Toronto Things to Do Tips by rsilva

Well, I know Canada is a Hockey country and that the Raptors are one of the, how should I put it, more modest NBA teams, but still you must see a Raptors game.

I used to play basketball when I was younger and I followed the NBA for some time, so when I knew I was going to Toronto, I immediately went online and bought a couple of tickets for the Raptors-Celtics game and was not dissapointed. The fact it was the game in which the Raptors set a new maximum for 3-pointers (17 out of 24!) also helped.
My girlfriend who is absolutely not interested in sports was extremely amused. The place was almost packed, with 18552 spectators (I still have the picture).

We liked it so much we went back a few days later and saw the Raptors take on the Atlanta Hawks.

It is easier to find tickets for basket than for Hockey, although you should always make sure you get them in time.

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Phone: 416-815-5500
Website: http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/

I had read that Canada had the third largest Chinese community in the world and if you visit Chinatown you can believe that.

What I found most appealing were all the different colours and lights, not only the street signs but also the food that was on display everywhere.
If you are lucky you might find yourself in Chinatown at night after the rain and it will look even more spectacular.

Any shop will offer you a million things you probably have never seen before, there was a huge amount of strange-looking (and smelling) food. How can you not love the caramelized ducks/chicken hanging at the restaurant windows?

It was fun to see that this is a community where you don't have to speak English to get around. The staff at many places (restaurants included) could not speak English and even the police station has (what I guess are) Chinese writings on the wall.

In any case it makes it a very special place and I am sure you will not be dissapointed.

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Address: Spadina Ave and along Dundas St. West

There are already several tips on the CN Tower, so I will keep it short.

It is the world's tallest free standing structure and it is quite impressive.

I would suggest going an hour or so before sunset (don't forget to take into account the time you have to wait for the ticket) so you can enjoy the view night and day. We got there just as the sun was setting and could still see the orange clouds.

However, if you intend to take pictures, they are not going to come out great as there are safety nets/fences on the observation deck. You can take them from the inside, but with the thick (and dirty) glass they will not look perfect. At night it is even more difficult as there is a lot of light inside. So you should really go for the view.

Of course, there is the famous glass floor, which was not as impressive as I though it would be, maybe because it was starting to get dark or perhaps just because I was expecting more of it.

I was told that the Sky Pod is not worth the extra money (and waiting time) so we didn't go all the way up.

Obviously, try to go on a clear day. Being up there with bad visibility will surely make it a less enjoyable experience.

If possible, get the ticket at your Hotel, they will usually also give you a discount.

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Phone: (416) 362-5411
Address: 301 Front St. W.
Directions: In the heart of Downtown Toronto, right in between the SkyDome and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Front Street, just north of Bremner Blvd.
Website: http://www.cntower.ca/

By now, most of you have probably heard of Mamma Mia!, it is a hit show that started in London in 1999 and can now be seen in Toronto.

Whether you like ABBA or not does not make a difference (of course it helps), it is very entertaining and everyone seemed to be happy at the end of the show. This is the kind of play that will suit young and old and is just good entertainment.

The only complaint I have is the seating in the Royal Alexandra Theatre, I am tall and had problems sitting down as there is not enough space in front of the seat. Apart from that it is a lovely theatre.

It was originally planned to last 6 months (started may 2003), but due to popular demand, it will be on until beginning April 2005, so you still have time to see it.

You should try and arrange for tickets in advance as it seems to be full all the time (even in the middle of the week). Try booking at your Hotel, by phone or via the website:

http://www.mirvish.com/

After the show you will see all the nice young men with the rickshaws waiting for you. They even have stereos in the things! It sure is fun to watch.

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Address: The Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King Street West
Website: http://www.mirvish.com/

If you feel like going for a night out and decide that a theatre or musical is what you want, you can try getting tickets at TOTix.
You will not find the major shows, but there are many smaller plays that can be just as entertaining. Tickets go for as low as 8-9 CAD, so you really can't go wrong.

If you are not into regular theatre, you might also try stand-up comedy or a dinner theatre.

The salespoint is on Dundas Square (Yonge and Dundas) and is open Tuesday to Saturday 12pm - 6:30pm, tickets can also be bought online. The staff will be glad to give you suggestions based on your taste.

