TORONTO: LIST OF ATTRACTIONS 1. Allan Gardens Conservatory While Downtown Toronto, like all other large cities, has its fair share of tall buildings and looming towers, patches of green havens can also be found among the hustle and bustle of the modern city-life. One such natural getaway spots is the Allan Gardens Conservatory. With its historic, cast-iron and glass domed ‘Palm House’ and its exotic plants from all over the world, this botanical gem is a must-see for all the nature and botany lovers. Admission is FREE, and be sure to check out the website for special events! http://torontobotanicalgarden.ca/get-gardening/public-gardens/allan-gardens/ 2. Art Gallery of Ontario With a collection of artifacts (e.g., paintings, photographs and sculptures) representative of different periods, historical events, and styles and techniques, the AGO is a must-see attraction for history, anthropology and art students/enthusiasts, and inspiring artists. Visit FRANK Restaurant, which specializes in bistro cuisine, or the AGO’s Espresso Bar, located on the second floor in the Galleria Italia, with its picturesque view of Toronto on your breaks from convention activities. General Admission: $19.50 (Exemption: Wednesday night FREE admission from 6-9PM). http://www.ago.net. 3. Bata Shoe Museum The Bata Shoe Museum’s roots began in the 1940s when Sonja Bata decided to collect footwear during her travels. With a collection of more than 13, 000 footwear artifacts, the museum contains the world’s largest collection devoted to the history of footwear. Come see footwear once owned and worn by Queen Victoria, Sir Elton John, Elvis Presley, and the Dalai Lama, and many more footwear donated by A-list stars, prominent public figures, and style icons. The museum also offers history and anthropologist students/enthusiasts with a collection of moccasin footwear produced and worn by members of indigenous communities. Each moccasin was designed to serve a specific purpose—ceremonial, convenience, or travel. General Admission: $14 Visit the office website for further details on exhibits and Hours of Operation http://www.batashoemuseum.ca/ 2016 CKIX TORONTO | Toronto Tourist Attractions 4. Canada’s Walk of Fame Want to know a little more about Canada? Take a nice stroll on King Street on a sunny day and go on a treasure hunt to find maple leaf-like stars on the sidewalk celebrating achievements of successful Canadians. These embedded stars are found in front of the Princess of Wales Theatre, the Royal Alexandra Theatre, and around Roy Thompson Hall. You will discover names like Alexander Graham Bell, Celine Dion, Michael J. Fox, Margaret Atwood, Nickelback, Rachel McAdams, and Terry Fox. http://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/ 5. Casa Loma Casa Loma offers an experience like no other with its many decorated rooms, hidden passages, and dinner experience that overlooks the castle’s breathtaking specialty garden. This June members will have the opportunity to view the Casa Loma rose collection, which consist of 74 varieties of roses, as well as its seasonal collection of peonies, scabiosa, salvia, deutzia, dianthus, and geraniums (depending on the season). Until 2011, the Kiwanis Club of West Toronto had operated the castle’s many facilities and amenities; today, this task is under the purview of the Liberty Entertainment Group with the permission of the City of Toronto (its sole owner). General admission: $24 http://www.casaloma.org/ 6. Centreville Amusement Park/Toronto Islands Looking for fun things to do in the city that lets you get away from the city? Want to go on bike rides, sunbathe on the beach, or even experience thrills of an amusement park, or a petty zoo? Then take the ferry and head to Toronto Islands! There you can find all these activities and more! Bring a friend or a few and do some team work building by renting out tandem or 4-seater bikes (Bring an ID for rentals)! There are lots of special events happening on the islands during the summer months, so check out the website. Do forget to take a breathtaking picture of the Toronto skyline on the ferry ride! http://www.centreisland.ca/centreville/upcoming-event 7. CN Tower As the signature icon of the Toronto skyline, the CN Tower is a must-see attraction. Towering over at a height of 553m (1,815.4 ft), the CN tower is the tallest freestanding structure in Western Hemisphere. Rocket up on one of the high-speed, glass-fronted elevators to the LookOut Level for a breath-taking view of city below. Still not breathless? Go a level down to the Glass Floor! Designed to even withstand the weight of 35 moose, these see-through floors were built for you to have fun on it. So go ahead, jump! Walk! Sit! or even crawl! Enjoy at your leisure. Not enough of a thrill? Incite the daredevil in you, and book a session for CN Tower’s most extreme attraction, the EdgeWalk, and take a handsfree stroll on the ledge of the Tower’s main pod! http://www.cntower.ca/en-ca/home.html?ref=MainBarEN 2016 CKIX TORONTO | Toronto Tourist Attractions 8. The Distillery District The Distillery Historic District is an internationally acclaimed, pedestrians-only village that takes you back to the Victorian age, with its restored red-brick buildings. However, the Distillery District houses many of Toronto’s hottest designer boutiques, unique cafes, artisan shops, breathtaking art galleries, performance venues and awardwinning