The Where.ca Network:  Calgary  Canadian Rockies  Edmonton  Halifax  Muskoka  Ottawa  Toronto  Vancouver  Victoria  Whistler  Winnipeg  Alaska & Yukon
where logo Toronto

The Best In: HotelsAttractionsEntertainmentMuseums, Art & AntiquesShoppingRestaurantsNightlifeTours & TransportationEssential to TorontoRelocationMississauga HotelsMississauga RestaurantsMississauga ShoppingMississauga What to See & DoMore...

10 Steps to Family Fun

Follow our path to an exhilarating summer in the city.
By Linda Luong
Toronto's famous landmark, the CN Tower
Toronto's famous landmark, the CN Tower
Image © Illustration by Ian Phillips

Feature Articles

10 Award-Winning Wineries

10 Family Day Trips

Golf Guide

Related Listings:
  • AG: INSPIRED CUISINE
  • AIR CANADA CENTRE
  • ALLAN GARDENS CONSERVATORY
  • AMELIASBURGH HISTORICAL MUSEUM AND PIONEER VILLAGE
  • ANGELINE'S RESTAURANT
  • ANGIE STRAUSS
  • ANGUS GLEN GOLF CLUB
  • ANYTHING GROWS
  • APPLE FESTIVAL
  • ART IN THE PARK STRATFORD

START AT THE TOP

The world’s tallest building, the CN Tower, is the height of fun—553.33 m of it, to be exact. Dare to stand on the glass floor and look down 342 m, or go up in the Sky Pod, the world’s highest observation deck.
I'M HUNGRY! or unparalleled views, splurge on a meal at the 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower, which completes a rotation every 72 minutes.

TAKE A TOUR

To get an overview of the city, board a double-decker bus for the Gray Line Hop-On, Hop-Off City Tour and go at your own pace. Ride the “bus that floats”—the Toronto Hippo Tours bus transforms into a boat. Or buy a City Pass for admission to six select attractions at one low rate.
I'M HUNGRY! Peruse 13 food stations at Richtree Market, with everything from crêpes to pasta, then decide what whets the whistle.

Go shoe crazy at the Bata Shoe Museum
Go shoe crazy at the Bata Shoe Museum
Image © Illustration by Ian Phillips

TAKE A RAIN DAY

The Bata Shoe Museum is an ode to footwear with a collection of more than 10,000 shoes. The Royal Ontario Museum is Canada’s largest museum of natural history and world culture, while the nearby Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art is the country’s only venue devoted entirely to ceramics. The Art Gallery of Ontario chronicles Canada’s artistic heritage.
I'M HUNGRY! At the Amazon-themed Rainforest Café, waterfalls and robotic animals simulate the natural atmosphere.

BE A SPORT

Hockey fans can revel in NHL glory at the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Rogers Centre Tour Experience takes visitors behind the scenes at the world’s first stadium with a fully retractable roof. Cheer on our hometown teams: baseball’s Toronto Blue Jays or football’s Toronto Argonauts.
I'M HUNGRY! A shrine to Number 99’s career, Wayne Gretzky’s Restaurant features his family’s recipes. Alice Fazooli’s is a favourite of local athletes.

Ontario Place provides a cool respite on the shores of Lake Ontario
Ontario Place provides a cool respite on the shores of Lake Ontario
Image © Illustration by Ian Phillips

SEE THE SHORE

Located along the waterfront, Harbourfront Centre hops during the summer with culturally-diverse festivals and live entertainment. At Ontario Place, cool off at Soak City, the only downtown water park, hit the putting greens or see an IMAX movie.
I'M HUNGRY! Hugging the original shoreline of Lake Ontario, Front Street (at The Esplanade) is home to the Old Spaghetti Factory. An authentic trolley car and carousel set the mood.

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

The Toronto Eaton Centre, the city’s shopping icon, has more than 285 stores. Across the way, Canada’s oldest retailer, The Bay, carries designer apparel, jewellery and more. Both link to PATH, a 27-km walkway and the world’s longest underground shopping complex. Along the route, see the soaring arches of BCE Place and the historical art deco business and shopping complex College Park.
I'M HUNGRY!

Via the Atrium on Bay, the Pickle Barrel serves an all-day breakfast.

Ferry off to the Toronto Islands
Ferry off to the Toronto Islands
Image © Illustration by Ian Phillips

ENJOY THE ISLAND

Escape to the Toronto Islands to bike, hike and blade the extensive trails. Franklin Garden, inspired by the children’s book character Franklin the Turtle, has an amphitheatre and a storytelling stage. Hop aboard the antique train or ferris wheel at Centreville Amusement Park. Ferries depart for the island every 15 minutes from Bay Street and Queens Quay.
I'M HUNGRY! Drink in the waterfront aboard a Mariposa Cruise, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, while enjoying a buffet.

Brush Up On History

Majestic Casa Loma boasts secret passageways, towers and an 800-foot tunnel. A homage to military life, Historic Fort York is the site of the Battle of York during the War of 1812. Picturesque Colborne Lodge is a 19th-century home preserved with its original furnishings.
I'M HUNGRY! History comes alive at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. There are no utensils at this 11th-century-inspired feast where two princes joust for the love of a princess (chosen from the audience).

Where Travel blog

Get daily Canadian travel tips from Where's regional editors at where.ca/travel

Sign up for our newsletter

The WHEREmail newsletter is filled with travel tips and hot picks in top Canadian travel destinations from locally based editors and travel experts–plus trip discounts, Q&As, and contests where you can win prizes including vacations, spa getaways, and travel gear. Direct to your e-mail inbox each month!





See a sample newsletter

View our privacy policy

For up-to-the-minute updates, follow Where Canada on Twitter or via RSS

Toronto Current Issue

latest magazine cover

Get your copy of Where Toronto upon your arrival in your hotel room, or ask your concierge

Current Contests

Links and Offers

  • Jersey Boys Ticket Deal
RBC Rewards Points The Medicus Dual Hinged 5 Iron Expedia.com Click here for the lowest rates at Avis.com Buy Shoes Online Recieve Free Shipping
x Close Take the Where survey and you could win Baume & Mercier watches worth over $3,700!

About WhereContact WherePrivacy Statement

© Copyright 2005 - 2010. All Rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part strictly prohibited. WHERE Canada is a registered trademark of St. Joseph Media Inc.