I'm going to Canada.

[Groovebox]

I visited Toronto in 2004, was a lot of fun. I would recommend going to the Royal Ontario Museum, was pretty cool. http://www.rom.on.ca/

[dritero]

Just drive through that wretched city, and head straight to Montreal. You'll have the time of your life. But do make a pit stop at the HHOF.

[Furtwangler]

I'm actually staying in Barrie because I know someone that lives up there, but most of the stuff I figure I'll be doing will be in TO. Definatley noting all the places you guys pointed out thanks. Still though has anyone had any experience crossing the border? I'm more concered about that at this point than anything else, may just leave my laptop at home :/

[Avanarius]

Just drive through that wretched city, and head straight to Montreal. You'll have the time of your life. But do make a pit stop at the HHOF.

Montreal is fucking terrible, but I guess it didn't help that my cousin got shot and stabbed the night I stayed there; I'd pass and go to Ottawa

[Tsakiki]

I heard an awful rumor that the Movenpick (some crazy ass restraurant that has EVERYTHING) closed, if its open, check it out...because it's awesome. basically a giant cafeteria with every kind of food imaginable. like I think I'll have some pizza, and then cause I'm still hungry I'll have some freshly shucked oysters.

It's still there, just not called Movenpick anymore: Richtree Market Restaurants

The Brookfield Place Heritage Square location is the one you'd want when you're visiting the HHoF - at street level, rather than the mini one at the concourse level.

[sephir]

I'm actually staying in Barrie because I know someone that lives up there, but most of the stuff I figure I'll be doing will be in TO. Definatley noting all the places you guys pointed out thanks. Still though has anyone had any experience crossing the border? I'm more concered about that at this point than anything else, may just leave my laptop at home :/

I go to NY or Michigan every few months and never had any problems like what you are hearing about. Bring your laptop, its not an issue. If you want to be that careful about it bring the receipt or some form of proof that you bought it in the US. Also check out Wakestock if you are in town around then. Its basically 3 weeks of non stop partying in Toronto. Caribana is pretty good, but Wakestock is more my thing (beaches packed with girls in Bikini's). and If your into it, check out the Hot Box Cafe at Kensington Market (name should explain all) its basically like you are in Amsterdam with what goes on there.

Barrie has the Warped Tour and if you are in for a bit of a Drive London will be having Classic Rock fest with Steve Winwood (Traffic, BlindFaith), Ted Nugent and Sammy Hager(Van Halen)- which is worth checking out.

[Richybear]

Parlez vous francais or Montreal will hate you.

I'd still kill to go to a Habs game live though.

[Elesirdur]

Montreal's really accessible for an overnight trip by taking this train: http://www.viarail.ca/trains/en_trai_onta_oato.html

At seats starting at $77 each trip it's the best way to get between the two cities. Driving is a major pain, regardless of the time of year, and flying is both expensive and a major hassle. While the train ride is about 4-5 hours, it's downtown-to-downtown service and the public transit (especially the TTC and Montreal Metro subways) in both cities are excellent.

Toronto's got some great restaurants and a few good museums, but Montreal is by a long shot a much more interesting city. Rue St-Catherine is awesome, day or night, Vieux Montreal is gorgeous and has really cleaned up in the last ten years, and if you're into indie music then Montreal's also a great place for it. Not being able to speak French isn't such a hassle in Montreal as it is in Quebec City; you're more likely to have difficulty ordering a sandwich from the employees at Subway in English than at any decent restaurant (or resto as they like to call them, I think it's just a lazy term).

Oh yeah, if you like the theatre, Toronto has quite the theatre district which you should check out. If I recall correctly, it's near the Eaton Centre, but I can't quite recall as it's been many years since I've been to the T-dot