Toronto tourist and information guide |
 | Start off with an easy way to familiarise yourself with the city, jump aboard one of the Toronto Trolley or City Tour buses, these bus passesare pre bookable, (save time when you get there) Experience the sights, sounds and history of multicultural Toronto at your speed, on your time. Your 24 hour ticket on the Greater Toronto Double Decker Circle Tour allows you to see the city with professional drivers and commentary, all the while giving you the complete flexibility to visit some of Toronto’s sights, major attractions, shopping areas or unique cultural districts. Highlights include CN Tower, Sky Dome, Casa Loma, Queens Park, Yorkville, Chinatown and Toronto Harbor tours to name a few More Info |
Black Creek Pioneer Village:
1000 Murray Ross Pkwy. Downsview at Steeles Ave. and Jane St.
416/736-1733
May-June weekdays 9:30am-4:30pm, weekends and holidays 10am-5pm; July-Sept daily 10am-5pm; Oct-Dec weekdays 9:30am-4pm, weekends and holidays 10am-4:30pm Closed Jan-Apr, Dec 25
Subway: Finch, then bus no. 60 to Jane St.
Admission Charged. free for children 4 and under. Parking fee
Life here moves at the gentle pace of rural Ontario as it was 100 years ago. You can watch the authentically dressed villagers going about their chores, spinning, sewing, rail splitting, sheep shearing, and threshing. Enjoy the villagers' cooking, wander through the cozily furnished homesteads, visit the working mill, shop at the general store, or rumble past the farm animals in a horse-drawn wagon. The beautifully landscaped village has more than 30 restored buildings to explore. Special events take place throughout the year, from a great Easter egg hunt to Christmas by lamplight.Design Exchange:
234 Bay St.
416/363-6121
Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun noon-5pm.
Subway: King
Admission Charged. free for children 13 and under.
Located in the old Stock Exchange Building, this has become Toronto's design center. It showcases professionals' work, but the main purpose of the institution is to nurture designers of all types: graphic, industrial, interior, landscape, and urban. It also serves as a clearinghouse and resource center for the design community. Small free exhibitions on the first floor are open daily, while those in the upstairs Exhibition Hall are usually on view for 3 to 6 months and require admission. There is also a good bookstore and a café. Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art:
Toronto Centre formerly the Ford Centre for the Performing Arts
5040 Yonge St., North York
416/395-0067
Tues-Sun noon-5pm
Subway: North York Centre
Free admission
This fairly new gallery is charged with collecting and exhibiting the best Canadian art created since 1985. Currently, the collection includes works by Stephen Andrews, Genevieve Cadieux, Ivan Eyre, Betty Goodwin, Micah Lexier, Arnaud Maggs, and Roland Poulin. Special shows approximately six times a year.
More Info The Bata Shoe Museum:
327 Bloor St. W. at St. George St.
416/979-7799
Tues-Wed and Fri-Sat 10am-5pm, Thurs 10am-8pm, Sun noon-5pm
Subway: St. George
Admission Charged. Free to all first Tues of the month.
The museum houses the Bata family's 10,000 item collection. The building, designed by Raymond Moriyama, is spectacular. The main gallery, "All About Shoes," traces the history of footwear. It begins with a plaster cast of some of the earliest known human footprints discovered in Africa by anthropologist Mary Leakey , which date to 4 million B.C., then takes the visitor through the fads and s of every era. A smaller gallery houses changing exhibits.
More Info The Museum for Textiles:
55 Centre Ave.
416/599-5321
416/599-5515 for taped information
Tues and Thurs-Fri 11am-5pm, Wed 11am-8pm, Sat-Sun noon-5pm
Subway: St. Patrick
Admission Charged.
This fascinating museum is internationally recognized for its collection of more than 8,000 historic and ethnographic textiles and related artifacts.
