We want to go to Toronto for a few days for LO's birthday in June. I'm trying to get a sense of neighborhoods, the best places to stay. Any recommendations for a hotel or area convenient to parks, museums, restaurants, and other fun kid friendly things? Or somewhere quiet and residential with nice walking, and convenient for public transportation to the busier areas.
-
Following! We're going to Toronto for a few days in June. We got an air bnb in the liberty square (I think? ) area. There's a little playground on the street that the house is on and is close to the streetcar line. We're planning on going to the zoo, cn tower, and the islands for sure. The Royal Ontario Museum looks really neat too.
Looking forward to what other people have to say!
Eta, it's liberty village, not square.
-
Toronto is very neighborhoody. There are tons of different areas all with great neighborhood parks and commercial areas. There are more parks here than any other city I've lived in.
It would help to know what side of the city you're interested in to offer lodging ideas.
There are tons of museums, but the areas around the museums aren't completely kid friendly.
The streetcars (all except the eight new ones) are not stroller friendly. The subway is mostly accessible but not every station is and carrying a stroller up three flights of stairs sucks.The science center and children's discover center are favorites. The science center is on a bus line but there isn't much else nearby of interest.
The discovery center has weird hours so we don't go anymore. It's also not on a subway line in an area with shitty parking options. Great with one kid but a PITA with three.The aquarium and CN tower are cool and there's a bunch of places to stay around there. Not as kid friendly though. It's a lot more young bar going folks.
The waterfront and the island are really fun for kids. There are a couple hotels down that way but it doesnt have that cute walkable neighborhood feel. It's skyscrapery.
I've visited friends staying at the Intercontinental in Yorkville and that was very nice. The Four Seasons is headquartered in Toronto and is gorgeous but pricey. The only hotels I've really been to are dumb expensive. I'd recommend the Ritz Carlton because it's awesome and we get a great room rate because of a family connection but we wouldn't ever stay there on our own. $$$
There are tons of VRBO and AirBnb options which is what I'd do.
-
I don't know how old your LO is, but if you will be using a stroller, check subway stations near to where you stay to make sure they have elevators or escalators - super easy to get around if they do. Streetcars are hard with strollers too.
Toronto Islands are amazing, beautiful views and walks, petting zoo, rides, bikes, splash pad etc. We love the ROM and Science Centre (not in the centre, bus ride) the AGO is fun with kids too. High Park has a little zoo and a playground and there are lots of playgrounds around the city. The aquarium is great too! -
@travelgirl1: hi friend!
-
@oliviaoblivia: Ah yes, the Discovery Centre! That was really fun.
I think we were writing about crappy no elevator subway stations at the same time
-
@oliviaoblivia: @travelgirl1: thank you for that info! It's good to know about the subways and street cars, LO is almost 3 so we'll probably leave the stroller and rely on the carrier more. That's really helpful.
I have an AirBnB account, but it's not really active, I'm wondering if it's too late to get something for this trip...
Otherwise I'm really overwhelmed because Toronto seems so full of amazing things to do! Are there any kid-friendly bike rentals (ie with bike trailers available) and/or bike paths you'd recommend?@abbydabbydoodlebug: I'm so excited to visit!
-
@MoonMoon: there is Toronto bike share, but no trailers. You might have luck with an independent shop.
On the island there are tons of bike rental options and it's car free so the paths are kid friendly.
There is a nice path in the beaches along the water and another on the water in the west end. The Key Gardiner beltway is cool and travels by a lot of parks and playgrounds. -
@MoonMoon: The Evergreen Brick Works is right near a whole system of trails, and they rent bikes and I think trailers. They also have an amazing farmers market on the weekend with a bunch of food vendors.
-
@oliviaoblivia: @erinbaderin: thank you, awesome!
Reply
Subscribe to our newsletter
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite1
9 comments