Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters) STRICTLY MODERATED!!!

E-Z Guide To Toronto



So your team is coming up to Toronto and you're thinking of making an 'away day'
out of it? That's great! If you've never been to Toronto before you'll be in for
a real treat, and even if you have been here before, the city is changing so quickly
that you'll probably have a hard time recognizing it. One of the big draws is that
we're another country, and what's cooler than taking an 'international' trip to
support your local club in another country? Nothing... that's what!
Plus Toronto is one of the few teams in the MLS that has a Soccer Specific Stadium
within walking distance from the downtown core. If you want to just drive in
and watch the game, that's fine, but if you want to spend some time in the city,
then this guide is for you!




Guide to the Map

A - BMO Field, home of Toronto FC
B - Union Station, rail hub for Toronto
C - The Greyhound Bus station
E - The Entertainment District. You're entire trip could be spent here
F - The Skydome (now Rogers Center) and the CN Tower
G - The Ferry Docks to Toronto Island
H - The Gardiner Expressway is the only highway into downtown
I - The University of Toronto and an amazing museum
J - Chinatown. Probably bigger than your Chinatown
K - Queen West is trendy shopping and people watching
L - Harbourfront Center is great for the families
M - Younge / Dundas Square is like the 'Time Square' for Toronto.
N - Little Italy
P - Little Portugal

There's a few simple things to keep in mind when touring the city.
The simplest thing is that the lake is south and all the main roads
run on a grid to the north, east and west. Younge street seperates
the East side of the City from the West side of town. The field is
on the west side, so I'm not going to get into covering the other
side of town, but there is plenty of things over there if you are
planning a longer trip. If you're travelling on foot durring the day,
there's a whole world of things to see and do all within walking distance.

Tourism Toronto: http://www.torontotourism.com/visitor




<< I'll be back to add more later - feel free to add any tips or whatever yourself >>

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

Transit in the downtown part of the city is really quite good with a mix of subway, streetcar, and buses. It is all run by the Toronto Transit Comission or TTC. You can get a day pass good for unlimited transit travel for just $8.50. The pass is good for an entire family (two adults and up to four kids).

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

Some other great places to check out (sorry I can't put them on the map):

St. Lawrence Market - every food you ever wanted, especially seafood
http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/

Ontario Science Centre - a very excellent example of the type
http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/

Casa Loma - a huge manor house that looks like a castle and dates to the turn of the last century
http://www.casaloma.org/

Toronto Metro Zoo - not downtown but well worth the visit
http://www.torontozoo.com/

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

Nice additions.

The one thing you need to know about the TTC (toronto transit) is that
the Bathurst Street Car will take you right to the field. It goes south to
the Lakeshore and then turns west and drops you off right at the corner
of BMO field. You can spend a whole day touring and then zip right down.Public Transit Directions

From TFC Web Site: http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/t280/stadium/directions/

BMO Field, in Exhibition Place, is easily accessible by both options of public transit; the Go and Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).

Toronto Transit (TTC):
#29 DUFFERIN BUS
Take the Bloor subway to Dufferin Station and proceed to street level. Board the #29 bus south to Exhibition Place.
#511 BATHURST STREETCAR
Take the Bloor subway to Bathurst Station and proceed to street level. Board the #511 streetcar south to Exhibition Place.
#509 LAKESHORE STREETCAR
Take the Yonge-University subway to Union Station and proceed to the Queens Quay platform. Board the #509 streetcar west to Exhibition Place.

* Please note that one TTC fee applies to all consecutive travel. Upon boarding any TTC line (subway, bus or streetcar) please obtain a transfer which will allow you free access onto your connecting line. For more information, visit the TTC at www.ttc.ca or call 416-393-4636.

Access via GO Train:
Exhibition Place also has a GO station located right on the grounds. The station name is EXHIBITION and is one stop west of Union Station on the East-West Lakeshore line. For more information contact GO Transit at www.gotransit.ca or 416-869-3200.

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

Don't forget to check out our other team that plays throughout the summer months if you can. The 2 time World Series Champions Toronto Blue Jays who play at the Rogers Centre right downtown.

