# Lonely Planet Best of Canada  ## Metadata - Author: [[Lonely Planet, Korina Miller, Kate Armstrong, James Bainbridge, Adam Karlin, John Lee, Carolyn McCarthy]] - Full Title: Lonely Planet Best of Canada - Category: #books ## Highlights - The best way to soak it up is to walk the Old Town's labyrinth of lanes and get lost amid the street performers and cozy inns, stopping every so often to refuel with a café au lait and flaky pastry. ([Location 271](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=271)) - St Lawrence Market ([Location 407](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=407)) - Poutine (golden fries topped with gravy and cheese curds), Montréal-style bagels, salmon jerky and pierogi jostle for comfort-food attention. ([Location 428](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=428)) - Two Days in Toronto ([Location 656](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=656)) - CN Tower, lunch at St Lawrence Market, window shop in ([Location 657](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=657)) - Toronto Islands for an afternoon out from the urban bustle. Back in town, relax with a pint in the Distillery District. ([Location 661](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=661)) - Four Days in Toronto ([Location 662](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=662)) - double-decker sightseeing tour ([Location 663](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=663)) - High Park for a picnic, ([Location 667](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=667)) - trains link to Union Square ($12, 25 minutes, every 15 minutes 5:30am to 1am) or take a taxi ($60, 40 to 70 minutes). Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport A free shuttle bus (15 minutes, every 15 minutes, 5am to midnight Monday to Friday, reduced hours Saturday and Sunday) links Union Station to the mainland ferry terminal, from where there's a pedestrian path. ([Location 671](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=671)) - It's essential to book in advance for stays from mid-May to late September. Remember, 13% HST (harmonized sales tax) is almost always applied on top of the quoted rate. ([Location 676](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=676)) - The best street-level vantage of the tower is at the intersection of McCaul St and Queen St W, due north of the tower. If you do decide to venture skyward, choose ([Location 704](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=704)) - Join an Edgewalk Tour ($175), where ([Location 713](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=713)) - opt for the SkyPod (447m; an extra $12). Once you're up this high, you may not notice a huge difference to the regular view, but if you lean against the walls and stay very still, you can feel the sway of the tower. Not for the faint-hearted. ([Location 714](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=714)) - TOP ([Location 725](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=725)) - Note: wtf - . ([Location 745](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=745)) - Executive diners ([Location 761](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=761)) - Financial District and Old York, ([Location 761](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=761)) - affordable eateries fill Baldwin Village, Kensington Market, Queen West, Ossington Ave and the Yonge St strip. ([Location 761](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=761)) - Old-School Diners ([Location 763](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=763)) - Note: This is a good list. Must cross check with local zomato - Distillery District ([Location 938](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=938)) - Toronto's best downtown attractions. Its Victorian industrial warehouses have been converted into soaring galleries, artists studios, design boutiques, cafes and eateries. On weekends, newlyweds pose before a backdrop of red brick and cobblestone, young families walk their dogs and the fashionable elite shop for art beneath charmingly decrepit gables and gantries. In summer, expect live jazz, activities, exhibitions and foodie events. ([Location 946](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=946)) - Old York's sensational St Lawrence Market ([Location 959](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=959)) - The Carousel Bakery is famed for its peameal bacon sandwiches and St Urbain for its authentic Montréal-style bagels. ([Location 961](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=961)) - check out <www.wirelesstoronto.ca> for a list of free hot spots in the city. ([Location 1646](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=1646)) - When planning your itinerary, be sure to keep your eyes on <www.flyporter.com>: seat sales are frequent and offer excellent value. ([Location 1676](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=1676)) - . Greyhound Canada (<www.greyhound.ca>) has numerous routes from Toronto. Megabus has a smaller, and cheaper, selection of destinations. Advance tickets offer significant savings; online sales often close two hours before departure. ([Location 1684](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=1684)) - Union Station downtown serves as the bus and train depot for GO Transit (<www.gotransit.com>), the commuter service of the Greater Toronto Area. ([Location 1687](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=1687)) - A visit to Niagara Wine Country makes an indulgent day trip or lazy weekend, with vineyards both old and new to explore. ([Location 1846](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=1846)) - The week-long Niagara Wine Festival (<www.niagarawinefestival.com>) in mid-September. ([Location 1852](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=1852)) - Touring the vineyards by car is the best way to go. Regional tourist offices stock wine-route maps and brochures, which are also available at winery tasting rooms. Besides tastings, most places offer tours and dining. Parking is free at all vineyards. ([Location 1869](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=1869)) - In a blind taste test, judges awarded a coveted gold medal to an Ontario ice wine ([Location 