2018 Toronto Christmas Market: What You Need to do This Year

Posted on November 22, 2018November 22, 2018 by aaron

Take Photos, Get Hot Chocolate, Win Everything

Whether it’s your 1st or 9th time to the Toronto Christmas Market, there’s something exciting to see in the Distillery District during the 2018 Market. As your resident guides to the Distillery District neighbourhood, we’ve got the goods and are here to dish.

This year brings with it many of the known and loved Market activities. You’ll be able to snap a photo in front of the gorgeous Christmas Tree or giant heart. The Toronto Christmas Market team has also decked the buildings with waterfall style Christmas lights to create a magical, warming feeling as you walk down Trinity Street. If that’s not warm enough for you, grab a hot chocolate from Soma, Cacao 70 or any of the outdoor vendors slinging one of Canada’s favourite Winter drinks.

Main Stage Entertainment

You’ll find the entertainment stage has transformed into a giant cabin this year. And while the stage itself may be smaller but the good times have grown 3 sizes. The complete program is available at TorontoChristmasMarket.com and includes:

• Traditional Tuesdays (with performances by Lily Frost, Alberta Rose, and Glenn Marais)
• World Wednesdays (with performances by the Canadian Children’s Opera Company)
• Classical Thursdays
• Friday Night Jazz (with performances by Steven Taetz)
• Saturday Variety (with performances by Angelique Frances, Alex Pangman and Heavyweights
Brass Band)
• Ensemble Sundays (with performances by Swedish Folk Dancers, and Toronto Beach Chorale)

Get Spirited

If you’re looking for a more adult way to warm up, Spirit of York, Mill St. Brewery, and Izumi Sake all produce spirits on site that you can enjoy in their tasting rooms. On top of that, there are multiple beer gardens where you can taste spirits and other alcohol from around the globe.

What better way to wash down a Hot Pretzel, Sausage or Turkey Leg than with a delicious beer? On Friday-Sunday night you can roam the 13 acres of Distillery District with some malty suds – a truly European experience in the Toronto Christmas Market!

Fascinate Your Friends and Family

Want to get the lowdown on The Distillery District? Our award-winning Classic Walking Tour will take you inside the vibrant Victorian buildings dotting the Distillery. The incredible story of Gooderham and Worts rise to fame is almost too wild to believe.

You’ll want to bring your friends, family, lovers and colleagues to this barn-burner of a story. We’ll even hook you up with some goodies with complimentary tastings at Soma Chocolate, Mill St. Brewery and a voucher for Hot Chocolate. You can get more info and book here.

Whatever you do during the 2018 Christmas Market, we hope you enjoy yourself!

An Open Letter to Doug Ford Regarding Ontario Place

Posted on November 19, 2018November 19, 2018 by aaron

How Your Decision to Axe Ontario Place Will Force Layoffs

Premier Ford,

My name is Aaron Binder and I’m one of those Little Guys you constantly talk about.

For years, my business, Go Tours Canada, has been a leader in Ontario’s Tourism Industry. We’ve helped transform our Province into a global Tourism destination and created prosperity for our employees, the local economy, the tourism industry, and the Province.

In July 2018, we opened our third Ontario location at Ontario Place. We were attracted by their plan to partner with small businesses like mine to drive incremental, long-term revenue. Their growth strategy to turn the beleaguered location into a waterfront hub was impressive and we decided to invest in a partnership.

I’m writing you today because I believe that if you truly understood what it is you are doing you would proceed differently. Because of your decision to axe Ontario Place I will now have to axe the new employees we hired this year. We may just be Little Guys, but we’re also job-creators who want stability for ourselves and our employees.

This move, your move, jeopardizes that.

Premier, I’m with you when you say Ontario needs to attract investment, but not when it costs Small Businesses. Over 80% of Canadians own or are employed by Small Businesses. Canadians want Small Businesses, they don’t want you to hand over our most valuable land, potentially to foreign investors.