More Info The Pier: Toronto's Waterfront Museum:
245 Queens Quay W.
416/338-PIER
Open daily 10am-4pm from early Mar to June 30, daily 10am-6pm from July 1 through Labor Day, and daily 10am-4pm from day after Labor Day through Oct 31Tues-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun noon-5pm Closed Nov to early March
Subway: Union, then LRT to York Quay
Admission Charged
This is one of the city's newer museums. It explores the history of nautical travel. Many exhibits are strictly hands-on, so it is popular with children. You can explore a shipwreck, guide a vessel through a series of canals, or watch special exhibits about the ancient art of shipbuilding. Waterfront tours. Casa Loma:
1 Austin Terrace
416/923-1171
Daily 9:30am-5pm last entry at 4pm Closed Jan 1, Dec 25
Subway: Dupont, then walk 2 blocks north
Admission Charged. Self-guided tour by cassette.
free for children 3 and under.
This authentic castle-residence is complete with Elizabethan-style chimneys, Rhineland turrets, secret passageways, and an 800-foot underground tunnel. Sir Henry Pellatt, who built the castle between 1911 and 1914 at a cost of $3.5 million plus $1.5 million for furnishings , had a lifelong fascination with castles. He studied medieval palaces and gathered materials and furnishings from around the world, bringing marble, glass, and paneling from Europe, teak from Asia, and oak and walnut from North America. He imported Scottish stonemasons to build the massive walls that surround the 6-acre site. It's a fascinating place to explore. Wander through the majestic Great Hall, with its 60-foot-high hammer-beam ceiling; the Oak Room, where three artisans took 3 years to the paneling; and the Conservatory, with its elegant bronze doors, stained-glass dome, and pink-and-green marble. The castle has battlements and a tower; Peacock Alley, designed after Windsor Castle; Sir Henry's suite, containing a shower with an 18-inch-diameter shower head; and a 1,700-bottle wine cellar. The 800-foot tunnel connects with the stables, where horses resided surrounded by Spanish tile and mahogany.
More Info Mount Pleasant Cemetery:
1643 Yonge St. or 375 Mount Pleasant Rd., north of St. Clair Ave.
416/485-9129
Daily 8am-dusk
Subway: St. Clair
Free admission
Home to one of the finest tree collections in North America, this cemetery is also the final resting place of many fascinating people. Of particular note are Glenn Gould, the celebrated classical pianist; Dr. Frederick Banting and Dr. Charles Best, the University of Toronto researchers who discovered insulin in 1922; golfer George Knudson; the Massey and Eaton families, whose mausoleums are impressive architectural monuments; Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King; Canada's great war hero, Lieutenant Colonel William Barker; and Jim Cormier, one of Canada's top writers and editors. Necropolis:
200 Winchester St. at Sumach St.
416/923-7911
Daily 8am-dusk
Subway: Parliament
Free admission
This is one of the city's oldest cemeteries, dating to 1850. Many of the remains were originally buried in Potters Field, where Yorkville stands today. Before strolling through the cemetery, pick up a History Tour at the office. You'll find the graves of William Lyon Mackenzie, leader of the 1837 rebellion, as well as those of his followers, Samuel Lount and Peter Matthews, who were hanged for their part in the rebellion. Anderson Abbot, the first Canadian-born black surgeon; Joseph Tyrrell, who discovered dinosaurs in Alberta; world-champion oarsman Ned Hanlan; and many more notable Torontonians can be found in the 15-acre cemetery. The Gothic Revival chapel was designed by Henry Langley, who is also buried here. Art Gallery Of Ontario:
317 Dundas St. W
416/979-6648.
donation.
Tues. and Thurs.-Fri. 11-6, Wed. 11-8:30, weekends 10-5:30.
The AGO (as it's known) is among North America's top 10 art museums. It has the largest public collection of Henry Moore sculpture in the world, major works by Canadian artists, and works by Rembrandt, Hals, Van Dyck, Hogarth, Reynolds, Chardin, Renoir, Degas, Rodin, Matisse, Picasso, de Kooning, Rothko, Oldenburg, and others. Drop by the Anne Tannenbaum Gallery School on Sunday and explore painting, printmaking, and sculpting, or visit The Grange, an adjoining Georgian-style house built in 1817-18.
More Info Beth Tzedec Museum:
1700 Bathurst St., 2 blocks south of Eglinton Ave.
416/781-3514 ext. 32.
Free.
Mon., Wed., Thurs. 11-1, 2-5, Sun. 11-2, and by appointment.
Tours can be arranged.
