Toronto/Downtown

The Downtown core is the economic powerhouse of Toronto, although it lacks the cultural appeal of the outlying districts. Many of Toronto's larger attractions are located here, however, so it's an essential part of any visit to Toronto.

==Get in==

By Car

Most of the major highways passing through Toronto pass through the downtown core at some point.

From the DVP

Follow the DVP south towards Front Street. The southernmost exit brings you into downtown.

From the Gardiner Expressway

Exit at Spadina, next to the CN Tower.

From the 401

Follow the 401 until you reach the Don Valley Parkway (just east of Leslie Street). Exit onto the DVP southbound, and follow until you reach Front Street.

By Subway

Head to Union to visit the downtown core. The stop is located on the southernmost tip of the University/Spadina and Yonge lines. Fare for a subway ride is $2.50.

By Rail

Go Transit runs trains from the north, east and west heading from outlying districts to Union Station. Fares from $5-10.

By Bike/Foot

The easiest way to find downtown Toronto is to locate the CN tower, and head towards it. Be advised that Toronto is considered a very dangerous city to bike in by many people, and accidents are frequent. Stick to less populated roads, and be aware of people and vehicles around you.

See

CN Tower, 301 Front Street West, 416.86.TOWER. Su-Th 9:30AM-10PM, F-Sa 9:30AM-10:30PM (for tower access, see website for specific attractions). Toronto's most recognizeable and famous feature, the CN Tower is the world's tallest free-standing structure. Clocking in at a dizzying 553M, a visit is worth it for the view of the city alone. A revolving restaurant is located in the main deck, but isn't particularly renowned. Approx. $20 (Prices vary by access, see website for details). http://www.cntower.ca/

Hockey Hall of Fame, 30 Yonge Street (at Wellington, in BCE Place), 416.360.7765, M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa 9:30AM-6PM, Su 10:30AM-5PM. A shrine to Canada's pastime in the heart of the city. The Stanley cup is usually housed here - if authenticity is important, call ahead and ensure it's not in another city before you visit. Adults $12, Youth + Seniors $8.

CBC Museum

Queen's Park

Do

Visit High Park - take the Bloor Subway west to High Park Station, walk a block south to the park. Spend an afternoon enjoying a miniature zoo, jogging and cycling trails, children's playgrounds, swimming, & tennis. Take a long walk around the pond, or sit outside of the restaurant deck, and enjoy the scenery of Toronto taking a breather. Take a picnic, or just go for a nap under a tall shady tree.

In the summertime, watch an outdoor under the stars presentation of Shakespeare in the Park, for a nomimal entrance fee.

Eat

This area is generally considered a culinary wasteland. However, new places with good food are constantly opening and closing. Some good old standards:

George's Chicken, Dundas east of Sherbourne, open to 2AM, whole barbecued chicken and fries with gravy. No seating. No whacking people ahead in line.

Pickle Barrel Grand, 312 Yonge Street N. of Dundas. A large menu of North-American cuisine. It also has a selection of dishes from further afield, their take on traditional English fish and chips is a nice surprise using halibut instead of Cod or Haddock. Reasonable prices, decent food but nothing fancy. Nowhere near as much fun as any of the above places.

Red Lobster, 20 Dundas Street W, inside the Atrium On Bay center. A large and friendly restaurant serving mainly seafood but cooking up many other dishes as well. Good service and food makes this restaurant a pleasant eating experience. Moderately priced. A word of warning though their margareta cocktails are considerably larger than the pictures on the menu would have you believe.

C'est What, Front Street at Church =>. Affordable, eclectic menu and an amazing selection of microbrews, including the house specialties Coffee Porter and Hemp Ale.

Le Commensal, 655 Bay St, north of Dundas, (416) 596-9364. A good selection of vegetarian fare, served buffet-style and priced by weight.

Eat Chinese Some of the best chinese food can be found within walking distance of City Hall. Walk west along Dundas street to the heart of one of North America's largest chinatowns, and discover a wealth of Chinese & Vietnamese foods. At the corner of Dundas & Spadina, you have arrived, and you'll find it's far from being a wasteland of food!

Splurge

Bistro 990 990 Bay St. Tel: +1416 921-9990. Great french food, good wine. Game, seafood, homemade desserts. Mains CAD 30.

Drink

Amsterdam Brewing Co, 600 King St. W, Tel:416-5046882. The brewery has a bar in basement.
Steam whistle brewery. The Roundhouse, 255 Bremner Blvd.=> A brewery in an old roundhouse close to the sky dome and the CN tower. They offer tours of the brewery and samples of the beer.