Ontario Place can become one of our Province’s most popular destinations and not much needs to change to make it happen. Let’s keep building the long-term plan that years of work has gone into making. You will see the return on investment. Axe the plan and you’ll be compared to Dalton McGuinty in 2011 when his government slashed Ontario Place for the first time, or to Kathleen Wynne after canceling the gas plants.

Let’s work together and stay the course, it’s a good one.

Toronto Christmas Market 2018 Walking Tours

Posted on November 1, 2018November 12, 2018 by aaron

The 2018 Christmas Market is coming and there’s so much to do!

Explore the 2018 Toronto Christmas Market on foot with a Go Tours Canada Walking Tour. We’ll show you the best photo spots while telling you the incredible story of the Distillery District.

Great for dates, families and small groups, our Classic Walking Tour is the perfect introduction to the Distillery whether it’s your 1^st or 50^th time visiting. If you’re visiting on a weekend, skip the line AND get free admission to the Christmas Market. Consider it Go Tours’ gift to you for joining one of our award-winning tours.

Includes:

A Professional, Charming Tour Guide
Chocolate and Beer tasting at Soma Chocolate and Mill St. Brewery
A hot chocolate voucher exclusive to our Christmas Market edition!
Free entry to the Toronto Christmas Market (weekend tours)

Details:

$21 + HST per person
Weekdays at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm
Weekends at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm
Perfect for small groups, families and dates

Book your tour now by clicking here.

Please note our tour sizes are limited, book early to ensure your group is able to join us. If you’re booking for a corporate group, please contact us here.

Guest Post: The Best Dollar-Stretching Weekend Getaway Tips

Posted on October 10, 2018 by aaron

Image courtesy of Pixabay

The Best Dollar-Stretching Weekend Getaway Tips

Guest Post by Henry Moore

Is it time to get out of town? Everyone needs a getaway now and then. If you’re ready for a break but your budget is tight, you can still enjoy a weekend trip. Just follow these tips to make the most of every dollar.

Start with flexibility. Being open to switching up travel dates, times and destinations can make all the difference when you’re watching your budget. For instance, traveling offseason can give you the most bang for your buck, and on top of that you can avoid the crowds. Steering clear of holiday weekends is also smart and consider activities at your destination that could jack up pricing such as major sporting events or conventions. And if you have a canine companion to consider and you can’t bring Fido along, you can book affordable pet care providers through online pet service sites. They vet the caregivers, and you can locate a pet sitter or boarder that fits your budget.

Save but don’t plan. How much do you want to spend on your trip? Fun, Cheap or Free recommends saving for your getaway ahead of time, then being ready to act on impulse so you can snag the best travel deals. By having your funds already set aside and being open minded about when, where and how, you can snap up sales as soon as you see them. You can often catch last-minute, discounted reservations with airlines and hotels that don’t want to leave slots empty. Also, make it a point to check warehouse retailers for discounts and package deals, since they often offer special pricing for their customers.

Consider alternative lodging. Staying in a hotel is usually convenient and comfortable, but you do have other options that could be just as nice and less expensive. One idea is to make arrangements to swap houses or rooms with a private individual for a frugal getaway. You could also look for a hostel, bed and breakfast or condo.

Less popular = less expensive. When you’re looking for a particular kind of getaway, sometimes seeking a destination that suits your concept but is a bit off the beaten path can save you big bucks. One example is beach vacations. As Dave Ramsey points out, oceanside destinations will be more popular than their Gulf Shore counterparts, and as a result those less popular beaches equate to less expensive vacations. Along with less costly lodging, your restaurants and attractions are also likely to be easier on your wallet.

Enjoy nature. Visiting state or national parks is a fun option for a frugal weekend getaway, and you can take in the great outdoors. There is plenty to do, from hiking to horseback riding and from swimming to geocaching. Many parks offer inns and restaurants, or you can do some camping. Tents, RVs and all the gear you need, can be rented if you aren’t already equipped. You can even search for a national park by the activity, topic or destination.

