Take Your Next Excursion to Toronto in Ontario, Canada
Toronto offers probably the largest variety of things to do and places to explore in Ontario, Canada. It is a city full of theaters, museums, theme parks, outdoor attractions, and other exciting places. It's where you can go camping, visit a music garden, golf, swim, ski, or hike while enjoying cultural entertainment night after night. The city's culture expands so that everyone can enjoy their stay. Besides being every traveler's dream destination, Toronto is Canada's hub for industry, culture, and finance as the capital of the Province of Ontario.
Toronto's city history dates back to 1793; however, it is believed that people have lived in the area since right after the last ice age. It was in 1793 that the British colonial officials discovered the "Town of York" on the Upper Canadian frontier. The village they discovered eventually grew and became the City of Toronto in 1834.
Museums of Toronto
When touring Toronto, you can explore the area's rich history in depth in one of the many local museums. Some of the popular museums in Toronto include the Colborne Lodge, York Museum, Zion Schoolhouse, Scarborough Historical Museum, and the Mackenzie House. There are also a number of art galleries such as the Don Valley Brick Works, The Guild, The Market Gallery, Neilson Park Creative, and the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art.
At the historic Fort York, you can learn about the famous Battle of York, which was fought during the War of 1812 in what became the birthplace of Toronto. There are original buildings from the War of 1812 and activities such as drill and music demonstrations, fort tours, and more.
Next, visit the Spadina Museum Historic House and Gardens. Here you can explore a Victorian country estate that evolved into a brilliant mansion, which belonged to the Austin family. On the guided tour you'll see exquisite decor and furniture as well as a gorgeous Victorian-style garden. Special events are held here such as the Strawberry Festival, Music in the Orchard, and Doors Open Toronto.
Shopping in Toronto
Toronto is known for its vast shopping districts and markets. The St. Lawrence Market, which is in the heart of historic Old Town Toronto has some of the best food markets in the world. In the South Market, you'll find more than 50 vendors of gourmet foods and lunch delis. At the Market Gallery, you can see local art and photos from the City's grand art collection. Also, there's a Saturday Farmer's Market as well as a Sunday Antique Market.
The city has many department stores, retailers, and ethnic markets. There are an estimated 20,000 stores in the city. Eaton Centre is a popular glass-roofed galleria with restaurants, shops, cinemas, and a Marriott hotel. The popular shopping areas in Toronto include Queen Street West, Kensington Market, Little Italy, five Chinatowns, Little Portugal, and Gerrard India Bazaar.
Fun Attractions in Toronto
At Harbourfront Centre (www.harbourfrontcentre.com), you can enjoy free weekend festivals with music, dance, films, crafts, arts, food, shopping, and kid's activities galore. This goes on all summer long.
Ontario Place (www.ontarioplace.com/) is a great place to take the kids. It is a leisure park with a marina, pavilion complex, pedal boats, water slides and rides. The rides include the Atom Blaster, H2O Generation Station, Free Fall, First Flight, Super Slide, Mini Greens (putt-putt golf), and many other fun activities.
For even more chills and thrills, take the family to Canada's Wonderland theme park. There are rides for big kids (adults) and little kids. The theme park also hosts shows and events, offers season passes, includes a 20-acre water park, and has more than 65 exciting rides.
If your kids love seeing all different types of animals, spend a day at the Toronto Zoo (www.torontozoo.com), where more than 5,000 animals can be seen in their natural habitat. Some furry, and not-so-furry, friends you'll meet are the African elephant, Grevy's zebra, Egyptian fruit bat, bearded barbet, rock scorpion, warthog, lowland gorilla, leopard, olive baboon, ostrich, Masai giraffe, and many others.
Other places to explore with the family include the Ontario Science Centre, the Canadian National Exhibit, the CN Tower, the Air Canada Centre, and the Rogers Centre.
See the Toronto Islands
After a fun-filled time with the family, take a breather on a ferry as you travel just 10 minutes to the Toronto islands. The islands give a gorgeous view of the city's skyline and offer picnic areas, bike and hiking trails, boat rentals, and more. Also on the island are an amusement park and children's farm.
More to See and Do in Toronto
Besides the obvious attractions, Toronto offers a number of unique places you can go for enjoyment in the city or in surrounding areas. Lucky Strike Lanes is an upscale bowling lounge. The Toronto Botanical Garden is a great place to see beautiful flowers and gardens. At night, the city comes alive with local clubs and entertainment on just about every corner. Take a relaxing dinner cruise at Mariposa Cruises. Or, take your lodging at a delightful bed & breakfast or a fancy resort with a spa for some R & R.
Toronto is packed full of sites, attractions, and entertainment to keep you coming back for more year after year.