Top Toronto Neighbourhoods (that’s how they spell neighborhoods in Canada)
Calista Gingrich, Newt Gingrich and Arthur Laffer head into the Munk Debates at the Roy Thompson Hall
By Michael Dwyer
Entertainment District
I chose to stay in the “Entertainment District” of Toronto, near the Roy Thompson Hall. Home to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the hall hosts many events. Happening on the evening of my arrival, the Munk Debates were on. “The Munk Debates seek to provide a lively and substantive forum for leaders to debate the major issues facing the world and Canada,” states their website. While the issues being discussed were intended for a Canadian audience, I did pass familiar American, Newt Gingrich, on the sidewalk as he and his team were headed in to debate taxing the rich.
Kensington Market
Kensington Market
Victorian houses stand out with vibrant colors along narrow streets in this diverse and multicultural neighbourhood. Vintage clothing, produce markets, spice shops, cafes and restaurants spill out onto the sidewalks. Shop, eat and explore.
West Queen West
Mix fashion with art and throw in funky to describe the shops and people of the Art and Design District of Toronto. Galleries, independent shops, and boutique hotels make this a great home base or day visit. If you plan to overnight in this part of town, try the Drake Hotel or the 37-room Gladstone Hotel. Both are trendy hotspots, artsy in nature and offer something different from the big, high-rise hotels. An evening at the Sky Yard Patio at the Drake will be a nice way to wind-down a day of sightseeing.
Sky Yard Patio at the Drake Hotel
To help plan your visit and read descriptions of all the diverse and interesting neighbourhoods in Toronto, visit www.SeeTorontoNow.com
How to get around
With so many neighbourhoods to visit, you won’t be able to see them all. I suggest you stay in one and tour two others. Toronto has good public transportation. The subway, buses and streetcars are quick, clean and easy to use. A one-way fare is $3.00 and a one-day pass is $10.75. Figure out what works best for you by perusing the Toronto Transit Commission website.
If you drive from the Rochester Area, plan to spend $40.00 per day to park at your choice hotel. You may be able to find $30.00 rates at nearby parking lots. Once you park, use the public transportation, take a taxi or just walk the streets – because you never know who you might run into to.
Please Note: All prices mentioned in this article are Canadian Dollar amounts
Read about my TBEX experience in Toronto and what I thought here: Travel Bloggers Trample Toronto
Michael Dwyer is a freelance content provider. Michael writes about happenings in the Rochester area, travels across Michigan and destinations around the world. Contact him at Michael@RochesterMedia.com or @TALKTRAVEL
About Michael Dwyer