Tours and such. When you reach your destination, you have many inexpensive options for entertainment. You can search out local festivals, walking tours and self-guided driving tours. Consider renting a Segway or bicycle so you can absorb the area culture up close and personally, or participate in a guided tour for information and insights. You can often see local attractions and find the best eateries through rubbing elbows with the natives, getting a perspective you won’t find any other way.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a great getaway. Save your pennies and be ready for a weekend trip. A little ingenuity can go a long way when it comes to stretching your travel budget.

—

For more articles like this, visit Henry Moore’s site.

Looking for a great tour on a budget in the Distillery? Our Classic Walking Tour offers you, your family or small team a great opportunity to learn, taste and live the Distillery District. Find out more by clicking here.

Distillery District Ghost Tours – On A Segway!

Posted on October 4, 2018 by aaron

Go Tours Canada Announces Official Launch of 2018 Segway Ghost Tours

Visitors Offered a Glimpse into Distillery District’s Way Less Historically Provable Side

Go Tours Canada is offering Toronto Residents and Visitors a chance to explore the Distillery District’s weirder history during the month of October with their World’s Least Scary Ghost Tour. It’s being called Toronto’s weirdest, funnest, date this October. The tour offers guests a chance to suspend their belief in empirical fact while riding around on a machine that still seems to deny the laws of physics.

“If you’re looking for a serious ghost tour, this isn’t the one. I’m pretty sure that, if ghosts exist, they’re not into Segways. But people are and I can say with 100% accuracy that this is Toronto’s weirdest, funnest date in the month of October.” Says Aaron Binder, Chief Experience Officer. “This is a fun tour to kick off a memorable date night or simply enjoy with your friends. We’re actually encouraging people to dress up as their favourite Orange Cheeto or Moth Meme. We’re not here to make the claim that ghosts exist but I am here to claim the tour is an absolute blast.”

The 40 minute tour is offered 7 days a week during October with start times at 6 and 7 with additional times available upon request. Guests are encouraged to dress for the weather and in their Halloween costumes. Go Tours will be awarding the best costume a complimentary pair of passes to Second City.

Details
Location: Distillery District, Toronto
When: Daily from October 1^st – 31^st 2018, 5 Days/Week the rest of the year
Bookings: gotourscanada.com
Cost: $53 + HST per person
On Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Go Tours Canada Enters 10th Year of Offroad Segway Tours in Barrie

Posted on July 4, 2018November 22, 2018 by aaron

Makes Move to New Permanent Location at Hardwood Ski and Bike

Barrie, July 4, 2018 – From humble beginnings in 2008, Go Tours Canada is happy to enter its 10th year of Offroad Segway Tours in Barrie. The company has moved their Barrie location permanently to Hardwood Ski and Bike. Featuring manicured trails, memorable photo opportunities and award-winning customer service, Go Tours expects 2018 to be another exciting year of tours.

“Seeing Barrie’s tourism industry grow with us over the last 10 years has been incredible. When we started offering Offroad Segway tours, nobody thought we’d last a year but a decade later and we’re an anchor in Barrie’s tourism industry.” Said Aaron Binder, Chief Experience Officer of Go Tours Canada. “Moving to Hardwood Ski and Bike gives us the opportunity to provide even better customer service and more daily tours to our new and returning guests.”

The company’s Barrie operation has been rated the #1 tour in the region on Tripadvisor for 2 years running. With their move to Hardwood in Barrie and a brand-new Segway tour location at Ontario Place in Toronto, Go Tours’ story continues as one of the Ontario tourism industry’s most fascinating narratives. Go Tours Hardwood is expected to operate all Summer and bookings can be made at SegwayHardwood.com.

