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How to Get to Niagara Falls from Toronto

October 22, 2019

One of the most popular day trips from Toronto is Niagara Falls. It’s one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world and it’s hard to truly fathom the spectacular rushing flow of water unless you have seen it with your own eyes.

Niagara Falls is located just outside Toronto, so it’s perfect for exploring on a day trip or a weekend getaway. There are several choices for accommodation in the area, from luxurious boutique resorts to simple, affordable and basic hotels. So, it’s easy to stay over and explore the area more.

Since going to Niagara Falls from Toronto is so popular, there are multiple options for getting there.

Can I Take the Train from Toronto to Niagara Falls?

Yes, Via Rail offers direct daily service between Toronto and Niagara Falls. There are two trains daily and an adult return ticket will cost around $55-$75 depending on how far you book in advance. Keep in mind that the evening return trip to Toronto is a train that originates in New York City, so it often runs late.

Go Transit also offers a combination train and bus route between Toronto and Niagara Falls. You’ll need to transfer to a bus in Burlington and then continue onto Niagara Falls.

In the summer months, from May to Labour Day in September, Go Transit runs a convenient direct train service from Union Station to the Niagara Falls train station. It operates on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as holidays only. There is one return trip on Friday evenings and three return trips on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.

It’s important to note that the train station is in old Niagara Falls, which is about a five minute drive from the Falls themselves. So, when you arrive at the Niagara Falls Train Station, you’ll need to go a little bit further to get to the Falls. It’s a short taxi ride (which should cost around $10-$15 CAD), or you can use the bus route 104.

Is There a Toronto to Niagara Falls Bus?

You can take the bus from both Megabus and Greyhound to Niagara Falls. They are both direct buses with no transfers and the prices for tickets range from $14-$30 CAD. The journey takes around 1.5-2.5 hours depending on the number of stops.

Both the Megabus and Greyhound leave every day, multiple times per day. To get a cheaper bus ride, book online in advance.

There are also shuttle buses between Toronto and Niagara Falls and coming back the other way from Niagara Falls to Toronto. They cost more than public transit, but you’re paying extra for the comfort and convenience. You might even get picked up at your hotel in Toronto and delivered to the door of your hotel in Niagara Falls. Here’s an example of a shuttle bus service.

Can I Drive to Niagara Falls?

If you rent a car in Toronto, you can drive to Niagara Falls during your visit. This gives you the advantage of being able to travel on your own schedule and make stops along the way. The trip will take about an hour and a half to two hours.

The most direct route is along the Queen Elizabeth Highway, alongside Lake Ontario. Keep in mind that this is a major commuter route, so there will be heavy traffic on this road during rush hour. The peak traffic will be going into the city in the mornings until 9am and out of the city between 3 and 7pm. Keep this in mind and try to travel outside of these times, if possible.

You may want to allow time to stop in Burlington along the way. It’s less than an hour from Toronto and it has a beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens that are worth a visit. You can also visit the town of Jordan along the way, home to the well known local winery Cave Springs.

Niagara Falls Tours from Toronto

Another option is to hop on a group day tour to Niagara Falls. There are several companies that offer these tours, including Gray Line, Niagara Tours, North Star Tours, Royal Tours of Niagara Falls Canada, Toronto Tours, Niagara Bus Tours and more.

These tours usually leave Toronto in the morning, take you to the falls for a few hours and then bring you back in the evening. They might include lunch or other activities as well – such as visits to the local wineries. If you aren’t sure which tour is best for you, take a look at the reviews on Tripadvisor.

Taking a day tour might be a great option if you have a limited time in Toronto and you want to sit back and relax while someone else takes you to the highlights of the region.

No matter how you get there, it’s absolutely worth visiting Niagara Falls on your visit to Toronto

Downtown Toronto, Toronto Entertainment, toronto toursim

Awesome Things to Do in Toronto

September 13, 2019

Toronto is often referred to as the “New York City of Canada” – thanks to its diversity, museums, excellent food scene and great attractions. It’s one of the biggest cities in the country – the Greater Toronto area is home to around one sixth of the entire Canadian population. There is so much to see in this bustling metropolis, that you won’t struggle to fill your days when you visit Toronto.

Whether you’re into art galleries, shopping, history or simply relaxing in the park, there’s something for everything in Toronto. Even if the weather is cold and stormy, there are plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy – making Toronto a great destination for all seasons.

Wondering what to do in Toronto? Here are some of the top things to do in Toronto you should have on your list:

Top Things to Do in Toronto

Discover History at the Royal Ontario Museum

Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum (aka ROM) is known for being one of the best museums in North America. It has a collection of over six million artefacts, with some galleries about natural history and others showcasing art and items from around the world.
The museum also has an impressive collection of minerals and dinosaur bones, as well as a collection of designs from the Art Deco period.

Tour the Impressive Casa Loma

This famous Toronto landmark was designed in the style of a Gothic Revival castle. It is one of the most impressive works of architecture in the city. In fact, it has been a location for several films, including Chicago, The Pacifier and X-Men.
The castle, which has been turned into a museum, offers self-guided audio tours. So, you can explore the grounds and learn about the stories behind the many secret gardens, stables and passages within the castle.

Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame

If you’re a hockey fan visiting Toronto, you’re going to want to head straight to the legendary Hockey Hall of Fame. It’s where you can learn every detail of the history of your favourite sport. Plus, you’ll be able to see the famous Stanley Cup – in its resting place within the Great Hall.
There’s also a 125-seat 3D theatre that shows documentary films about the greatest players and moments in the history of hockey. This is one of the best things to do in Toronto Canada for hockey fans. After all, hockey is a very big deal for Torontonians!

Take the Ferry to Toronto Islands

If you want to take a break from the city and relax at a slower pace for a while, you can jump on a ferry to the Toronto Islands. These peaceful green islands offer a quiet contrast to the busy hustle of the city streets. Once you get to one of the three islands (Ward’s Centre and Algonquin), they are all connected. So, you can wander through the parks, picnic areas, gardens, beaches and play areas all day long. (Plus, the views of the Toronto skyline are incredible!)

Feast at the St. Lawrence Market

The St. Lawrence Market was once named the world’s best food market by National Geographic magazine. It’s the best place in the city to go for produce and unique artisanal food creations.
The market has been in the same location since 1803 and it is home to over 120 vendors, selling everything from gourmet bread to home-grown vegetables. If you are a food lover, this is one of the best things to do in Toronto. There are even cooking classes where you can learn how to prepare the delicious treats you’ve found. You’ll also find unique local crafts, as well as antique dealers selling a range of wonderful trinkets you’ll want to take home with you.

Admire the View from the CN Tower

The CN Tower is the tallest free-standing building on the continent, standing 553 metres above the city. It’s one of the most iconic things to do Toronto has to offer. You can take the glass floor panelled elevator to the SkyPod, where you can see spectacular views. If you really want to get a thrill, you can try the Skywalk. You’ll stand on a hands-free ledge towering over the city (while strapped into a safety harness, of course.)

What to do in Toronto, Canada

These are just a few of the many amazing things to do in Toronto. When it comes to Toronto attractions and Toronto things to do, the main problem is fitting everything into your visit. You’re going to want to extend your stay in order to take advantage of all this city has to offer. (Make sure you bring comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking!)

Have fun exploring one of Canada’s most interesting and diverse cities! If you’re looking for somewhere to stay during your trip, consider our short term apartment rentals in downtown Toronto.

Toronto Condos, toronto toursim, Uncategorized

5 Reasons to Live in North York, Toronto

August 2, 2019

Known as Toronto’s “Second Downtown,” there are a lot of reasons to live in North York. This neighbourhood is buzzing with great dining, nightlife and things to do – it’s hard not to love it!

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why North York is such a Toronto hotspot.

1. There are Plenty of Multicultural Festivals

North York is an incredibly multicultural neighborhood, which means there are plenty of great festivals throughout the year that celebrate the diversity there. There’s the Iranian Festival, the Korean Harvest Festival, the Aloha Festival, the Hispanic Fiesta and more.

Many of the public festivals in this neighbourhood take place in Mel Lastman Square, named after a previous mayor of North York. These events are a great opportunity to listen to diverse music, taste cuisine from around the world and learn about another culture.

2. Public Transit Connections Are Great

When you live in North York, you might not be right in the centre of downtown but you will be connected to the city by some very convenient public transit links. You can take the Yonge-University Line 1 to and from many major stations, including Finch, North York Centre and Sheppard-Yonge. You’ll also have easy access to major highways including the 407 and 401.

By Toronto_map.png: Lencerderivative work: SimonP (talk) – Toronto_map.png, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

3. The Museums and Historic Sites Are Excellent

A lot of history has taken place in North York, which means that there are plenty of interesting sites to explore. For example, one of the best is Gibson House – a heritage museum that contains a fascinating collection of 19th century art pieces. They tell the story of the evolution of North York through the years. To learn more about the history of North York and learn about events and workshops in the area, you can visit the North York Historical Society.

4. You Can Shop Until You Drop

If shopping is your favourite pastime, living in North York will make you feel spoiled for choice. It’s home to two of the five major shopping malls in Toronto – the Fairview Mall and the Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Plus, there’s also several other shopping centres. These include the Sheppard Centre, the Shops at Don Mills, Yorkgate Mall, Sheridan Mall, Bayview Village and Centrepoint Mall. No matter what you’re hunting for, you’re sure to find it.

5. There’s So Much Delicious Food

Because North York is one of the most culturally diverse regions in Toronto, it boasts a superb collection of restaurants. From authentic Asian cuisine to North African flavours to Italian dishes, you can find pretty much anything you may be craving.

For example, if it’s Chinese food you love – head to Congee Queen. You’ll find high quality authentic Cantonese food such as spicy squid, soft shell crab fried rice or beef brisket lo mein. Or, if you’re in the mood for Indian cuisine, The Veggie Thali serves up vegetarian dishes with a rich blend of spices and herb – paired with a refreshing mango shake.

Just a few of the many reasons to live in North York

To learn more about our properties in North York, click here.

