The iconic CN Tower has stood tall for the past 35 years, but it’s hardly been at rest. Hailed as an engineering marvel even before its official 1976 opening, the soaring monolith has continuously expanded its mandate with innovations in telecommunications, entertainment and more. Where takes a look at some of the most significant steps in the Toronto landmark’s evolution—from 553-metre-high TV and radio antenna to a must-see attraction for more than 1.5 million visitors annually.
Cliffwalk, Capilano Suspension Bridge's newest attraction
Scaredy-cats and acrophobics, this might not be your thing. But thrill-seekers will love the adrenaline rush and sweeping views from the suspended stairs, bridges, walkways and glass-bottomed decks in Cliffwalk, the eco-friendly attraction that opens Jun. 3 at Capilano Suspension Bridge.—Sheri Radford
Spadina Museum
MAY 28 & 29 Strolling Toronto is even more exciting when you’re invited to explore treasured architectural gems during Doors Open. The free event welcomes thousands inside more than 150 modern and historic buildings, some of which are not generally open to the public. Visit the enormous art deco R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant as it celebrates its 70th anniversary, or discover the history behind such sites as the Redpath Sugar Museum or the Spadina Museum: Historic House and Gardens. Don’t forget your camera! Doors Open is beloved by shutterbugs, and this year’s event honours photography even further, with many buildings featuring displays of archival imagery.
Whistler Sliding Centre photo by Leanna Rathkelly courtesy Tourism Whistler
Take a self-guided tour of the Whistler Sliding Centre, on Blackcomb Mountain overlooking the Fitzsimmons Valley. The site, former host to the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton competitions during the 2010 Winter Games, now hosts world-class tournaments on its 1,450-m (4,757-ft) track.—Kristina Urquhart
Toucanet photo by John Healey
There’s nothing fishy about two new additions to the Vancouver Aquarium: a pair of toucanets has joined the aquarium’s Amazon gallery, quickly cozying up to current feathered residents such as a blue-fronted Amazon parrot and hyacinth macaws. The toucanets can be difficult to spot, due to their green colouring, but they are easy to hear. Just listen for their distinctive grunts.—Sheri Radford
