Become a Virtual Tourist Member Today!  Sign Up for Free | Sign In

Off the Beaten Path in Toronto

Search:
email to friend | help
Home » Travel Guides » North America » Canada » Province of Ontario » Toronto » Off the Beaten Path

Toronto Travel Guide


Sponsored Links for Toronto

Toronto Hotels
Shop Hotels.com Huge Selection 25,000 Properties in 500 Cities

Crowne Plaza Toronto
Perfect choice for business & leisure travel. Free Internet.

Toronto, Canada Hotels
Exclusive offers. Book direct for great rates. Official Sites.

Glen Grove Suites Toronto
Fully furnished suites in Toronto Spring Special - Free Upgrades!

Ontario Hotels
Book Accommodations Online. Free internet. Kids Eat Free.

Off the Beaten Path in Toronto

Mel Lastman Square - Toronto
Mel Lastman Square
by mikey_e
Tips and photos of unusual, out-of-the-way Toronto attractions, posted by real travelers and locals.
Local Time 9:41 am Saturday, May 17, 2008
Toronto Map
• Toronto Hotels
All Toronto Hotels
Check-In Date:
Check-Out Date:
Guests
Hotels by OneTime.com
Sort By:  Most Recent | Best Rated
Toronto Islands: Toronto Islands
  • Tip Rating:
  • Just a short ferry ride away from downtown Toronto, you will find several small islands that provide a quiet, relaxing, walk (or bike ride) away from the city, but with the best view of the skyline that you can get. There are ferries to Hanlan's Point, Centre Island and Ward's Island daily, although be sure to check the schedules (website below) as there are 4 different ones, one for each season. In winter, for instance (when we went), there is no service to Centre Island and only 4 daily to Hanlan's. I was told there is the possibility of renting bikes, although it seems not to be the case during the winter. Please also take in mind that there is NOTHING open at that time of year. Do bring own food, drinks as the restaurants and shops (not that I saw them at all) are closed. It is also quite important that the weather is nice as it was very windy when we went and that made it a bit more difficult to enjoy the experience. The skyline viewed from the island is absolutely wonderful and it is so quiet. You will also find many squirrels and birds, which makes for some nice pictures. Fall/Winter also has its charms: look at the foliage colours on the picture. The ferry ride is about 6 CAD each (Sudents and Seniors 3.5 CAD) and takes less than 30 min. The website also provides good information on how to arrive to the City Docks.

    Leave a Comment

  • Phone: 392-8193
  • Website: http://www.torontoharbour.com/toronto-island-ferry/

  • Add to Your Trip Planner  Post a Question  Write a Tip on  Toronto Islands
    Rate      Not Helpful  1   2   3   4   5  Very Helpful
    Ontario Science Centre
  • Tip Rating:
  • The name says it all. Here you will find many, interesting exhibitions that are worth attending if you have the time. We were very lucky to be able to attend the "BodyWorlds2" exhibit, which was absolutely great, but it is over now. Check website for current showings. It is a very interesting place for both children and grown-ups, of course it helps if you have good knowledge of English. There is also an IMAX theatre inside, that has several shows per day and if you've ever seen and IMAX feature, you know how nice it is. Please note that it will take you at least 30 minutes from downtown Toronto to get here. A taxi ride costs about 30-35 CAD and public transport (subway and bus) will cost about 2.5 CAD. Check website for exact information on how to arrive. Another note: There is a small snack-bar inside the Centre, which contrary to what I was expecting, sells decent sandwiches/cakes, etc at a very reasonable price (7-8 CAD will get you sandwich, drink and a cookie).

    Leave a Comment

  • Website: http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/

  • Add to Your Trip Planner  Post a Question  Write a Tip on
    Rate      Not Helpful  1   2   3   4   5  Very Helpful
    Fort York. Is It Really Worth The Bother?
  • Tip Rating:
  • I have to admit that I am not a fan of Fort York and I do not recommend that you visit the place if your time in Toronto is limited. For my money there are vastly superior Colonial forts all within easy reach of Toronto that are far more interesting. I have included some of these in my Ontario Page if you are curious. Fort York dates from 1793 when the first English settlers came to what was then York. It played a brief but interesting role in the War of 1812 (the American War to you Brits) when it was attacked by the invading Americans commanding by future president General William Henry Harrison. Before evacuating the fort the British-Canadian defenders blew up the gunpowder magazine. This resulted in the death of 250 American soldiers including American explorer and soldier Zebulon Pike. Today the fort has been faithfully restored to what it looked like after the War of 1812 when the locals feared that the Americans would again invade Canada. Why I do not think that the fort is all that interesting is a matter of taste I suppose. In my opinion it is just a simple collection of restored blockhouse, storage sheds, officers quarters and magazines surrounded by earthen ramparts. Sadly too, is that the fort is overshadowed by a hideous elevated freeway. Also because of the decades of landfilling along the waterfront, the fort is no longer located on the lake where it once guarded the harbour. It looks sad and forgotten. However one of the good things about the fort is that is well run. They frequently host festivals here on the weekends in the summer as the managers make good use of the large open spaces between the blockhouses. So if you think you are interested in the local history of Toronto then you might enjoy the place. It is open: late May to Aug daily 10am–5pm; Sept to late May Mon–Fri 10am–4pm, Sat & Sun 10am–5pm. It cost $5.00 CDN to enter. Fort York is located off of Lakeshore Blvd. near the Canadian National Exhibition grounds.