Set in a Conservative synagogue of the same name, the museum houses one of the largest collections of Jewish artifacts in Canada. In addition to displays of ritual objects relating to Jewish celebrations and ceremonies, the museum mounts original exhibitions that provide a geographic, cultural, and historic view of Jewish life. Highlights of the collection include a treasury of illuminated marriage contracts and a unique circumcision chair from Berlin, dated 1766. CN Tower:
Peak visiting hours are 11-4.
301 Front St. W
416/868-6937; 416/362-5411.
Observation levels: fee charged.;concourse attractions and Sky Pod additional cost. Sun.-Thurs. 8 AM-10 PM, Fri.-Sat. 8 AM-11 PM; hrs for attractions vary so call ahead.
The tallest freestanding structure in the world, at 1,815 ft and 5 inches high Visit if the weather is clear. There are multiple observation decks -- with glass floors, a revolving restaurant, and the world's highest public observation gallery. All levels offer spectacular panoramic views. On clear days you can see the mist rising from Niagara Falls to the south.
More Info Eaton Centre:
220 Yonge St.
416/598-2322. or 416/598-8700
Get off at either Queen or Dundas subway stations.
Weekdays 10-9, Sat. 9:30-7, Sun. noon-7.
Number of stores 285 and growing; Number of food outlets: more than 50 17-theater Eaton Centre Cineplex, west of the Dundas Street entrance. Safe, well-lighted parking garages with spaces for some 1,800 cars attached to Eaton Centre. Galleria Level 1 contains two food courts; popularly priced s; photo, electronics, and record stores; and much "convenience" merchandise. Level 2 is directed to the middle-income shopper Level 3, has the highest elevation, , and prices. A branch of Eaton's, now operated by the Sears chain, remains in the Centre despite the closing of all Eaton stores throughout Canada in 1999. At the southern end of Level 3 is a skywalk that connects the Centre to the seven floors of The Bay (formerly Simpsons) department store, across Queen Street. Edwards Gardens:
The beautiful 35-acre Edwards Gardens flow into one of the city's most visited ravines. Paths wind along floral displays and rock gardens. Start out at the entrance (southwest corner of Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue East) and head south through Wilket Creek Park and the Don River valley. Pass beneath the Don Valley Parkway and continue along Massey Creek. After hours of walking, you'll be at at the southern tip of Taylor Creek Park on Victoria Park Avenue, just north of the Danforth. From here, catch a subway. Entrance at southwest corner of Leslie St. and Lawrence Ave. E. Harbourfront Centre:
416/973-4600
Stretching from just west of York Street to Spadina Avenue, this culture-and-recreation center is one of the highlights of a visit to Toronto. Harbourfront Centre, a streamlined version of the original concept, draws over 3 million visitors to the 10-acre site each year. There's the eight-story Queen's Quay Terminal, with specialty shops and eateries; art exhibits at the Power Plant; theater and readings at the York Quay Center; nautical exhibits at The Pier museum, antiques at the Harborfront Antiques Market, and seasonal events.
More Info New City Hall:
100 Queen St. W
416/392-9111; TDD 416/392-7354.
Weekdays 8:30-4:30.
The underground garage holds 2,400 cars
Toronto's newest city hall was the outgrowth of a 1958 international competition won by a Finnish architect. A mural within the main entrance, Metropolis, was constructed by sculptor David Partridge from 100,000 common nails. In front of the building is Nathan Phillips Square, a gathering place. Annual events at New City Hall include the Spring Flower Show in late March; the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition early each July; and the yearly Cavalcade of Lights from late November through Christmas, when 100,000 sparkling lights are illuminated across both city halls. Old City Hall:
60 Queen St. W
416/327-5675
Weekdays 8:30-4:45.
In marked contrast to the New City Hall structure across Bay Street, this earlier city hall was created in 1899. Its gargoyles above the front steps were apparently the architect's way of poking fun at certain turn-of-the-20th-century politicians; he also carved his name under the eaves on all four faces of the building. Considered one of North America's most impressive municipal halls in its day (note the huge stained-glass window as you enter ) it is still in operation as the home of the provincial courts, the county offices, and the marriage bureau. Queen's Park:
Queen's Park Circle, between College St. and Bloor St. W.
