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Niagara Falls Master Thread Linky
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Trip Reports: @Yehuda's friend
Day Trip @bhys

Toronto:

The Jewish community is broken up in to three main areas
1. "Down South" which is in the area of Bathurst and Lawrence
2. Clanton Park which is a little further north around Bathurst and Sheppard
3. Thornhill which is even further north @ Clark and Bathurst

Downtown, without any traffic is 25 from down south, 30 minutes from clanton park and 35 minutes from Thornhill. Expect those numbers to almost double during rush hour.


Places to eat
There are a ton of fast food type options in the city. There are very few nice restaurants.

Here's COR's List http://www.cor.ca/establishments.html

Down South, Eglinton area, and Clanton Park area:
(See below for Thornhill)


Meat:

Marron Bistro
Meat - Available on UberEats
948 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C 2C5
Mixed reviews on DDF

Prime on Avenue
Steakhouse
Available on DoorDash

Aish Tanoor
The best Middle Eastern Laffa restaurant - Available on UberEats
994 Eglinton Ave. W.,
Toronto, ON M6C 2C5
Tel: (647) 352-5535

Wok & Bowl
Meat - Chinese
Located in the former Auleaf Cafe location
3023 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M6B 3B5
(416) 435-5678

Bubby's NY Diner
3030 Bathurst St
(416) 862-2435

Chicken Nest
3038 Bathurst St

Dr Laffa On The Go
3023 Bathurst St. (there's one almost up north and one down south on the east side of Bathurst, one block south of Lawrence)


Dairy:

Dr Laffa Bakery and Cafe almost up north
2 Champagne Drive Unit B6, Toronto, ON, M3J 3H7

Bistro Grande
1000 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C 2C5
(416) 782-3302
Nice Dairy place- pricey

The Inside Scoop
Ice cream store (Cholov Yisrael Available)
3685 Bathurst St, North York, ON M6A 2E6, Canada

Milk 'n Honey
3457 Bathurst Street
Good french onion soup, cheese blintzes...

Slice N Bites
Pizza, sushi, falafel, salads, etc.
3020 Bathurst St (West side of Bathurst, 1 block south of Lawrence)

Tov Li South
Pizza, falafel, pastas, salads, etc.
3519 Bathurst (between Lawrence and Wilson)

The Haymishe Bakery (now under COR)
Bakery with pizza and a small sitting area. People say the pizza is great (it's My Zaidy's Pizza)
3031 Bathurst St

Pizza Cafe
Pizza, falafel, salad bar
3774 Bathurst St. (north west corner of Bathurst and Wilson in plaza)
Must try the caramelized onion slice. Excellent service!!

Omni 2 - Jewels and Java
Dairy - Available on UberEats
2793 Bathurst St Toronto Moved- now located inside the Lawrence Allen Centre Mall at 700 Lawrence Ave W, North York, ON M6A 3B4

Bubby's Bagels
3035 Bathurst St (Bathurst & Lawrence)
Good breakfast/bagel selection. People say they make Toronto's only 'real' bagels.
A few bar stools on ground floor, lots of seating in basement.

Pantry
3456 Bathurst St (between Lawrence and Wilson)
Dairy - Available on UberEats
Dan's review.
(Takeout only now?)

3SK Cafe
1054 Eglinton Ave W
Small cafe with unique healthy homemade menu options

Surreal Sweets
3513 Bathurst St

Surreal Food Co.
973 Eglinton Ave W

Coming Soon:
Crema Café
3032 Bathurst


Thornhill
Meat:

Kapara
Great Moroccan style restaurant
7700 Bathurst St Unit 12   

Golden Chopsticks
Average chinese food
7000 Bathurst, Thornhill, ON L4J 7L1

Bali Laffa
7117 Bathurst St, Vaughan, ON L4J 2J6
Excellent Israeli grill


Howie T's
Burger joint
1 Promenade Cir, Thornhill, ON L4J 4P8, Canada

Sheli's Burgers & Fried Chicken
7241 Bathurst St.
Thornhill, ON, L4J 3W1
905-597-1984

Dr. Laffa
Shwarma joint. People in Toronto rave about it. Not sure why.
441 Clark Avenue West

Dairy:

D-lites
Dairy Cafe. Breakfast special is an outstanding value- also really good Sushi
441 Clark Ave W Vaughan, ON L4J 5K2

Cafe Sheli
Dairy Cafe- classic Jewish dairy place with a really large menu. 
Everything is good and not pricey
7700 Bathurst St, Vaughan, ON L4J 7Y3

