Entertainment Help

[katmunster]

Hey i have a question about things to do in TO (or surrounding areas)

So my sister is coming from Germany for about 3 weeks (shes coming next week) and i still dont know what i can do with her.

These are the things she likes:
Shopping (thinking of going to the EX, if anyone knows how to get cheap price to get in, let me know please )
Rock climbing (not sure if theres any around)
camping (need help finding a good location)
and maybe some sight seeing, shes here about once a year so doing the usual tourist stuff just isnt enough anymore

Any help/advice would be really appreciated

Thanks in advance

[Chimmi]

Have you thought about taking her to the Distillery or Chinatown? The Distillery has different events going on throughout the summer. Chinatown has a lot of great little stores my favourite is Tap Phong (on the east side of Spadina btwn Dundas and College). You could also go to Kensignton market on a Sunday when it is pedestrian only zone.

If she likes movies she might like the Fellini exhibit at the TIFF Bell lightbox.

There is plenty of different things going on in the city that are usually listed in the local free papers. Perhaps check out The Grid paper (used to be The Eye) or the NOW.

Have fun!

[Ciel]

I second the suggestion of visiting the Distillery District for shopping! Plus Yorkdale Mall! Chinatown is worth the atmosphere and checking out merchandise on the sidewalks and in the shops/centres. Hey, this year the Chinatown BIA is holding Night markets on certain weekends! http://www.chinatownbia.com/index.asp

Also try Queen's Quay if she wants to get Inuit art. Walk along Queen's Quay to Lower Sherbourne St. where the new Sherbourne Commons is located. Redpath Sugar Museum is on the way-stop in for a visit then go to Sugar Beach next door at Corus Quay! http://www.redpathsugars.com/Visitor-Education.php

The Ontario tourism office on Dundas St. W. opposite the Eaton Centre has souvenir T-shirts and limited merchandise for sale.

The Ex-it's $8 this Friday. Cheap admission rates on other days-Mon to Thurs (except Labour Day) are $5 after 5pm. Don't expect major shopping beyond food and rides as International Pavilion is hit and miss. There will likely be 3 to 4 stores doing a warehouse type sale in the Direct Energy Centre or Better Living Centre but unless you already shop in those stores, the merchandise won't interest you. Go to Ontario Place during the Ex to enjoy a walk along the waterfront and maybe give a caricature artist business (it can be non-existent most of the day but the art makes a fun souvenir for you & sister).

The Japan Foundation Library-cool-and its art gallery (usually an exhibit is on) make for a culture break on Bloor St. W. (free)http://jftor.org/whatson/index.php Make sure to fill out a comment card about your impressions of the exhibit!

Some of the city's attractions offer a free or reduced rate on certain nights. http://rom.on.ca/visit/tickets.php
http://www.gardinermuseum.on.ca/visit
http://www.textilemuseum.ca/visit/

[Ciel]

Vaughan Mills' shuttle bus runs daily from Union Station. Could be a good shopping trip outside of Toronto for a day outing.
http://www.vaughanmills.com/Planning-Your-Visit/Shopping-Shuttle.aspx

Check out Union Station, so she can see the work being done to spiff up the retail area and make more track space. If you feel brave, do it during a rush hour so she can see how many people move through there! Some mornings, there are marketing teams handing out freebies downstairs or out on the sidewalk by the pedestrian signals.

http://www.toronto.ca/events/ Look at the festivals and events.

Harbourfront usually has themed musical weekends during the summer and vendors.

[katmunster]

thanks guys ill have to look into all of your suggestions

[save_girl]

Have you been to the Brick Works? Really pretty ponds, walking trails, and a unique view of the CN Tower.

[Chimmi]

Have you been to the Brick Works? Really pretty ponds, walking trails, and a unique view of the CN Tower.

There is a farmers market on the weekend too (can't remember which day) and there was a free shuttle from Broadview station last year. It might be still running this year so if you google Evergreen Brickworks all of the info is on the site.

They used to have outdoor yoga classes too.

[Malixy]

Chinatown and kensington markets have walking tours (some include stopping by different places and trying different foods) which is pretty good, you get a bit of history and something to chew on :p I'm pretty sure a few of those are also having discounts on the tours now because its the end of the season.

[Ciel]

http://www.torontowalksbikes.com/ Her themed walks sound so fun. There is a Harvest moon tour on now.

Rock climbing links
http://www.rockoasis.com/to-home.html
http://www.joerockheads.com/joerockheadsflash.html
http://climbingacademy.com/

[3kids2jobs1mom]

Shopping along Queen St. (near Spadina), walk along until you reach MuchMusic --plan it on a date so u can see a free concert

[nani]

You can get the Sun Life Financial Museum and Arts Pass from Toronto libraries.
http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/museum-arts-passes/