in Seattle (right down to the tip cards) I hope it is as good as Seattle's was.
As to food we are quite adventurous...we love Chinese, Japanese, Thai, steakhouses, seafood, cheap, moderate, expensive...doesn't matter as long as it is worth it.
The museum definitelty sounds interesting...
I also heard there is a skating rink within walking distance of the Sheraton. Anyone have details on that?
How do the people of Toronto compare with, say, Vancouver? I didn't want to leave there...people were great!
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I would recommend the shuttle over TTC. Although the TTC is generally not crowded at night, you would have to take a bus to Kipling station, then take the subway to St. George station, then up (or down - can't remember) a flight of stairs to catch the train southbound to Osgoode. Then up the stairs to street level to walk over to the Sheraton.
Programs: AC*E and NEXUS fan, Fairmont Plat, SPG Gold, Hertz PC, National EE, Amex Plat
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jen80370
First of all...thank you all.
For the airport, we are torn between the shuttle and the TTC. How crowded is public transit at night? I don't know if I'm up for hauling luggage after a long day through crowds...but the difference in $$$ equals an extra basketful at Lush Cosmetics (I can be SUCH a girl sometimes) so the inconvenience might just be worth it.
For the Sheraton, we are staying on points and I like the idea of being in walking distance to things. I just wanted to know if the club was worth the points. The lounge sounds similar to the one in Seattle (right down to the tip cards) I hope it is as good as Seattle's was.
As to food we are quite adventurous...we love Chinese, Japanese, Thai, steakhouses, seafood, cheap, moderate, expensive...doesn't matter as long as it is worth it.
The museum definitelty sounds interesting...
I also heard there is a skating rink within walking distance of the Sheraton. Anyone have details on that?
How do the people of Toronto compare with, say, Vancouver? I didn't want to leave there...people were great!
Thanks again for all your help.
I'd vote for the shuttle. If you end up taking TTC, it won't be that bad, but it will take you a while (don't worry too much about safety in the subway stations either, as nothing like Newark Penn exists in Toronto). Shuttle will get you to your location faster, and you'll be able to see more of this great city!
There are about a billion restaurants in the city that are quite good, and most within walking distance of your hotel. I'd recommend Brassaii (on King west of Spadina). It's a hip spot, and the food is quite good. You can also try Lobby, The Fifth and the Rosewater Supper Club if you're looking for some trendy places to dine. They aren't cheap, but a good meal is still substantially less than in NYC. The 360 (At the top of the CN tower) is a nice place to view the city, and the food isn't half bad either. For a late night dessert, try Panorama, on the 51st floor of the Manulife building at Bay/Bloor. Decadent chocolate, and great views (does get crowded though).
Otherwise, you'd be well advised to head to "College Street" to sample some of the dining/nitelife spots out there. Lots of fun, and quite the scene (I think the Utne Reader rated it as one of the top "neighbourhoods" in the world). Check out Toronto Life Magazine for some good reviews of restaurants etc.
There are loads of things to do here as well. The Bata shoe museum is a lot of fun (kind of unique), and it's not far from the Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario either (both nice places to see). I could go on and on, but i've got to leave some of the exploring to you!
As far as the people here, we're quite a different breed than those in Vancouver. I tend to think we're alright, although you'll certainly notice the difference in culture between the two places.
If you are really wanting to save money take the TTC. It quite easy from the airport. Just come all the way down to the transit level (best word i can describe) from the arrivals area -it is slightly confusing. Take the 192 Rocket (from the TTC area, there is a Mississauga area, TTC is right from the exit) it runs every 20 minutes, takes u to Kipling Subway station. Exact change required.
The Sheraton has some of the worst room decors I have ever seen (plaid and florl prints mixed) If you can deal with that you will be fine.
Restaurants -I am liking Lee`s (Susur Lee -ultra-high end restaurant`s new downmarket place next door to epynoumous restaurant on King).
And for a drink, go to Canoe at TD centre -amazing view
Take the coach. After any flight plus the luggage issue, it's really worth it. Once you get on board it is under 30 minutes to downtown. I can't even begin to calculate the travel time on bus and subways (but they are safe as others have said) I used to live downtown when at Ryerson and would go skating at least three times every two weeks with housemates. You used to be able to rent skates if you are adventurous.
Toronto is a wonderful and vibrant city. You are in a great place to get around. You are in just across the street from the Eaton's centre and it's a great mall with many shops.
Cattle Factoid: I used to sell shoes at Aldo on the 2nd floor while at school and they called me Al Bundy (there were three of us with the same first name and so I chose a different one). My boss would even announce to everyone in the store in a very loud voice that Al Bundy had arrived as I walked in for my shift
There is a great resturaunt on Younge St at Gould on the right side of the street (just one block north of Dundas) called the Salad King. They have done an enormous renovation to the place and it is a Ryerson hang out (beside the the university) and the food was cheap and fabulous. mmmmmm - Pad Thai - mmmmmmm Reading the Ryerson Alumni magazine last month I see the renovation has now created "communal tables" so that you sit with many different people vs the standard resturaunt seating so you are likely to meet a variety of people.
North of Victoria (staying on Younge st) on the right hand side there used to be a hole in the wall falafal (sp?) place where you could watch them cooking your lunch on the grill beside the window. Another incredible steal for lunch. Don't know if it is still there or not but I had many a lunch there with my friend Rosanna (ooohhhh Rosanna - not a word of this to Mrs Cattle or else )
Another fun, but cold spot, is to take a walk down at Queens Quay as there are indoor shops and another outdoor skating rink. Nothing like feeling a Feb wind coming off Lake Ontario. that's something you won't soon forget
This thread makes me miss my old haunt very much. I hope that you have a great time in Toronto. If you get lost or turned around somewhere don't be afraid to ask strangers for help, they are a really great bunch
Last edited by cattle; Oct 21, 04 at 6:23 pm..
Reason: to change a street adress
I go to Ryerson U part-time so I catch dinner there often.. Just be sure to specify a reasonable amount of chillis in your food. (you can have up to 20!!). Being raised with spicy food, 5 chillis is my threshold, but you loose the taste.. I usually go for 3 or 4 to savour the food, instead of the chillis.
On Queen St. w. (where I live) there are many places to eat and shop (as long as you can handle the winter) by going store to store. Though half the stores here can also be found in the Eaton Centre, it's better service and less crowds ( I don't like crowds)..
The local TV station (CityTV - channel 7 and CP24) broadcast from Queen St and every friday night there are many people dancing outside and inside the studios (visible from the street - and the windows slide upwards) creating an interesting experience to see (if you are not used to it). Though a minute or two is fine.
The area sorrounded by University, Queen , Spadina and King is called the entertainment area where you can see broadway equivalent Hairspray, Mamma Mia (though one of these is suppossed end soon) while having a drink at one of the many bars. A nice place on Queen is Ultra Lounge with great decor, though make a reservation if you don't want to be standing under the heaters at 10p.m. waiting to get in. The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is just a major intersection north of Queen St and has great exhibits.
The galleries suggested are good, and Yorkville has great places to have a drink or supper while enjoying the yuppie crowd.
Is there anything specific you are looking to see or do?
(there were three of us with the same first name and so I chose a different one). My boss would even announce to everyone in the store in a very loud voice that Al Bundy had arrived as I walked in for my shift 
)
