Toronto Medical - for NON-Torontonians

[ashenflowers 5]

I live about a 2 hour drive from Toronto.. it's not bad... but I still don't want to have to leave at 4 am to get there on time to do my medical next week. I tried searching some info on VJ, but couldn't actually really find any info together in one spot (maybe cause so many of you actually are from Toronto!? LOL.. or are doing medicals in Montreal).

Annnyways.. I was wondering, if anyone has a suggestion for a good hotel located near Dr. Seiden's office, or what the status is for parking in the area, or if it's better to take public transit (keeping in mind I'd like to arrive around 6:15 am).

Thanks

OH.. OH .. lol... I DID happen to see that the Holiday Inn Express Toronto - Downtown (woot) is on Lombard St, about 3 blocks from the medical location, so that's pretty sweet! They do have parking, but it's $20 extra. That might solve my dilemma, but still, I wanted to let other people know, who might be wondering the same things as me!!

[KnJ 0]

Nice work!

Some people think $20 for parking is steep, but it's pretty much par for a big city.

Sounds like a great location and much better than driving so long so early.

[Tina&Roland 4]

There's a King Edward Hotel on King Street, which is about a 10-15 minute walk to the medical center. Not sure how much it is but it might be a little pricey.

I would suggest public transportation. TTC operates starting from 6AM, so you should be good. Just a reminder that doors open at 6:30AM.

Hope this helps.

[ashenflowers 5]

There's a King Edward Hotel on King Street, which is about a 10-15 minute walk to the medical center. Not sure how much it is but it might be a little pricey.

I would suggest public transportation. TTC operates starting from 6AM, so you should be good. Just a reminder that doors open at 6:30AM.

Hope this helps.

Eek, the King Edward is really expensive... lol! But thanks for the tip. I like being able to compare at least.

[Tina&Roland 4]

Hm, then I would suggest anywhere near the subway on the Yonge-Spadina subway line and then take the subway. It's a pain to drive in downtown Toronto.

[Rustbelt 0]

Steve's wife here:

I'm about 2-3 hours from Toronto, but used to work there and still have clients up that way so know it pretty well. I've stayed at the Holiday Inn Express. It's a bit of a pain to get to as the traffic is HORRIBLE around there because Yonge St. is all dug up near there, and so are some of the side streets. No idea what they're doing down there . . . .

Anyway, it's a really nice place to stay and they're really cool about you leaving your car there until 4 or 5pm if you don't want to leave right away. Note that there is NO restaurant on site, so you have to order in or take food with you - no fridge though IIRC, so that limits your options.

If you want really specific directions by car, let me know.

[ashenflowers 5]

Hm, then I would suggest anywhere near the subway on the Yonge-Spadina subway line and then take the subway. It's a pain to drive in downtown Toronto.

Even if I'm just getting off the Gardiner and going north on Yonge for about 5 blocks?

I'm just nervous about taking public transit alone. I know that sounds super lame and spoiled.. lol but I've never taken the subway alone (I HAVE taken a subway in NYC, Toronto, and LA, but I was always with someone at the time, and there isn't one in London obviously, to get other experience of my own), and I've never actually taken a city bus alone either (grew up in the country near a small town, then had a car ever since I moved out). Amusingly enough, I'd rather drive than try to take public transit by myself... I'm just a 'car' person, or walking person. sigh. lol

I do see the station nearby there at King and Yonge, but still... I'd be all freaked out about trying to find a hotel near the route and figuring out the schedule and making sure I catch the right train and everything... I should've mentioned that when I mentioned public transit

Steve's wife here:

I'm about 2-3 hours from Toronto, but used to work there and still have clients up that way so know it pretty well. I've stayed at the Holiday Inn Express. It's a bit of a pain to get to as the traffic is HORRIBLE around there because Yonge St. is all dug up near there, and so are some of the side streets. No idea what they're doing down there . . . .

Anyway, it's a really nice place to stay and they're really cool about you leaving your car there until 4 or 5pm if you don't want to leave right away. Note that there is NO restaurant on site, so you have to order in or take food with you - no fridge though IIRC, so that limits your options.

If you want really specific directions by car, let me know.

F'ing construction!! blah. ok yeah... I might brave it by car still, cause yeah seriously, public transit gives me a heart attack. lol What do you suggest?

[Tina&Roland 4]

Well, taking the TTC isn't as bad as you think...I'd take that over the NY transit any day. Anyway, I had actually never taken it at 6AM before last week when I had to do so for the medical. It's not as scary as you think it would be - there are quite a few people on it at that time because many people have to catch the GO train.

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

I live about a 2 hour drive from Toronto.. it's not bad... but I still don't want to have to leave at 4 am to get there on time to do my medical next week. I tried searching some info on VJ, but couldn't actually really find any info together in one spot (maybe cause so many of you actually are from Toronto!? LOL.. or are doing medicals in Montreal).

