Hey everyone.  Next week, my gf and I are taking a leisurely trip to Buffalo, NY and Toronto, ON.  Our plan is to arrive in Buffalo Friday afternoon and hang out there the rest of the day, drive to Toronto and back Saturday, then either go to Rochester or Niagara Falls Sunday.  We'll be staying in Buffalo on Friday and Saturday, and are aiming to come home sometime Sunday.

 

I thought that maybe the UO community can help me out.  Can you recommend some places for us to visit?  I'm hugely into neighborhoods, and am especially seeking recommendations exciting, interesting, bohemian, walkable areas to explore in Buffalo and Toronto.  Places with neighborhood commercial districts with a lot of unique shops get bonus points.  Suggestions for cool ethnic enclaves would appreciated as well.

 

Thanks to all! :wave:

Make sure you have your passport.

 

Where in Toronto are you staying?

 

Things I suggest

CN Tower

Kensington & St. Lawrence Markets

Loma Castle

 

We're staying in Buffalo, but will be spending Saturday in Toronto.

 

Thanks for the suggestions, MTS.  Please keep them coming!

We're staying in Buffalo, but will be spending Saturday in Toronto.

 

Thanks for the suggestions, MTS.  Please keep them coming!

 

I think on May 1, the rules change.  You will need a passport to get BACK INTO the US.  Please check that.

 

 

cd-

 

You HAVE to go to the anchor bar in downtown Buffalo...its the home of the buffalo wing and they are some of teh best wings around.  Some will say duffs are better (also in buffalo)...but just go to the anchor bar...its a great blue collar town type place and the wings are great.

 

http://www.anchorbar.com/

 

 

 

 

You should definitely check out the Beaches neighborhood on the east side. Lots of little shops and restaurants. It’s centered along Queen Street East on either side, on the south side a short walk to the Lake Ontario shore (w/boardwalk) through Kew Beach Park. Also Queen Street West has become very hip over the past several years—trendy clubs, clothing stores, clubs, etc. (both areas easily accessible by the Queen St. streetcar lines). Don’t miss the newly Frank Gehry-re-designed Art Gallery of Ontario (located near Toronto’s original Chinatown). Also the new opera house is supposed to be quite impressive. And if you have time, take the ferry to the Toronto Islands—just a few minutes out in the harbor—for great skyline views.

In Buffalo, you must visit Elmwood Village.

You will definately need a passport (or birth certificate with drivers ID).

 

Buffalo:

*Elmwood Avenue/Allentown is fantastic.  It lies north of downtown and is a wonderful commercial corridor with shops, art galleries, etc.

*Downtown has some wonderful buildings including the City Hall (which you must visit).

 

Toronto:

*Cabbagetown for rich folks

*Kensington Market/Chinatown definately

*Screw the CN Tower, go up the Panorama Room for alcohol and a skyline view WITH the CN Tower for 1/4th the cost

*Danforth Avenue East = Greektown

*Bloor Street/Yorkville for rich folks

*Bloor Street West = Annex and High Park neighborhoods

*Natural excursion in the city = Scarborough Bluffs

*Delicious Korean BBQ restaurant on Yonge just north of the Sears @ Eaton Centre.  $12 all you can eat.  Trust me.  Go. 

Thanks to BelievelandD, Avogardo, eastvillagedon, Coldayman, and MTS!  You guys are phenomenal.  Any other suggestions?

June 1st is the passport requirement date.  Until then you can still get by with a birth cert. and ID.

 

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

 

 

LATER:

On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

 

Niagara Falls - there's a nice park where you can walk along the river leading into the falls and walk over onto Goat Island for a cool overview of the falls (on the US side)...plus Seneca Casino is right there!

June 1st is the passport requirement date.  Until then you can still get by with a birth cert. and ID.

 

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

 

 

LATER:

On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

 

 

OOOPS.  Sorry about the date, earlier I stated it was May 1, I knew a change was coming.    Thanks Dan.