Brampton

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Why Would You Visit Brampton??

A travel journal to Brampton by ms_dj

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Brampton, Ontario, just outside of Toronto, has some hidden surprises...come check them out.

  • 9 reviews
  • 2 photos

Why Would You Visit Brampton??Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Whether it's a hockey game at the Brampton Centre for Sports (Go Battalion!) or an afternoon at Chinguacousy Park, there's lots to do in Brampton.

Quick Tips:

If you're interested in visiting Toronto, but don't wish to pay Toronto hotel prices, check out Brampton...

Best Way To Get Around:

Buses run fairly regularly, but I always find it best to get around by car.

Jack Astors Bar & GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Jack Astors"

Jack Astors is a chain of roadhouse-style restaurants, offering a range of food from nachos to burgers to pasta to steak. They're currently running an Asian menu in addition to their regular fare.

The atmosphere is conducive to partying...except for the lack of a dance floor, that is. The music is loud, and there are strings of coloured lights running across the ceiling in all directions.

The food is good...I've never had a meal I didn't enjoy at Jack Astors. My current favourites include the Chicken Satays off the Asian menu, Twisted Chicken in a Poncho (think Mexican wraps), and for dessert, the World's Most Ridiculously Small Chocolate Pudding ... served in plastic shot glasses, with an extra-long spoon.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by ms_dj on November 12, 2000

Jack Astors Bar & Grill
1900 The Queensway Brampton, Ontario Etobicoke
(416) 626-2700

Jake's BoathouseBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Jake's Boathouse is a pub-style restaurant which offers live entertainment on weekends. It's popular with the after-work crowd and lunch service is generally quick.

The food is always good, whether you order a sandwich or burger, or something more elaborate.

There is a bar area if you're just looking to relax with a drink, and a multi-level dining area where I usually settle.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by ms_dj on November 12, 2000

Jake's Boathouse
59 First Gulf Boulevard Brampton, Ontario
(905) 451-9695

Vinnie Zucchini's Venezia Italian EateryBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Vinnie Zucchini's"

Vinnie Zucchini's is an experience to remember...an all-you-can-eat cornucopia of Italian food. There are several different buffet tables set up in a market-style format, with salads, pizza, pasta, meats, veggies, desserts, and of course, gelato!

Fridays are seafood night, but arrive early, as the dining room fills up quickly.

I'd recommend Vinnie Zucchini's for family dining or group of friends ... it's a bit too family-oriented for a romantic dinner for two.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by ms_dj on February 26, 2001

Vinnie Zucchini's Venezia Italian Eatery
8150 Dixie Road Brampton, Ontario
(905) 451-8822

Lick's Burger & Ice Cream Shops IncBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Lick's"

Lick's makes amazing burgers. I've tried the beef "homeburger", which is their specialty, as well as the nature burger (vegetarian) and the turkey burger, and all of them are quite good. You can dress your burger any way you like, and if you ask for cheese, you don't get melted processed "plastic" cheese, but grated cheddar.

The "special sauce", called Guk, is a mayonnaise-based sauce with dill overtones, and is especially good for dunking your fries into.

The other thing Lick's is good for, other than burgers, is ice cream. Lick's specialty ice creams include kids-only flavours, chocoholic pleasers, and sorbets for the waist-watchers. Any of them can also be made into a yummy milkshake.

Top it all of with a fun atmosphere of singing cooks and fifties' music in the background, and Lick's is a fun place for kids and adults alike.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by ms_dj on August 13, 2001

Lick's Burger & Ice Cream Shops Inc
1962A Queen Street East Brampton, Ontario
(416) 362-5425

Brampton Battalion Hockey Club LtdBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Brampton Battalion Hockey"

The Defender
Hockey fans will enjoy a weeknight or Sunday afternoon game with the local OHL team, the Brampton Battalion. Located at the Brampton Centre for Sports & Entertainment, on Kennedy Road between Steeles Ave & Derry Road, it's easy to get to from Highway 410 or 407.

This third-year expansion team features several NHL-draftees, including Raffi Torres (drafted 3rd, to NY Islanders), Rostislav 'Rusty' Klesla (drafted 2nd, to Columbus) and Tyler Hanchuck (drafted in round 3 to Montreal).

The price is right...for around $10.00 you can get decent seats in the corner...another dollar or two gets you side seats.

Interested in more information? Check out the web site at www.battalionhockey.com.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by ms_dj on November 12, 2000

Brampton Battalion Hockey Club Ltd
7575 Kennedy Road Brampton, Ontario
(905) 874-2393

Chinguacousy ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Chinguacousy Park offers downhill skiing in winter (a couple of runs on 'Mount Chinguacousy'). Don't come for the skiing. It's really best for kids learning to ski. There is also skating on the pond in winter.

In the summer, you'll find baseball and soccer games on the park's fields, and the Terry Fox Track and Field Centre is the site of many high school competitions.

Chinguacousy Park is the location for the Canada Day fireworks display, and when the carnival comes to town, it settles at Chinguacousy Park.

Most attractions are free of charge.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by ms_dj on November 12, 2000

Chinguacousy Park
Bramalea Road/Queen Street Brampton, Ontario

Mount ChinguacousyBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Mount Chinguacousy is a man-made ski hill in Chinguacousy Park. There are two 'runs', serviced by a rope tow and a T-bar. This is a great place for kids to learn to ski without the hassles and expense involved in going north to ski country.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by ms_dj on February 26, 2001

Mount Chinguacousy
Chinguacousy Park, Bramalea Road/Central Park Drive Brampton, Ontario

TwistersBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

The music at Twisters varies, depending on the night you go there. On the weekends, it's usually a mix of styles, and the crowds tend to be a bit older...it's not the teeny-bopper crowd, that's for sure.

If you're expecting a huge nightclub, think again...by day, Twisters is a restaurant, and by night, the dancing begins...most days of the week. It's a good place to check out if you want to go out with a group and have some fun...just watch out, it has the dance-floor rail, adorned by the requisite men out looking for a good time.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by ms_dj on February 26, 2001

Twisters
1701 Queen E Brampton, Ontario
(905) 790-3328

About the Writer

ms_dj
ms_dj
Ontario, Canada

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