La Briut Cafè
Kavkazi cuisine with a bar. Great vibes for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Notable item is Khachapuri
1118 Centre St Unit 1, Thornhill, ON L4J 7R9

Sips Coffee House
CY Coffee shop with pastries
441 Clark Ave W., Unit 13A, Thornhill, Ontario, L4J 6W8

My Zaidy's Pizza
441 Clark Ave W, Vaughan, ON L4J 5K2

Tov-Li Pizza
5982 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M2R 1Z1

Top Slice (Thornhill Kosher Pizza) (formerly Yehudale's)
7241 Bathurst St, Thornhill, ON L4J 3W1

Centro Cafe
Pizza, falafel, salads
Located in the lower level of the Promenade Mall- 1 Promenade Cir, Thornhill, ON L4J 4P8

Closed Down:

Aroma Espresso Bar - (this is there only kosher location in Toronto)
3791-3793 Bathurst Street  (west side of of Bathurst one block north of Wilson)


King David Pizza
(three Locations)


Annona Restaurant at the Park Hyatt
Very nice restaurant. Takes over the regular restaurant in the Hyatt lobby on Thursday nights, once or twice a month.
Good food but very expensive ($125/person + tax and tip)
(Closed permanently?)

Windsor Arms Hotel kosher dining
Very Nice Great Reviews on DDF
Sunday-Thursday 5:30-10PM
Also very good food and much more reasonable at $75/person
(Closed permanently?)

Auleaf Cafe
Dairy - Available on UberEats
3023 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M6B 3B5
(416)783-2323


Gladstones Bistro
Steakhouse



Hotels

Park Hyatt Toronto
By no means a luxury hotel, but a good value for CC anniversary nights.
Located in mid-town, around a 20 minute drive (longer during evening rush hour) to the Jewish community @ Bathurst/Lawrence, a few minutes less than that to the restaurants on Eglinton.


Attractions

CN Tower
Toronto's iconic tower, was the tallest freestanding structure in the world from 1975-2007
Nice views, but only if it's a clear day. If it's overcast you'll be surrounded by clouds at the top and you won't be able to see too much.
At the top, there are indoor and outdoor observation decks and a glass floor.
Edgewalk at the CN Tower-
For ~$200 CDN you can walk out (harnessed) on a thin railing-less platform at 116 stories high.
Takes a few hours and is not cheap by any means, but could be cool.

Ripley's Aquarium
Downtown, right next to the CN Tower
288 Bremner Blvd Toronto, ON M5V 3L9
Excellent aquarium. Very expensive

Hockey Hall of Fame
Excellently done. Really cool to be able to touch the cup
Downtown, 30 Yonge St Toronto, ON M5E 1X8

Canada's Wonderland
Theme park (think six flags)
15 minutes north of Thornhill
https://www.canadaswonderland.com/
kosher food options at the park provided by Tov-Li which are available at the Backlot Café

ROM (Royal Ontario Museum
www.rom.on.ca/

Ontario science Centre
https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/

Centre Island and Centreville
Beautiful island a 5 minute ferry ride from downtown.
Plenty of grass and splash pads and a small amusement park for kids

Toronto zoo
25 minute drive from main areas. Very nice zoo. They have pandas on loan from China for the next few years

Woodbine (Fantasy fair)
500 Rexdale Blvd Etobicoke, ON M9W 6K5
Fun indoor amusement park for kids
Near the airport

Reptilia
What it sounds like
2501 Rutherford Rd Vaughan, ON L4K 2N6

Legoland
Don't waste your money

Bunch Of Fun Playland
Their food is Kosher

Farms & Zoos

DOWNEY’S FARM MARKET
13682 Heart Lake Rd N of Brampton
905-838-2990
Daily: 9am-6pm; Funland: Daily: 10am-5pm;
$7/admission, charged to funland play area and farm animals

EVERDALE ORGANIC FARM AND
ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTRE
5812 6th Line, Erin Township 401 W to Trafalgar Rd, N on Trafalgar to Hwy #7, W on #7 to Trafalgar Rd N again, Trafalgar N to Hillsburgh W on Wellington Rd #22, N onto 6th Line Erin Township to #5812
519-855-4859
Visit Everdale, bring a picnic, walk around and enjoy a day in the country.

FAR ENOUGH FARM
Toronto Island Park, near Centreville on Centre Island
416-392-2628
9am-3pm daily; Free, Ferry: $7/adult, $.3.50/child

FORSYTHE FAMILY FARMS
10539 Kennedy Rd, Unionville 1km N of Major
Mackenzie Dr
905-887-1087
9am-5pm; Summer Fun on The Farm:
$7/2hrs, $8/3hrs (booking required)
Pick-your-own crops, visit The Enchanted Forest and summer fun on the farm.

