The Toronto skyline by ElPadawan on Flickr

The conference is being held at the Metro Convention Centre (MCC) located in downtown Toronto on Front Street. It is only two blocks from Lake Ontario and is situated right in front of the CN Tower, so if you get lost, look for the tall building in the sky and it shouldn’t be too hard to find.

How to get around

The conference center is two blocks west of the main train station, (Union Station) and subway stops, making it very accessible and also has underground parking for those with their own vehicle. However once in Toronto it is probably best to leave your car behind and get around the city by subway, street car, taxi, bus or foot. For convenience look into getting a Presto card (similar to London’s Oyster card) that you can top up and use on the go on all transportation systems in Toronto.

A street car in Toronto by AmyFallon on Flickr

Where to stay

Toronto is the kind of city that caters to people with all kinds of budgets for accommodations. For the people with little to no money there is a great couch surfing scene and also members of the Toronto Travel Massive community have been known to open their homes to travelers passing through.

If you have a small budget to work with then you might want to look into one of Toronto’s many hostels. Four or five blocks away from the convention center is the Canadiana Backpackers Hostel (42 Widmer St.), which is known as the best located hostel in Toronto and was even once voted as the best hostel in all of North America. Venture another block west and you will find the Global Village Backpackers Hostel (460 King St W), the original hostel in Toronto and slightly further away is the HI Toronto Youth Hostel, Backpackers on Dundas and the newest, The Planet Traveler’s Hostel.

If you would prefer a hotel then there are many options to choose from nearby to the MCC here are just a few. With rates beginning at $200 a night the Intercontinental Hotel (225 Front St W) is actually attached to the MCC, you won’t be able to get much closer than that. To the east of the MCC, directly across from the train station is the Fairmont Royal York hotel (100 Front St W). Over 80 years old this place has a lot of class and charm. A little further from the convention center but a quick cab or subway ride away is the Delta Chelsea hotel (33 Gerard St W)the largest hotel in all of Canada.

Lastly if big hotels aren’t your thing Toronto also has some great Boutique hotels like the Gladstone Hotel known as a historic Victorian turned Artist hotel each of its 37 rooms are decorated by a different artist. With only 19 rooms the Drake Hotel is also a funky boutique hotel in the city and they are known as the go-to spot for brunch. They also have a great rooftop patio and sidewalk cafe for Toronto’s summer months and even offer a sushi bar.

The Gladstone Hotel in Toronto photo by 416style on Flickr

Where to eat

Nearby the MCC there are many options for food, exit the building on Front Street and head either East or North for your best bet and you will be sure to find what you are looking for. From quick food from a hotdog cart or Food Truck to a sit down meal in a pub or fancy restaurant, finding the perfect meal in Toronto shouldn’t be very hard.

Travel bloggers tend to like a drink or two and be sociable so if you leave MCC on Front Street and turn right (east) just a couple blocks down on your left you will find the Loose Moose featuring the largest draft beer selection in the downtown area, they also have a reasonably priced food menu. On Wellington Street one street north of Front Street you might be happy to find a Starbucks and Quesada’s for your burrito fix. Continue further north for more tasty eats on King St W and Adelaide St W and your head will literally be spinning with options.

Read more about Toronto’s best bars and pubs

Things to do in the city

• Shopping

Thinking about Toronto you might assume that the CN Tower is the city’s number one attraction however the number one tourist destination in the city is actually the Toronto Eaton Centre, a mall, and the largest and busiest in the city at that with over 52million people visiting a year. Toronto also has a lot of unique neighborhoods that are known for their great shopping and window shopping like Queen Street West, the Yorkville neighborhood, Kensington Market and the St Lawrence Market area. Whether you are looking for high end clothes or vintage threads it can all be found in Toronto, so make sure you bring your walking shoes so you can see it all and a big suitcase.

• Eating

Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world. There are over 150 languages spoken in the city each day and at least 50% of the population was born outside of Canada, which gives this city its urban edge and amazing food from all around the world. Toronto not only has a Chinatown but here you can also find Greektown, Little Italy, and Koreatown just to name a few and it is home to over 9,000 restaurants.

