Attractions

First, the good news: Toronto has amazing sights that appeal to travelers of all stripes. The bad news? No matter how long your stay, you won't be able to fit everything in. Toronto is a sprawling city, and while downtown and midtown boast most of the best attractions, some wonderful sights are in less accessible areas. Travelers in 2008 should note that the Art Gallery of Ontario will be closed for the first part of the year because of its extensive renovations. Also, the Royal Ontario Museum will be opening its new galleries in the spectacular new crystal early in the year.

Keep in mind that many Toronto attractions could take up an entire day. The Ontario Science Centre, Harbourfront, and Paramount Canada's Wonderland all come to mind. That's not even mentioning the parks, the arts scene, or the shopping possibilities. My best advice is to relax and bring a good pair of walking shoes. The best way to appreciate Toronto is on foot.

A Real Deal -- You can save a lot of money visiting Toronto's attractions by purchasing a Toronto CityPass. See the Royal Ontario Museum, the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Ontario Science Centre, the CN Tower, Casa Loma, and the Toronto Zoo for C$59 (US$56/£27) for adults, and C$39 (US$37/£18) for kids from 4 to 12. Each booklet of tickets is valid for 9 days from the time the first one is used. You can buy the package at any of the six attractions listed above or online at www.citypass.com. If you purchase it online, you will be charged US$53 for adults and US$35 for kids -- currently a better exchange rate for U.S. visitors.

Signs & Whispers -- Have you ever wandered around a neighborhood that intrigued you, wishing that you could get some inside information on the place? Now, thanks to [murmur], you can -- at least in a few Toronto districts including Kensington Market, the Art & Design District on West Queen West, the Annex around Bloor Street West, and at Fort York. Look for signs that have a green ear logo and a phone number underneath; when you dial that number, you'll hear an interesting tidbit that will deepen your appreciation for what you're seeing. The project was developed as part of the city of Toronto's Culture Capital program, and its creators hope to eventually expand it throughout the city. Visit www.murmurtoronto.ca for details.

Where to Eat When You're Going to . . .

In my experience, one of the most difficult things about travel is coordinating where you want to go with where you want to eat. All too often you find yourself at a great museum, only to realize that the great restaurant you wanted to try out is on the other side of town. To make your planning easier, here are some of Toronto's top attractions and the excellent restaurants that are nearby.

Royal Ontario Museum: The ROM has lost its stellar restaurant to ongoing renovations, but fortunately, the elegant Annona (in the Park Hyatt, 4 Avenue Rd.) is just across the street. Nearby Yorkville is full of great spots, including Jacques Bistro du Parc (126A Cumberland St.). Head just a few blocks west past Spadina, and you'll find a wide selection of moderately priced spots, such as Serra (378 Bloor St. W.) and Nataraj (394 Bloor St. W.).

Back to Top

Click the names below for more detailed information.

• Air Canada Centre
• Allan Gardens
• Art Gallery of Ontario
• Bata Shoe Museum
• Black Creek Pioneer Village
• Canada Sports Hall of Fame
• Canada's Wonderland
• Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Museum
• Colborne Lodge
• Design Exchange
• Edwards Gardens
• Fort York
• George R. Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art
• Harbourfront Centre
• High Park
• Hockey Hall of Fame
• Ireland Park
• Justina M. Barnicke Gallery at Hart House
• Mount Pleasant Cemetery
• Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art
• Necropolis
• Ontario Place
• Ontario Science Centre
• Reptilia
• Rogers Centre
• Royal Ontario Museum
• Scarborough Bluffs
• Textile Museum of Canada
• The McMichael Canadian Art Collection
• The Toronto Islands
• Toronto Music Garden
• Toronto Zoo
• Trinity Bellwoods
• University of Toronto Art Centre

Maps

• What to See & Do in Downtown
• What to See & Do in Midtown

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

		Email			Print			RSS

				Frommer's Toronto 2008 Author: Hilary Davidson Pub Date: December 17, 2007 Price: $17.99				Related Titles: Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies For Dummies, 2nd Edition Frommer's Algonquin Provincial Park, 2nd Edition Frommer's Banff & Jasper National Parks, 4th Edition