Hola Daniel,
You ask many broad questions but quite similar ones that would come to my mind were I visiting somewhere. As your son is probably living near U of T, he will be able to direct you to the numerous book and record stores as well as many eclectic affordable restos in the "Annex" area. I like Book City and Sonic Boom as mentioned earlier.
While I feel the city is generally not terribly interesting from an architectural point of view, you will be close to the Robarts Library on campus, a good example of the "brutalist" school, and likely not too far from the newish addition to the Royal Ontario Museum - definitely contemporary but a matter of taste! Next door to this is the Royal Conservatory of Music and Koerner Hall, my favorite concert venue in town. I'm not sure what is going on there the week you are here but it is worth checking out.
Toronto is a very cosmopolitan and tolerant place with people from various parts of the world living in relative harmony and celebrating their own culture and cuisine. I'm sure your son can fill you in on the numerous "ethnic" pockets that exist. I have to say that a lot of these neighborhoods are livelier in the summer months but you may wish to check out Kensington Market and the Distillery District as a couple of polar opposites. Others may disagree, but there really is little in the way of "indigenous" Canadian cuisine unless you are talking about back bacon or grilled cheese sandwiches. There are restaurants in town that emphasize the use of local ingredients but they are essentially a pricey take on meat, veg and potatoes.
A nice day trip if you have a car is a drive out to Kleinburg, at the northwest extreme of the city. There you will find the McMichael Gallery which houses some nice Canadian art. A little closer to town you will find a cozy venue in the west end of the city called Hugh's Room who has Jesse Winchester playing while you are visiting.
I think Donjr has pretty much nailed the political leanings of most city dwellers...however those in the suburbs might be a little different as they were responsible for electing our sitting mayor!
Enjoy your stay!
You ask many broad questions but quite similar ones that would come to my mind were I visiting somewhere. As your son is probably living near U of T, he will be able to direct you to the numerous book and record stores as well as many eclectic affordable restos in the "Annex" area. I like Book City and Sonic Boom as mentioned earlier.
While I feel the city is generally not terribly interesting from an architectural point of view, you will be close to the Robarts Library on campus, a good example of the "brutalist" school, and likely not too far from the newish addition to the Royal Ontario Museum - definitely contemporary but a matter of taste! Next door to this is the Royal Conservatory of Music and Koerner Hall, my favorite concert venue in town. I'm not sure what is going on there the week you are here but it is worth checking out.
Toronto is a very cosmopolitan and tolerant place with people from various parts of the world living in relative harmony and celebrating their own culture and cuisine. I'm sure your son can fill you in on the numerous "ethnic" pockets that exist. I have to say that a lot of these neighborhoods are livelier in the summer months but you may wish to check out Kensington Market and the Distillery District as a couple of polar opposites. Others may disagree, but there really is little in the way of "indigenous" Canadian cuisine unless you are talking about back bacon or grilled cheese sandwiches. There are restaurants in town that emphasize the use of local ingredients but they are essentially a pricey take on meat, veg and potatoes.
A nice day trip if you have a car is a drive out to Kleinburg, at the northwest extreme of the city. There you will find the McMichael Gallery which houses some nice Canadian art. A little closer to town you will find a cozy venue in the west end of the city called Hugh's Room who has Jesse Winchester playing while you are visiting.
I think Donjr has pretty much nailed the political leanings of most city dwellers...however those in the suburbs might be a little different as they were responsible for electing our sitting mayor!
Enjoy your stay!