Shopping at the Toronto Eaton Centre by Mamonello on Flickr

• Tourist Attractions in Toronto

The CN Tower held the record for being the tallest building in the world for 34 years before loosing that title in 2010. From the top on a clear day you can get a great view over looking the city and lake Ontario. There is a revolving restaurant called 360 that makes a complete turn over the city every 72minutes as you dine, there are viewing decks, a glass floor and you can also take an Edgewalk where you walk around the outside of the Tower wearing a harness for safety without any railings to keep you safe so you can literally hangout over the edge.

The city has one of the best museums in all of Canada called the Royal Ontario Museum that attracts over one million visitors a year and houses six million items. The Art Gallery of Ontario is a popular place to visit, as is the Bata Shoe Museum, a museum dedicated to shoes. You can also take a walk on the wild side and visit the Toronto Zoo or take a stroll through one of the cities many green spaces as there are 1,600 named parks in the city.

To spice things up a bit you might also want to visit Canada’s Wonderland located just 30 minutes from downtown it is the largest theme park in Canada. Also you don’t want to forget that the famous Niagara Falls is just over an hours drive away.

Toronto is a massive city to explore but hopefully with a few of the tips and suggestions listed above I’ve made it a bit easier for you. See you at the conference!

- Contributed by Cailin O’Neil

TBEX Guide to Toronto from Toronto Things to Do

Queen Street West in Toronto photo by Benson Kua on flickr

Spring in Toronto is a wonderful time of the year. The snow has melted the flowers and trees are starting to bud and flower, restaurants and bars begin opening up their patios and all of the people start coming out of hibernation. To help you plan a trip to Toronto in the spring here are some suggestions of things to do in Toronto that time of year.

Explore the city by foot

Toronto is a large city with various pockets of neighborhoods that are nice for a stroll. Queen Street West is a great place to start. Within a 2km stretch of road there are over 300 restaurants, bars, cafes, galleries, stores and boutique hotels. This is one of the best places in the city to grab a coffee, do some window-shopping and people watching on a fine spring day. Queen Street West is a great place to see the culture and people that define Toronto. For other ideas, Yonge Street is a popular area for shopping, you could walk down the Lake Ontario boardwalk or hang out in one of the cities many parks and green spaces.

Go to a sporting event

Toronto is home to the Toronto Blue Jays, a Major League Baseball team, and the only MLB team currently in Canada. Grab some tickets, a baseball hat and hot dog and make a day of it at the Rogers Centre in downtown next to the CN Tower. If you aren’t a baseball fan then maybe you will enjoy a soccer match with Toronto’s Major League Soccer team Toronto FC who play frequently at Toronto’s BMO field.

Visit a Museum or Art Gallery

With spring comes rain and not every day will necessarily be a perfect day to be outside but there is still so much to do in Toronto when the weather isn’t pleasant. You can spend a whole day getting lost in the Royal Ontario Museum viewing its over six million pieces in its collection or tour the Art Gallery of Ontario where you can see pieces as old as the 1^st century and as new as present day.

- contributed by Cailin O’Neil

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Toronto tours and things to do, Toronto attractions and Toronto travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Toronto for a customized tour!

Toronto in Spring from Toronto Things to Do

Toronto’s Allan Gardens Conservatory photo by Diego3336 on flickr

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and although it is full of skyscrapers, office towers and concrete there are also some nice spots to relax, take a break and a short stroll.  It would be hard to sum them all up in one post so here is a list of some of Toronto’s best gardens and parks.

Nathan Phillips Square

There isn’t much greenery in Nathan Phillip’s Square, as it is known as more of an “urban plaza”. Located in front of Toronto’s City Hall the square is named after Toronto’s Mayor Nathan Phillips who was in office from 1955-1965. In the winter the reflecting pool is turned into a free public ice skating rink and in the warmer months the square is home to weekly farmers markets and art displays just to name a few things that take place here.  Nathan Phillips Square is located on the corner of Queen Street and Bay Street.