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=tor

Moderator's note: .... and let us also not forget the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League who also make Rogers Centre their home!

http://www.argonauts.ca/

Rogers Centre: http://www.rogerscentre.com/home.jsp

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

Now if only they would decorate all the 511 streetcars like this one:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/blueworx/445686964/

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

Legal drinking age here is 19, but expect to get asked for ID if you look under 25

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fun part of town and just a short car or TTC ride to the stadium. The Days Inn also has a property much closer to the stadium but then you would not be able to walk out of door an be immediately engulfed in the down town area. See listing A for this one and B for .....

Days Hotel & Conference Centre Toronto Downtown
30 Carlton Street
Toronto, Ontario. Canada
M5B 2E9

Toll free reservations: 1-800-367-9601
Hotel Direct: 416-977-6655
Fax: 416-977-2865

A) Days Inn [SIZE=-1]www.daysinn.com[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]14 Roncesvalles Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada - (416) 532-9900[/SIZE]
BDays Inn Toronto B)Downtown [SIZE=-1]www.dayshoteltoronto.ca[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]30 Carlton, Toronto, ON, Canada - (416) 977-6655[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][/SIZE]

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

Thanks for that info, much appreciated. Looking forward to visiting Toronto, anything I should definitely make the time to see or do over the weekend? Apart from watching the Fire keep up their unbeaten record, of course...

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

I'm not from Toronto, but I've been there a couple times, and I loved every minute I spent there. It's got all the culture New York City has, but not all the dirt. And people were very helpful to me. One woman on the way to work showed me which trains to get on to where I was going, and I didn't even solicit her help.

And Chinatown is great, too. I ate at this one restaurant where the waiter there gave me some lessons on the differences between authentic Chinese food and the faux variety that dominate most menus in North America. In his opinion the best two places for Chinese food on this continent were Toronto and Vancouver.

And then I ate at Wayne Gretzky's restaurant and tried his grandmother's meatloaf recipe that was on the menu, and I thought it was delicious.

And I visited the Hockey Hall of Fame museum where I saw the original Stanley Cup. It was great!

I even walked for several blocks until I found the "night club" with the skyline behind it, that was seen in the Atom Egoyan film, Exotica, just so I could snap a picture.

I look forward to one day seeing a Toronto FC home game, that is, if I can get a ticket.

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

hey goldstone97

if you're looking for a dirt cheap place to stay that's right in the heart of the action, and also not too far from the field.... www.globalbackpackers.com It's a backpackers hostel at King and Spadina (right near the 'K' on the map) Rates are from $30 to $70 depending on if you can share a room with other travelers. I'd call them quickly to book the room because the place fills up fast durring the summer.

If there's just one thing to check out in Toronto.... umm.... that's a tough one! The Hockey Hall of Fame is a great idea if you're into hockey. Really just strolling Queen Street West and Spadina (chinatown) will be enough to fill an afternoon.

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

Hey thanks for the helpful thread.

For general hotel info, I entered my own price at priceline and got the Sheraton Centre Toronto for $75 a night. Hotwire had some decent prices as well. I stayed there many years ago, it is in a really nice location with subway right underground. I'm going to the July Fire game so I don't know how it works for short notice.

I can't wait to come up, Toronto is my favorite North American city. Good Luck to you TFC fans, I hope a goal comes soon for you all.

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

Hey Everyone,

Thanks for all the details! Coming out in August any recommendations for a place to stay? Doesn't have to be near the stadium I'd rather travel out one day than travel in for everyday fun?

Cheers!!!

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

As far as what to do in toronto, aside from some of the obvious things, I would highly recomment visiting the different cultural centers in the city. As the most multi-cultural city in the world, personally, I think that is the most unique thing you will find here (like little india, greektown, etc). If you have some time, you don't need money or a reservation for some of these areas, and they are still quite the experience).

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

that's the best part of our Stadium....
it's walking distance from downtown.

