A weekend in Toronto in September
 

I posted this in Travelbuzz but it got buried so perhaps I should have gone here intially. :D

My husband and I are thinking about going to Toronto the weekend the Yankees are there. If we do this, we will need to keep our costs to a minimum. We will Priceline a hotel (are the bids in US$ or CDN$?) and use their subway system. We won't need to rent a car in Toronto, will we? Outside of the ballgames, what are the important sites to see? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

No rental car needed for the ball game (the stadium is right downtown) or other sites in the city.

Hi Analise,

Suggestions will abound if you post in the Air Canada forum that you'll be coming to Toronto for a visit. Cab or limo fares from the airport (YYZ) to downtown should be about $40-45 CAD, with a 30 minute drive (if you're not stuck in the rush hour traffic, or on a holiday weekend). Many good hotels in the downtown area, close to good restaurants and shopping. Priceline prices are usually in U.S. dollars, so to compare prices in Canadian dollars, use the hotel's own websites to comparison shop (Hilton has the rate convertor at the top of the rate page) or try travelocity.ca, or expedia.ca to see prices shown in Canadian funds.

I'm sure you'll enjoy your visit to TO.

bj-21. (Also a Yankees fan, after "dose Bums" left Ebbetts Field for the west coast).

Ok. I'll do it. Quick question....can we take the subway from YYZ into Toronto?

No, the subway doesn't run out to the airport, at least not yet. There is a bus service to the downtown area, run by Pacific Western coach lines (not the local city buses, which can get you to the subway, but that's rather lengthy and not worth the hassle). The PWC buses depart regularly from all terminals for the downtown area, and end up at the Royal York hotel, downtown, and will make a few stops at nearby hotels if requested. About a 40 minute trip downtown, traffic permitting, and more reasonable then a cab or limo.

You won't need a car for a quick visit to TO, as the subway system, and "underground city" will get you to most places in the downtown area.

PM me if I can be of help with more info.

bj-21.

Have stayed at Royal York when in Toronto for a SkyDome visit. Walkable to stadium.

Subway to Downtown Toronto
 

There is a way to get to the subway on public transportation. The 192 Airport Rocket leaves from each terminal every 20 minutes or so and runs as an express bus to Kipling subway station. The fare is $2.50 exact change per person, and includes the transfer to the subway. For your city travels I recommend the day pass ($8.00/day) which allows 2 adults (and up to 4 children) unlimited travel on weekend and holidays, or one person after 9:30 am on weekdays. (TTC = Toronto Transit Commission).

http://www.toronto.ca/ttc/service_to_airport.htm

Some suggestions to fill in the times between the ball games:

- A trip up the CN tower, The world's tallest (according to Guinness) building 1,815 ft, 5 inches. (Right beside Skydome {Rogers Centre})
http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/...recordid=49675

- A shopping tour of The Eaton Centre (2 blocks of indoor shopping mall)
( Dundas and Queen Subway Stations)

- A stroll along the Harbourfront ( Queen's Quay from Yonge St. to Spadina)
(Harbourfront streetcar from Union Station, 509 or 510)

- A wander through Chinatown (Spadina Ave.), then nearby Kensington Market (510 streetcar turns up Queen's Quay to Spadina Ave. )

- BATA Shoe Museum (St. George Station)

- Hockey Hall of Fame (King or Union Stations, Corner of Yonge and Front)

- St. Lawrence Market on Front Street. Try Peameal Bacon (Canadian Bacon) on a bun. Market Closed on Sunday

- Take a ferry ride to Toronto Islands ($6 return) and have a picnic.

Just a few suggestions as there are literally thousands more. Enjoy your visit.

http://www.torontotourism.com/visitor

You also may want to look at the YYZ website for transportation info from the airport. Use your search engine for "GTAA", which is the Greater Toronto Airport Authority" website.

The Yankees aren't having a great season so far this year. Looks like Joe and George may have to make some lineup changes by the AllStar break to get the team moving.

bj-21.

I can vouch for relative conveniencethe public transportation option. As a New Yorker, I presume you have no qualms about taking the bus or subway. The TTC system is not as extensive as the MTA, but it's much cleaner and user-friendly. ^ ^

Because the bus is an express to the subway, it's a lot more convenient and punctual than the M60 to LGA, for instance.

I also recommend the TTC day pass. Unfortunately, it is not available for sale at the airport. If you like, I can send you a couple before your trip. PM me if you like.

All of this info is great...thank you everybody. I did get a good chuckle about the comment referring to the M60. That's one bus out of LGA I don't take. :D

Its wierd. I thought I posted to this thread last week re: the Toronto Film Festival being on at that time, but I do not see it here.

Analise, if you wish to use the bus/subway from the aiport to the hotel. I have a couple TTC tokens available. I am in NYC and can drop them off if you could use them.

BEWARE! When the Toronto Film Festival is on .. .and most times when there are baseball games .. the city is SOLD OUT.

I was there last year during the Film Festival .. and was staying at the IC Toronto (former and should have stayed Crowne Plaza). I had been there for about 4 weeks already and had another 4-6 weeks I was trying to book. They refused me the week of the Film Fest. I had to talk to the Manager and pay FULLLLL rate for the week (no corporate). Checkin was a ZOO!

I would seriously doubt Priceline or other places could find you anything in the city during Film Fest. Game weekends WILL be hard to get too I bet. The subway is VERY VERY good .. and there is a covered walkway from subway and train station to the Stadium (follow all the people!).

Personal preference .. is the Fairmont Royal York. There is a Tim Hortons out the back door for great brewed tea. Under BC Place (I think) is a really kewl restaurant called Marche' Movenpick (there are several in the city). Also, should you decide to venture to Hooters for some wings, be prepared for oriental ladies in Hooters shorts/shirts that certainly do not fill out the uniform very well.

I have been in TOR a couple times - able to see the Yanks too (keep em winning will ya?!) - very easy to walk from town to the stadium, and the public transportation is good - very quiet, easy, efficient subway - and the city is very manageable - per the above, I am not sure if the Yanks conflict with the Toronto Film Fest (they have in the past, so check - as this may hamper hotel avails - at same time would provide entertainment options!) - city has good dining options - I have not been touristy, more business - oh and their hot dogs from the street vendors are REALLY good!

You're joking right? Movenpick Marche is an overpriced cafeteria but less convienent. I've never understood it's popularity.

I think it has it's place - ever tried to get a bunch of kids or co-workers to agree on a place to eat? On the other hand, yes, you can definitely eat better for the $12 or so a head they charge for lunch.