Many visitors consider this to be the heart and soul of Toronto. Surrounding the large oval-shape patch of land are medical facilities to the south, the University of Toronto to the west and east, and the Royal Ontario Museum to the north. To most Torontonians, Queen's Park is synonymous with politics, as the Ontario Legislative Building sits in the middle of this urban oasis. Royal Bank Building And Plaza:
Northwest corner of Bay and Front Sts.
The exterior of this 1976 building, designed by Torontonian Boris Zerafa, is coated with 2,500 ounces of gold. The surface creates reflections of sky, clouds, and other buildings.. Enter the 120-ft-high banking hall and admire the lovely hanging sculpture by Jesús Raphaél Soto. The building is stunning at sunset. Royal Ontario Museum:
100 Queen's Park,
416/542-1492.
free Fri. after 4:30 and Sat.-Thurs. 1 hr before closing.
At other times, admission is charged.
Mon.-Sat. 10-6, Fri. 10-9:30, Sun. 11-6.
Canada's largest museum has amassed more than 6 million items. What makes the ROM unique is that science, art, and archaeology exhibits are all under one roof. The museum has marvelous Asian items, including 200 works of fine art and objects from Korea. There are also exhibits on science and biodiversity, and an extensive dinosaur collection. Other exhibits include Canadiana, Chinese and Roman art and artifacts, musical instruments, ancient Egypt, and a Bat Cave with 4,000 freeze-dried and artificial bats.
More Info George R. Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art:
111 Queen's Park
416/586-8080
Mon. and Wed.-Fri. 10-6 Tues. 10-8; Sat 10-5; Sun. 11-5
Admission charged.
This one of a kind collection includes 17th century English Delftware, and 18th century yellow European porcelain. The pre-Colombian collection dates back to Olmec and Mayan times. Skydome:
Tour entrance: Front and John Sts., between Gates 1 and 2, northeast corner of SkyDome,
416/341-2770 for tours; 416/341-3663 for events and shows; 416/341-1000 for Blue Jays games.
Admission charged.
Tours daily; call ahead for times.
The home of baseball's Blue Jays was the world's first stadium with a fully retractable roof. One way to see the huge 52,000-seat stadium is to buy tickets for a Blue Jays game or one of the many other events that take place here. These may include cricket matches, Wrestlemania, monster truck races, family ice shows, rock concerts, or even the opera Aïda. You can also take a one-hour guided walking tour -- except when daytime events are scheduled. Spadina:
285 Spadina Rd.
416/392-6910
Admission charged.
Jan.-Mar., weekends noon-5; Apr.-Decweekdays noon-4, weekends and holidays noon-5.
The 50-room house has been restored with period wallpaper, upholstery, and furniture, and crystal chandeliers burn softly with natural gas. This 1866 house is filled with arts and artifacts of the James Austin family, prominent in the natural gas, railroad, and banking businesses. Members of the family lived here from Victorian times until 1982, when it was turned over to public ownership.. Docents tend the magnificent gardens and the small orchard; they make jam in summer and bread in winter and give guided tours. St. James Cathedral:
416/364-7865
Northeast corner of Church and King Sts
This Anglican church with Gothic spires has the tallest steeple in Canada. Its illuminated spire clock once guided ships into the harbor. A new peal of 12 bells was recently installed. There's a concert most Sundays, a half-hour before the 11 AM service. Toronto Islands:
These tree-lined islands include 550 acres of parkland. The boardwalk from Centre to Ward's Island is 11/2 mi. long. No cars are permitted. Consider renting a bike (walk south from the Centre Island ferry docks to Avenue of the Islands) and work your way across the islands. 416/234-2345 in winter; 416/203-0405 in summer; 416/392-8195 for island information; 416/392-8193; 416/392-8186 for ferry information. Centre Island amusement park; Ward's and Hanlan's are places to picnic, sunbathe, and read under a tree. Ferries at foot of Bay St. and Queen's Quay, 416/234-2345 in winter; 416/203-0405 in summer; 416/392-8195 for island information; 416/392-8193; 416/392-8186 for ferry information. Toronto Zoo:
Meadowvale Rd. north of Hwy. 401
30-min drive from downtown, or take Bus 86A from Kennedy subway station,
416/392-5900
Parking free Nov.-Feb.