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Address: Dundas square
Website: http://www.totix.ca/

I had heard a lot about the Blue Man Group, but did not really know what kind of show it was.
Since they are performing in only a few cities in the world (New York, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Berlin, London and Toronto), I thought it might be a good opportunity to see them.
As I mentioned, I had no idea of what to expect, but I can tell you it is extremely entertaining. Some parts, when they play with food, are a bit gross, but apart from that, it is great fun. It is all about the three men with blue latex face masks (see picture) that don't speak at all during the show, but perform acrobatics, play instruments (the "paint drums" are great) and generally interact with the audiences, whether it is through messages scrolling in the background or through the speaker announcer. People are asked to sing, shout or just make noise. There is a constant presence of music, with a rhythm that suits the show very well.
You might have seen the Intel Pentium 4 commercial with the three blue men playing drums on pipes, you can see that at the show as well.

Generally, this is one of the most exciting shows I have ever seen, mainly because of its interactive nature. Not to be missed.
Should you be able to get a seat in the first 3-4 rows, it greatly increases the viewing pleasure and you will be given a poncho as it is a "wet area"

Tickets are about 65 CAD

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Phone: 416.872.1111
Address: 651 Yonge Street, Toronto
Directions: Subway to Bloor/Yonge station. Exit to street and walk two blocks south to 651 Yonge Street.
Otherwise, I would recommend taking a Taxi, it is cheap and efficient.
Website: http://www.blueman.com/ticketinfo/toronto/

The Canon theatre is one of the most famous in Toronto and there is usually always a big show playing.

It is a historical building, from 1920 and it was, at the time, the largest cinema in Canada. Now it serves only as a theatre and it was restored in 1989, so the interior is in very good shape. It changed ownership 10 years later and in 2001, after major financial difficulties, Canon Canada (yes, the camera brand) agreed to sponsor it to keep it alive, hence the current name.

You should read this webpage for the complete history of this building.

We were there to see "Les Miserables" and although I could complain that the acoustics were not great, it was still a very nice experience. I would recommend seeing a show (whichever is playing at the moment), just for the experience.

Check the Mirvish site for current shows and ticketing information.

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Address: 244 Victoria Street
Directions: It is right next to the Eaton Centre
Website: http://www.mirvish.com/HowToBuy/

If I had to pick a central point in Toronto (I am sure many people will disagree), it would probably be Dundas square. It is at the intersection of Yonge and Dundas and is a very busy area.

There are often street performances, concerts and other kinds of entertainment. Occasionally there are fairs/flea markets as well.

It is close to several restaurants (you can check my recommendations for the Senator, Hard rock cafe, Barberians, Pickle Barrel, etc), right next to the Eaton centre, at the busiest part of Yonge street and right next to a subway stop.
My hotel on both occasions (Bond Place) was also right next to the square, so this was the starting point for my journeys.

I find it interesting just to stand there and observe all the movement, specially at night when the whole square lights up from the giant screens and the billboards.

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Address: Yonge and Dundas

...of course Toronto would not be Toronto without a hall of fame for its more popular sport.
I guess it is impossible to explain the love people have for the game and its team (the Maple Leafs), the same way you cannot explain why we Europeans go crazy over football and our favorite teams.
In Toronto, I suggest you try and find tickets to a Leafs game. They are nearly always sold out, even when the team is not doing to well. Therefore, it is only suiting you have this hall of fame here.

The text in front of the building reads:

"The Hockey Hall of Fame was founded in 1943 to establish a memorial to those who have developed Canada's great winter sport - ice hockey. Its mandate is to recognize and honour the achievements of individuals and teams who have brought special distinction to the game of hockey and those who have made a major contribution to the development and advancement of hockey anywhere in the world. Built in 1885, the historic bank building at BCE place, Toronto began a new era as "a cathedral for the icons of hockey" officially opened to the public on June 18, 1993."

Opening hours:

Winter:
Monday-Friday:10-5
Saturday: 9:30-6
Sunday:10:30-5

Summer:
Monday-Saturday: 9:30-6
Sunday:10:30-6
Closed Dec 25 & Jan 1

Tickets are 12 CAD for adults and 7 CAD for Children and Seniors

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Address: BCE Place corner of Yonge and Front Streets
Directions: It is very close to Union Station