Details
Location: Hardwood Ski and Bike
When: All Summer, daily
Bookings: segwayhardwood.com
Cost: $69+HST per person

About Go Tours Canada

Go Tours Canada is one of Ontario’s top-rated tour attractions. Their flagship location in Toronto’s Distillery District features Segway, Walking, Corporate and School tours year-round. Their Barrie operation recently moved to a new permanent home at Hardwood Ski and Bike. In business for 14 years, Go Tours Canada has won multiple customer service awards and are considered small business tourism industry leaders.

Looking for things to do in Barrie? Go Tours Canada has the best tour on two wheels!

Go Tours Canada Launches Segway Tour at Ontario Place

Posted on June 22, 2018June 22, 2018 by aaron

Go Tours Canada Launches Segway Tour at Ontario Place
First new Segway tour in Toronto since opening in the Distillery District in 2004

Toronto, June 22, 2018 – Toronto is getting its first new Segway tour in 14 years. Since launching in 2004, Go Tours Canada has operated year-round in Toronto’s Distillery District and seasonally at Hardwood Ski & Bike and Horseshoe Resort in Barrie. The addition of this new location offers visitors and residents of Toronto another exciting activity at Ontario Place.

“For years, people have been asking us to open another Toronto location and that day is finally here. Ontario Place is undergoing an exciting new chapter and we’re incredibly happy to be written into it.” Said Jason Rizzuti, Managing Partner of Go Tours Canada. “We’re launching our new location with private 2 person tours featuring rolling hills, multiple photo opportunities and an incredibly fun Segway tour through the West Island and new Trillium Park.”

Details
Location: Ontario Place
When: July 1^st to late September, Thursday-Sunday at 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm
Bookings: gotourscanada.com/ontarioplace
Cost: $69+HST per person, max 2 people per tour
Web: gotourscanada.com/ontario_place

Segways Legal in Ontario As Of Today

Posted on April 1, 2018November 22, 2018 by aaron

Segway of Ontario / Go Tours Pleased to Announce Full Segway Legalization After 12 Year Pilot Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto, Canada – April 1, 2018 – Just kidding.

The Segway PT is still illegal for most riders in Ontario, even after new personal transporters like the Ninebot MiniPro, Segway Kickscooter and multiple other brands of similar products.

Upon launching in 2004, Segway of Ontario / Go Tours Canada quickly became a polarizing topic of debate municipally in Toronto and in the province of Ontario. After initial consultations and media coverage, the Segway PT was placed under a pilot program in 2006. Since then there have been no updates to the pilot which ends in October 2018.

“For 12 years since the Segway PT pilot was initiated in Ontario, we’ve been pushing for updated legislation to allow small businesses like ours to operate legally and bring new economy to small tourism destinations across the province.” Says Jason Rizzuti, General Manager of Segway Ontario. “Most people calling up to inquire about purchasing Segway PT’s want to open tour operations like ours or simply desire to get out of their cars on their commute. Unlike us, few of these businesses are able to operate on private property and simply don’t open.”

Based on internal estimates, the economic benefits brought to these communities through increased tourism would be in the millions. With the pilot coming to a close this year, the Ministry of Transportation must decide whether to legalize the Segway PT as other provinces have done or keep the current restrictions.

For more information and to submit your own feedback, contact the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s Segway Project Lead Fazelah Ali – Fazelah.Ali@ontario.ca. We request your urgent feedback on the Ontario Segway Pilot so the government is better able to make an informed decision, if you have taken a tour with us before, please provide feedback.