Hours: Summer 9-7:30; winter 9:30-4:30.
This 710-acre zoo houses mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish in their natural habitats. There are also botanical exhibits, pony and camel rides, a walking safari, and a reproduction of "big-game" country with rare animals.
More Info Hockey Hall of Fame:
30 Yonge St. BCE Place, Toronto
(416) 360-7765
The Hockey Hall of Fame houses artifacts and multimedia exhibits honoring the sport's legends. Art Gallery of Ontario:
317 Dundas St. W. Location: between McCaul and Beverley sts.
416/977-0414
Tues and Thurs-Fri 11am-6pm, Wed 11am-8:30pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5:30pm.
Grange House Tues-Sun noon-4pm, Wed noon-9pm Seasonal Info: Closed Jan 1, Dec 25 Subway: St. Patrick
Donation requested.
The exterior gives no hint of the light and openness inside this beautifully designed gallery. The space is dramatic, and the paintings imaginatively displayed. Throughout, audiovisual presentations and interactive computer presentations provide information on particular paintings or schools of painters. There is an extensive collection of Inuit art. The Henry Moore Sculpture Centre, with more than 800 pieces (original plasters, bronzes, maquettes, woodcuts, lithographs, etchings, and drawings), is the largest public collection of his works. The European collection ranges from the 14th century to the French impressionists and beyond. Behind the gallery, connected by an arcade, stands the Grange (1817), Toronto's oldest surviving brick house, which was the gallery's first permanent space. Entrance is free with admission to the art gallery.
More Info
Some popular things to do in Toronto Toronto CityPass The world's tallest buidling with a 360 degree view and glass floor! A 98-room Castle, 5,000 animals zoo, hands-on Biodiversity Gallery and 38,000 works of art. These are just a few of Toronto's cosmopolitan offerings. Don't miss CN Tower, Casa Loma, Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Onatrio, Totonto Zoo and Ontario Science Centre all in the New Toronto, Canada CityPass! An easy pre bookable money saving way to get into the many attractions listed below. More Info.. Day tours to Niagara Falls take a day tour to this famous and romantic spot, these are popular trips from Toronto, but you can pre book before you go to make certain of a place, and also save time as well, for further information please take the links below. Niagara Falls Day Tour Niagara Falls Evening Light Tour Niagara Falls Freedom Tour See the side panel for more tours from Toronto, most have hotel pick ups Theatre & Event Tickets Fancy the theatre or a show? book on line for the top events, and make sure of a good seat before you get there. More Info.. |
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Diary of Events in Toronto January Chinese New Year Celebrations, downtown. The year is ushered in with traditional and contemporary performances of Chinese opera, dancing, music, and more. For Harbourfront celebration information, call 416/973-3000; for SkyDome, call 877/666-3838. February Winterfest, Nathan Phillips Square, Yonge and Eglinton, and Mel Lastman Square. This 3-day celebration spreads over three neighborhoods. It features ice-skating shows, snow play, midway rides, performances, ice sculpting, arts-and-crafts shows, and more. For information, call 416/338-0338. Usually around Valentine's Day. Toronto Festival of Storytelling, Harbourfront. This annual event celebrates international folklore, with 60 storytellers imparting legends and fables from around the world. For information, call 416/973-3000. Last weekend of February. March Canada Blooms, Metro Toronto Convention Centre. At this time of year, any glimpse of greenery is welcome. There are 6 acres of indoor garden and flower displays, seminars with green-thumb experts, and competitions. For information, call 416/593-0223. Usually the second week of March. St. Patrick's Day Parade, downtown. Toronto's own version of the classic Irish celebration. For information, call 416/487-1566. March 17. April Blue Jays' Season Opener, SkyDome. Turn out to root for your home-away-from-home team. For information, call 416/341-1000; for tickets, which aren't too hard to get, call 888/654-6529. Mid-April. The Shaw Festival, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Starting in mid-April and running through the fall, this festival presents the plays of George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries. Call 416/690-7301 or 905/468-2172. Mid-April through October. The Bloor-Yorkville Wine Festival, Yorkville. This 4-day gourmet festival brings together award-winning Ontario vintages, food from the city's top-rated chefs, and live jazz. For