restaurants. What’s more, the Distillery District hosts dozens of events every year, and all-year-round. Come experience everything from local arts and music festivals, to multi-faceted cultural celebrations! Also, if you happen to be a romantic, you can “lock down your love” on the Distillery’ LOVE lock installation. http://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/events/ 9. Fort York Historic Site For all of those history fanatics out there, The Fort York Historic Site is a must-see. This site not only have in its store the original War of 1812 buildings and 1813 battle site, but during the summer months, you would find yourself transported back in time as this site become alive with the demonstration and pageantry of the Fort York Guard squad. Plan a visit to this little of haven of history within the downtown core of the City of Toronto! http://www.fortyork.ca/plan-your-visit/hours-rates-a-admission.html 10. Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art The Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art offer visitors with a selection of ceramic exhibit collections to view, such as the Anne Gross Collection of Chinese Ceramics and the museum new exhibit on Panama. The museum also provides visitors interested in a hands-on experience by offering a selection of drop-in clay classes taught by professional ceramists. Drop-in Clay Classes Admission: $15 (Wed/Fri classes at 6PM and Sun classes at 1PM); General Admission: $15 (Exemption: FREE admission for postsecondary students with valid student ID card on Tuesdays and HALF-PRICED Fridays from 4-9PM). ***Free admission is probably only applicable for postsecondary students attending a select group of universities in Toronto.*** Go to http://www.gardinermuseum.on.ca/event/dropin-wednesday for more details on how to register for drop-in courses. Visit http://www.gardinermuseum.on.ca/ for more details on current exhibits that will be taking place in June. 2016 CKIX TORONTO | Toronto Tourist Attractions 11. Harbourfront Centre Along the waterfront of Toronto, you can find multiple places of attractions and activities for all ages. Within the walls of the Harbourfront Centre, you will find some sort of exhibitions, festivals, or family-friendly activities all year-round. Wish to enjoy the beautiful outdoor weather to the fullest rather being indoors? You can take a nice stroll or bike ride along the waterfront trails, or stop by the WestJet outdoor concert stage for some jazz or blues. For those hungry for adventure, book a guided canoe or kayak tour of Lake Ontario around the Toronto islands. The possibilities for fun at Toronto Harbourfront is endless! http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/whatson/today.cfm http://www.paddletoronto.com/Groups.aspx 12. Hockey Hall of Fame Hockey fan? Want to see the Stanley Cup? The Hockey Hall of Fame is the place to go to experience the sport that defines Canada! As a sports museum, the Hockey Hall of Fame holds one of the finest collection of hockey artifacts from around the world. It is also the proud home of the NHL’s merit trophies that honours hockey legends. The museum is situated in a national historic building (built in 1886) near Toronto’s beautiful waterfront. Come experience the museum’s innovative and interactive activities—suitable for all ages to enjoy. The museum’s first 3D film, Stanley’s Game Seven, is now being played exclusively at TNS theatre. Admission: $18.00 http://www.hhof.com 13. Kensington Market Kensington Market is the most vibrant and culturally diverse neighbourhood in Toronto, embracing the cultural mosaicism of this city. Home to some of the best eateries, as well as open-air produce markets, antique and trinket shops, offering a unique gastronomic and/or shopping experience. In addition, if you happen to be in Toronto on the last Sunday of the month, Kensington Market holds Pedestrian Sunday among its streets, filled with street performers and sidewalk sales. http://www.kensington-market.ca/Default.asp?id=home&l=1 14. Queen’s Park/Ontario Legislature This large, urban park, named in honour of Queen Victoria, is an enclave of the University of Toronto and is known for being the site of several monuments commemorating important figures and events in Canadian history. It is also the site of the Ontario Legislative Building housing the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Interested in how the Canadian Parliament works or about the architecture of the building? Take or book one of a variety of tours available all year round, such as the 'Art & Architecture Tour', or the 'Victoria Tea & Tour'. http://discoveryportal.ontla.on.ca/en http://discoveryportal.ontla.on.ca/en/visit-us/tours 2016 CKIX TORONTO | Toronto Tourist Attractions 15. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada With a caption, “Where staring isn’t creepy,” visitors have the opportunity to get up and personal with a number of galleries containing numerous species of sea creatures, in curated habitats designed to be “natural” habitats, from various regions world-wide. Visitors can observe sharks, particularly during the Aquarium’s “Sharks after Dark” program, witness the changing colours of five species of jelly fishes, and swim with stingrays in the aquarium’s new hands-on, in-water “Ray Ray” experience. Anytime Express Admission Ticket: $30 In-water Ray Ray Experience Admission: $120 (BUT reservations are not necessarily guaranteed) Visit https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/canada/stingray-experience/ to learn more about the in-water Ray Ray experience Visit https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/canada/ for more details on galleries, make reservations, and/or purchase tickets online. 