I just returned from a last-minute weekend getaway to Toronto with my friend Shirley. This was about my fifth trip to Toronto, although it has been several years since the last visit.

I’m sorry to say, both Shirley and I agreed that Toronto was not quite as lively and fun as we remembered from past visits. Partly it’s because we have changed (older and more well-traveled now); also we heard that the city is still recovering from the economic effects of the 2003 SARS epedemic. And of course, the spending was more fun back when we had a favorable exchange rate!

But not to worry — after several missteps, we did find some fun, and you can definitely have a great time in Toronto!

Here’s are my Toronto QuickNotes:
(I will provide details and links within the next week or so)

YES: FUN AND WORTHWHILE

1. Distillery Historic District.
2. Bata Shoe Museum.
3. College Street (Little Italy).
4. Art & Design District, or West Queen Street West (that’s not a typo: West Queen Street West (west of Bathurst) as opposed to Queen Street West (between University and Bathurst).
5. A few favorite restaurants:

• Holt Renfrew Cafe in Yorkville for lunch or cocktails.
• Fresh. Fast (and busy and noisy), nutritious, delicious, vegetarian eat-in or take-out. Three locations: on Bloor @ Spadina, Queen Street West @ Crawford, and spadina @ Richmond.
• Coco Lezzone on College Street in Little Italy. Sophisticated, fun Italian.
• Bistro 990 at 990 Bay Street (@ St. Joseph) about 3 blocks south of Bloor/Yorkville. Charming French bistro menu, gracious service.

NO: THESE WERE DISAPPOINTING:

1. Queen Street West
2 . Kensington Market.
3. The oft-mentioned view from the Roof Lounge at the Park Hyatt.
4. The Artisan Market at Yonge-Dundas Square.

MAYBE: IT DEPENDS … The following did not work out for us, but are still worth considering, depending on the weather, or what’s scheduled when you’re there, or what sort of fun you are looking for.

1. Yonge-Dundas Square.
2. Yorkville.
3. Eaton Center.
4. Live @ Courthouse for jazz.

FUN STUFF WE DIDN’T GET AROUND TO ON THIS TRIP:

1. Performing Arts. Toronto has a fabulous range of top-quality theatre, dance, comedy, and opera offerings, and I’ve usually taken in at least one show; just not this time. I will provide performing arts info for you as I develop the Toronto trip-planning section.
2. Major museums: Royal Ontario Museum (but we did get a street view peek at the stunning new Crystal gallery thrusting out on Bloor Street), Art Gallery of Ontario (also undergoing major renovations), and The Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art.
3. Harbourfront Centre. Very popular; I’ve never been … almost went this trip but our concierge sort of made a face and recommended the Distillery Historic District instead (which we loved, see above). Have you been here and do you recommend it?
4. Casa Loma. I enjoyed this historic home on a past visit.

That’s it for now … next up are QuickNotes from the Chicago trip two weeks ago (I’m working backwards, I know) … then more detailed Trip Planning Info for both cities. Stay tuned, and thanks for visiting!

Go … Have Fun!
Carol

* What’s a QuickNote? I just now made it up. I thought it might be handy to give you a quick post-trip list of what was fun, what wasn’t, what I learned in a particular city. Sort of a “just the facts, ma’am” note, with details — addresses, subway directions, websites — to be provided later. That way, I can jot things down while they’re fresh, and you can have some quick, easy info.

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