information, call 416/504-3977. Last weekend in April. May Milk International Children's Festival, Harbourfront. This is a 9-day celebration of the arts for kids: from theater and music to dance, comedy, and storytelling. For information, call 416/973-3000. Usually starts on Mother's Day. The Stratford Festival, Stratford, Ontario. Featuring a wide range of contemporary and classic plays, this festival always includes several works by Shakespeare. Call 800/567-1600 or 416/364-8355. Early May through October. North American Cycle Courier Championships, downtown. Part of Toronto's Bike Week, this unique race is really an obstacle course filled with all the things that can ruin a bike courier's day: traffic lights, road problems, and pedestrians. For information, call 416/539-7007. Last week in May. June Harbourfront Reading Series, Harbourfront. This annual festival celebrates the best of Canadian literature. Top writers such as Timothy Findley, Anne Michaels, and Barbara Gowdy flock here to read from their latest works. For information, call Harbourfront at 416/973-3000; for tickets, call 416/973-4000. Readings go on through most of June. North by Northeast Festival, citywide. Known in the music business as NXNE, the 3-day event features rock and indie bands at 28 venues around Toronto. For information, call 416/469-0986. Second weekend in June. Toronto International Festival Caravan, citywide. This popular 9-day event is North America's largest international festival. It features more than 40 themed pavilions, craft demonstrations, opportunities to sample authentic dishes, and traditional dance performances by 100 cultural groups. For information, call 416/977-0466. Usually third and fourth weekends of June. Benson & Hedges Symphony of Fire, Ontario Place. This international fireworks competition is set to music and draws 2 million people to the waterfront. Six shows take place, on several Saturdays and Wednesdays. For information, call 416/442-3667; for tickets for waterfront seating, call 416/870-8000. Mid-June to July. Taste of Little Italy, along College Street between Euclid and Shaw streets. Restaurants, craftspeople, musicians, and other performers put on displays during this 2-day festival for the whole family. For information, call 416/531-9991. Mid-June. International Dragon Boat Festival, Centre Island. More than 160 teams of dragon-boaters compete in the 2-day event, which commemorates the death of the Chinese philosopher and poet Qu Yuan. For information, call 416/598-8945. Third weekend in June. Gay & Lesbian Pride Celebration, citywide. A week of events, performances, symposiums, and parties culminates in an extravagant Sunday parade. For information, call 416/92PRIDE or 416/927-7433. Late June. Du Maurier Downtown Jazz Festival, citywide. An annual event since 1987, this 10-day festival showcases more than 2,000 international artists playing every jazz style conceivable: blues, gospel, Latin, African, traditional: at 60 venues around town. For information, call 416/363-8717. Late June. July Canada Day Celebrations, citywide. July 1 marks the nation's birthday. Street parties, fireworks, and other special events across town mark the day. For information, call Tourism Toronto 800/363-1990 or 416/203-2600 . Weekend of July 1. The FringeToronto's Theatre Festival, citywide. More than 90 thespian troupes participate in this 10-day festival of contemporary and experimental theater. Shows last no more than an hour. For information, call 416/534-5919 First week of July. Great Canadian Blues Festival, Harbourfront Centre. 3-day festival of Canada's best blues musicians. The Blues Festival coincides with a BBQ festival also at Harbourfront. For information, call Harbourfront 416/973-3000 ; for tickets, call 416/973-4000. Second weekend in July. Molson Indy, the Exhibition Place Street circuit. One of Canada's major races on the IndyCar circuit. Away from the track, there's live music and beer gardens. For information, call 416/922-7477. Third weekend in July. Caribana, citywide. Toronto's version of Carnival transforms the city. It's complete with traditional foods from the Caribbean and Latin America, ferry cruises, island picnics, children's events, concerts, and arts-and-crafts exhibits. This festival draws more than 1 million people from across North America and Britain. Call 416/465-4884 for more information. Late July to early August. August Festival of Beer, Fort York. More than 70 major Ontario breweries and microbreweries turn out for this celebration. There's also a wide selection of food from local restaurants, and live music of the blues, swing, and jazz persuasions. For information, call 416/698-7206. First weekend in August. Canadian National