1918](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=1918)) - Hornblower Niagara CruisesBoating (<www.niagaracruises.com>; 5920 River Rd; adult/child $20/12.25; 9am-7:45pm Jun-Aug, to 4:45pm Apr, May, Sep & Oct) Hornblower is the newer boat company in town, taking over from the age-old Maid of the Mist (which still runs on the American side of the falls). Hornblower's 700-person catamarans sail up close to Bridal Veil Falls (American Falls; GOOGLE MAP ) and Horseshoe Falls ( GOOGLE MAP ), among other thundering cascades. You are supplied with flimsy raincoats but will still get doused (in a fun way). ([Location 2027](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=2027)) - Flying SaucerFast Food$ ( GOOGLE MAP ; 905-356-4453; <www.flyingsaucerrestaurant.com>; 6768 Lundy's Lane; mains $8-27; 6am-3am Sun-Thu, to 4am Fri & Sat) For extraterrestrial fast food, you can't go past this iconic diner on the Lundy's Lane motel strip. Famous $1.99 early-bird breakfasts are served from 6am to 10am (eggs, fries and toast) with the purchase of a beverage. Heftier meals in the way of steaks, seafood, fajitas, burgers and hot dogs are also on board. Take-out is in the saucer to the left. ([Location 2086](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=2086)) - Napoli Ristorante PizzeriaItalian$ ( GOOGLE MAP ; 905-356-3345; <www.napoliristorante.ca>; 5545 Ferry St; mains $14-32; 4-10:30pm) Head to Napoli for the best Italian in town, hands down. Delicious pizza, rich pasta, creamy risotto and veal parmigiana all feature on the familiar menu. ([Location 2096](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=2096)) - The Viking Trail links Newfoundland's west coast to Southern Labrador, with two of the province's not-to-be-missed World Heritage–listed sites en route. ([Location 2314](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=2314)) - Driving the Cabot Trail is Nova Scotia's most famous recreational activity, taking you along winding roads past jaw-dropping scenery. ([Location 2368](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=2368)) - One Day in Montréal Beeline to the stunning Basilique Notre-Dame, then explore the old town and stroll up Place Jacques-Cartier with its many buskers and artists. Visit the excellent Musée d’Archéologie et d'Histoire Pointe-à-Callière, making sure to visit the archaeological crypt. Cap off the day with dinner at Liverpool House and a Cirque du Soleil show. ([Location 3267](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=3267)) - Basilique Notre-DameChurch ([Location 3326](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=3326)) - Note: Church in Montreal The basilica made headlines in 1994 when singer Céline Dion was married under its soaring midnight-blue ceiling, and again in 2000 when Jimmy Carter and Fidel Castro shared pall-bearing honors at the state funeral of former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. - Vieux-Port de MontréalPark ([Location 3342](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=3342)) - Marché AtwaterMarket ([Location 3453](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=3453)) - Marché Jean-TalonMarket ([Location 3556](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=3556)) - Parc OutremontPark ([Location 3578](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=3578)) - If you prefer to explore on your own, Fitz & Follwell rents bikes – stylish three- or eight-speed Linus models. ([Location 3668](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=3668)) - Note: For cycling - live show at the Commodore Ballroom. ([Location 7079](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=7079)) - Start your wander at [[Granville Island]] ([Location 7081](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=7081)) - Commercial Dr for burgers at Cannibal Café and brews at Callister Brewing Company. ([Location 7083](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=7083)) - [[Vancouver]] International Airport Take a Canada Line train downtown ($7.75 to $10.50, 25 minutes) or grab a cab (up to $45). Pacific Central Train Station SkyTrain it from the Main St-Science World Station downtown ($2.75, five minutes). ([Location 7085](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=7085)) - Rates peak in July and August, but there are good spring and fall deals, when you can also expect some accompanying 'Wet Coast' rainfall. View over [[Vancouver]] from Grouse Mountain | PIERRE LECLERC / SHUTTERSTOCK © ([Location 7090](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=7090)) - three hours to walk the 8.8km seawall, but bike rentals are also available on nearby Denman St. ([Location 7104](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=7104)) - Second Beach ([Location 7146](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=7146)) - Prospect Point. One of [[Vancouver]]'s best lookouts, this lofty spot is located at the park's northern tip. In ([Location 7158](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=7158)) - heading down the steep stairs to the viewing platform usually shakes them off. ([Location 7159](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=7159)) - Come hungry: ([Location 7197](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=7197)) - Oyama Sausage Company, ([Location 7197](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=7197)) - Benton Brothers Fine Cheese, ([Location 7198](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=7198)) - (look for anything by Farm House Natural Cheese from Agassiz, BC); ([Location 7199](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=7199)) - [[Granville Island]] Tea Company ([Location 7199](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=7199)) - Lee's Donuts, and Siegel's Bagels, ([Location 7201](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=7201)) - Stuart's Baked Goods. French-themed L'Epicerie Rotisserie and Gourmet Shop ([Location 7202](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=7202)) - farmers market ([Location 7207](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=7207)) - also sample BC-made booze (look out for brews by Four Winds, Brassneck, Powell Street, Central City and Main Street). ([Location 7207](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0779Q78SH&location=7207))