Toronto Tourist-Attractions

Toronto Tourist-Attractions information

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

The ROM is Canada's largest museum of culture and nature and a must-see for everyone. Permanent exhibits cover areas as diverse as Ancient Greece, an Egyptian mummy, native Canadian history, dinosaurs, a fabulous breakdown of precious gemstones, and a super section on how the Earth was formed that is designed for children but great for adults as well. Throughout the year, concerts and special cultural theme nights are held on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Located at 100 Queen's Park, at the corner of Bloor St West and Avenue Road, by the Museum subway stop on the Yonge-University line. Open: Mon-Thu & Sat-Sun 10h00-18h00; Fri 10h00-21h30. Admission: CAD15, adults; CAD10, children. Admission is free on Friday evenings. Tel: +1 (1)416-586-8000.

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

The superb AGO is the premier art collection in Toronto. The museum houses permanent exhibitions that range from European Old Masters to the early-20th-century Toronto collective, the Group of Seven, who defined a distinctive Canadian art movement of the period. There is also a large body of international modern pieces, including the world's largest public collection of works by British sculptor Henry Moore. 317 Dundas St West, just on the outskirts of Chinatown. Yonge-University subway line to St Patrick. Open: Wed-Fri 10h00-21h00; Sat-Sun 10h00-17h30. Admission: CAD8, adults; CAD5, children; CAD20, family. Admission is free on Wednesday evenings. Tel: +1 (1)416-979-6648.

CN Tower

This landmark is how the city of Toronto's skyline is recognised the world over and it's impossible to miss on a trip to the city. One of the world's tallest buildings it reaches 553.3m (1815ft 5in) into the air, and offers a fabulous view of the city on a fine day. The ride up and down the glass elevator and jumping on the glass floor in the observation tower is a lot of fun, but not recommended for those scared of heights. There is a revolving restaurant that allows you to sit and enjoy the full 360° view of the city as you dine. An arcade, theatre and gift shop occupies the base. 301 Front St West. Open: Sun-Thu 09h00-22h00; Fri-Sat 09h00-22h30. Admission including Look-out, Glass Floor & Sky Pod: CAD25.99, adults; CAD19.99, children. Other packages available depending on number of attractions visited.

Toronto Islands

The Islands offer a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city and the view of Toronto back across the sound is rendered rather surreal due to the rural quiet of the islands. The Toronto Islands have no roads, are accessible only by ferry and are thus the perfect escape for a picnic and a leisurely stroll. Some of what you will find includes volleyball and tennis courts, a park, beaches and numerous snack bars. But you should be forewarned of the nudist beach before you start roaming around! If you don't fancy walking, bring your own in-line skates or rent a bicycle on the island. The Toronto Ferry Dock is located at the foot of Bay Street and Queens Quay, just west of the Weston Harbour Castle Hotel. Take the streetcar or bus to Queen's Quay. Ferries take you to Ward's Island, Centre Island or Hanlan's Point. Return ferry tickets: CAD6, adults; CAD3, children

Harbourfront

The water's edge of Lake Ontario offers so much when the weather warms up (April-October). Visitors and locals alike can be found strolling down the waterside promenade, taking time to stop in the galleries, theatres, craft boutiques, restaurants and cafés. There are a number of options for making the most out of the waterfront, you can sign up for sailing lessons, roller blade along the boardwalk or simply soak up the relaxed ambience. Weekends really draw in the crowds with amazing craft kiosks and free open-air cultural concerts and exhibitions. Take the subway to Union Station then the streetcar west towards Queen's Quay.

Cabbagetown

Now a very desirable district, Cabbagetown gives you a glimpse into what was once Toronto's poorest neighbourhood. This area, filled with North America's largest concentration of Victorian houses, is named after the original inhabitants who were so poor they had to grow cabbages in their front yards. Toronto Tourism publishes a brochure that highlights a self-guided walking tour explaining the neighbourhood, and highlights such as Riverdale Farm, the Necropolis and Allen Gardens. The week long Cabbagetown Festival takes place during the beginning of September and features parades and pageants as the people take to the streets in a blaze of colour and celebration. Located between Sherbourne Street and the Don Valley, from Gerrard Street to Bloor Street East. Along Parliament Street you will find all sorts of eclectic restaurants, cafés and shops.

Hockey Hall of Fame

What is Canada without ice hockey? This museum offers so much to see from what is most Canadians' ultimate game. The building houses the world's finest collection of hockey artefacts and memorabilia, with exhibits including a section on the 2002 Olympics, honoured members and inductees and the Stanley Cup, the premier prize in the ice hockey world. There are also interactive displays and games where you can stop the slapshots of Gretzky and Messier, and you can have your photo taken with the Stanley Cup. 30 Yonge St, at the concourse level of BCE Place. Subway to Union Station. Admission: CAD12, adults; CAD8, children. Open: Mon-Fri 10h00-17h00 (18h00 Jul-Aug); Sat 09h30-18h00; Sun 10h30-17h00. Tel: +1 (1)416-360-7765.

Casa Loma

Despite all appearances to the contrary Casa Loma is not a genuine ancient European Castle but rather the boyhood dream incarnate of Sir Henry Pellat, a prominent Toronto financier, industrialist and military man of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This fabulous building in downtown Toronto was built between 1911 and 1914, costing CAD3.5 million and combining the styles of the famous stately homes and castles of Europe. It includes extravagant rooms, towers, secret passageways, stables and beautiful gardens. Special events and exhibitions are held at the castle throughout the year. 1 Austin Terrace. Yonge-University subway line to Dupont. Open: daily 09h30-17h00 (last admission at 16h00). Admission: CAD12, adults; CAD6.75, children. Tel: +1 (1)416-923-1171.

The Beaches

The Beaches is a laid back neighbourhood filled with restaurants and bars, fun shops and quaint antique stores lining the waterfront of Lake Ontario. From May to October, you will find all sorts of people in-line skating, biking, jogging, and walking their dogs along the boardwalk while others frolic in the sand and a few fly absolutely enormous kites. During long weekends between May and September, there are class-act free pop and rock concerts and in July you will find the free Jazz Festival in Kew Gardens. To get to the Beaches, take the Queen St streetcar east about 20 minutes to Woodbine Ave.

Cultural neighbourhoods

Toronto's population is a phenomenal mix of cultures and you shouldn't leave the city without taking the time to wander through some of the many cultural neighbourhoods. These areas offer unique cultural experiences and are great for both dining and shopping. Some of your stops should include: Chinatown - take the College streetcar west from the Yonge-University subway line and jump off at Spadina then walk south, you'll have no problem telling when you've arrived. Little India - take College/Carlton streetcar eastbound past Cabbagetown as it turns onto Gerrard St East. You will pass a second Chinatown. Jump off at Coxwell and enjoy the colours of the saris, smells of the spices and tastes of inexpensive yet extremely delicious food. Greektown on the Danforth - take the Bloor subway east and get out at Pape to find great restaurants, bars and bakeries. Koreatown - take the Bloor subway west and get out at Christie. Markets and restaurants are impressive here and the Bubble Tea is especially popular. Little Italy - take the College streetcar west and get off at Euclid Ave. This neighbourhood is filled with trendy restaurants and bars hosting DJs and live music.