Downtown Toronto Condos, Toronto Entertainment, Toronto Family Travel, toronto toursim

Spas, Parks and More: Healthy Living in Toronto

April 2, 2019

Healthy living in Toronto is not too difficult.

This Canadian metropolis offers nutritious food, cycle-friendly streets, relaxing spas and plenty of access to green spaces and water. Plus, there are lots of opportunities to enjoy activities such as kayaking, golf and rock climbing – within the city limits.

If you’re keen to keep up your healthy routine during your stay at the Livmore, here are some local attractions you should know about:

The Livmore

That’s right – you can start your journey to healthy living without even having to leave the building. The Livmore has a state of the art gym and fitness center, with cardio machines, weights, exercise balls and more. You can get a healthy, sweaty glow on while admiring the views from the beautiful floor to ceiling windows.

The Elmwood Spa

4 minute walk from the Livmore

healthy living in toronto

Stress can really take its toll on your health, so it’s important to take the time to relax and recharge. For the ultimate rejuvenation experience, visit a local Toronto spa like the Elmwood and let them pamper you. In this historic downtown building, you can treat yourself to a full menu of services – including facials, massage therapy, manicures, pedicures, exfoliation, detoxification and more.

Noah’s Natural Foods

7 minute walk from the Livmore

This Canadian owned health food store has been providing customers with delicious and nutritious goods for over 35 years. They pride themselves on only stocking the purest, highest-quality and safest products available – including organic cosmetics, healthy supplements and so much more.

Nathan Phillips Square

healthy living in Toronto

9 minute walk from the Livmore

In the long, cold Toronto winters it can be difficult to still get enough physical activity per day. However, a fun way to get your heart rate up in downtown Toronto in the winter is to go ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square. The rink is open from November 25th, from 9am to 10pm. Don’t worry if you didn’t bring your skates with you – you can rent them there! (Even if you’re a terrible skater, you’ll still be burning calories!)

Tommy Thompson Park

20 minute drive from the Livmore

An enormous study of more than 290 million people confirms what you probably already figured: being outdoors in nature is really, really good for your health. The report found that being close to nature reduced the risk of a number of diseases, including high blood pressure and type II diabetes. So, if you want to enjoy the sweet health benefits of a walk in the wilderness, head down to this beautiful park. The numerous trails will take you along beaches and wetlands, where you might be lucky enough to spot beavers, cormorants, coyotes and other creatures.

Get active and enjoy healthy living in Toronto!

As you venture out to the parks, spas, hiking trails and sports venues of Toronto – you’ll see plenty of other guests and locals enjoying the active lifestyle this city has to offer. Healthy living in Toronto is not only easy, it can also be a lot of fun.

Lifestyle talk, Relocation, toronto toursim

Things You’ll Notice As Soon As You Move to Canada

March 26, 2019

Relocating to the Great White North? Here are some differences you’ll notice right away when you move to Canada.

It is Cold in the Winter

If you move to Canada from somewhere with a mild climate, the intense cold of your first Canadian winter may surprise you.

However, as you will learn from your new Canadian friends and colleagues – there is no such thing as bad weather – only inadequate clothing. Make sure that you invest in a warm coat and a pair of waterproof boots and you will be warm and comfy no matter how hard the cold winds blow and how deep the snow gets.

move to canada

Distances Are Long

Canada is the second largest country in the world (only Russia is bigger) and it’s population density is very low. This means that, once you leave the main cities, the towns are small and spread out.

This means that if you plan to drive or take a train somewhere else in Canada, be prepared to travel. If you are moving from a small place like the UK, driving for 6-8 hours can put you on the other end of the country. In Canada, it will barely get you halfway across the province.

Politeness is Extremely Important

Etiquette is very important in Canadian culture, which is why Canucks have a reputation around the world for being polite. Keep in mind that saying please and thank you is commonplace here, even in the simplest little interactions.

Plus, in general Canadians tend to communicate in an indirect, sugar-coated way and are careful not to cause offense or confrontation. This might be different from your own culture, so take the time to learn and adjust or you might accidently put your foot in your mouth.

Tipping is the Norm

When it comes to tipping, Canada follows the same format as the USA. Tipping is expected and not leaving a tip is seen as a direct protect against terrible service. If tips don’t exist in your home country, it’s important to pick up this habit when you move to Canada or your server will wonder what they did to deeply offend you.

move to canada toronto

Smoking in Public is a No-No

In Canada it is illegal to smoke in any public places, including restaurants, stores, hotels, hospitals, offices and pretty much everywhere else. This also means that you can’t smoke in the common areas of apartment buildings or rental complexes. Smokers can indulge in designated smoking areas, within their own home, in their vehicle or in the great outdoors.

Now you know why the air in Canada smells so fresh and clean!

It’s Wonderfully Diverse

Canada has received many generations of immigrants from all over the world and as a country, it prides itself on being a Multicultural mosaic. For example, more than half of Toronto residents were born outside of Canada.

This is a great thing, because it means that when you move to Canada you’ll be able to experience many different cultures, traditions, cuisines and festivals – without having to travel the world.

Planning to Move to Canada?

Our short term furnished apartments are a great place to stay while you get settled. Contact us for more info.

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