The Toronto Sculpture Garden

Open since 1981 the Toronto Sculpture Garden is a small 80 by 100 green space that features a waterfall and various temporary sculptures with two exhibitions a year. Funded by the city and a private initiative. The Garden is located at 115 King Street across from St. James’ Cathedral.

Queen’s Park

Named in honor of Queen Victoria in 1860, Queen’s Park is owned by the University of the Toronto but is on a 999 year lease to the Government of Ontario. In the center stands a statue of Edward VII with pathways branching outwards. It features a war memorial, grassy areas and large trees which make it a very beautiful space as the leaves change in the fall. The park is home to Ontario’s Legislative building, which is also often referred to as “Queen’s Park”. If visiting take the subway to the Queen’s Park station on the corner of University Ave and College Street.

Allan Gardens

Home to a dog park, playground area and a greenhouse conservatory the Allan Gardens is one of the oldest parks in the city, opened in 1858. The conservatory occupies 16,000 sq feet with 5 different greenhouses inside growing rare tropical plants from around the world. The gardens feature seasonal flower shows and is open 10am-5pm 365 days a year. Located at 19 Horticultural Ave.

- Contributed by Cailin O’Neil

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Toronto tours and things to do, Toronto attractions and Toronto travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Toronto for a customized tour!

Toronto’s Best Gardens and Parks from Toronto Things to Do

Royal Ontario Museum Photo by jphilipg on Flickr

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of Toronto’s top attractions and is one of Canada’s best museums. With over one million visitors a year it holds the largest world culture and natural history collection in all of Canada and is one of the largest museums in North America.

Founded in 1912, the ROM has 40 galleries holding six million items. If you love world history, Dinosaurs and meteorites then you will enjoy this museum. There are artifacts from the stone age, and pieces from the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada’s original societies. You can view some of the world’s most important Chinese temple paintings, mummy cases, and famous painted coffins from Egypt. There is also a realistic bat cave for those who are brave enough, and there are various animals – both extinct and non-extinct – on display, as well as the largest dinosaur skeleton in all of Canada.

The Royal Ontario Museum is definitely the kind of place that you should give a whole day to visit. Make sure to wear a good pair of shoes and either bring a packed lunch or enjoy the Cafe and lounge that the museum has to offer.

There are daily tours offered by volunteers and the museum has lots of events and activities year round, like animal scavenger hunts for kids and lectures and workshops for adults.

Located on Bloor Street on part of the University of Toronto Campus, the Royal Ontario Museum can easily be reached by subway, street car, taxi and foot from the center of downtown Toronto. The museum is open every day of the week from 10am to 5:30pm and stays open until 8:30pm on Fridays. It is open every day of the year except for December 25^th. Entrance fees range from $12 – $15, and are discounted on Fridays after 4:30pm. University students get in free every Tuesday.

- Contributed by Cailin O’Neil

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Toronto tours & things to do in Toronto, Toronto Attractions, and Toronto Travel Recommendation.

Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum from Toronto Things to Do

Photo courtesy of vdori.

Toronto is home to a vibrant bar scene, making it tough to choose a venue for a night out. To help you experience the city’s best brews, cocktails and atmospheres, here are some suggestions.

Wallflower

One of Toronto’s newer bars, Wallflower is located on Dundas West and is a vintage bar that will make you feel like you’re drinking at an eccentric older relative’s house. Opened in November 2012, the unique ambiance of the space can be attributed to decor like old wooden tables with tall vases, an eclectic mix of throw-back music, floral wallpaper, random knick-knacks and a large chandelier. That being said, it all comes together to create a venue that’s truly worth a visit, especially with their impressive wine list, craft beer, classic cocktails and quirky food selection. Pair deviled eggs, cabbage hash with ham or shoofly pie with libations like Duggan’s #9, Robert Reynolds Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 or a Manhattan garnished with a candied orange peel.

