Must See Attractions in Toronto

Toronto is the capital city of Ontario, Canada. It is one of the most favorite tourists’ destinations as it has a large number of attractions which draw millions of visitors every year. Here you can find historical, cultural as well as commercial and modern attractions filling the heart of visitors with enthusiasm. Some of its must see attractions are as follows:

Casa Loma

Casa Loma is an interesting place to visit for the tourists who like historical places having rich architectural designs. It was built in the early 1990’s by a wealthy businessman of Toronto named Sir Henry Pellatt. When you will visit this place, you will definitely love its atmosphere and splendor. You will enjoy a lot while walking on the winding paths through the stunning and spectacular gardens that surround this mansion. It is one of the most romantic historical mansions at Toronto which is capable of reviving your sense of wonder. There are splendid towers, beautifully decorated suites; secret passageways and 800 foot underground tunnel that links to the lavish stables and strikingly beautiful gardens.

Toronto Islands

Toronto Islands offer you a magnificent view of the city’s skyline. These islands are almost 150 years old having 262 homes, 650 people, gardens and parks. Other attractions in the islands include: picnic areas, swimming beaches, bicycle and boats rentals and much more.  It has been estimated that 1 million people visit these islands every year and many of them like to see Center Island because of its famous Centreville Amusement Park. In this park, you can enjoy more than 30 different rides providing fun to the kids and adults alike.

The CN Tower

Having a height of 1800 feet, it provides an opportunity to the visitors to have a bird’s eye view of Toronto. There is a glass elevator that takes you 1122 feet high to an observation deck. The specialty of this observation deck is that, here a portion of floor is transparent. There is also a revolving restaurant at the top of this tower and provides a chance to enjoy a lot. There are thousands of shops in this tower providing almost everything you can imagine. For the entertainment of kids, there are rides, an arcade and motion stimulators.

Royal Ontario Museum

This is a beautiful building whose exteriors are made of glass. Being the largest museum of Canada, It offers a lot of fun and enjoyment with its 40 galleries of art, natural science, archeology and six million items. This museum has a collection of African art, European history, Canadian history and more interestingly the dinosaurs. This museum has the biggest assortment of fossils in the world.

Kensington Market

This market has become a mixture of restaurants, shops, cafes and traditional clothing shops. If you want to know about the true and rich culture of Toronto, this market is the best place to visit. Here in this market, you can find a large collection of imported goods from Asia, Caribbean, Middle East and Europe. A number of artist studios are also open for the public. In this market, artists work with media including prints, metal work and sculptures.

Chinatown

In North America, Toronto has the second largest Chinatown. Here you will find jewelry, household items, clothing and different other items. Also there are a large number of restaurants which not only provide Chinese food but also Asian and Vietnamese food.

These were some of the most popular attractions in Toronto which can be truly called must see places of Toronto.

What to See at Niagara Falls Canada?

Niagara Falls is actually a Canadian city by the side of Niagara River. It is located in the Golden Horseshoes region of Ontario. Niagara Falls New York is on the other side of river. To attract the tourists to the Niagara Falls Ontario, many appealing sites are made on the basis of the natural atmosphere there. There are some other attractions that are not related to natural environment including casinos and other entertainments. Here in this article I am going to describe some of these attractions.

1. Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory

It is actually a butterfly zoo that allows the visitors to see more than 2000 butterflies flying here and there. It is a very good place for families having children with them. This conservatory is located within Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens which provide an abundance of green place to the kids to play and enjoy there. If you plan a visit to this conservatory then keep in mind to wear bright clothes to attract butterflies towards you.

2. Maid of the Mist

Maid of the Mist is actually a ride on a double-decker boat that takes you near the Falls. It is a 20 minutes ride. The boat also stops and hangs on at the foot of Niagara Falls providing you with an immense pleasure of watching the Falls closely.

3. Skylon Tower

It is an observation tower which provides the facility to the visitors to have a look both on American Falls and Horseshoe Falls in Canada. Visiting this tower will not only provide you an opportunity to watch the beautiful Falls but also there are two restaurants where you can enjoy a meal with your family. One of the restaurants is Revolving Dinning Room which revolves after every hour. The other restaurant is Summit Suite Dinning Room where you can enjoy casual dinning experience.

4. IMAX Theatre

You should visit IMAX Theatre because it has astounding features including six stories high screen and a shaking floor that gives you a feeling that you are a part of the action being shown on the screen.