16. Royal Ontario Museum As Canada’s largest museum of world cultures and natural history, visitors can experience the cultural materials of Canada’s First Nations, Europe’s enriched styles in architectural interiors, furniture and ceramics, and more, as well as walk through the museum’s full-floor wildlife collection. General Admission: $17.00; $15.50 (for students 15-25 years) and $17 (adults > 65 years). (Exemption: FREE admission for postsecondary students on Tuesdays with valid student ID cards). Free admission is probably only applicable for postsecondary students attending a select group of universities in Toronto. https://www.rom.on.ca/en 17. The Second City Down for some laughs to unwind after a long day, spend an hour or two being entertained by the talented and hilarious cast of The Second City. Originally founded in Chicago in 1959, this small cabaret theatre has become the most influential and prolific comedy theatre in the world. Contemporary and upbeat, the shows at the The Second City is definitely worth your time and money. Bring along your student card, and you can take advantage of their student discount! (General Admission: $25; Student: $16) http://www.secondcity.com/shows/toronto/venue/toronto-mainstage/ 2016 CKIX TORONTO | Toronto Tourist Attractions 18. Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens The Spadina Museum, also known as the Spadina House, is one of the 10 historic sites operated by the City of Toronto. It is historically significant for its association with the Baldwin and Austin families, whose members made important contributions to Toronto’s political, social, and industrial development. It is also Toronto's only museum that showcase life in the city during the 1920's and 30's. Unleash the history nerd in you, and submerge yourself in unique ambience of the Spadina House. http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=919d2271635af310VgnVCM10000 071d60f89RCRD http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=af45654c2e110410VgnVCM10000 071d60f89RCRD 19. St. Lawrence Market Named as the world's best food market by National Geographic in April 2012, the St. Lawrence Market is a major public market with a long history beginning from 1803. This three building complex comprised of the North Market, the South Market and St. Lawrence Hall, each with its own purpose, contains over 120 specialty merchants and holds both large and small events, from cooking and art classes, to special occasions like weddings. Visit the St. Lawrence Market and discover the charm of one of the world's greatest markets! http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/ 20. Textile Museum of Canada With more than 13, 000 textiles in its permanent collection, the Textile Museum of Canada contain such items as ceremonial cloths, fabrics, quilts, garments, and carpets that span back to almost 2,000 years. These items corresponded with varying styles, patterns, colours, and available techniques and materials that were popularized and employed during the period of time, as well as region, for which a given item originated. The museum would be of great interest to fashionistas, art historians, inspiring anthropologists, and/or art enthusiasts looking to experience the finer details related to material culture and the evolution of styles/techniques. General admission is $15 BUT every Wednesday evenings, from 5-8pm, the museum has a pay-what-you-can-admission policy. http://www.textilemuseum.ca/home 21. Toronto Eaton Centre As Toronto's only urban shopping centre, this large complex contains a diverse mix of over 230 Canadian and International shops, retails, restaurants, and services. Satisfy the shopaholic in you as you discover the heart of the City of Toronto. https://www.cfshops.com/toronto-eaton-centre.html 2016 CKIX TORONTO | Toronto Tourist Attractions 22. Toronto Science Centre Science Centre is an iconic cultural attraction, opened 364 days a year it is home to interactive experiences with science and technology. Their vision is to inspire a lifelong journey of curiosity, discovery and action to create a better future for the planet that they aim to fulfil through their educational games, activities and shows. At the IMAX theater you will have 5 movies to choose from! Adult Admission $22 (Science Centre only, additional $6 for a total of $28 to have IMAX film included) https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/ 23. Toronto Zoo Are you a super animal lover? Come to the Canada's premier zoo, the Toronto Zoo and see a plethora of animals! The Toronto Zoo is home to over 5000 animals representing 460+ species placed in various Regions and Pavilions that are geographically based. Visit their new polar bear cub, Juno, and Canada's first giant pandas and cubs! Although it's a little further away from Downtown Toronto, at the edge of Scarborough, the trip is worth the commute. http://www.torontozoo.com/ 24. Union Station Are you a fan of architecture? See one of the finest examples of 'Beaux-Arts' railway stations – Union Station! Designated