Toronto Music, History & Outdoor Adventures

Urban Trails, Hidden Venues & Cultural Treasures

August 4-8, 2025

Trip Overview

Duration

5 Days / 4 Nights

Travel Dates

August 4-8, 2025

Destinations

Toronto, Scarborough Bluffs, Don Valley, Elora

Accommodation

Budget Hotel (Downtown Toronto)

Transportation

Rental Car from Buffalo Airport

Focus

Urban hiking, live music, history, antiques

Detailed Itinerary

Monday, Aug 4 Day 1 - Arrival & Toronto Islands Nature
Morning

Depart Mobile (American via Charlotte or Delta via Atlanta)

Arrive Buffalo Airport at approximately 12:30 PM

Afternoon

Pick up rental car and drive to Toronto

Quick photo stop at Niagara Falls (20 minutes)

Check-in at your hotel (Chelsea Hotel or similar)

Late Afternoon/Evening

Ferry to Toronto Islands (4:30 PM)

Explore Ward's Island quiet residential streets and beaches

Hike the 5km Island loop trail Hidden Nature in the City

Dinner at The Rectory Café (Island restaurant)

Return ferry and nightcap at The Rex Hotel (jazz)

Tuesday, Aug 5 Day 2 - Scarborough Bluffs & East End Adventures
Morning

Early breakfast at The Lakeview Restaurant

Drive to Scarborough Bluffs (30 minutes)

Hike the 5-6km Bluffs Trail along Lake Ontario Spectacular Cliff Views

Optional beach time at Bluffer's Park Beach

Afternoon

Drive to top of Bluffs for panoramic views (Scarborough Crescent Park)

Lunch in The Beaches neighborhood

Leslieville antique hunting: Gadabout Vintage (since 1970s)

Browse Queen East vintage shops and galleries

Evening

Dinner at The Wren gastropub (Danforth)

Live music at Phoenix Concert Theatre or The Opera House

Late night at Castro's Lounge (intimate Dundas West venue)

Wednesday, Aug 6 Day 3 - Don Valley Trails & Historical Toronto
Morning

Coffee and pastries at Rooster Coffee House

Don Valley Brick Works Park - 2.4km loop trail

Explore Evergreen Brick Works Saturday Market (if Saturday)

Continue to Crothers Woods for extended hiking (6.6km loop) City Skyline Views

Afternoon

Lunch at nearby Todmorden Mills Heritage Site

Fort York National Historic Site - War of 1812 history

Quick visit to nearby Trinity Bellwoods Park

Evening

Junction antique browsing and craft beer

Dinner at The Federal gastropub

Cameron House for live indie music Kim's Hidden Gem

Thursday, Aug 7 Day 4 - Elora Adventure & Rouge Urban Park
Morning

Early departure for Elora (90-minute drive)

Victoria Park - walk down to Irvine Creek

Explore Elora Gorge viewpoints and Lover's Leap trail

Browse Elora antique shops and galleries

Afternoon

Lunch at The Friendly Society gastropub

Return to Toronto via country roads

Rouge National Urban Park - Vista Trail (2.5km) Canada's First Urban National Park

Evening

Dinner at WVRST beer hall (King West)

The Dakota Tavern for roots/bluegrass

Late show at The Garrison or Baby G

Friday, Aug 8 Day 5 - Urban Nature & Departure
Morning

Check out from hotel

High Park morning hike - Spring Creek Trail (3km)

Kensington Market vintage shopping and brunch

Browse vinyl at Rotate This and Sonic Boom

Afternoon

Optional: Dundas Peak/Tew Falls if time allows (45-min detour)

Drive to Buffalo Airport via QEW

Return rental car

Evening

Evening flight back to Mobile

Trip Investment

Transportation & Lodging (Booked by Kim)

Item Details Cost (USD)
Airfare Mobile to Buffalo round-trip (2 travelers) $900 - $1,100
Hotel Chelsea Hotel Toronto - 4 nights (Downtown location) $500 - $600
Rental Car Intermediate SUV - 5 days including insurance $400 - $500
Subtotal Transportation & Lodging $1,800 - $2,200

Personally Selected Tours & Activities (Booked by Kim)

Tour/Activity Date Per Person (USD)
Toronto Urban Trails & Nature Tour
Full day guided hiking including Don Valley, Brick Works, and hidden trails
View Details
August 6 $75 - $85
Toronto Music Scene Walking Tour
Evening tour of historic venues with local musician guide, includes one venue cover
View Details
August 5 $65 - $75
Scarborough Bluffs & Beaches Adventure
Guided hike with transportation, includes beach time and local history
View Details
August 5 $55 - $65
Subtotal Tours & Activities (per person) $195 - $225

Accommodation Note

Recommended budget-friendly hotels with excellent Toronto locations:

Kim's Budget Tip: The Rex Hotel gives you accommodation AND entertainment in one - perfect for music lovers! August rates may be higher due to peak season.

Recommended Dining & Optional Activities (Client to Arrange)

The following restaurants and venues are recommendations only. Clients will make their own reservations and payments.

Estimated dining and entertainment budget: $120-$150 per person per day

Payment Schedule

Total Trip Cost (Kim-arranged services) $2,190 - $2,650
Deposit Due Upon Booking (30%) $____
Second Payment Due [Date] $____
Final Payment Due [30 days before travel] $____

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for this trip. Coverage typically costs approximately 10% of the total package price. Please inquire about comprehensive coverage options that include trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and rental car protection.

What Makes This Trip Special

Outdoor Adventure Highlights

All trails are moderate difficulty and suitable for active adults. Total hiking distance: approximately 30km over 5 days.

Terms & Conditions

• Prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to availability

• Airfare subject to change until ticketed

• Valid passport required for Canada entry

• Rental car requires valid driver's license and credit card

• Some trails may have seasonal closures or weather restrictions

• Hiking requires appropriate footwear and reasonable fitness level

• All prices in USD unless otherwise noted