Check out some pub tours in Toronto 

The Monarch Tavern

Open since 1927, The Monarch Tavern is one of Toronto’s oldest bars and the epitome of a neighborhood watering hole. The tavern features fifteen craft beer taps, cheap bottled brews, cask-conditioned ales and perfectly poured whiskey cocktails. While The Monarch has a tradition of allowing patrons to bring in outside food or have it delivered, you probably won’t want to as their kitchen is one of their main draws. Smoked meats, homemade burgers, gourmet grilled cheese and even gluten-free and vegetarian options are offered on the menu. Although it’s considered a dive bar, the dark wood interior and flat screen TVs give it a swanky touch. Additionally, special events like comedy shows, ladies nights, themed parties, DJs and burlesque keep the vibe interesting.

Bar Volo

If you’re a beer geek, you’ll love Bar Volo. Located at 587 Yonge Street, the family-owned venue originally opened in 1985 as an Italian Cafe, but soon came to be recognized for its brew offerings. Along with a laid-back, rustic atmosphere patrons can enjoy 125 different bottled beers, 13 rotating craft beer selections, Ontario wines and an impressive selection of 50 whiskeys. Additionally, Bar Volo has an onsite nano-brewery where they create their own beers for sampling. To date, they’ve experimented with over 60 batches of beer as well as collaborated with several local breweries. Settle into one of their cozy couches or booths and enjoy unusual and hard-to-find brews like Black Oak’s Imperial India Pale Ale “10 Bitter Years,”  Dieu Du Ciel’s “Peche Mortal” and Great Lakes “Apocalypse Later.”

-Jessica Festa

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Toronto tours & things to do in Toronto, Toronto Attractions, and Toronto Travel Recommendation.

Toronto’s Best Bars and Pubs from Toronto Things to Do

St. Patrick’s Day in Toronto. Photo courtesy of Paul McKinnon via Shutterstock.

For those in Toronto for St. Patrick’s Day, there are many opportunities to celebrate. The main event is the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which will take place this year on March 17, 2013, beginning at noon. The procession of colorful floats, marching bands and cultural groups starts at Bloor and St. George, continuing along Bloor, turning onto Yonge and ending at Nathan Philips Square. For a detailed route map, click here. Leading up to the date of the parade there are also various festive fundraiser parties, including the annual Grand Marshal Ball on March 15. Tickets are $150 each including a three-course meal, three drink tickets and live entertainment.

If you want to experience some of Toronto’s best bars on the holiday, there is a St. Patrick’s Day Club Crawl on March 16. Tickets start at $10 and include admission into three clubs — London Tap House, Crocodile Rock and Tequila Jacks — and the ability to cut the line. You may also want to venture off on your own and visit own of the city’s Irish pubs, like Brazen Head, Pour House or Foggy Dew. And if you’re more interested in eating than drinking, President’s Choice Cooking School is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Feast Cooking Class. For about $20, you’ll learn how to make crisp potato pancakes, Irish soda bread, shepherd’s pie and a “Lucky Leprechaun Shake.”

For a healthy holiday, sign up for the 14th Annual Achilles St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk. Taking place on March 17 the run takes participants through downtown Toronto, ending at Steam Whistle Brewing, The Roundhouse for some craft beer, Irish chili and festive fun.

-Jessica Festa

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Toronto tours & things to do in Toronto, Toronto Attractions, and Toronto Travel Recommendation.

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Toronto from Toronto Things to Do

Casa Loma

Those visiting Toronto, Canada, who have an interest in history and architecture should make a visit to Casa Loma. Literally meaning “house on a hill,” Casa Loma is a Gothic Revival-style castle that is now a museum and landmark allowing visitors a glimpse into 20th-century Toronto.

Built between 1911 and 1914 by well-known Canadian financier, industrialist and military officer Sir Henry Pellat, it took $3.5 million and over 300 laborers to complete the project. After only 10 years of ownership, however, Pellat endured financial hardship and was forced abandon Casa Loma. Eventually, it was restored by the Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma and opened as a tourist attraction in 1937.

