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Cheap Travel Ideas for Visiting Toronto, Ontario

Things to do in the City for Ten Dollars or Less in Any Season

Apr 8, 2009 Allison Anthony

Toronto is one of Canada's most expensive cities but not everything here costs a fortune. Here are a few of the local's favourite cheap spots in the downtown core.

As with any major urban center, many of the attractions here have discounted, or free days to visit. The problem is, the times and days are not only limited but also crowded.

Here is a list of things to see, eat and do in downtown Toronto, none of which cost more than ten dollars.

Arts and Entertainment – Galleries and Tours

mocca – 952 Queen St. West. 416-395-0067

The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art may be on the small side but it is an integral part of the arts scene in this country. Exhibitions here focus on both professional and emerging artists from all over Canada. Open 11:00 am - 6:00 pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

The Market Gallery – 95 Front Street East, 416-392-7604

This building façade inside St Lawrence Market is what is left of the first city hall. Run by the city, most of the exhibits here will center on the historical growth and change in Toronto. Open Tuesday to Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Steam Whistle Brewery – 255 Bremner Blvd, 416-362-2337

Sitting in the shadow of the CN Tower this historic building was originally a repair house for steam locomotives. Their fun attitude and environmentally friendly brewery is part of what makes Steam Whistle so popular here... and of course the beer. Open seven days a week, the tours run every 30 minutes starting at 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, last tour on Sunday, 4:00 pm.

Eating and Drinking – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Tacos El Asador – 690 Bloor St. West, 416-538-9747

Not a typical burrito shop, here the flavour is from El Salvador. One of the few kitchens in the city to serve Birria, a spicy goat soup, it’s the crispy taco and beef burrito that keep the tiny restaurant packed. Open Monday to Saturday 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm and 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm on Sunday.

Ghazale – 661 College St. 416-534-7441

Taste delicious Lebanese food that is always fresh even if it can be a little spicy. Although the falafels here are very good, it is the shawarma and vegetarian dishes that are most authentic. This tiny take-out restaurant is always busy, especially late at night on the weekend. Open 10:00 am - 4:00 am seven days a week.

Patrician Grill – 219 King St. East, 416-366-4841

This kitschy, family run diner first opened it’s door in 1967. Crowded, small and popular during lunch hour the all day breakfast is available Monday to Friday 6:30 am - 6:30 pm and from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm on Saturdays.

The secret to traveling cheap in Toronto, Ontario is to carefully choose the expensive tourist attractions and then spend the rest of the trip living like a local.

The copyright of the article Cheap Travel Ideas for Visiting Toronto, Ontario in E Canada Travel is owned by Allison Anthony. Permission to republish Cheap Travel Ideas for Visiting Toronto, Ontario in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.