at as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1975, and Heritage Railway Station (Canada) in 1989, Union Station is Toronto's primary station and intercity transportation facility. With a long history dating back to 1858, the current Union Station is the third reconstruction, built between 1914 to 1920. Visit Union Station's "Great Hall" and submerge yourself in its vintage ambiance! http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=f50e962c8c3f0410VgnVCM10000 071d60f89RCRD 25. Yorkville Love shopping? Want the best of the brand names? Visit one of Canada's most exclusive shopping districts – Yorkville. Bloor-Yorkville is Toronto's most celebrated neighbourhood of style and culture offering 700 designer boutiques, fashionable restaurants, plush hotels and world class galleries. Yorkville is the third most expensive retail space in North America! http://www.bloor-yorkville.com/ 2016 CKIX TORONTO | Toronto Tourist Attractions 26. Nathan Phillips Square/City Hall Nathan Phillips Square is Canada's largest city square with an area of 4.85 hectares (12.0 acres). This square was opened in 1965, and is often the site of many public events and demonstrations such as concerts, weekly farmers' market, winter festivals of lights, art displays and more. With a large reflective pool and fountain that turns into a skating rink during the winter months and the beautiful Peace Garden that was created as a memorial for the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, the square attracts over 1.5 million visitors ever year. This urban plaza also acts as the forecourt of the Toronto City Hall, also known as 'New City Hall', with an elevated walkway that lead to the City Hall's Podium Green Roof. Toronto City Hall was also opened in 1965 and is nicknamed "The Eye of the Government" due to its twin-tower design resembling an eye from the top view. Be sure to visit one of Toronto's best known landmarks! http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=83574d3dab5f1410VgnVCM10000 071d60f89RCRD http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=42024bd44ef02410VgnVCM10000 071d60f89RCRD&vgnextchannel=5ecd962c8c3f0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD 27. The PATH PATH is downtown Toronto's underground walkway linking 30 kilometres of shopping, services and entertainment. It holds a Guinness World Record, so come check it out while getting around the downtown core, weatherproof! Its underground location provides pedestrians with a safe haven from the winter cold and snow, and the summer heat. There are more than 125 grade level access points and 60 decision points where a pedestrian has to decide between turning left or right, or continuing straight on. Sounds like an adventure! http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=f537b454b35a2410VgnVCM10000 071d60f89RCRD&vgnextchannel=04708b7a29891410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD 28. High Park Living in the city has its perks and cons; want to revitalize yourself and become one with nature? Visit High Park, a large park of 399 acres of land in the heart of Toronto that provides its visitors with a unique and unusual sense of wilderness. High Park is a combination of well-maintained parkland, forested areas, riparian zones such as creeks and Toronto's largest pond, as well as recreational facilities. Home to many species of wildlife and a shocking concentration of rare plants, it is recognized as one of the most significant natural sites within the City of Toronto. High Park provides a large amount of attractions and facilities including its own Park Zoo, gardens, labyrinths, playgrounds, swimming and wading pools, sport facilities and many more – there's something for everyone! http://www.highpark.org/ 2016 CKIX TORONTO | Toronto Tourist Attractions 29. Toronto Music Garden Have you ever experience a garden that is a reflection in landscape of Bach Suite No. 1 in G Major (a piece of music)? If you have a classical soul within you then be sure to stop by the Toronto Music Garden, where you can enjoy the Summer Music in the Garden series - free, outstanding classical performances from around the world. Concerts are most Thursdays at 7pm and Sundays at 4pm (weather-permitting) and last about one hour. http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=4b29dada600f0410VgnVCM1 0000071d60f89RCRD ____________________________________________________________________________ ******* City Pass Deal ******* To save money, consider purchasing our CityPass Deal of $72, which allows you to visit Toronto’s top five attraction sites: 1) CN Tower 2) Casa Loma 3) Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) 4) Ripley’s Aquarium 5) Ontario Science Centre OR the Toronto Zoo. Visit http://www.citypass.com/toronto for more details on how to purchase passes, online or in person at any of the six attraction sites listed above. Transportation TTC o Adult (cash): $3.25 for one fare o Tokens: $8.70 for 3 tokens; $20.30 for 7 tokens o Daily Pass: $12.00 o Weekly Pass: $42.25 o Need proof-of-payment (POP) transfer ticket in order to transfer between buses/ streetcars (policy printed on reverse side of POP) o https://ttc.ca/Fares_and_passes/Prices/index.jsp o https://ttc.ca/Fares_and_passes/Prices/Buying_tickets_tokens_and_passes.jsp **Prices are listed in Canadian currency, excluding taxes. 2016 CKIX TORONTO | Toronto Tourist Attractions