Casa Loma: The Amazing Historical Sight

Only when you step into the lavish Casa Loma can you really witness the true beauty of this castle. Constructed in 1911, the Casa Loma is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Canada.
Highlighted by a vast hall featuring a 60' ceiling, Casa Loma will not only teach you but show you what royal life was like in the early 20th century. I am certain that you will be awe-struck when you see the washrooms, the kitchen and the old furniture, many of them totally original and un refurbished.
An elegant library, an intriguing billiard room and even a few secret doorways reside on the main floor.
On the second floor rest several bedrooms that will really open your eyes to the magnificent architecture in this structure. Specifically, take a look at the sophisticated designs on all of the fabrics; just another small thing that makes Casa Loma such a wonderous place.
Going up one level is an unbelievable showcase of original rifles and a display of a servant's lifestyle with their room. Of course, what is a castle without towers? There are two towers available to you in Casa Loma, the Scottish Tower and the Norman Tower. Both of these provide breathtaking views of enormous chunks of Toronto.
But one place you must visit are the always entertaining basement. These dark, mysterious rooms include a huge never-finished swimming pool, what was to be a shooting range as well as unmade bowling alleys. And if you think your wine collection is large, then take a look at this part: Casa Loma also includes a wine cellar that held a whopping 1800 bottles of wine and champagne.
This majestic castle is the one-stop shop for sightseeing in Toronto. So if Casa Loma sounds like an attraction that you'd like here's some more info:

Hours of Operation

9:30 AM - 5:00 PM everyday

Admission Prices

Children (4-13): $9.25
Youth (14-17): $11.00
Seniors (60+): $11.00
Adults (19-59): $17.00

Contact Information/Address

Casa Loma
1 Austin Terrace
Toronto, ON
Canada
M5R 1X8

Telephone: (416) 923 - 1171
Fax: (416) 923 - 5734
Email: info@casaloma.org

Toronto Zoo: Think Twice Before You Go

When the Toronto Zoo opened its gates in 1974, it was a state-of-the-art facility, that left visitors in amazement. Now, after over thirty years of lame expansions, this zoo has really made a non-name for itself. Although, it is the third largest zoo in the world, the atmosphere simply doesn't give you the same feeling as other Torononian attractions.
And there are 5,000 animals to see and the animals are usually impressive, but everything else- the buildings, cages, paths, plants- just seems a bit shoddy and unmaintained.
Another thing is that numerous animals aren't even brought out some days. If you went just for that animal, it gets really annoying when it isn't there. Even if they are all there, you'll have walk quite a while too see a group of animals.
In my mind, I would pay 20 bucks to walk all day.
All in all, I would never recommend spending a day here if you've only got six other ones. Toronto just isn't about zoos. I'd much rather spend some time in the nightlife of urban Toronto.

Back-To-School History Lesson: The Royal Ontario Museum

With a dedication to showcasing world culture and natural history, the Royal Ontario Museum or ROM as most call it, attracts over 1 million visitors each year. Almost all of these people come out throughly impressed by the 6 million items in more than 40 different galleries, many of them featuring interactive activities: The kids will be exhilirated, the moment they step into the darkness of the bat cave, which is surprisingly realistic. The ever-popular CIBC Discovery Area is equipped with a costume area, mock archaeological digs and even a native tipi.
However, if you're not interested in these types of things, I recommend the massive ancient world exhibit full of artifacts including a wall of coins, several sculptures and unbelievable life-sized structure replicas. Don't forget to check out the fossil collections and well-stocked art galleries either; they're both are well-known parts of the museum.
But the one place you must see is the newly built Michael Lee-Chin crystal. This is one of the most unique and intriguing pieces of architecture you will ever have the privelege to see. In my mind, this wonderful design is comparable even to that of the Beijing Olympic venues. Although, it doesn't house many permanent items, you might be lucky enough to catch one of the temporary exhibitions. Generally, they explore contemporary aspects. You will see an amazing 7000 sq. ft. shop, filled with reproductions of ROM objects and ROM branded souvenirs though. And you will see five-star dining with numerous Toronto flavours in the C5 Lounge. And you will see an inviting market-style diner complete with fresh and healthy menu items.
One thing you should keep in mind when you're touring this museum; nature-related things are on the 2nd level, while cultural portions are on every other floor.
If you'd like to visit the Royal Ontario Museum, you can take the TTC Subway towards Downsview station, getting off at Museum Station. If you prefer to drive the address is:

100 Queen’s Park
Toronto, ON
M5S 2C6

So don't worry if your kids miss school; because they won't want to miss the real learning at the ROM.