    Leave a Comment

  • Phone: 416-392-6907

  • Add to Your Trip Planner  Post a Question  Write a Tip on
    Rate      Not Helpful  1   2   3   4   5  Very Helpful
    What's Cooking In Toronto
  • Tip Rating:
  • Empress Walk Shopping Center - Toronto
    Empress Walk Shopping Center
    by keida84
    Send Photo to a Friend
    Upstairs in the Empress Walk, The Loblaws Cooking School vertiable delights are being created everyday! This cooking school offers classes to both adult and children. There was a cooking class for children on Saturday morning when we happened by and they were instructing the kids in clean up. This cooking school offers classes in Soups and Breads, Fall fun with apples, Thai food, even sushi preparations (not very yummy to me but others may enjoy it) and to Kat's all time favorite thing to make (besides reservations) desserts!!!! They also sponsors Weight Watcher's meetings and discuss healthful ways of cooking and even a seminar on food allergies. I thought this was a super organization and worthy of a "off the beaten path" tip

    Leave a Comment

  • Phone: 416 512 2924
  • Website: www.loblaws.ca

  • Add to Your Trip Planner  Post a Question  Write a Tip on
    Rate      Not Helpful  1   2   3   4   5  Very Helpful
    Harbourfront & Toronto Islands: Lake Shore Boulevard, Music Gardens
  • Tip Rating:
  • At the intersection of Lake Shore Boulevard W. & Spadina Ave West, you will find Music Garden, a park that was inspired by musician Yo-Yo-Ma. It is designed after Johann Sebastian Bach's Suites for Unaccompanied Cello. Originally planned for Boston, the plan eventually became a reality here at the waterfront. Though it is small, it is one of the most beautiful parks in Toronto. Mr. Ma worked with landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy to interpret in nature the music of Bach's first suite, with each part of the garden dedicated to a different dance movement. Dance Movements include - Prelude - "An undulating river scrape with curves and bends," it was designed to give a flowing river feeling where visitors can stroll. Allemande - "A forest grove of wandering trails," it is a birch forest with a swirl that has an upward slope. Eventually at its highest point, you could view the harbour through a circle of Dawn Redwood Trees. Allemande is an ancient German dance. Courante - "A swirling path through a wildflower meadow," is a huge upward spiral through a field of grasses and brightly-coloured perennials. At the top, a Maypole spins in the wind. Courante is an exuburating Italian & French dance. Sarabande - "A conifer grove in the shape of an arc," is an inward-arcing circle that is enclosed by evergreen trees. Envisoned to become a poet's corner, it has a pond that reflects to the sky and a stone in the middle set for readings. Menuett - "A formal flower parterre," is a circular pavilion is designed to shelter small musical ensembles or dance groups. The symmetry and geometry of the pavillion follows the movement's grace and form. Menuett is actually a French dance. Gigue Giant - "grass steps that dance you down to the outside world," is a series of giant grass steps that offer views onto the harbour. The steps form a curved amphitheatre that focus on a stone stage (under a weeping willow tree.) It is a place for informal performances. A gigue (jog) is an Englsih dance.

    Leave a Comment

  • Phone: 416-338-0338.
  • Website: http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/parks/music_index.htm
  • Other Contact: 475 Queen’s Quay West

  • Add to Your Trip Planner  Post a Question  Write a Tip on  Harbourfront & Toronto Islands
    Rate      Not Helpful  1   2   3   4   5  Very Helpful
    Toronto Zoo: Toronto Zoo
  • Tip Rating:
  • Toronto Zoo - Polar bear exhibit - Toronto
    Toronto Zoo - Polar bear
    exhibit
    by mim95
    Send Photo to a Friend
    Toronto Zoo is the home of thousands of animals representing different parts of the world, including the polar bears, gorillas, tigers, elephants, and komodo dragons. There are both indoor and outdoor exhibits throughout the zoo. Kids would love the water park here! Plan to spend a whole day here, as there's a lot to do...10km of walking trails, Splash Island, safari simulator, camel rides and pony rides. If you're too tired, you can also take the zoomobile. You can picnic here, or have fast food at one of the many restaurants throughout the zoo. Admission is $19 for adults. The zoo opens everyday except for Christmas Day. Admission on Boxing Day is free and you can see the animals getting special Christmas treats. But it will be very crowded for sure. Don't forget to bring some non-perishable food items for the food bank. You can take the bus to the zoo, or drive there. There are plenty of parking, but it'll cost you $8 between March and October. The zoo is located on Meadowvale Road (north of Highway 401) in the east end of Toronto. There are signs in the area to direct you - you won't get lost.

