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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Toronto with 11 month old

12 replies

capet · 31/08/2014 11:35

Hi
Heading to Toronto in couple of weeks with an eleven month old.
Just wondering if anyone has any tips for things to do/places to eat etc that would be somewhat child friendly.
Am just starting to prepare myself for the flight from hell no doubt.

OP posts:
2fedup · 03/09/2014 19:04

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Blueberrybaby · 03/09/2014 19:44

I lived there for 4 years before and after kids and only returned to the uk in June. My advice is to get out of downtown. It's pretty uninspiring and you might be forgiven for thinking 'is this it?' Check off the CN Tower, Eaton Centre (shopping) and the Hockey hall of fame if that's your thing and the St Lawrence Market on Front St is lovely too if you are a foodie. Then get out and head to the neighbourhoods. That's where it's happening. In the East you have Greektown, which is a long stretch along the Danforth Avenue starting at Broadview Subway and stretching to Pape Avenue. Lined full of greek eateries plus lots of other options. On Sundays this place is packed with local families having family lunches etc. the greek restos are very welcoming. Try Astoria. Withrow Park is just south of Logan & Danforth, with swings etc. It's a family area. Other 'East' hoods include Leslieville and The Beach. The Beach is funnily enough on the beach of Lake Ontario. Lovely boardwalk and lakeside walking paths, plus the little stretch of Queen St is again full of eating options and shops.

Cabbagetown is also lovely. It's full of original beautiful large Victorian housing. Nice for a wander. It is bordered by Riverdale park to the East, inside that is the free Riverdale Farm which is very kid friendly. Across the valley is Broadview Avenue. Go to the Rooster Cafe for beautiful views across the city and a decent coffee.

Head west and check out Kensington Market, which is an area rather than an actual covered market. Lots of lovely places to head for food, interesting shops etc. It is also bordered by Chinatown (there are two, but the one on Spadina is the biggest). Go for dim sum etc (try Rol San).

The subway is pretty accessible with a buggy. Lots of the stations have lifts, but nowhere near all. But if you are a couple you should be able to handle the steps or escalators together with a buggy. None of the stations are particularly deep underground like in London. The other option is the streetcars, or trams. They have steps but if you are a pair you should be fine - avoid using them in rush hour though they can get packed and might not be fun with a buggy? Buses are also great - they lower for easy buggy access.

I know a few child friendly cafés you can try if you need a welcome environment with a baby. Try Lil' Bean & Green on Queen st east, or Sprouts on Carlaw, or further east at Coxwell/Danforth is Oaks & Acorns. Regents Park Aquatic Centre is a new pool in the Moss Park area of the city which is free to all. Packed at weekends, but they do baby/toddler swim sessions three days a week or at least they used to.

I could go on! Let me know if you have any interests etc in particular or want more info etc. Where are you staying?

Blueberrybaby · 03/09/2014 19:48

I forgot.......Farmers market at the Evergreen Brickworks on a Saturday morning! Go to Broadview Subway station and take the shuttle bus.

Fall is such a lovely season, High Park is also great for seeing the leaves.

It's a very child friendly city, but you have to get just that little bit outside and there you will find the families.

ArcheryAnnie · 03/09/2014 19:48

I came here to see if there was anything to add (I'd been when my DS was just a few months older than yours) and nope, Blueberrybaby has covered just about all I can think of!

Get someone to drive you all out to Algonquin one day!

ArcheryAnnie · 03/09/2014 19:48

(Blueberrybaby, that's the most impressive answer I think I've ever seen on here.)

Blueberrybaby · 03/09/2014 21:14

Ah thanks Archery. I hope it will be helpful to the OP. It is a great city but as Europeans I think we get tricked into thinking that all the action is downtown. I've heard many people say they didn't enjoy Toronto and I think it's because they stay stuck in the tourist trap. It would be a bit like visiting London and never leaving Leicester square!

capet · 03/09/2014 21:48

Thanks for all the advice! Exactly what I wanted to know!
We're staying in apartments- Canada suites on bay? Booked them as opposed to a hotel as thought apartment might be better with baby.
Thinking of going to the islands too? Would that be worthwhile?
And planning on renting a car and going to see in agar falls and niagra on the lake, maybe try to swing by a vineyard? Not sure how child friendly that is!

Thanks again for the excellent replies!

OP posts:
Blueberrybaby · 03/09/2014 22:18

Yeah niagara is worth it. You can do it in a day. Takes about 90 mins from the city. Niagara itself is a bit tacky. Think Blackpool but the falls are great and so is the boat ride. Don't bother going to the US side. Views are better on the Canadian and the border control queues are long. Niagara on the Lake is very pretty. Complete opposite to niagara. Wineries are great. Loads of them. Peller Estates probably the nicest. You can do a tour, I'm sure kids are welcome.

You have a good location. There's a big Loblaws not far from you - supermarket. The public transport is called Toronto Transit Commission (yes TTC!), and you can buy tokens at subway stations. Or cash fare is $3.

Blueberrybaby · 03/09/2014 22:20

Sorry I forgot, the Islands. They are nice. Good for a picnic and views of the skyline. Not much to see as such, just a place to relax. I think Centreville which is the amusement park bit might be closed now the kids are back in school.

capet · 04/09/2014 19:48

Excellent thanks for all the advice. Better than a guidebook! Off to google all the suggestions now!

OP posts:
DontDrinkAndFacebook · 09/09/2014 19:58

I took an 11 month old to Toronto. It was a breeze. flight not too long, everything easy and stress free. We went all over Ontario in a motorhome. It was fab. How long are you there for? Can recommend nice places but it depends who long you've got.

capet · 11/09/2014 09:18

We are going on Saturday, will be there for 12 nights. Have to start packing!

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