Any hotel in 'downtown west' will put you in the middle of the action
and it's not hard to get to the field from anywhere. Like I said before
in this thread: the Bathurst streetcar will take you directly to the pitch
and it's only like a 10 - 15 minute ride. Plus hopping a cab to the field
should only run you like $10 or so. You could even walk if you feel so inclined.

There's a big Holiday Inn on King street (near the K on my map)
and that will put you right by a bunch of nice restaurants, theatres,
comedy club, night clubs and patio bars. The 'Global village Backpackers'
is in the same area but not everyone can handle staying in a hostel.

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

sweet..... my second sticky!

here's more info for the adults
text is white - highlight to read


Toronto is a very liberal city when it comes to matters of vice. Sure you can't buy beer in the corner store, but the police have stopped charging people for simple pot possession, so it kind of balances out. Bars are open until 2:00am, and start serving at 11:00am. If you've never been to a Canadian strip club, you are in for a treat. I know that various state laws in the US make trips to the peelers a little weird. Up here the girls go topless, bottomless and will give you a very nice private dance if you treat them with respect. Plus the clubs serve drinks and food, which some US clubs dont. It's usually $20 per song in the private booths. There's a lot of illicit sex workers in the city, but I don't really know anything about that. Chances are if you make friends with a bartender and ask politely, he can fill you in on all types of things I don't want to go into here.

please dont quote the above text, as I want to keep this thread family friendly.

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

yeah... not quite Studio 54, but there's tons of nightlife.

here's the two big weekly listing papers:
www.nowtoronto.com - www.eye.net

they have full listings of concerts, clubs, music, stage, events etc....

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

If you into views...head on over to the Leslie St. split and you'll get views like these.

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

I would put Montreal's clubs over Toronto's any day of the week,
but that's because Montreal is kind of like Sin City North.

White text - highlight to read:



These are the best 4 clubs in downtown. there are many big clubs
on the fringes of the city, but I never make it out there.

1- For Your Eyes Only (which is right at King Bathurst)
This place is rather 'upscale' and you have to dress nicely
if you are going there when it's busy. There's a $20 cover
to get into the upper level but chances are you'll see a few
visiting rockstars / pro athletes up there. This is your best bet.
Plus it's right on the streetcar line to/from the field.

2- The Brass Rail (Young and Bloor)
This place is a Toronto institution and it's pretty good.
I haven't been there for ages just because it's out of the way for me.

3- Zanzibar (Young and Bloor)
It's like the working man's brass rail. It's a bit south of them too.

4- Club Paradise (Bloor and Landsdown)
This is my favorite club because it's out of the downtown core.
If you hop a cab it will be like $10-$15 bucks to get there.
The place has a really fun atmosphere and the girls are
more 'normal' than the barbies at the other clubs.


there you go....

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

Don't forget about the ugly step-children. (highlight to read)

Fillmore's-just a short walk east of Toronto's main intersection...Yonge and Dundas. Fillmores (on Dundas) is a bit rougher, as is reflected in the girls......but they also have a more relaxed attitude.

Gilly's-Queen and Broadview....not too far from the core...just over the Don River. Similar to Fillmore's....the girls are friendly, $8.50 tallboy's...it's almost like a local bar.

I don't know about Montreal being Sin City North....the strip clubs are plentiful.....but I think it's one of those "the grass is greener on the other side" kind of deals. If you disregard the strip clubs I think the night life on the whole is better in Toronto..but that's just my opinion.

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

okay.... I got a PM with some questions, and I'll share them here:


1. Which is better for Border crossing, Detroit/Windsor or Port Huron?

I always cross at the Buffalo/Niagara crossing and haven't ever had any
real problems there. I've crossed at Detroit and it was fine too, but I have
heard that it's one of the slower ones. I think that there's technically two
separate crossings at Buffalo, but I could be wrong. If you cross at Detoit,
you will end up right on the highway 401 which will lead you in a long,
straight and boring path to Toronto. I think it's about a 4-5 hour drive.
If you cross at Buffalo, you'll end up on the Q.E.W. expressway (aka 403)
and it's only about 1-2 hours into the city. The QEW will take you right
into downtown toronto, where as the 401 cuts the top of the city and
will involve some more detailed route planning. The QEW follows the lake,
and gives you much nicer views.

