Driving in and around Toronto

Hotel X is beautiful. Very close to your venue. Safe to walk. Credit cards will be taken almost everywhere. I live here and rarely use cash. You should probably take the 403 just past Woodstock. That will bring you into Toronto on the QEW which is right by your hotel. Your hotel is west of the downtown, so no crazy downtown driving. Just try to avoid rush hour
Thank you.
 
Yes we all jump for joy to be honoured with your currency. Maybe tips might be okay but I wouldn’t assume anything.

I specifically remember businesses with signs saying that they would accept US currency. Many places even had posted exchange rates. No assumptions made other than that I’ve seen it.
 


Sorry it’s stressful planning! Hopefully you'll enjoy the experience more than the planning.

Toronto reminds me a lot of Chicago, with some gorgeous architecture; being on Lake Ontario, very clean; and people are helpful and friendly, to me, much like the Midwest (I’m from Iowa).

I also hope you get to come again at a warmer time of year. Staying near Niagara Falls is absolutely beautiful, especially Niagara On The Lake. Stunning views along the escarpment.

Have a safe trip & try & have a great time.
 
Sorry it’s stressful planning! Hopefully you'll enjoy the experience more than the planning.

Toronto reminds me a lot of Chicago, with some gorgeous architecture; being on Lake Ontario, very clean; and people are helpful and friendly, to me, much like the Midwest (I’m from Iowa).

I also hope you get to come again at a warmer time of year. Staying near Niagara Falls is absolutely beautiful, especially Niagara On The Lake. Stunning views along the escarpment.

Have a safe trip & try & have a great time.
Thank you. 🙂
 


I specifically remember businesses with signs saying that they would accept US currency. Many places even had posted exchange rates. No assumptions made other than that I’ve seen it.
Border towns and tourist areas will take it but other places probably not and if they do you will get a horrible exchange rate.
Change will be given in Canadian currency as stores don’t keep USA floats.
Not tipping is just plain rude.
When we go to WDW we charge everything but ensure we have lots of small USA bills to properly tip.
Maybe next time we should leave loonies as they will be happy to have them right!
 
Tipping really shouldn’t be an issue if you pay by CC.
We are self-parking, so tipping a valet won't be an issue. That's the only time we would tip in cash. Everything else will be a credit card.

This is one thing I am letting go of and I'm not going to worry about it. 🙂
 
Border towns and tourist areas will take it but other places probably not and if they do you will get a horrible exchange rate.
Change will be given in Canadian currency as stores don’t keep USA floats.
Not tipping is just plain rude.
When we go to WDW we charge everything but ensure we have lots of small USA bills to properly tip.
Maybe next time we should leave loonies as they will be happy to have them right!

I've come back to the US with hundreds in CAD. At least with my large bank I've never had an issue getting them to accept foreign currency, and they have no tiered exchange rate like many retail currency exchanges (such as at outlet malls). I could ask them to exchange a single Canadian dollar. They'd look at me funny though. I was told that any branch can accept foreign currency, but to get foreign currency would require either it be ordered or it would need to be at certain locations that stock foreign currency.

I get why someone might not want to exchange currency. Too much and you end doing a reverse exchange at a loss. However, I do remember one place (a casino in BC) where we played some card games and they had a policy where currency (up to the amount of the original exchange) could be reverse exchanged at at the same rate if done in less than 24 hours. Of course they're not there specifically for tourists to exchange money. They're doing it hoping people will gamble.
 
I've come back to the US with hundreds in CAD. At least with my large bank I've never had an issue getting them to accept foreign currency, and they have no tiered exchange rate like many retail currency exchanges (such as at outlet malls). I could ask them to exchange a single Canadian dollar. They'd look at me funny though. I was told that any branch can accept foreign currency, but to get foreign currency would require either it be ordered or it would need to be at certain locations that stock foreign currency.

I get why someone might not want to exchange currency. Too much and you end doing a reverse exchange at a loss. However, I do remember one place (a casino in BC) where we played some card games and they had a policy where currency (up to the amount of the original exchange) could be reverse exchanged at at the same rate if done in less than 24 hours.
We aren't exchanging currency.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NAB
My sister and brother-in-law worked in hotels in both Ottawa and Calgary and would always gladly accept a tip in USD. ESPECIALLY in Toronto I'd bet that bell staff and valets routinely get a decent amount of tips in USD and are thrilled. Close to the boarder most larger businesses will be very accustom to accepting USD (I remember my dad paying for McD's in CAD in NY state too for what it's worth) and most will have signs up saying if they will or won't. Even here in Calgary all our casinos will happily exchange USD for you and we post our exchange rate every day.
 
I am feeling totally unprepared for this trip. I am unsure if we can use American dollars anywhere and I don't want to offend anyone by trying to use them, especially as tips for the hotel. *sigh* I don't know where we'll run into tolls and if they are all-electronic of if we can use cash. I don't know if our hotel is within walking distance to the concert and whether it is safe enough to walk back after the concert in the dark. DH is a 'it will work itself out' type of traveler ~ I am not.