4. The Indian Bazaar
1 Cheering on high-flying Toronto Raptors players as they go in for a slam dunk..
2 The convenience of all-weather shopping in the underground PATH system.
3 Belly laughing along with Scottish comedian Billy Connolly from November 4 to 6.
4 Finding a colourful sari in the Indian Bazaar.
5 Becoming a 19th-century homesteader at Black Creek Pioneer Village.
6. Soma Chocolatemaker
6 Indulging in rich treats from the Distillery Historic District’s Soma Chocolatemaker.
7 Singing along with Carrie Underwood at the Air Canada Centre on November 3.
8 Complimenting the chef on a superbly prepared meal at one of Toronto’s newest restaurants.
9 The exceedingly light and delicately flavoured macarons from Nadège Patisserie.
10 Spending a day as an epicurean at the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo from November 18 to 21.
11. Stillwater Spa
11 Soothing your body after a long day of sightseeing with Stillwater Spa’s aqua therapy.
12 Satisfying a craving with the creamy lobster risotto from Jump Café & Bar.
13 Choosing a perfect pint from Bier Markt’s enormous menu of international brews.
14 Leafing through tomes for every taste—literally—at The Cookbook Store.
15 Gaining a new perspective at a performance of Robert Lepage’s Eonnagata on November 18 and 19 at the Sony Centre.
15. Eonnagata (photo by Érick Labbé)
16 Giving your little ones a boost to ensure a great view of the Santa Claus Parade.
17 Screaming for teen singing sensation Justin Bieber, who returns to the Air Canada Centre on November 23.
18 Seeing everyday disposable materials resurface as art at the ROM’s El Anatsui show.
19 Catching the blockbuster Broadway musical Wicked—back by popular demand at the Canon Theatre.
20 Enjoying the bittersweet taste of an authentic tiramisu at Toulà Ristorante & Bar.
22. Henry Moore at the AGO
21 Preparing for winter with fashionable coats, scarves and hats at H&M.
22 Studying the sensual geometry of Henry Moore’s sculptures—the Art Gallery of Ontario has a plethora of them.
23 Drooling over dozens of sweet and savoury crepes at popular Café Crepe.
24 Hunting for discounted designer apparel and accessories at Winners.
25 Deciding “whodunit” at OCAD University’s famous mystery art sale.
30. The Counter
26 Picking out whimsical Japanese gifts—from toys to desk accessories—at Cubeshops.
27 Treating your nails to Lux Spa’s specialty dry manicure.
28 Giving the season’s hottest fashions, accessories and home products from around the world.
29 Gorging with friends on all-you-can-eat sushi at bustling boîte Sushi D.
30 Grabbing a late-night bite from the city’s hottest new diner, The Counter at the Thompson Hotel.
5. The Drake General Store
1 Cheering ‘til we’re hoarse as the Toronto Maple Leafs take to the ice.
2 The monumental, cinema-inspired paintings of Julian Schnabel on display at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
3 Picking up a hefty new hardcover from Ben McNally Books.
4 Seeking inspiration from the Dalai Lama, who addresses the Rogers Centre on October 22.
5 Quirky Canadiana products at the Drake General Store—these are souvenirs even locals want to collect!
9. Origin (photo by Paul Wilson)
6 Welcoming back another cultural landmark—the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts has now reopened.
7 The super-sleek environs of The Room at The Bay—lucite chairs and sculptural mobiles alongside designer clothes.
8 Giving a standing ovation to the cast of Soulpepper Theatre’s Death of a Salesman.
9 The sophisticated yet unfussy nibbles at Origin.
10 Interacting with art all night long during Nuit Blanche.
14. St. Lawrence Market (photo by Michelle Yee)
11 Walking down bustling Yonge Street—Toronto’s best known artery.
12 Spotting literary icons at the International Festival of Authors, from October 20 to 30.
13 Grabbing a slice of pumpkin perfection from Wanda’s Pie in the Sky.
14 Ontario’s bountiful autumn harvest, laid out by merchants at the St. Lawrence Market.
15 Learning about fine art from top British critic Edward Lucie-Smith.
18. Hamman Spa
16 Living a little greener thanks to Planet in Focus, Toronto’s international environmental film festival.
17 Nodding along to the romantic hits of Stars—the Canadian band makes Massey Hall audiences swoon on October 23.
18 Refreshing your skin with a steam room session at Hammam Spa.
19 Being undead on October 23 for the Toronto Zombie Walk at Trinity Bellwoods Park.
20 Experiencing a taste of heaven at the Toronto Chocolate Festival, starting October 22.
22. Marben
21 Enjoying the breeze off of Lake Ontario while strolling along the Harbourfront.
22 Ending a meal at Marben with a decadent, super-chocolatey ice cream sandwich.
23 Picking up sumptuous leather accessories from Roots.
24 The charming Gaelic signs at long-standing Irish pub Dora Keogh.
25 Busting a gut at Massey Hall with Asian-American comedienne Margaret Cho—she cracks jokes on October 22.
30. Harry Rosen
26 The near-perfect acoustics of Koerner Hall, the performance venue of the esteemed Royal Conservatory (273 Bloor St. W., 416-408-0208).
27 After-work merriment fueled by specialty sake cocktails at Ki Modern Japanese + Bar.
28 Warming up with a bowl of orange and ginger carrot soup from Kalendar.
29 Photographing the beautiful orange, yellow and red leaves as fall arrives in High Park.
30 A bespoke suit from Harry Rosen—the perfect fit for any gentleman.
The Wiggles come to Vancouver on October 10
Slap on some face paint and get your kiddie’s costume ready because The Wiggles are bringing their Wiggly Circus to the Pacific Coliseum (Oct. 10). This dance-packed musical circus includes everyone’s favourites: Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the dinosaur, Henry the octopus and Wags the dog. Audience participation is welcome, so come ready to sing along with your favourite Wiggle.—Jennifer Patterson
'Nucks fans cheer on their team. Photo by Jeff Vinnick courtesy Vancouver Canucks
Hockey fans rejoice as the new season gets underway this month at Rogers Arena (Oct. 9, 11, 17, 22, 26). The Canucks have sold out every home game since 2002, but determined fans always find a way to snag a seat. Roberto Luongo, Ryan Kesler and the Sedin twins are all back for the latest round of Canada’s unofficial religion, worshipped in arenas large and small across the country.—Sheri Radford
A luxury train ride with Rocky Mountaineer is the most relaxing and scenic way to get to Whistler
Howe Sound, the Cheakamus Canyon, the Tantalus Mountains—scenery just doesn’t get any more spectacular than this. See these sights and more on a luxurious 3.5-hour train ride from Vancouver to Whistler, on the Sea to Sky Climb with Rocky Mountaineer.—Sheri Radford
Do you have great photos from your travels in Canada that you'd like to share with us? Submit them to the Where Canada Flickr pool and they'll show up here.
Stay, Dine, Do
