Let me tell you, if you’re planning a trip to Ontario, Canada, you’re in for an unforgettable experience! This particular province in the vast country is packed with hidden gems. But as you know me, I don’t focus on hidden gems only.
Today, I’m talking you through the top things to do in Ontario. And if you’re a fan of ice hockey, you may as well get Toronto Maple Leafs tickets when you’re in the area.
Imagine exploring the vibrant city life in Toronto, with its buzzing streets and iconic skyline, or getting lost in the serene beauty of the Canadian wilderness at Algonquin Provincial Park. Ontario is a place where every day’s an adventure, whether you’re soaking up the cultural richness, indulging in exquisite culinary delights, or marveling at the natural wonder of Niagara Falls.
Let’s go!
You Can’t Skin the Niagara Falls
You’re in Toronto and you want to skip Niagara Falls? Nope, not under my watch. Niagara Falls isn’t just one waterfall but a group of three massive waterfalls straddling the borders of Ontario and New York.
As you approach, the roar of the falls is the first thing that hits you. It’s thrilling and you won’t know what I’m talking about until you hear it for yourself!
If you visit at the right time, you can expect to see the Horseshoe Falls, the most expansive and well-known of the trio. The best part is that you can find boat tours that take you right up to the misty edges of the falls. If I have to explain it in one word, I have to go with breathtaking.
And the viewpoints? They offer stunning vistas, especially at night when the falls light up with vibrant colors.
The Art Gallery of Ontario
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is an artistic jewel in Toronto’s crown and it’d be a crime if you didn’t go in there at least once. And I’m positive that once you visit once, you won’t be able to stop yourself from going there again. I dare you!
My deep dive into the internet tells me it all began in 1900 as a small collection. Fast forward to today, the AGO is one of North America’s most distinguished art museums. When you walk through its halls, you’ll be captivated by over 90,000 pieces, including masterpieces of Canadian and Indigenous art, contemporary wonders, and stunning European paintings.
Of course, the architecture of the building itself is a work of art in itself! The recent expansion designed by Frank Gehry definitely added a very contemporary twist to it.
Casa Loma, You Say?
You may not have heard of this place before. It’s one of those hidden gems I was talking about earlier.
Casa Loma in Toronto is like stepping straight into a fairy tale. This majestic castle, built in the early 20th century, is a piece of European elegance tucked away in modern-day Canada.
Sir Henry Pellatt, the man behind this grand vision, brought to life a castle that people could only witness in ancient Europe. As you wander through its ornate suites, secret passages, and lush gardens, you’ll most definitely feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
In its recent renovations, Casa Loma has embraced a delicate balance between preserving its historical essence and integrating modern conveniences, a testament to its commitment to heritage and progress.
The addition of new windows alongside the original ones has created a unique blend of traditional and modern aesthetics. This architectural choice enhances the castle’s beauty and invites a fresh perspective on historic preservation.
Visitors can now see the same timeless landscape Sir Pellatt once admired, now framed by both the past and the present. This juxtaposition of the old with the new encapsulates the spirit of Casa Loma, making it a living museum that continues to tell Toronto’s story through every pane of glass, old and new.
It’s a vivid reminder that history is not just about the past; it’s a living, breathing entity that continues to evolve, inviting us to view the world through a new window of understanding.
Allan Gardens Conservatory
For those of you who are interested in plants and their history, the Allan Gardens Conservatory is paradise right in the heart of Toronto.
Picture this. A sprawling greenhouse filled with exotic plants, blooming flowers, and tranquil ponds, all tucked away in a historic Victorian-style pavilion. That’s the conservatory for you.
The place was established over a century ago, and it has since been a year-round oasis. For visitors, it offers a warm, fragrant escape from the bustling city streets, especially during the chilly Canadian winters.
There are 5 greenhouses in total, and each of them has its own theme. Their primary purpose is to showcase a diverse range of plant life. from tropical palms to desert cacti, you can expect them all!
Let’s End with the CN Tower
If you look at the CN Tower in Toronto like any other tower, you’re leaving an experience of a lifetime on the table. It has been standing as an iconic symbol of Canadian innovation and spirit.
This engineering marvel, once the tallest free-standing structure in the world, offers you an adrenaline-pumping experience with breathtaking views. The Glass Floor or the SkyTerrace allows you to look down at the city sprawling beneath your feet. If you have a height phobia, be aware!
Then there is the SkyPod, one of the highest observation platforms in the world. It offers a panoramic view of Toronto and even beyond.
If you consider yourself an adrenaline junky like me, you can’t miss EdgeWalk. It’s the world’s highest full-circle, hands-free walk on a 5 ft (1.5 m) wide ledge that circles the top of the Tower’s main pod.