Trips shouldn't be this nerve-wracking. :headache:
I don't know about stuff like tolls, but in stores and everywhere, I had no problem with US dollars or my credit card the whole way around Lake Ontario. They will give you change in Canada currency though.

It's neat, buy something that costs $3, give them a $20 bill, and you get $27 change. It's awesome! LOL

We (5 of us) stopped for water, gatorade, refresh our ice, jerkey, etc (bicycle trip) and the one guy says, "I've got everyone." What? He stopped at a bank and exchanged $300. "I'm freakin loaded, never been this rich before" he said, LOL.

Most places around here that I’ve seen posting they accept USD will give you a 1:1 exchange rate. Most places will take credit card. But if it’s hotel tips only, I don’t think the staff would mind USD.
Oh yeah, there is that too. I forgot. My experience was it was about 50/50 whether they gave us 1:1 or used an exchange rate.

Conversely, I now have about $50 in Canadian currency I'm stuck with because you can't exchange anywhere here in the US. Banks right after we crossed the border said they don't exchange. I think I need to go to KPIT to get it exchanged, which isn't worth the $50, time, and gas to go do.
 
FWIW, we've never had a problem using U.S. currency in Toronto, but if you do want to exchange some cash there are storefront foreign exchange places in the city, and you can use Yelp or other local review sites to find the better ones pretty easily. The rates were competitive with our bank last time we were there, better than you'll get at most hotel front desks or retailers, and they don't charge an exchange fee. Depending on how your local bank is about currency exchange - ours charges a fee and is kind of a PITA because they don't keep Canadian currency on hand even though the border is a few blocks away - it may be more convenient just to exchange a small amount of cash in the city.

And if you don't care about getting the very best exchange rate, most nicer hotels will offer an exchange service for guests. The rate is never as good as going to a bank or forex, but it is likely the very easiest option.
 
I don't know about stuff like tolls, but in stores and everywhere, I had no problem with US dollars or my credit card the whole way around Lake Ontario. They will give you change in Canada currency though.

It's neat, buy something that costs $3, give them a $20 bill, and you get $27 change. It's awesome! LOL

We (5 of us) stopped for water, gatorade, refresh our ice, jerkey, etc (bicycle trip) and the one guy says, "I've got everyone." What? He stopped at a bank and exchanged $300. "I'm freakin loaded, never been this rich before" he said, LOL.


Oh yeah, there is that too. I forgot. My experience was it was about 50/50 whether they gave us 1:1 or used an exchange rate.

Conversely, I now have about $50 in Canadian currency I'm stuck with because you can't exchange anywhere here in the US. Banks right after we crossed the border said they don't exchange. I think I need to go to KPIT to get it exchanged, which isn't worth the $50, time, and gas to go do.
I've never had a problem with exchanging money here. One time I had a stack of leftover Canadian bills (the funky plastic sheets) and had no problem getting it exchanged for US currency. I even went to a supermarket branch of my bank here in California. The Canadian currency was placed in a currency exchange envelope and ostensibly went to a regional processing facility with all the other money they got.
 
Just want you to know that your hotel is literally plunked into a self-contained area of concrete. It will not seem like a city core at all. It is by itself. They built it to facilitate convention traffic. The Ex grounds are there for our annual fair, soccer and football, conventions, expos, shows and concerts etc.To give you a good visual, The Toronto Indy is run on the grounds.

Why am I telling you this?

Because you already sound so damn irritated to come here. :rotfl2::drinking1Insert wink.

I don't want you to be shocked.

But great choice. I bike by it all the time, looks lovely, must have some terrific unobstructed views and most importantly you are two seconds to your venue. Because the area is contained, there is no traffic. You could literally run across without winter gear and be fine, that's how close you are. The Enercare building sits directly across from your building. And your venue is attached to it. It is not where concerts are usually held in the city, so smaller venue.

The hotel is terrific for your drive into the city, because you are coming from the west (427/Gardiner/Lakeshore). And the hotel is on the western part of downtown, so no city driving. Just avoid rush hour.

The 401 from the border is known for sudden snow squalls, but downtown Toronto gets very little snow.

Note that there are two Lakeshore exits off the Gardiner. It doesn't matter which one you take.

You didn't ask but in case you're open -

You mentioned your husband and loving his beer. There is a beer boutique in Liberty Village (neighbourhood just north of your hotel).

Breweries and a nice outing - The Distillery District. Shopping, restaurants, artisans etc.



https://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/
It is right near a popular market and neighbourhood. The market is all hustle and bustle on Saturdays.


http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/

There is a lovely urban park right across the street from your hotel in the Ontario Place grounds. Not a grassy park but gorgeous views. Note the sign for it because it has a very narrow entrance. People here are out and about, even biking, in the winter.

http://ontarioplace.com/en/whats-on/trillium-park-and-william-g-davis-trail/
I love suggesting Korean Grill House on Queen Street West for a fun dining experience. And it is not remotely expensive. You can make reservations but they are not necessary. You cook at a barbeque grill at your table.

http://koreangrillhouse.com/
You are very close to The Bentway for skating --

https://www.thebentway.ca/?gclid=Cj...AEQ6Cehdguk40pm35fzmLmOXo8p3DdC0aArDrEALw_wcB
Toronto can seem very cold. It's loveliness is in its neighbourhoods, away from tourist spots (ie. I find a lot of tourists walk Front Street West due to the CN Tower and Aquarium but the street is so drab and there is nothing to see)

I know you said you would probably use Uber, but two streetcar routes come right into the Ex grounds - Harbourfront and Bathurst. If you took the Bathurst and got off at either Queen, College or at Bloor (subway stop) you would find yourself in vibrant neighbourhoods.

