10 Things to Do and Visit in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto, Ontario, Canada is well known for its architecture, museums, galleries, music, dining, and of course, shopping.  The diversity of its people and the wonderful ambiance around the city make it a wonderful experience in visiting and a great place for those who reside there. You will never want to leave. There is so much to see and do.

One of the great architectural landmarks is the CN Tower. Originally, the tower was built as a center for telecommunications; today it also serves as one of the major, eye catching, and attractions to tourists. It is 113 stories high and has a 2 1/2 inch thick, glass floor that is sure to give you more than a few butterflies as you look down below you.  Another super feature is the glass enclosed restaurant that revolves 360 degrees. If you are brave enough, there is the Sky pod Observation Lookout that goes up 33 stories higher!

For the sports fans, hopefully you can attend one of The Toronto Maple Leafs games. If you are a theater or music buff, there’s always a musical advertised on Kings Street at The Princess of Wales Theater. Museums are plentiful and the Royal Ontario Museum in Queens Park is a delight for adults and kids alike. It is a marvel to see. The museum has 4 humongous carved totem poles, the largest being around 80 feet high, that rise up out of the center of the stairwells. The museum houses over 6 million pieces of fascinating objects in archeology and science. There are over 40 galleries of art.

Shopping is an extraordinary affair at The Path, the world’s largest underground shopping center that connects downtown and the business district. You will find stores, places to eat, and many areas to just sit a spell. You will need that! Plenty of maps are readily available if you lose your way. Another shopping area you won’t want to miss is Honest Eds. It is a true bargain store. You won’t miss it. It has a sign that is lit up with over 100,000 lights! China Town is another adventure in shopping where you can find great deals on clothing and a wide array of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean food to feast on.

If you want to get out of the high energy levels of the big city in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, get out into the little neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own special charm. You check out the Polish bakery in Roncesvalles. If antiques are your niche, you certainly won't want to pass up a visit to a Leslieville to browse some quaint little shops with a style all their own.

Be sure to get a ride on the trackless train ride through High Park to get a stunning and magical view of the parks gorgeous 399 acres of lush land. Sit back and enjoy the beauty of it all. You are definitely going to want to think about spending much more time in Toronto. There is so much more to discover. 

10 Things to Do and Visit in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

If you were looking for getting out of town and take the family on a nice vacation that will not break the bank, a visit to Montreal, Quebec, Canada would be ideal. The city is bursting with excitement and filled with energy all year round. There is a wide array of activities and sights to see that are sure to please every age group. The best part is that it does not cost a lot. In fact, there are tons of things to do, which are low cost or free. There will be no problem jam-packing your days and nights with fun and excitement for all. You can experience the whole package, make some wonderful memories, and still come home with some money in your pocket.

If you are planning your trip in the winter, you will want to check out one of the free skating ponds around and in the city. Parc La Fontaine in the Plateau, Beaver Lake at Parc Mont Royal, The Quays of the Old Port of Montreal and Parc Jeanne-Mance are just a few sites you can count on to have a blast. The Montreal High Lights Festival in February is something you will not want to miss. The festival offers a free ice slide and skating, plus music and fireworks. It is topped off with the Montreal All-Nighter where the city never sleeps. Everyone stays up all night to listen to live music, dance, and skate. The grand finale is a free breakfast at 4 AM. What more could you ask for? You are certain to have a ball.

If you are a nature buff, you will not want to miss out on biking or hiking to the summit of Mount Royal where you will have a spectacular, majestic view of the entire city. If you happen to be there on a Sunday morning there, the Tam Tams will be going on. It is an outdoor drum jamming festival. If your Sunday is not complete without church services, you must get to the 11 AM mass at the exquisite, beautiful, and historical Notre Dame Basilica. It was built back in the 1800's, and it will take your breath away.

Walking tours are also available. They say that the best way to experience all that the city has to offer is on foot. If you are interested in self-guided tours, there are many sites online where you can download trails with directions and interesting information about all the places you will be stopping at, before you go. Be prepared for a great adventure.

End your day on the Montreal Dinner Cruise aboard The Cavalier Maxim. Savor a delicious meal in the glass-enclosed dining room and listen to good music out on the terrace later. It would be a perfect way to end the perfect day, taking in all the beauty and charm that Montreal, Quebec, Canada has to offer.