HIGH PARK ZOO
High Park, Deer Pen Rd, Near Grenadier Café
905-887-1087
Dawn-Dusk;

PUCK’S FARM
16540 11th Concession W on Hwy 9 to King
Con 11; turn left, heading S drive 15 miles
905-939-7036
Weekends & Holidays: 10am-5pm, call for weekday schedule; $10, under 2 free: includes pony & hayrides & activities

RIVERDALE FARM
201 Winchester St (E off Parliament)
416-392-6794
riverdale-farm
Daily: 9am-5pm; Free

SPRINGRIDGE FARM
7256 Bell School Line in Milton
905-878-4908
Daily: 9am-6pm; Fun Farm Yard: $5, weekend pony rides $3 Wagon rides, farm animals. giant sandbox, and straw bale jumping.

TORONTO ZOO
Hwy 401 on Meadowvale Rd N
416-392-5900
9am-7pm; $28/adults, $18/3-12yrs, Free/2yrs-, $10/parking

WHITTAMORE’S BERRY FARM
8100 Steeles Ave E, 6km E of Markham Rd
(Highway 48)
905-294-3275
9am-5pm; $8, $35/Season Pass
Farm yard activities, playhouses, farm animals, wagon rides and pick-your-own-crops.

BROOKS FARMS
122 Ashworth Rd, Mt Albert
905-473-3246
9am-4pm; $8/Barnyard Playland
Barnyard Playland, Farmer’s Market, Pickyour-own.

Activities on the Way from NY:
  • Krispy Kreme in Scranton - on Moosic Street, under KOA with supervision from local Scranton Rav - R' Fine, recommended by Rabbi Eidlitz from KosherQuest.com via email to @Yehuda
  • Corning Museum of Glass ($20) - large museum of varying glass displays and creations, glass blowing demonstrations, has high reviews although @Yehuda didn't think it was that amazing
  • Watkins Glen State Park (free, $8 parking) - hike in a gorge along several waterfalls, more of an upward step climb than a hike which is quite strenuous, @Yehuda recommends going 20 minutes in to see the first few falls then turning back, if you go the whole 1-1.5 hours you can wait for a shuttle school bus to take you back to the parking lot for $5 cash
  • Letchworth State Park - hot air balloons
  • Finger Lakes - can go on a boat cruise or just find a nice place to pull over for a good lunch spot, @Yehuda took Hwy 14, which runs alongside Seneca Lake and found a grassy area with benches.
  • Strong Museum of Play in Rochester ($15) - not exactly on the most direct route, but a fantastic, huge museum of toys and games (many of which you can play) for all ages
  • Howe Caverns ($25) - boat ride in a cave, but close to Albany, so not on a great route to Toronto
  • Destiny USA https://www.destinyusa.com/directory/entertainment in Syracuse NY is great place to stop for various indoor fun activities...The mall has an escape room, indoor ropes course, virtual reality, mirror maze, lazer tag, trampoline park, mini golf, Dave & Busters, WonderWorks museum/entertainment center and more...I found the prices to be quite reasonable.



« Last edited by Yehudaa on January 09, 2024, 12:51:17 PM »

Author Topic: Toronto Master Thread  (Read 578129 times)

Offline yare

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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #300 on: April 21, 2013, 07:20:26 PM »
this is a long thread...    can anyone recommend the nice points hotels in toronto?              i recall reading people were very disappointed with the park hyatt.   are there any better alternatives?

Offline moish

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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #301 on: April 21, 2013, 07:23:22 PM »
this is a long thread...    can anyone recommend the nice points hotels in toronto?              i recall reading people were very disappointed with the park hyatt.   are there any better alternatives?
i find you dont get good value on your points there, as priceline hotels could be had on the cheap

Offline yare

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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #302 on: April 21, 2013, 07:24:23 PM »
i find you dont get good value on your points there, as priceline hotels could be had on the cheap
any particular hotels i should be aiming for when i bid?

Offline moish

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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #303 on: April 21, 2013, 07:25:10 PM »
check out biddingfortravel.com or betterbidding.com to see what people are getting and for what kind of bid

Offline nis965

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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #304 on: April 28, 2013, 05:57:35 PM »
Has anyone stayed in the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel? How close is it to the shuls and restaurants? Thanks

Offline Ergel

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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #305 on: April 28, 2013, 06:51:26 PM »
It's ten-fifteen minutes on a toll road to Thornhill. Further to Bathurst and Lawrence area. Very far from the city
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Offline nis965

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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #306 on: April 28, 2013, 07:15:36 PM »
Thanks. Which SPG hotel is closest?