    Leave a Comment

  • Website: http://www.torontozoo.com/

  • Add to Your Trip Planner  Post a Question  Write a Tip on  Toronto Zoo
    Rate      Not Helpful  1   2   3   4   5  Very Helpful
    Cullen Gardens & Miniature Village
  • Tip Rating:
  • Miniature theme park in Cullen Garden - Toronto
    Miniature theme park in Cullen
    Garden
    by mim95
    Send Photo to a Friend
    ***On Jan 1, 2006, this fun attraction for all ages closed its doors after 25 years.*** As its name suggests, it's a place with miniatures in a beatufiul landscaped setting. You'll find anything that you can see in everyday life but has shrunk in size, such as a miniature downtown street that lights up at night, a cottage area with boats and campgrounds, a theme park with lots of fun rides and a church with a wedding couple and their family and friends! They really pay close attention to details, as the lawns are nicely decorated, and so is the inside of the houses! Cullen Garden is located in Whitby, about half an hour drive from eastern Toronto. Check out their website for more details. CAA/AAA members can get 10% discount off the regular admission.

    Leave a Comment


    Add to Your Trip Planner  Post a Question  Write a Tip on
    Rate      Not Helpful  1   2   3   4   5  Very Helpful
    Wild Water Kingdom
  • Tip Rating:
  • A good way to beat the summer heat is to go to Wild Water Kingdom, Canada's largest waterpark. With more than 100 acres of pools, slides, and other forms of water entertainment, you could spend an entire water-logged day here. I've never been big on waterparks, so I only came here as part of a friend's company picnic. Since going here, I've never been to any other park that can equally compare. If you get sick of marinating in water, there's mini golf, bumper cars, and other dryland activities to enjoy. 7855 Finch Ave. West Brampton, Ontario L6T 3Y7 Open weekends only: June 1, 2 & 8, 9 10am-6pm; Daily, June 14-28 10am-6pm; June 29-Aug. 18 10am-8pm; Aug. 19-Sept. 2 10am-6pm

    Leave a Comment

  • Phone: 1-866-794-WILD
  • Website: www.wildwaterkingdom.com

  • Add to Your Trip Planner  Post a Question  Write a Tip on
    Rate      Not Helpful  1   2   3   4   5  Very Helpful
    Entertainment district: Playdium Mississauga
  • Tip Rating:
  • As Toronto's high tech playground, Playdium offers over 200 of the world's greatest simulators and video games. It also has 11 acre outdoor playpark that includes a GoCart Track. My favourites include the racing games, the VR (another universe ^_^), & the real life simulators..... Admission into Playdium is free, & it only charges those that play! However the allure of lights & high tech will draw you to spend money & have fun! They are even stronger than the casino lures so common in Vegas... Located at 99 Rathburn Rd, City of Mississauga. Take Hwy. 403 to Square One Shopping Centre. Playdium is across the street.

    Leave a Comment

  • Phone: (905) 273 - 9000
  • Website: http://www.playdium.com/

  • Add to Your Trip Planner  Post a Question  Write a Tip on  Entertainment district
    Rate      Not Helpful  1   2   3   4   5  Very Helpful
    Financial District & Underground City: "The Flatiron Building" of Toronto
  • Tip Rating:
  • The Flatiron Building with BCE Place behind it. - Toronto
    The Flatiron Building
    with BCE Place behind it.
    by Paul2001
    Send Photo to a Friend
    Okay it is nothing compared to the Flatiron Building in New York. In fact I have no idea why they call it the "Flatiron Building" in the first place. I always assumed because of its triangular shape like the more famous building in New York. I do know that it is one of the most photographed landmarks in Toronto. This probably because it is infact a rather attractive piece of late 19th century architecture and that it serves to as interesting contrast to the late 20th century office towers in the backdrop. The building was actually built in 1890 and served as the corporate offices of Gooderham & Worts distilleries. Recently new owners have restored the builidng to its original splendor. On the upper floor are very expensive offices while in the basement, there is a very nice bar called "the Flatiron and Firkin". It operates a charming patio on the southside of the building in the summertime. The Flatiron Building is on the corners of Esplanade, Wellington and Church Streets.

    Leave a Comment


    Add to Your Trip Planner  Post a Question  Write a Tip on  Financial District & Underground City
    Rate      Not Helpful  1   2   3   4   5  Very Helpful
    More Toronto Tips
    Overview
     
    General Tips
    Tips: 423 - Photos: 297
    Restaurants
    Tips: 926 - Photos: 498
    Hotels and Accommodations
    Tips: 331 - Photos: 183
    Things To Do
    Tips: 1,520 - Photos: 1,242
    Nightlife
    Tips: 252 - Photos: 149
    Off the Beaten Path
    Tips: 400 - Photos: 313
    Tourist Traps
    Tips: 118 - Photos: 51
    Warnings or Dangers
    Tips: 154 - Photos: 65
    Transportation
    Tips: 384 - Photos: 225
    Local Customs
    Tips: 197 - Photos: 91
    Packing Lists
    Tips: 61 - Photos: 27
    Shopping
    Tips: 235 - Photos: 171
    Sports Travel
    Tips: 91 - Photos: 79
    Flights
    Tips: 54 - Photos: 36

    More Sponsored Links for Toronto





    Find:        Matching:  Advanced