Exhibition, Exhibition Place. One of the world's largest exhibitions, this 18-day extravaganza features midway rides, display buildings, free shows, and grandstand performers. The 3-day Canadian International Air Show first staged in 1878 is an added bonus. Call 416/393-6000 for information. Mid-August to Labour Day. Du Maurier Ltd. Open, National Tennis Centre at York University. Canada's international tennis championship is an important stop on the pro tennis tour. It attracts players such as Sampras, Agassi, Seles, and Sanchez-Vicario. The Open runs in conjunction with a tournament in Montreal during the middle of August. the women play in Toronto and the men in Montreal.This format alternates each year. For information, call 416/665-9777. Mid- to late August. September Toronto International Film Festival, citywide. The stars come out for the second-largest film festival in the world. More than 250 films from 70 countries are shown over 10 days. For information, call 416/967-FILM. Early September. PGA Tour Canadian Open, Glen Abbey Golf Club, Oakville. Canada's national golf tournament 905/844-1800 has featured the likes of Greg Norman and Tiger Woods in recent years. It's almost always held at Glen Abbey, though Montreal played host in 1997. First or second weekend of September. Word on the Street, Queen Street West between Simcoe Street and Spadina Avenue. This street fair celebrates the written word with author readings, discounted books and magazines, and children's events. Other major Canadian cities hold similar events on the same weekend. For information, call 416/504-7241. Last weekend in September. October Oktoberfest, Kitchener-Waterloo, about 1 hour 60 miles from Toronto. This famed 9-day drinkfest features cultural events plus a pageant and parade. For information, call 519/570-4267. Mid-October. International Festival of Authors, Harbourfront. This renowned 11-day literary festival is the most prestigious in Canada. It draws more than 100 authors from 25 countries to perform readings and on-stage interviews. Among the literary luminaries who have appeared are Salman Rushdie, Margaret Drabble, Thomas Kenneally, Joyce Carol Oates, A. S. Byatt, and Margaret Atwood. For information, call Harbourfront 416/973-3000 ; for tickets, call 416/973-4000. Third weekend of October. Toronto Maple Leafs Opening Night, Air Canada Centre. Torontonians love their team, so securing a ticket will be a challenge. The Air Canada Centre seats 18,700 hockey fans. For information, call 416/216-1700; for tickets, call 416/872-5000. Mid-October. The Old Clothing Show & Sale, Exhibition Place. Everything from Jazz Age flapper to Austin Powers-like '60s suits, all under one roof. For information, call 416/410-1310. Third weekend of October. November Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and Royal Horse Show, Exhibition Place. The 12-day show is the largest indoor agricultural and equestrian competition in the world. Vegetables and fruits are on display, along with crafts, farm machinery, livestock, and more. A member of the British royal family traditionally attends the horse show. Call 416/393-6400 for information. Mid-November. Santa Claus Parade, downtown. A favorite with children since 1905, it features marching bands, magical floats, clowns, and jolly St. Nick himself. American visitors are usually surprised that the parade's in November, but really, it's better than watching Santa try to slide through slush. For information, call 416/249-7833. Third Sunday of November. One-of-a-Kind Craft Show & Sale, Exhibition Place. More than 400 craft artists from across Canada display their unique wares at this 11-day show: just in time for the holidays. For information, call 416/960-3680. Last weekend in November through early December. Cavalcade of Lights. During this holiday celebration, the trees in and around Nathan Phillips Square are lit up, parties and performances take over the skating rink, and ice sculptures decorate the square. Late November through December 31. Canadian Aboriginal Festival, SkyDome. More than 1,500 Native American dancers, drummers, and singers attend this weekend celebration. There are also literary readings, an arts-and-crafts marketplace, and traditional foods. Call 519/751-0040. Last weekend in November. December First Night Toronto and New Year's Eve at City Hall. First Night is a nonalcoholic family New Year's Eve celebration. A button admits you to a variety of musical, theatrical, and dance performances at downtown venues. To celebrate New Year's Eve, Torontonians gather in Nathan Phillips Square and in Mel Lastman Square in North York, where concerts begin at around 10pm to usher in the countdown to the New Year. December 31. |