Today, there is much for visitors to see throughout Casa Loma and its 98 rooms and four floors, with free audio tours available for those interested. While the outside features Elizabethan-style chimneys and Rhineland turrets, the inside allows you to admire the imperial Great Hall with its high-ceilings and Coronation Chair replica, the stately Oak Room and the Conservatory with its grand Italian chandelier and ornate touches. Wander through the wine cellar with about 1800 bottles of wine and Champagne on the lower level, the library on the main floor, Sir Henry Pellatt and Lady Pellat’s suites and bathrooms on the second floor and the Queen’s Own Rifles Museum on the third floor. Moreover, secret passageways, underground tunnels and stables once used by the government to conduct underground WWI anti-U-boat technology research give the building a mysterious and exciting ambiance. We also recommend going up into the towers for sweeping views of downtown Toronto.

From May through October, visitors can stroll through the elegant onsite gardens. Wildflowers, flowering shrubs, perennials, trees, vibrant foliage and roses help to create a beautiful atmosphere to explore, with guided tours available for those interested.

For the television and film buffs, you’ll be interested to know Casa Loma has appeared in many television shows, commercials and movies. Some notable titled include “X-Men,” “National Lampoon,” “Extreme Measures” and “54,” to name a few.

Casa Loma is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm. They close at 1pm on Christmas Eve and are closed Christmas Day.

-Jessica Festa

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Toronto tours and things to do, Toronto attractions and Toronto travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Toronto for a customized tour!

Exploring the Historic Casa Loma Castle in Toronto from Toronto Things to Do

High Park in Toronto. Photo courtesy of Benson Kua

For couples visiting Toronto, the city offers an array of romantic options. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the beauty of nature, indulge in chocolate and massages or take your relationship to new heights, you can do it in Toronto. Here are some suggestions.

Go for a stroll
Toronto is home to many beautiful parks, perfect for taking a romantic stroll or enjoying a picnic with your special someone. Visit High Park, the city’s largest municipal park with 400 acres to explore. Opened in 1876, the landscape features hills, ravines, gardens, ponds, cherry blossoms and lush flora. Take a walk along Grenadier Pond and see the reflection of the trees on the water, or stroll through gardens enjoying the charming bridges and waterfalls. There’s a good chance you’ll be able to enjoy one of the park’s many romantic events, like performances and medicinal plant walks in the summer, harvest festivals in the fall, ice skating in the winter and charity walks in the spring.

Get—and give—a massage
Located in a historic landmark building you’ll find a hidden oasis, Elmwood Spa. Couples are invited into private, relaxing treatment rooms to relax together. The menu is extensive, and couples can even choose the “Massage Your Mate.” The treatment is 60 minutes, with each partner taking turns receiving and learning to give professional-quality massages. The treatment is $250 for the hour.

Aerial view of Toronto. Photo courtesy of dsearls.

See the city from above
For an aerial view of Toronto, opt for a romantic helicopter ride. Couples can choose their own route, soaring 2,000 feet over the city center, CN Tower and sparkling waterfront. Ontario wine, chocolates and a plush teddy bear are also part of the experience.

Serious couples should head to Canoe, a fine dining restaurant residing atop the TD Bank Tower. Opt for the tasting menu with wine pairing for a chance to try a variety of local flavors, and sit at tucked away Table #38. Not only does it have an excellent view, but a history that includes several marriage proposals.

Indulge in your sweet side
Nothing says romance quite like chocolate. Located in the Distillery Historic District as well as on King Street West, SOMA Chocolatemaker makes small-batch artisanal chocolate straight from the cacao bean from places like Madagascar, Costa Rica and Panama. You and your partner can learn about the chocolate-making process by touring the factory as well as through tasting events. Make sure to sample some of their homemade truffles, as well as the heavenly salted caramel hot chocolate. For a refreshing treat, opt for a gelato with flavors like dark chocolate, roasted hazelnut and Madagascar vanilla.

Get away
And for a romantic day-trip from Toronto, Niagara Falls—one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America—is only an hour and a half away. Take a day-trip to the falls, ride the Maid of the Mist and stop at a local winery, or visit at night to see the falls lit up in vibrant colors. You may also want to visit the nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake to discover the area’s booming wine scene.