Segway of Ontario / Go Tours Canada

Contact: Jason Rizzuti

Telephone: 416-642-0096

Company: Segway of Ontario

Email: jason@segwayofontario.com

Website: gotourscanada.com / segwayofontario.com

Segway of Ontario Announces New Distribution Deal

Posted on March 15, 2018 by aaron

Segway of Ontario

Contact: Jason Rizzuti

Telephone: 416-642-0096

Company: Segway of Ontario

Email: jason@segwayofontario.com

Website: segwayofontario.com

Segway of Ontario Renews Contract as Segway Distributor for Ontario

Continues to Provide Exceptional Service to Commercial Clients

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto, Canada – March 12, 2018 – Segway of Ontario is pleased to announce a renewed commitment as the Segway Authorized Distributor for the province of Ontario. One of the world’s longest-standing distributors of Segway products, Segway of Ontario offers service, parts and sales for the iconic Segway Personal Transporter (PT) line.

“Since first introducing the Segway PT to Ontario in 2004, we’ve been supporting small Ontario businesses and institutions with commercial transportation needs.” Says Jason Rizzuti, Segway of Ontario General Manager. “We’re pleased to continue this relationship with Segway Inc. and are committed to providing our existing and new customers with exceptional service.”

Segway of Ontario is considered Ontario’s expert in personal transportation needs for commercial enterprises. The company has worked with tour companies, warehouses, law enforcement and first responders in developing unique transportation solutions. In 2018 they plan to expand their client base by showcasing the latest Segway Patroller series. Designed for law enforcement and security, these rugged personal transporters improve community dialogue with peace officers.

About Segway of Ontario

Segway of Ontario is a distributor of Segway brand of Personal Transporters. Opened in 2004, they are one of the world’s longest-running distributors of Segway branded products. The company is renowned for their customer service and development of ongoing relationships. New for 2018 is the Segway consumer lineup featuring the Ninebot by Segway Kickscooter ES1 and ES2, the miniPLUS and more. Segway of Ontario is a partner company to Go Tours Canada.

2017 Toronto Christmas Market Night Photos

Posted on December 13, 2017December 18, 2017 by aaron

Toronto Christmas Market 2017 Night Photos

The 2017 Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District is a favourite for dates, families and corporate groups! Since year 1, Go Tours has offered an inside glimpse into the neighbourhood and today we’re showing you some of our top 2017 Christmas Market photos.

Trinity and Mill is considered the main entrance to the Distillery District and the guard hut has become a mainstay in photos of the area. To the right is the old malting and kiln houses where grain was processed before the whisky-making process.

City of Angels in the Distillery District during the Christmas Market. — 14 Days Until Christmas

Now inhabited by City of Angels, this space was part of the Cooperage where barrels were built for the whisky aging process. Some of the old wood and metalworking tools used here are still on display throughout the site.

The Gooderham and Worts Distillery was one of the world's largest and most successful alcohol companies. — The Gooderham and Worts Distillery during the 2017 Christmas Market.

Taken from the intersection of Trinity Street and Tankhouse Lane. The iconic Gooderham and Worts sign is a main feature of the view from this intersection along with a multitude of Victorian Industrial era buildings.

The Spirit of York Distillery in Toronto. Captured during the 2017 Toronto Christmas Market.

A closer view of the malting house reveals its current tenant, Spirit of York distillery. The second distillery to open in the area (after Mill St. Brewery in 2013) since it shut down as the Gooderham and Worts distillery in 1990, they focus on rye-based alcohols.

The Young Centre in Toronto's Distillery District is home to all types of theatre productions. — The Young Centre in Toronto’s Distillery District is home to all types of theatre productions.

The end of Tankhouse Lane features the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Gilding the Lily, Cluny Bistro, Yummi Candles and Tankhouse General. The 514 Cherry Streetcar opened in 2016 and is one of the easiest ways to reach the Distillery District from the Yonge St. Subway Line.

The 2017 Toronto Christmas Market featured a new addition – the light tunnel. This installation likely foreshadows the beginning of the 2018 Light Festival.

These are just a few photos of our neighbourhood at night – do you have any to share? Tag us on Instagram and we’ll feature them in a future post! Not a photographer? Take one of our Walking Tours and we’ll learn you some hot history.

Check out our post of what to do in the Distillery District while you’re here for the Christmas Market.