(416) 586-8000

Where Hockey's Greatest Live: The Hockey Hall of Fame

Any hockey fan will marvel at the vast amount of information, well-stocked merchandise shop, interactive exhibits and innumerable items capturing the the legacies of hockey's elite, highlighted by the Stanley Cup itself.
As you walk through the ultimate hockey shrine, you'll be able to see into each individual inductee's unique experiences with a collection of photographs, jerseys pucks and more. As well, each small memento shares a story that is told by intriguing captions.
If you wish, you can stop at the theatre for a short documentary that is guaranteed to leave you awe-struck. But even if you don't catch one of these movies, be sure to enter into a replica Montreal Canadiens dressing room fully equipped with game-used gear.
I wouldn't stop there though; see if you have what it takes to be an NHL star. Try your hand at shooting and goaltending or even just commentating.
Although all of this is incredible, you can't leave the Hall without taking a look at the intricate designs engraved into the Stanley Cup. But don't just look, feel free to stand with it and grasp it like a pro (you might not want to kiss it though). Then, get your picture taken with the most prestigious award in hockey.
With all this it'd be worth your while to go down to the Hockey Hall of Fame. The greats are waiting.

Website:
www.hhof.com

Phone:
(416) 360-7765

Email:
info@hhof.com

Shop 'Til You Drop: The Toronto Eaton Centre

The modern adventure of roaming through 250 different retailers in a building famed for its incredible architecture is yet another part of Toronto. The Eaton Centre is a great first stop on the ultimate getaway as it provides all the brochures on the hottest attractions in Toronto.
Toronto's number #1 shopping centre is home to a remarkably wide variety of stores from the top names in clothing, to unbeatable sports equipment. Why not make a stop at Abercrombie & Fitch or Hollister, then browse new electronics at Best Buy, stopping for a cool treat at Laura Secord before trying on new shoes at Foot Locker. But there's so much more than that: See for yourself.
For that breed of hardcore shoppers, you can even take an Eaton Centre tour, educating you about what has to go on behind the scenes to make all those magnificent arrays of items.
And if you feel up to winning a $10,000 shopping spree, enter online for your chance to get yourself some early Christmas presents.
Again, the subway is the best way to get to The Eaton Centre as it is conveniently located a few blocks away from the Dundas Station. However, if you need it, here's the map of the surrounding area.
When you're finished making that shopping list, you can call them at (416) 598-8560
or email them at TECcares@cadillacfairview.com for further information.

The Definition of Tall: The CN Tower

What better way to start this blog than with a post about the tallest free-standing land structure in the world, the CN Tower. This amazing work of art looms over the rest of the Toronto skyline, in its humble place on Front Street.
Standing over 1800 feet high, nobody can question its spectacular views from the heart of downtown and people who have been to this landmark can only rave about what they see. In fact, on a clear day, you can see not only Canadian soil but also the United States.
As well, the tremendous glass floor and souvenir shop packed with things will keep the whole family busy for quite a while.
Moreover, the dining is fantastic. If you enjoy fine dining, you will be in for a real treat because not only does the 360 Restaurant offer superb cuisine, it also rotates for the perfect view of everything. This is one memory you simply must have.
On the other hand, for those who want a more casual experience, there is the Horizon's Cafe, which still offers a dazzling view from the indoor observation deck.

If you are considering going to the tower, I recommend that you try to find the nearest subway station as there is a stop directly in front of the CN Tower (Union Station).
Lastly, I recommend that you purchase the Total Tower Experience for around $30.00: This is what I bought and I must say, if I'd missed out on even one of those views I don't know what I would do.
Looking at photos is not enough, you just have to see it for yourself. No wonder 2 million people make a visit to the CN Tower each year.