OK, so I tend to not do the touristy thing, both because I'm usually working when those things are open, and because touristy stuff embarrasses me.
In OTTAWA -Bank Street south of 417 - neat little alt area, has independent book/clothing stores and a neat stationary place. I was only in Ottawa during the FREEZING COLD END TIMES, so this was the only walking area I saw. -Bridgehead coffee (or Bridgeport, Bridge something) is an independent chain, all organic, good stuff, and has free wireless. -go over to Gatineau and get a hot dog and poutine. -the War Museum is attached to the Museum of Civilization, and I think? you can get a discounted price for the two? -Museum of Natural History - follow the dinosaur signs.
In TORONTO: -AVOID THE 401 LIKE THE PLAGUE. Seriously - get yourself a AAA map and avoid. You will lose HOURS stuck on here. -Danforth Ave. E of the D(on)V(alley)P(arkway) is Greektown, and has great food. Not cheap, but great. -Spring Rolls is a local chain with good Thai for cheap. There's one on Front street just east of Yonge. -Kensington Market, obviously, for wandering. Queen W, obviously, for wandering. Bloor West is actually my favourite of the three - the Annex around U of T is just good generally. -you can take a ferry out to the Toronto Islands, though I've never been. -drive by PG's studio on Ontario street and bond with your inner fangirl/stalker. Or maybe I'm the only one really amused by that.
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In OTTAWA
-Bank Street south of 417 - neat little alt area, has independent book/clothing stores and a neat stationary place. I was only in Ottawa during the FREEZING COLD END TIMES, so this was the only walking area I saw.
-Bridgehead coffee (or Bridgeport, Bridge something) is an independent chain, all organic, good stuff, and has free wireless.
-go over to Gatineau and get a hot dog and poutine.
-the War Museum is attached to the Museum of Civilization, and I think? you can get a discounted price for the two?
-Museum of Natural History - follow the dinosaur signs.
In TORONTO:
-AVOID THE 401 LIKE THE PLAGUE. Seriously - get yourself a AAA map and avoid. You will lose HOURS stuck on here.
-Danforth Ave. E of the D(on)V(alley)P(arkway) is Greektown, and has great food. Not cheap, but great.
-Spring Rolls is a local chain with good Thai for cheap. There's one on Front street just east of Yonge.
-Kensington Market, obviously, for wandering. Queen W, obviously, for wandering. Bloor West is actually my favourite of the three - the Annex around U of T is just good generally.
-you can take a ferry out to the Toronto Islands, though I've never been.
-drive by PG's studio on Ontario street and bond with your inner fangirl/stalker. Or maybe I'm the only one really amused by that.