Annnyways.. I was wondering, if anyone has a suggestion for a good hotel located near Dr. Seiden's office, or what the status is for parking in the area, or if it's better to take public transit (keeping in mind I'd like to arrive around 6:15 am).

Thanks

OH.. OH .. lol... I DID happen to see that the Holiday Inn Express Toronto - Downtown (woot) is on Lombard St, about 3 blocks from the medical location, so that's pretty sweet! They do have parking, but it's $20 extra. That might solve my dilemma, but still, I wanted to let other people know, who might be wondering the same things as me!!

I took Mom and Pop to Medisys, which is more uptown than downtown and has afternoon appointments. Lots of side streets to park there. Parking on Front Street for Dr. Seiden isn't that bad. Finding a side street won't be too hard, the meter maids start sweeping at 8, but if you are out by 9 you generally will be fine. Since you are goin alone you can't have someone move the car if someone shows up.

[darkchilde794 5]

Heya

Driving in Toronto in the morning isnt horrific really, a bit tight bec the streets are smaller and the one way roads dont make sense.

There is a big parking garage near the medical place -- I believe its about 2 blocks south of Front St at Jarvis. There's also a couple of places you can park on the street up north but its a little stressful finding those. If you do get in by 6:30 am, you wont have a problem getting parking. Do prepare to pay some $$$ because the price for parking isnt cheap and the medical takes frigging forever (I was there at 6:45 and didnt get out til 8:45). Leaving after the medical is so horrible though. Toronto is so crowded once everyone is awake

As for hotels, general areas outside downtown is cheap. The non-name brand hotels are pretty ok too. My fiance was going to stay in one of the old hotels near Ryerson University (Yonge and Dundas) and at the time he was looking, it was going for 75 a night. Also, to pay for just 1 night can be pricey

Taking the TTC is pretty easy. I live at Yonge and Finch and hopped on the subway at 6 and got to downtown in 20 minutes later -- this is usually a 30-40 min ride. The subway is generally faster at this time of the day and there are hardly any interruptions. The streetcar hours are horrendous at this time. They dont come when they say they will, so I just walked from the subway station.

From the King St Subway, you can either take the streetcar eastbound (youd have to take a transfer ticket or else you have to pay another 2.75 fare) to Jarvis St, get off Jarvis and walk south to Front St (about 5-7 mins if you walk fast). If youd rather walk, its likely a 10-15 minute walk, which is what I did.

You can also get off Union Station but Im not too sure if there is a bus or streetcar that can take you east. But its an easy walk to the medical clinic.]

OH and the fare is 2.75 flat one way -- whether its 1 stop or 20 stops.

If you have questions about the subway, feel free to PM me. Ill keep my eyes open for any hotel deals and let you know if its around the time of your medical.

[darkchilde794 5]

Taking the TTC is pretty easy. I live at Yonge and Finch and hopped on the subway at 6 and got to downtown in 20 minutes later -- this is usually a 30-40 min ride. The subway is generally faster at this time of the day and there are hardly any interruptions. The streetcar hours are horrendous at this time. They dont come when they say they will, so I just walked from the subway station.

Also if you are thinking of taking the subway and are a bit hesitant, ride the train with the red lights lit on the side. That means that a TTC operator is sitting in that train. Its pretty noticeable and theyre usually the end trains.

Not a lot of weirdos in the morning. The homeless and the weirdos generally take the night shift...

[JillA 2]

Just be careful with street parking, my car got hitched to a tow truck (directly across the street from the medical place) and I ran out in my paper gown to beg the driver not to tow my car just read the signs carefully LOL

[ashenflowers 5]

Just be careful with street parking, my car got hitched to a tow truck (directly across the street from the medical place) and I ran out in my paper gown to beg the driver not to tow my car just read the signs carefully LOL

!!!!!

[SapphireDreams 71]

When I drove in for my medical at around 6:30 a.m. there was absolutely no traffic, it was still early so nothing to worry about there.

In terms of the subway, keep in mind it opens at 6 a.m., so you'll want to leave after 6 a.m. if you end up staying somewhere that you need to take the subway.

The Holiday Inn Express is probably your best bet in terms of price and location. The $20 for parking is definitely worth it. I think I paid like $15 for the morning I went to the medical just to give you an idea. So an extra $5 for overnight isn't bad at all. Also check the Novotelon The Esplanade, not sure how much it is there, but it's nice and close and in a better area and on a better street.

Other options would be the Royal York, but that's probably pricey and 1 King St. West which is also pricier. Anything a bit further up Jarvis or more east is a bit sketchy if you ask me.

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

Just be careful with street parking, my car got hitched to a tow truck (directly across the street from the medical place) and I ran out in my paper gown to beg the driver not to tow my car just read the signs carefully LOL

Front Street is notorious for towing, it's even worse than University. Lots of side streets though, arrive early and have piece of mind. If not, go to Medisys which only has afternoon appointments and is in the Deer Park area. You aren't likely to be towed if you park on a side street.