The new and renovated Art Gallery of Ontario holds permanent collections of art in different mediums, be it paintings, sculpture or collections of historic artifacts. This museum in the Chinatown district is one of Canada's largest fine art museums. You can view exhibits, including the 19th-century Impressionists, Henry Moore and an exclusive Canadian collection of paintings by the famous Group of Seven. In all, there is a permanent collection of over 24,000 works representing 1,000 years of European, Canadian and contemporary art. Facilities include a gift shop, restaurant and a family-oriented activity center.
Royal Ontario Museum incorporates a unique mix of galleries that showcase art, archaeological objects and scientific specimens. The museum, which sees more than a million visitors annually, houses a collection of over six million objects on three floors. This is the only place in Toronto where you can enjoy unravelling the mysteries of the Egyptian mummies, watch and hear an active beehive and view inspiring artwork from many different countries. When you leave, you take along memories of a unique experience.
The Hockey Hall of Fame is the place where you can test your hockey trivia skills or goalie reflexes. The hall, located in Brookfield Place, features an interactive, hands-on account of the evolution of Canada's game. It's a trip down the sport's memory lane, fueled by displays, trophies, memorabilia, movies and video games. While you're there, you can get a souvenir photo taken of yourself beside the Stanley Cup trophy. Facilities include the Spirit of Hockey store full of collectibles.
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.
At a dizzying height of 553.3 meters (1,815.3 feet), the slender form of the CN Tower rises high above the city skyline. One of the world's tallest towers, unmatched by any freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere, this stunning landmark was built in 1967 by the Canadian National Railway to serve as a communications and observation facility. At that time, this man-made pinnacle was unsurpassed by any other across the world and remained as such until 2007. The Look Out Level of CN Tower grants spectacular view of the city for miles around from a height of 346 meters (1,136 feet), while the SkyPod sits an additional 33 storeys above for a unique perspective of the world. The EdgeWalk, another of the tower's attractions, is the world's highest hands-free walkway. Not for the faint hearted, walking along the open-air walkway is an experience like none other. The EdgeWalk is perched on the roof of the 360 Restaurant where dinner is served in full view of Toronto's twinkling skyline.
Ripley's Aquarium has a lot to offer its visitors, with new marine life to discover and new things to see and learn. Easily accessible as it is situated in the heart of the city, the aquarium features over 16,000 specimens of aquatic animals and other forms of sea-life. Popular exhibits include the jellyfish displays and the Touch Tanks, where guests can interact with harmless sharks and rays. If you are in the city do not miss out on an adventurous day at the aquarium with your family and experience the life underwater.
Located in the artist-rich 401 Building, this artist-run gallery has been at the leading edge of multi-disciplinary contemporary art since its inception in 1971. The center is actively engaged in a policy of artistic cross-pollination regardless of discipline, culture, gender or sexual orientation. A Space Gallery also encourages new artistic media and technologies. The center is also one of the sponsors of the Community Arts Biennale.
The Heliconian Hall exudes a Victorian charm and a laid-back elegance. This concert hall at the Toronto Heliconian Club boasts of beautiful rose windows, vaulted ceilings and intricately decorated entrances. It can house a decent crowd, and is used for music concerts, dramatics and other performing arts. The grand piano at the hall is truly a delightful sight. Impeccable lighting and flawless acoustics, make any event at the Heliconian Hall a delight to watch. Occasionally, corporate functions are also held here. Call for more information.
Toronto is a city which has its share of multi-cultural immigrants from all over the world, and the Portuguese feature in this colorfully diverse list as well. With many coming from the Azores and Madeira islands, the need to set up little communities turned into a reality with the opening of the Casa da Madeira. Not just for the Portuguese, whoever has an interest in this culture and its beautiful people can experience it first hand through the cultural events held here all year around. Call for further details.
Temple Emanu-El is among the few old synagogues of Toronto. It was established in 1960 and since then has been an integral part of the Jewish community. Designed beautifully, the synagogue has numerous attractions. The intricate Arc with Ner Tamid is structured superbly. The Kiddush Room is a peaceful place where Minyans are held. There is a beautiful Biblical Garden just outside the room. This synagogue has two Bimahs facing each other with a round stained glass wall besides it. There is also a spacious Social Hall where functions and events are conducted. Members can also browse through the collection of books at the synagogues library. All in all, it is a magnificent synagogue worth visiting.
Eaton Lecture Theatre is housed within the Rogers Communications Center, a part of the Ryerson University in Toronto. The theater-styled lecture room is used for classroom sessions, seminars and meetings. The Toronto Section of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) holds a meeting at the Eaton Theatre on the last Tuesday of every month. Call ahead for more information.
As one of Ontario's premier education institutions, the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education is a place where education is learned and understood. It is this approach that can be seen in the kind of events organized in its Auditorium, especially in the Room G162. This huge well-equipped space is where you will find some very mind-opening talks, lectures and programs taking place. Among the events organized here are debates, seminars, lectures, and other similar educational programs. But the focus here is not entirely on education. This auditorium also hosts various entertainment events like comedy shows, interactive sessions, and concerts. Do checkout the schedule of the auditorium and enjoy a very unique experience.