Shaped by the elements over the course of millenia, the Scarborough Bluffs rise from the shores of Lake Ontario in East Toronto. The sheer face of the escarpment is a defining feature of the waterfront, rising to a height of 90 meters (300 feet) above the shore. Several parks span the 15-kilometer (9.3-mile) stretch of the Scarborough Bluffs as it traces the edge of the lake. While most of these are found perched atop its peaks, a few grant access to the narrow beach that lies at its base. The view from the top is notoriously astounding in beauty, although few can deny the striking quality of a more low-lying perspective with the barren rock face rising high above the tranquil water.
Home to the Austin family for more than a century, Spadina House is now operated as a museum by the City of Toronto Cultural Services. Although some restoration has taken place, the original feel of the 55-room mansion has been wonderfully preserved, giving visitors a glimpse into a time when immigration increased and tabloid journalism had its beginnings (1918-1939). Rooms are also available for hire. The tour guides will make sure that the experience is thoroughly informative and educational while still being fun.
One of a kind in Canada, the Textile Museum opened in 1975, features an international collection of quilts, garments, carpets and ceremonial objects. First shown in a small area in Mirvish Village, the collection is now located in a 25,000 square feet space. Exhibits include textile arts from such places as China, Japan, Africa, South East and Central Asia, South and Central America, Europe and the Pacific, as well as Canada and the U.S.
The Christopher Cutts Gallery displays artworks of the cream of the crowd in the world of fine art, not only from Canada, but also the United States and Europe. Displaying works of acclaimed artists and emerging talent, this gallery has hosted exhibitions of the work of Murray Favro, Sherri Hay, Gordon Lebredt, Cristina Lama, Sorel Etrog and many others. In spite of this, the gallery is a bit of a hidden gem that few know about.
The Toronto Dominion Bank has been collecting artwork from Canada's Inuit people from the Arctic region since the mid-1960s. That collection has grown considerably over time and is now housed in its own gallery in the Aetna Tower of the Toronto Dominion Centre, which opened in 1987. The permanent collection now consists of hundreds of pieces, encompassing artistic styles from all over Canada's vast Arctic territory. There are an estimated 10,000 visitors each year and admission is free.
The Open Studio is an art initiative that aims at the promotion of new talent, especially those involved in fine art prints. Their gallery is more like a studio space and warehouse for these artists, with the entire space bathed in natural light, making the artwork look even more stunning than it already is. Group tours of the entire facility are available, however one must call ahead and make a reservation for these tours. Several workshops and classes are also held at the studio from time to time.
The Christopher Cutts Gallery displays artworks of the cream of the crowd in the world of fine art, not only from Canada, but also the United States and Europe. Displaying works of acclaimed artists and emerging talent, this gallery has hosted exhibitions of the work of Murray Favro, Sherri Hay, Gordon Lebredt, Cristina Lama, Sorel Etrog and many others. In spite of this, the gallery is a bit of a hidden gem that few know about.
The Toronto Dominion Bank has been collecting artwork from Canada's Inuit people from the Arctic region since the mid-1960s. That collection has grown considerably over time and is now housed in its own gallery in the Aetna Tower of the Toronto Dominion Centre, which opened in 1987. The permanent collection now consists of hundreds of pieces, encompassing artistic styles from all over Canada's vast Arctic territory. There are an estimated 10,000 visitors each year and admission is free.
The Open Studio is an art initiative that aims at the promotion of new talent, especially those involved in fine art prints. Their gallery is more like a studio space and warehouse for these artists, with the entire space bathed in natural light, making the artwork look even more stunning than it already is. Group tours of the entire facility are available, however one must call ahead and make a reservation for these tours. Several workshops and classes are also held at the studio from time to time.
Leslie Street Spit is a man-made wilderness that will make it hard for you to believe that you're still in the city. Located in Toronto, Ontario, this headland was built as an outer harbor for ships docking in from the Great Lakes, but it was never used. So it is now used as a recreation spot and features a beautiful hiking and biking trail lined with trees and flowers. The park also presents one with a great bird-watching opportunity as the area is the breeding ground for several species of birds such as the Black-crowned Night-heron and the Caspian tern. Throughout the trail, one can enjoy stunning views of the Toronto skyline at one side and the Lake Superior at the other.
Reuben & Helene Dennis Museum houses one of the most extensive collections of Judaica art in North America. It was founded in 1965, and has since collected artifacts relating to Jewish culture. Today, the museum houses Torah ornaments, Hanukah lamps and many other articles of interest. Tours of the museum are available, and cultural activities also take place in the museum from time to time.
Geary Lane is a bi-level film studio as well as a versatile space. Set in an old recording studio, it is spread across 278.71 square meters (3000 square feet) and can be transformed according to the event held. It is used for photography, workshops, theater, screenings, film productions, fundraisers, exhibits and concerts.