Visiting Toronto .. must see locations?

[DSC]

My nephew (24) is coming to visit TO - from Montreal - for the first time (well, since he was about 8). He will be here for about 10 days in late July.

Apart from the usual touristy things like the CN Tower, Island and a few of our neighbourhoods do any UTers have quirky suggestions of 'must see' things for a 24-year old?

He is inquisitive and quite adventurous (I think) but being 'a bit older' (to put it kindly!) my suggestions are probably not going to be great. Ideas?

 

[Tuscani01]

Look out for beer events in the city. There are plenty out there. It's a good chance for him to sample some local beers, and sometimes experience a cool venue. (IE. I'm heading to the Brickworks tomorrow for Brewers Backyard).

http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2014/06/the_top_10_beer_festivals_in_toronto_for_summer_2014/

Kensington Market would probably be interesting to him in terms of neighbourhoods.

 

[Frank-Ekin]

We had a visitor of about that age a few weeks ago and he loved the nude (clothing optional) beach at Hanlon's Point. I don't think he is gay, and it's not a 100% gay beach. He had not planned to go there at first (by accident he took the ferry to Hanlons rather than to Centre) but had read about it somewhere and on his first visit I don't think he fully unrobed. By his last day there - of three I think - he was swimming naked in the lake and said he felt 'free" for the first time and seemed to have fun. Frankly the Lake is too cold for my taste but ....

Other good places for out-of-town folk are St Lawrence Market, Brickworks and you MUST send him or take him to a ravine. (Well described as 'the mirror image of San Francisco's hills, but they give one the impression of being in the country".)

 

[klarakos]

Two specific requests if I may.


A great bar near the hotel.

A great steak restaurant near the hotel.

A good nightclub (if possible) for the 25+ crowd.



and how far are the casinos. Not for me but the people I'm meeting are well.. poker guys.

 

[Tuscani01]

Two specific requests if I may.


A great bar near the hotel.

A great steak restaurant near the hotel.

A good nightclub (if possible) for the 25+ crowd.



and how far are the casinos. Not for me but the people I'm meeting are well.. poker guys.

Where is the hotel?

 

[Mike Murphy]

The Beach neighbourhood is particularly beautiful this time of year

 

[Johnny Au]

Here is CityPASS's recommendations: CityPASS Thoughts and Opinions

Here is mine's:

•Essentially the same as CityPASS's, except that Art Gallery of Ontario and Hockey Hall of Fame are included (don't bother with Leafs games)
•A Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre
•Toronto Islands
•Scarborough Bluffs (and Guildwood Park)
•Black Creek Pioneer Village
•High Park

Just outside of Toronto:

•Canada's Wonderland
•Pacific Mall and Market Village

 

[Diane Blankenship]

I think a walk along Queen Street gives you just about the best that an urban Toronto has to offer. Walk as far as you can before you drop. Stop for eats somewhere fun. Stop for drinks (a few times) at places that look cool. Browse both funky and boutique stores. Enjoy the architecture and crowds, and just sort of soak up the atmosphere. Head back towards Yonge via King Street (a couple blocks south). Walk if you can or ride a streetcar which is a very 'Toronto' experience.

If you're looking for some 'sites' I'd second the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) suggestion and the Eaton Centre is an impressive shopping arcade. Walk around the St. Lawrence Market/Flat Iron area and venture east along King Street to the Distillery. In the evening try and see a show at one of the beautiful older theatres (The Royal Alexandra, The Elgin/Wintergarden, The Canon) and catch some Second City improv too. Have fun.

I like to walk through queen street. I usually go there.