The Beach/Beaches neighbourhood is a nice visit -- lovely walk along the boardwalk, if you hit some decent weather.

https://parkbench.com/blog/the-beaches-toronto-neighbourhood-guide
If you have any interest in the CN tower note you don't have to pay to go up if you go to the restaurant. And am sure one could do drinks/appetizers type fare. If any interest in the Aquarium they have cheaper admission options late in the day. They don't market the special savings.

Have a lovely time. Hoping that you hit some good weather.

Oh wait! I know you're only using cash for tipping but for normal spending it is a total waste for tourists not to exchange when using cash. Why? Our exchange rate is so utterly abysmal right now - free funds!
 
Last edited:
Things will seem expensive to you, but keep the exchange rate in mind. You’ll likely come out much cheaper than you would if you did a weekend somewhere closer to home. And our winter has been very mild, hovering around 30°F and going up to 40 this Saturday. Hope you enjoy the concert even if it isn’t a group you love!
 
Just want you to know that your hotel is literally plunked into a self-contained area of concrete. It will not seem like a city core at all. It is by itself. They built it to facilitate convention traffic. The Ex grounds are there for our annual fair, soccer and football, conventions, expos, shows and concerts etc.To give you a good visual, The Toronto Indy is run on the grounds.

Why am I telling you this?

Because you already sound so damn irritated to come here. :rotfl2::drinking1Insert wink.

I don't want you to be shocked.

But great choice. I bike by it all the time, looks lovely, must have some terrific unobstructed views and most importantly you are two seconds to your venue. Because the area is contained, there is no traffic. You could literally run across without winter gear and be fine, that's how close you are. The Enercare building sits directly across from your building. And your venue is attached to it. It is not where concerts are usually held in the city, so smaller venue.

The hotel is terrific for your drive into the city, because you are coming from the west (427/Gardiner/Lakeshore). And the hotel is on the western part of downtown, so no city driving. Just avoid rush hour.

The 401 from the border is known for sudden snow squalls, but downtown Toronto gets very little snow.

Note that there are two Lakeshore exits off the Gardiner. It doesn't matter which one you take.

You didn't ask but in case you're open -

You mentioned your husband and loving his beer. There is a beer boutique in Liberty Village (neighbourhood just north of your hotel).

Breweries and a nice outing - The Distillery District. Shopping, restaurants, artisans etc.



https://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/
It is right near a popular market and neighbourhood. The market is all hustle and bustle on Saturdays.


http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/

There is a lovely urban park right across the street from your hotel in the Ontario Place grounds. Not a grassy park but gorgeous views. Note the sign for it because it has a very narrow entrance. People here are out and about, even biking, in the winter.

http://ontarioplace.com/en/whats-on/trillium-park-and-william-g-davis-trail/
I love suggesting Korean Grill House on Queen Street West for a fun dining experience. And it is not remotely expensive. You can make reservations but they are not necessary. You cook at a barbeque grill at your table.

http://koreangrillhouse.com/
You are very close to The Bentway for skating --

https://www.thebentway.ca/?gclid=Cj...AEQ6Cehdguk40pm35fzmLmOXo8p3DdC0aArDrEALw_wcB
Toronto can seem very cold. It's loveliness is in its neighbourhoods, away from tourist spots (ie. I find a lot of tourists walk Front Street West due to the CN Tower and Aquarium but the street is so drab and there iss nothing to see)

I know you said you would probably use Uber, but two streetcar routes come right into the Ex grounds - Harbourfront and Bathurst. If you took the Bathurst and got off at either Queen, College or at Bloor (subway stop) you would find yourself in vibrant neighbourhoods.

The Beach/Beaches neighbourhood is a nice visit -- lovely walk along the boardwalk, if you hit some decent weather.

https://parkbench.com/blog/the-beaches-toronto-neighbourhood-guide
If you have any interest in the CN tower note you don't have to pay to go up if you go to the restaurant. And am sure one could do drinks/appetizers type fare. If any interest in the Aquarium they have cheaper admission options late in the day. They don't market the special savings.

Have a lovely time. Hoping that you hit some good weather.

Oh wait! I know you're only using cash for tipping but for normal spending it is a total waste for tourists not to exchange when using cash. Why? Our exchange rate is so utterly abysmal right now - free funds!
Thank you for the info. We start our drive tomorrow late afternoon and will arrive into Toronto Thursday late afternoon, leaving Saturday morning.
 

GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE

Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.

Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!










Top