Offline Ergel

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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #307 on: April 28, 2013, 07:29:35 PM »
To the Jewish community? Don't know if there is one
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Offline nis965

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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #308 on: April 28, 2013, 07:46:29 PM »
Thanks, the dates I wanna go, the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel has cash and points open. I will have a car so 10-15 min is not so bad. What about the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel?

Offline Ergel

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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #309 on: April 28, 2013, 07:51:58 PM »
25 minutes to Bathurst and Lawrence without traffic (good luck in the morning). Convenient to downtown. What are you doing in Toronto?
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Offline nis965

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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #310 on: April 28, 2013, 07:55:11 PM »
Have never been there before. Looking for somewhere close to Clev to go with the family in the summer (that actually has kosher restaurants!) Probably going to stop at the falls on the way.

Offline MEIR613

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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #311 on: April 28, 2013, 08:02:43 PM »
Has anyone stayed in the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel? How close is it to the shuls and restaurants? Thanks
I've stayed there. Was there for a wedding so not how far from shuls and stuff.

Very decent hotel, but nothing to write home about.

I've gotten them to open up C&P.

Offline Ergel

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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #312 on: April 28, 2013, 08:42:53 PM »
Have never been there before. Looking for somewhere close to Clev to go with the family in the summer (that actually has kosher restaurants!) Probably going to stop at the falls on the way.
Do you want to be close to the city or to the Jewish community? Seems like there are a few holiday inns pretty close to the Jewish community
this seems like a good location
http://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/toronto/yyzty/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=mdpr-_-GoogleMapsCA-_-hi-_-yyzty
« Last Edit: April 28, 2013, 08:48:36 PM by Ergel »
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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #313 on: April 28, 2013, 08:51:51 PM »
I've stayed there. Was there for a wedding so not how far from shuls and stuff.

Very decent hotel, but nothing to write home about.

I've gotten them to open up C&P.
The dates I want C&P is open.

Offline nis965

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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #314 on: April 28, 2013, 08:54:02 PM »
The dates I want C&P is open.
Thanks! Prob Jewish community food is a big priority!

Offline Ergel

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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #315 on: May 06, 2013, 09:03:40 AM »
Just a heads up for people flying into and out of yyz: the waits are terrible for clearing customs and security (if you don't have nexus, mine hasn't cleared yet as I'm still waiting for an appointment). The sequester is apparently putting a major strain on the airport. Budget well over an hour to get through. And get nexus for free with your amex plat if you plan on flying with any regularity
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Offline tageed-lee

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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #316 on: May 06, 2013, 10:34:19 AM »
I'm planning my first trip to Niagra this summer.
My understanding is that upgrades are quite scarce during peak season.
Is there a point in staying at the falls if u are not going to get a fallsview or a suite or should i rather stay 15 mon away at the 4points suites where i'm guaranteed a 1 bedroom suite.

IMHO you answered your own question,(depending on which hotel) if your not going to get a fallsview or suite then you might as well go 15 mins away to get one. Unless you want to be within walking distance to the falls or Clifton Hill.

Offline moko

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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #317 on: May 06, 2013, 01:40:11 PM »
IMHO you answered your own question,(depending on which hotel) if your not going to get a fallsview or suite then you might as well go 15 mins away to get one. Unless you want to be within walking distance to the falls or Clifton Hill.
hence the question. is there decent (inexpensive) parking, is traffic crazy, etc.

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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #318 on: May 06, 2013, 02:23:32 PM »
hence the question. is there decent (inexpensive) parking, is traffic crazy, etc.

Youre not going to have any traffic issues. And as for parking, youll have to pay for parking at most hotels on the falls anyways. AFAIK you have to pay for parking AT the falls (visitors center on the falls) so unless you can walk from your hotel youll pay it anyways,and keep in mind the Canadian side has two main areas and it all depends which one your staying around.
So i would say if you stay further away either park on the street if you can find, or park at the casinos which is usually pretty cheap (you might have to prove you went in to get a cheaper rate).

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Re: Niagara Falls & Toronto Master Thread
« Reply #319 on: May 06, 2013, 04:15:23 PM »
Look up thread for an idea (I think I posted it) of how to park for free at the falls (USA side)
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