2. Where would you stop between border and Toronto?

Again this depends on where you cross. There's a lot of time to travel
from the Detroit/Windsor crossing, so there's plenty of truck stops
and fast food joints along the highway. There's really nothing interesting.
If you take the route from Buffalo/Niagara, the drive is a lot shorter so
there's really no reason to stop until you get to the city. You do go
though Ontario's "Wine Country" if that's interesting to you.

I'd say make a bee-line for Toronto. Maybe it's just the big-city-snob
in me talking, but a small town in Canada is a lot like a small town in the US
(well not in the South...) so just focus on getting to Toronto quickly.

3. Can I buy you a beer at the game for your kindness?

yes.

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

some help for the last couple of posts:

GO transit link:http://www.gotransit.com/
There is park and ride at many GO stations, but I am not sure how secure they are. It may be better to park in a secure municipal parking and then ride in, but I am sure GO information or maybe one of our GTA posters can better tell you.

I would suggest exchanging your money to Canadian dollars at a bank or money exchange place before you spend. You will get a better rate at a bank then most retailers will provide you.

Also, keep all your original receipts if you choose to go mental at the BMO field shop, you can get your sales taxes you pay refunded.
http://www.torontotourism.com/Visitor/TOEssentials/CurrencyTax.htm

Hope you have a great time on your trip!

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

taking GO transit into the city is a great idea!
www.gotransit.com - there's the info on fares etc.
I'm almost positive that the GO train runs on the
Hamilton-> Burlington-> Oakville-> Mississauga-> Toronto
route on saturdays, and there's a stop called Exhibition
that's right at BMO field. It's a great way to beat traffic.

Many places will accept US dollars but don't expect a fair
exchange rate on the street. Any hotel can swap some
pocket cash over for you, and it's not a bad idea to get
like $60 for food, transportation and simple expenses.

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

here's something for the families coming into town:

http://www.ontarioplace.com/

Ontario Place is a big kids playland with a water park
and tons of kid activities like bumper boats and ball rooms and stuff.
It's a great way to keep the kids busy for a day, and it's right on the
lake just south of the field. It's literally a 5 minute walk over a foot bridge
from Ontario Place to the CNE grounds and BMO Field. If anyone is coming
with the whole family in tow, then this is your best bet.

damn... now I want to go on a water slide!

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

Re: the question about Detroit/Windsor vs. Port Huron/Sarnia.

I would recommend Port Huron/Sarnia. I've generally had good success there vs. Detroit. From there, it's Hwy. 402 all the way to the 401 East to Toronto.

As for where to stop on the way, as Parkdale said, there really isn't a whole lot to see. Coming from either Detroit or Port Huron, you'll pass London and Kitchener/Cambridge/Waterloo. Both of these areas are decent-sized cities (a couple hundred thousand each) so you can get a clean bed and a warm meal and fill up the tank. But I wouldn't recommend spending sightseeing time in either place.

Also, should you be coming the Buffalo way, there are three crossings. One at Buffalo/Ft. Erie, one at Niagara Falls, and one at Lewiston, NY/Queenston, ON. Of these, I would choose the Lewiston/Queenston crossing.

Re: Welcome to Toronto (A guide for visiting supporters)

Beer is cheaper in the USA, in all senses of the word.

There a a few lots right next to the field and they are open all day.
There's other events really close to the field, so they all use the same
lots and hope there's no scheduling conflicts. Some of the lots might
be better for busses, but I can't say for sure. The best way for a bus
to the field is to take the Gardiner Expressway (the QEW turns into
the Gardiner as soon as it hits Toronto) and exit at Jameson on to the
Lakeshore. The Lakeshore runs just south of the Field and you can make
a left at the lights and pull into the parking lot.

I think I'm going to make a map.

There's a big grocery store (open 24 hours) north of the field. It's across
the Gardiner, so it's a bit tricky to get there. I'd suggest taking a car and not the Bus.