Toronto, the capital of the province of Ontario, is a major Canadian city along Lake Ontario’s northwestern shore.
Toronto, the capital of the province of Ontario, is a major Canadian city along Lake Ontario’s northwestern shore. It's a dynamic metropolis with a core of soaring skyscrapers, all dwarfed by the iconic, free-standing CN Tower. Toronto also has many green spaces, from the orderly oval of Queen’s Park to 400-acre High Park and its trails, sports facilities and zoo.
10:00am-1:30pm : Royal Ontario Museum
Appreciate edgy art and science at Royal Ontario Museum, Canada's largest museum. Thanks to its strong ties to the University of Toronto, the museum offers informative and up-to-date exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to modern fashion trends. It also houses an extensive collection of artworks from around the globe. Admire the museum's bold exterior, which features striking crystalline features contrasted with the building's original facade. Take a tour of the museum to get the full story behind the pieces on display.
2:00pm-5:00pm : Casa Loma
Constructed at the beginning of the 20th century in the Gothic Revival style, Casa Loma represents the city's only castle. The midtown landmark once served as the formal residence of financier Henry Mill Pellat, known for helping bring hydroelectric power to Toronto. Originally the largest private home in Canada, the grandiose 98-room castle now acts as a museum, often used for wedding ceremonies and movie shoots. Choose between several themed guided tours, or pick up a digital audio guide at the entrance and explore the castle and gardens on your own.
11:30am-12:00pm : Kimberley General Store
12:30pm-4:30pm : Blue Mountain Resort (Things to Do
Tackle the slopes year-round at Blue Mountain Resort (Things to Do). Offering a large range of activities across its extensive grounds, the resort synchronizes its sports options with the seasons, meaning you'll always find something to do if snow's out for summer. Mountain bike or hike down the hills during the warmer months; board, tube, and ski down them in winter. The resort offers a rental service of state-of-the-art equipment, and onsite restaurants and bars provide a welcome place of rest and socialization.
10:30am-12:00pm : Peller Estates Winery
Indulge your palate at Peller Estates Winery, an acclaimed winery established in the mid-20th century. Learn about the many subtleties and nuances of winemaking during a tour that takes in all aspects of the route from vineyard to table. Growing, tasting, pairing, and serving: the trained guides can show you each skill as it is practiced at the winery, creating an exciting and informative experience for both beginners and connoisseurs. Pick out a bottle or two to take away with you, then settle down for an expertly paired meal in the onsite restaurant.
12:30pm-2:00pm : Journey Behind the Falls
Admire Niagara Falls from a different vantage point with a visit to Journey Behind the Falls. Hidden behind the powerful waterfall, the tunnel offers several viewing platforms that give visitors a fresh perspective on the thunderous cascade. Be sure to wear a poncho or waterproof jacket on your visit, as you'll almost certainly get doused by heavy sprays of water. Reserve your tickets in advance, as the popular attraction can sell out.
2:30pm-5:00pm : Niagara Falls Canada
One of North America's most impressive natural attractions, Niagara Falls Canada straddle the border between the United States and Canada, marking the point at which the eponymous river plummets over a prominent escarpment. Two cascades on the U.S. side and one on the Canadian combine to form the most powerful waterfalls in the world, harnessed to produce electricity using a generating system invented by famed scientist Nikola Tesla. Experience the sheer force of the water by taking a boat tour from the base of Horseshoe Falls, or climb to the top the observation tower for a bird's-eye view of the entire region.
10:00am-11:30am : CN Tower
Arguably Toronto's most recognizable attraction, CN Tower held the record for world's tallest building upon its completion in 1976. Still one of the world's highest towers, this spindly icon remains a landmark of the city skyline. Ride the glass elevator to the top, where on a clear day you can take in views of the city from 553 m (1,815 ft) in the air. If you choose to have a meal at the revolving restaurant, elevator access is free of charge. For an extra dose of adrenaline, daredevils can take a short walk around the edge of the tower's main pod, just above the restaurant.
12:00pm-3:00pm : The Distillery District
Once home to the British Empire's biggest producer of spirits, The Distillery District now represents one of Toronto's top tourist hubs, packed with shops and bars housed inside preserved Victorian-era buildings. This ten-street quarter contains dozens of old warehouses converted into modern art galleries, artist workshops, trendy eateries, and upscale boutiques. A popular gathering place for both tourists and locals, the neighborhood is especially crowded on weekends, when newlyweds come to pose in front of the area's iconic redbrick buildings. Browse the website for upcoming events, which include live jazz performances, food festivals, and art exhibits.
3:30pm-5:30pm : St. Lawrence Market
Let yourself be tempted by a smorgasbord of mouth-watering aromas at St. Lawrence Market. With traditions dating as far back as 1803, the covered market showcases the capital city's most diverse range of fresh food vendors, with specialities from across the globe. Find all the ingredients you need to prepare your favorite meal, and taste samples of exotic foods from specialty vendors. Visit the market's bustling food court for a meal.
11:00am-2:00pm : Butterfly Conservatory
Enter the world of colorful insects at Butterfly Conservatory, located just minutes from the world-famous waterfalls. Sheltering over 2,000 butterflies that fly freely through the lush vegetation, this modern insect zoo features a climate-controlled greenhouse, 200-seat theater, and a large gift shop. Most of the conservatory's butterflies come from farms in El Salvador, Costa Rica, Australia, and the Philippines. Special nets stretched along the conservatory's glass dome keep the fragile creatures from entangling and dying of hypothermia. Boost your chances that butterflies land on you by wearing brightly colored clothing, moving slowly, and dabbing some perfume just before entering.
2:30pm-4:00pm : Konzelmann Estate Winery
Established in 1988 by German winemaker Herbert Konzelmann, Konzelmann Estate Winery was previously family-run in Germany since 1893. Visit the award-winning winery for an informative experience and wine tasting. Tour of the scenic lakeside grounds, have a picnic in the vineyard, and see firsthand how their wines are made. You'll have views of Lake Ontario as you sample the whites and reds, or an eclectic ice-wine, all paired with gourmet snacks.
11:00am-12:30pm : Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Inspect some of the most important flying machines in the history of aviation at Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. The facility boasts a collection of 36 military jets, propeller-driven aircraft, and helicopters, with each displayed alongside historical information of when and how they were used, as well as biographical details about those who made, crewed, and flew them. Home to one of only two flyable Avro Lancasters in the world, the facility supplements its vast collection with interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and flying demonstrations.
1:30pm-4:30pm : Niagara Glen Nature Areas
Hike on the scenic trails of Niagara Glen Nature Areas, a protected area on the Canadian side of the Niagara Gorge. With free entrance and parking, the glen is a great place to get in touch with nature, have a picnic, and take a relaxing walk. Trek one of the well maintained hiking trails, explore the Carolinian forest, enjoy the peace and quiet, or go fishing from the boulders. As you brave the trails, take in the panoramic views of the rushing river and the Niagara whirlpool.
11:30am-12:00pm : Sunblockers
12:30pm-3:30pm : Riverview Park and Zoo
Take the whole family out for a stroll through Riverview Park and Zoo. The zoo features over 48 species in a large park area packed with activities for kids and adults alike. Walking trails lead the way through the exhibits, and afterwards the kids can enjoy the splash pads while you try your hand at some frisbee golf. A miniature train ride offers a fun alternative to walking around the park, and the vibrant gardens are perfect for an outdoor picnic.
4:00pm-4:30pm : Avant Garden Shop