Toronto is a big, beautiful and efficient city. It has emerged over the past half-century to become the center of commerce, culture and communications in Canada. This city is a nonstop adventure, with its rich history and breathtaking architecture. Here 5 key reasons to travel to Toronto for you next vacation!
1. Visit the CN Tower:
1,815 feet and 5 inches high, the CN Tower is the tallest freestanding tower in the Western Hemisphere. Six glass-front elevators zoom up the outside of the tower at 20 feet per second, and the ride takes less than a minute! Each elevator has one floor-to-ceiling glass wall—three opaque walls make the trip easier on anyone prone to vertigo—and all have glass floor panels, so you can watch the earth disappear before your eyes.
2. St. Lawrence Market:
Built in 1844 as the first true Toronto city hall, the St. Lawrence Market is now a landmark and a great place to try some Canadian bacon. The building now has an exhibition hall upstairs where the council chambers used to be. The food market began growing around the building’s square in the early 1900s, and it is considered one of the world’s best. Local and imported foods such as fresh shellfish, sausage varieties, and cheeses are famous here. You can also stop and snack on Canadian bacon, also known as “peameal bacon,” at the Market’s Carousel Bakery.
3. Check out Canada’s Wonderland:
Scooby Doo, Fred Flintstone, and Yogi Bear are all part of Canada’s first theme park, which is filled with more than 200 games, rides, restaurants and shops. Favorite attractions such as KidZville, home of Nickelodeon characters the Rugrats, are bound to make for a fun trip to the amusement park.
4. Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum:
We all know that Canada is a hockey-loving country. So, even if you’re not a hockey fan, this is definitely something to check out while in Toronto. Exhibits include the original 1893 Stanley Cup, as well as displays of goalie masks, skate and stick collections, great players’ jerseys, video displays of big games, and a replica of the Montréal Canadiens’ locker room. Grab a stick and test your speed and accuracy in the “shoot out” virtual experience, or strap on a goalie mask and field shots from big-name players!
5. Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario Toronto:
The AGO is hard to miss: the monumental glass and titanium building is a sight to see itself. Near the entrance, you’ll find visitors of all ages climbing in and around Henry Moore’s large Two Forms sculpture, on the corner of Dundas and McCaul streets.The Canadian Wing includes major works by such northern lights as Emily Carr, Cornelius Krieghoff, David Milne, and Homer Watson. You can sign up for themed tours if you don’t want to explore the museum on your own!