Things to See and Do While Visiting Toronto

Many people don’t know it but Toronto is a bustling place of excitement, thrills and nightlife. One gathering place for tourists as well as locals is the tallest building in the world – the CN Tower. The view from the top of the tower is spectacular. The view goes on for miles and you can even see Niagara Falls. Another popular site is the SkyDome where the retractable roof is only one of the features. Inside is a hotel, the Hard Rock CafÃ?©, and a huge sports complex.

Paramount Canada’s Wonderland theme park features rides, shows and a water park for a day of fun. Or visit the Centreville Amusement Park where over 600 acres are filled with rides and attractions enjoyed by children and adults alike.

When it comes to museums Toronto has some interesting ones. Bata Shoe Museum showcases over 10,000 footwear items spanning a period of over four thousand years. The Royal Ontario Museum has more than six million items on display, many intended to inspire and build understanding of our world.

Fort York, resting on seven acres, is a restored collection of 1812 buildings and artifacts such as memorabilia of the military life in the beginning of the 19th century. Black Creek Pioneer Village showcases 35 restored buildings from the 1860’s with a Victorian theme of pioneer life of the times. Old City Hall was built in 1899 and is castle-like in appearance. The clock tower, War Memorial, and exhibit makes this a unique site.

The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto honors the achievements of Canada’s national sport all-stars. The Art Gallery of Ontario is the 8th largest art museum in Northern America featuring over 36,000 works over a period of a thousand years. The Ontario Science Centre showcases scientific discoveries and technology through exhibits.

Other famous and interesting museums include the Museum for Textiles, the Campbell House Museum, Mackenzie House, Canada Sports Hall of Fame, and the Children’s Own Museum.

Medieval castles are an uncommon site but the Casa Loma, originally built in 1914, is full of turn-of-the-century luxuries and inventions of the era. Quite the opposite is the outdoor High Park where visitors can participate in skating, baseball games, nature hikes or enjoy the greenhouse.

Eaton Centre, where over 300 stores and restaurants offer their goods and services, is one of the most popular shopping sites in the area. Yorkville is another shopping destination featuring expensive boutiques and posh stores. If you’re looking for bargains, though, Chinatown is a bustling district with bargain-shopping or cuisine-tasting opportunities.

Among the most famous historical sites are the Mount Pleasant Cemetery and Necropolis where several notable Canadians are laid to rest, and the First Post Office with history museum.

The famous bodies of water in and around Toronto attract many. Lake Ontario, sees thousands of tourists each year. Water sports and outdoor activities are found here on a daily basis – no matter what the weather. The Grenadier Pond is a relaxing place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

When it comes to nightlife Toronto has plenty of happenings. Second City Toronto is a popular comedy club serving drinks and laughs, Rivoli is a hot spot for music, food, pool and dancing. Allen’s is a simple place with Irish appetizers and plenty of beer, And the Free Times CafÃ?© is a unique bar and club with food and folk music. Cameron House is a place where new music is tried out on the guests who range from young punk-rockers to older sophisticates. Berlin has a classier atmosphere with a strict dress code that attracts an upper class element.

Most customs in Canada are similar to American customs so you don’t have to worry much, as in some countries, about proper etiquette and mannerisms. Confirm your reservations before traveling so that you’ll have the least amount of trouble – and the most fun – on your vacation.