Toronto, Canada
Posted by Taur_ie@reddit | Shoestring | View on Reddit | 15 comments
Does anyone have a recommendation for good budget friendly hotel/hostel in Toronto? Recommendations for things to do, go to, or eat are welcome as well! I’ll be visiting in January Thanks!
Ok-Willingness-717@reddit
When I went to Toronto I stayed at one of the airport hotels. It was a fraction of the cost of staying in the city. I’m not sure of your transportation but you can literally walk to the airport. The Union Pearson train drops you right in the heart of downtown Toronto. There is a place called The Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar. This place is decent for cheap but sells out fast it’s not top notch by any means and close to the metro as well.
lucapal1@reddit
The Rex is one of the best low budget places that is both central and has decent private rooms.
Obi-Wan-Kannapi@reddit
The Rex is showing rooms for $150+ per night. That seems high for a 2-star hotel.
Excellent_Account957@reddit
Toronto is the capital of bedbugs. Be careful out there !!
flewers167@reddit
How do I look out for them? Going to a Hostel Tomorrow.
Excellent_Account957@reddit
Checking the bed on your first entry to hotel room
thebiggestandniggest@reddit
Also from Toronto, I have never needed a hotel or hostel room here but from what I see online The Planet Traveler Hostel is both the highest rated and most popular hostel in Toronto. https://maps.app.goo.gl/nV5ah27QRWUeWv2R7
It's also close to Samesun Toronto and it was very easy to make friends at Samesun Vancouver when I went and I am sure the Toronto location is similar.
As for things to do besides the obvious, assuming you want to stay near downtown or a subway line:
Riverdale Park East, Tommy Thompson Park and back Evergreen Brick Works, ET Seton Park. Make use of our parks, we have a lot.
Berczy Park when you visit Flatiron building and St Lawrence Market
If you like clubbing, I like CODA (cover your drinks) and Rebel (if you stay away from the front, otherwise you will get crushed). Rebel also has a breathaking view of the Toronto skyline in front of it. The cheap clubs are the good clubs here.
Walking on Queen's Quay from Jack Layton Ferry terminal to Coronation Park.
Toronto's greatest strength IMO is that you can pick nearly any country from the world at random and there will be at least one good restaurant with cuisine from that country, for example La Bella Managua (Nicaraguan), Hemingway's (New Zealand). I would strongly recommend looking up "(country) restaurant toronto" in Google Maps and then picking whatever has good reviews and is close to whatever you are already doing.
If you are looking for Canadian restaurants, I recommend Antler Kitchen and Bar. They have unique meat like rabbit, buffalo, elk, etc. I have also heard Canoe, Edulis, Actinolite and Richmond Station are good (all high end $$$) but I have never personally been to them.
Favourite bars:
Pennies
Anejo during happy hour
Bar Isabel
Imperial Pub close to Yonge and Dundas (cheap)
Kintaro Izakaya
Sneaky Dee's is an institution but I have never been, I should hit it up soon
Foods unique to Canada that I personally like:
Eva's Original Chimney (must try the Dream cone)
Tim Hortons Iced Capp, honey cruller, and apple fritter. Do not stray from iced capps or specific donuts, you will be disappointed.
Beaver Tails
Butter tarts
Ontario Sour Cherry Pie from Wanda's Pie in the Sky
Poutine and shawarma poutine are the ultimate drunk food. I recommend NomNomNom Poutine downtown for normal, jerk chicken, and pulled pork poutine. Shawarma poutine can be bought at pretty much any shawarma place.
I have not been enjoying things recently and writing out all the things I like has been a good exercise - thanks.
Taur_ie@reddit (OP)
Thank you for the abundance of information! I really appreciate it and will definitley use this as a guide :)
thebiggestandniggest@reddit
No problem.
I happened to go to Sneaky Dee's today, food was great and sangria was cheap and strong. I would definitely go if you are hungry and in the area.
Nicoletravels__@reddit
If you like Greek food, head to the Danforth. Greek town is full of awesome restaurants. Make sure to stop by Serano bakery if you do. They have the best baklava ever.
Fabulous-Koala-3520@reddit
I stayed at Planet Traveler hostel when I went and I loved it! Staff were really friendly and they put on events every night to get to know the other guests if that’s your thing. There’s also a dog that lives there!!
lucapal1@reddit
Do you want a hostel dorm bed or a private room?
cleogray@reddit
I’m also from Toronto so can’t speak to hotels as I’ve never stayed in one here. But you might find more affordable options looking outside the city centre but along the subway line. I’d check anywhere along Bloor or Danforth for Line 2 access, might get cheaper the farther out you get from the centre (keeping in mind the longer commute to get around, though). Another commenter mentioned our parks, which are great, but in January it’ll likely be frigid (although the last few years have been much warmer than normal, but still not pleasant strolling weather at that time of year). For museums and galleries, both the ROM and the AGO are excellent, and they both have one evening a week when admissions is free. Food is not cheap in Toronto, but Chinatown and Kensington Market offer some really affordable and delicious options. Have fun!
Nicoletravels__@reddit
I’m from Toronto. Just being honest, Toronto is NOT a budget friendly destination. Not right now at least. Try browsing Hostelworld for options but keep in mind you likely won’t find any cheap options.
Taur_ie@reddit (OP)
Yeah haha I don’t plan on finding cheap, but I’m def looking for recommendations that are on the lower end for the area!