Anything to see in Toronto?

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A friend of mine is travelling there in late May with his girlfriend and plans to stay there for a week or so (his lady friend has family there). They will be spending a weekend at Lake Huron cottages and 3-4 days in Toronto itself. One day of that will probably be taken up with a trip to Niagara Falls.

All suggestions welcome. Museums, music venues, sporty activities (particularly golf). Anything that sounds interesting will be considered.

Thanks in advance!

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@lmur,

Oy!

anything?

Toronto has a lot going on. Late May is a good time. Will they be here for Victoria Day or later? Doors Open is happening the final weekend. What kinds of music do they like? Do they like BIG museums or smaller more boutique type? Toronto's proud of being the world's most multicultural city so there are lots of events to reflect that.

Toronto is a big urban city. Golf's not something you'd really think of doing here, though there are a couple of famous courses within 20 - 100 km - but they are seriously pricey.

Think of the kinds of activities you'd find in London or New York - that's Toronto - but with an edgier twist - and world music soundtrack.

soooooooo more clues so we/I can fine-tune my recommendations.

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@lmur,

Where is he from?

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@lmur,

Try bungee jumping off CN Tower.

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@ehBeth,

Thanks ehBeth, was hoping you'd reply.

My friend plans on arriving in T. on 20th May. One night there and onto Lake Huron with his partner's family for the weekend. Back to T. on 23rd. After that, his schedule is flexible other than ensuring he's in Montreal by Tuesday 2nd June to catch a flight home (to Paddyland, Ceile - he's from County Cork). I would imagine that they would like to spend at least a couple of days in Montreal which may mean passing up on the opportunity to avail of Doors Open.

They're both late-30'ish and relatively sensible so no late-night drinking or such-like. He does like a quiet beer. Musically, he likes all sorts of stuff but leans towards blues-folk. However, if the Vietnamese Boys Choir was giving a recital, he'd probably drop in to investigate. He's adventurous activity-wise and, if it was actually, available would sign up to bungee-jump off the CN Tower. He's culturally-curious I would say and would happily spend an afternoon in a gallery or museum.

Hope that helps.

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@lmur,

ah found you again!

lots going on - just found out about a really interesting event the evening of the 27th

maybe a bit late in the schedule - but it's bound to be fun

Friday May 27, 2011 at 8 pm
WHO’S WHO IN VALHALLA

Arts and Letters Club
14 Elm St. Toronto, ON
www.artsandlettersclub.ca

416-588-4301

Quote:

WHO’S WHO in VALHALLA
Tunes and Tales of Norse Misbehaviour

Following the rousing successes of a recent tour to Alberta and British Columbia, Canada’s own ‘Arctic fusion’ band ENSEMBLE POLARIS is delighted to present a new program of innovative and big-spirited music in Toronto on Friday May 27, 2011.

...Come for an evening of evocative arrangements of traditional music from northern Europe and original tunes by members of the band, interspersed with short stories drawn from Norse mythology: what Freya had to do to get that fabulous necklace, why Thor dressed in drag to recover his magic hammer, why Loki temporarily turned himself into a flea...
The music is the main item on the menu, but these tales from the Norse pantheon are pretty entertaining: not what you'd usually think of as celestial behaviour...

POLARIS’s creative artistry, kaleidoscope of instrumental colours, and easy-going performance style has won them enthusiastic response from audiences and critics alike. BBC Music Magazine called them “A superb ensemble…The arrangements are always spot on,” and presenters in Nova Scotia loved the band’s music making and engaging stage manner: “…not only flawless but incredibly engaging with the audience.” (Musique Royale, Middleton NS)

So come for the great Nordic-inspired music, and the tales of the antics of the Aesir.
And you can have a refreshing beverage of your choice before, during or after the show, from the Arts & Letters Club bar in the next room over!

The players:
Kirk Elliott, harp, accordion, Swedish bagpipes, violin;
Margaret Gay, ‘cello;
Ben Grossman, hurdy gurdy;
Katherine Hill, voice, nyckelharpa;
Alison Melville, flutes, recorders, seljefløyte;
Colin Savage, clarinet, recorders, bass clarinet;
Jeffrey Wilson, percussion;
David Woodhead, guitar.

Tickets available at the door: $20 ($15 st/sr)See More

will troll around for things in the 23rd - 26th timeframe

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@lmur,

http://www.smallworldmusic.com/

http://thewholenote.com/ (a bit early for their end of month schedule)

http://www.lulalounge.ca/

a Lula Lounge offering in the time frame of interest

http://www.lulalounge.ca/Events/2011/may/NICKBUZZ25.html

http://hughsroom.com/category/events/page/3/

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@lmur,

If he has the time, he should visit Grosse Ile just outside of Quebec city. It's the only Irish national park not in Ireland. It's where the vast majority of Irish landed on our shores during the famine. http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/qc/grosseile/index.aspx<br />but if he can't make that there's Little Ireland Park in T.O. http://www.irelandparkfoundation.com/index.php?p=1_17
Aside from these monuments, he should definitely see Niagara Falls.

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I've driven past Niagara Falls dozens of times . . . and i've never seen the falls.

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@Setanta,

Stop once in a while and smell the roses.

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Many thanks, ehBeth and Ceili. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. I've forwarded your links to my friend.

He's strangely nervous - I suspect his girlfriend may be in for a surprise (I've advised her to bring a life-jacket to the Falls).

1 Reply

@lmur,

CN Tower has added a walk around with a harness above for thrill seekers.

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@talk72000,

Kewl

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Well...and all this time I thought the only reason to go to Toronto was to look at Bethie!

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@George,

You can actually feel the sway when there is a wind.

There is an ANZAC office near Spadina Avenue near downtown near the University of Toronto. It is also in old Chinatown.

http://sammylicious.net/index.php/2011/05/03/anzac-day-2011-at-kramers-bar-grill/

http://sammylicious.net/index.php/2009/05/02/sammys-23rd-birthday-anzac-day-in-canada/

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@talk72000,

Damn, if you want to find Aussies, go to any ski hill in Canada.
There are some fine Irish Bars in T. to., just so Imur's friends don't feel left out, mind you, Irish bars are everywhere in Canada. Since it's booze were on about, the Niagara escarpment has some great vineyards. We Canucks love our spirits and the like.

1 Reply

@Ceili,

I used that to help them get info from the ANZAC offices for places to see that might interest Aussies or New Zealanders. They are visiting Toronto in May not in January. I assume they are Aussies.

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@talk72000,

Why?

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@talk72000,

They are Irish.

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@Ceili,

There aren't any American offices like the ANZAC and the UK doesn't have one either unless you count the Embassies. Americans wouldn't bother as they are next door. Most of th British folks in Toronto are mostly Irish or Scottish anyway. The Aussies are farther away and may not want to waste their expensive holiday.

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Anything to see in Toronto?

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