Read more about the top things to do and see in Toronto

-Jessica Festa

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Toronto tours and things to do, Toronto attractions and Toronto travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Toronto for a customized tour!

Romantic Things to Do in Toronto from Toronto Things to Do

View of the CN Tower from a helicopter

Attractions that offer ultra-high views of a city, like the Empire State Building, continue to draw millions of visitors a year, and Toronto isn’t without fantastic, record-breaking heights of its own. The most popular observation deck in Toronto is the CN Tower, with a total height of 553 meters (1,815 feet) and an observation deck height of 447 meters (1467 feet).

This concrete tower, its name an abbreviation for Canadian National Tower, was the world’s tallest free-standing structure when it was finished in 1976; it’s still the third-largest tower in the world! The SkyPod observation platform, from which you have a 360-degree view, may even offer distant views of Niagara Falls—when the weather is impeccable, of course; to visit this highest platform, you’ll need to spend a little extra beyond the regular admission price below. There is a LookOut Level observation deck at a less-intense 346 meters (1,135 feet), an EdgeWalk (the world’s highest full-circle, hands-free walk—wearing a harness as you make your way all around the edge of the building) at 356 meters (1,168 feet), and a Glass Floor at 342 meters (1,122 feet).

If you purchase tickets online before you go, adult prices are $27.20 (senior/youth $20.40). If you’re bringing kids, consider getting a Family Pass for $99—or even getting a Toronto CityPASS, which includes the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Zoo, and other attractions.

The CN Tower also has restaurants, a 3D theater, and glass-fronted elevators that shoot up at 22 km (15 miles) per hour to transport you to the decks. In 2008, glass floor panels were installed, too.

If you want to try something different, consider restaurants like Panorama, which on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre has Toronto’s highest patio (age 19 and over), or hotels like the Thompson Hotel Toronto, which has a rooftop bar and infinity pool with a fantastic view of the city (unfortunately, only for guests… but it just might be worth the stay!).

As part of Doors Open Toronto, an annual weekend when over a hundred culturally or architecturally significant buildings open up to the public, you may be able to visit the observation deck on City Hall’s 27th floor. Normally you can’t go up there at all, so if you’re in town that weekend (May 25–26, 2013), don’t miss out!

- Natalie Grant

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Toronto Observation Decks from Toronto Things to Do

Royal Ontario Museum at night

A Toronto visit isn’t complete without a trip to the Royal Ontario Museum—one of the largest museums on the entire continent, full of artifacts from cultures around the globe (six million of them!), dinosaur fossils, and hands-on exhibits. 1,000 of these scientific artifacts comprise a so-called ‘cabinet of curiosities,’ which you can see as you walk along the famous and stunning J. F. Driscoll Family Stair of Wonders.

Seashells, antlers, and historic fingerbowls are also part of this collection—keep an eye out for stuffed Birds of Paradise and a 20-kg (44-lb) hippopotamus jaw, but the true sight is the architecture itself. The structure was designed by Daniel Libeskind, who has contributed some of the most awe-inspiring, architectural masterpieces to museums in places like Germany, South Korea, and the United States.

What looks like a series of five giant, sharp crystals jutting out into the street is referred to as the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, named after the banker who donated $30 million toward its construction (one of the wealthiest men in Canada, unsurprisingly). Much of this ‘Deconstructivist’ piece is made of glass, and light bounces around the atrium in an ethereal way; the fourth crystal is where you’ll find the Stair of Wonders.

The Royal Ontario Museum is by Queen’s Park, with the main entrance on Bloor Street West. The closest subway access is St. George Station. Admission is $15 for adults and $12 for students, but you can purchase the Ultimate ROM Experience (which includes Ultimate Dinosaurs) for a little extra; don’t pass by the opportunity to see a Futalognkosaurus (the largest dinosaur ever mounted in Canada) and some dinosaurs that have only recently been dug up!

- Natalie Grant

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Toronto tours and things to do, Toronto attractions and Toronto travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Toronto for a customized tour!

Climbing the Stair of Wonders at the Royal Ontario Museum from Toronto Things to Do