5. Marineland

It is a themed and animal exhibition park providing you to watch those animals closely that you have never seen before. Here the attractions include:

Friendship Cove: It is a whale habitat where you can see killer whales. There is also a Splash Session there in which you can see whales jumping and splashing.

Arctic Cove: Here you can see beluga whales. Visitors are also given an opportunity to feed the whales by paying a small fee. This session continues throughout the day.

The King Waldorf Stadium Show: This section has sea lions, walrus and bottlenose Dolphins. Here you can see the dolphins jumping in the air. Sea lions also amuse the people with their funny actions.

Aquarium Dome: Here you can see different types of sea lions and seals.

Other animals exhibited here include bears, fallow deer, elks and buffaloes.

6. Journey Behind the Falls

It is another popular attraction near Niagara Falls where the visitors are guided through a tunnel to a place behind the Falls. After reaching there, you can enjoy to hear the sound of falling water and beautiful scenery.

These were some of the attractions and places to see near Niagara Falls. I hope that after reading this article you will definitely plan a tour to Niagara Falls.

Must-Visit Attractions in Ottawa

Ottawa is among one of the places in world whose rich culture and several attractions have made it very popular among tourists. This capital city of Canada has a number of architectural attractions and monuments to see. If you are planning a visit to Ottawa, you should include following attractions in your tour list as your visit would be incomplete without seeing these attractions.

Canadian Museum of Civilization

Canadian Museum of Civilization is most popular and most visited museum of Canada. It is located along Ottawa River and is being managed by Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. This museum is featured with four galleries which are as follows:

• Grand Hall: This is the first level of the museum which houses largest colored photograph in the world. Moreover, this gallery is famous for colossal Spirit of Haida Gwaii pattern which is created by famous artist Bill Reid.
• First Peoples Hall: Located at the first level of this museum, this gallery shows the history of Aboriginal People of Canada. Here you can view exhibitions displaying life styles of First Peoples. Tourists are provided with useful information on 20000 years of history.
• Canada Hall: Canada Hall is located at the third level of museum and gives information to tourists on modern history of Canada. Period costumes have also been displayed here for visitors’ interest. The main features of this hall are Basque whaling ship and Airport lounge.
• Face to Face (The Canadian Personalities Hall): This gallery is located at the uppermost level of this museum. It was opened in June 2007 and is featured with profile of world famous personalities of Canada such as authors, politicians and artists.

Dows Lake Pavilion

Located in the center point of Ottawa city, this pavilion is a popular tourist spot providing many recreational facilities. The best time to visit this beautiful lake is summer time because in winter, the lake freezes and you can only do skating on frozen platform of this lake. In summer season, you can visit this lake to enjoy boating in its warm waters. You can also refresh your mind and body with cool breeze of Dows Lake Pavilion. Besides outing, boating and skating, you can also enjoy a memorable dining experience as there are many refreshment corners and eateries here on Dows Lake Pavilion.

Royal Canadian Mint

Royal Canadian Mint is an organization that is known for its skills in making coins. This organization produces all Canadian coins, tokens, foreign currency, medals and Maple Leaf bullion coins. Royal Canadian Mint was actually established to produce only Canadian coins, but now it has acquired a good reputation for outstanding quality all over the world. The gold Maple Leaf coin produced by this organization is said to be 99.99% pure.

Canadian War Museum

This museum is located at the banks of Ottawa River and has become a landmark of this city. Its marvelous building is an attraction in itself and the facilities provided at this museum include a restaurant, underground parking, a theatre having 250 seats and bus pick up and drop off areas. Canadian War Museum hosts a number of interesting exhibitions which include the following:

• The First Floor Gallery provides a description about history of Canadian military starting from pre-European period to the end of World War I.
• The Hall of Honor displays collections related to military history through stories of 40 war heroes.
• The Second Floor Gallery shows exhibitions on World War II.
• Canada’s Peacekeepers Gallery shows collections related to recent military history.
• The Discovery Room has some interesting and interactive displays and here, you can also try military uniforms.

Rideau Canal

If you are addicted to water sports, then Rideau Canal will prove to be a dream destination for you. This canal is very beautiful and surrounded by many lakes and rivers which are linked by Rideau Canal. At Rideau Canal, you can enjoy a number of activities like:

• Hiking
• Fishing
• Canoeing
• Cycling

While hiking, you can enjoy an opportunity to see local wildlife of this region. Local restaurants are also located here to provide you with delicious local specialties. There are also great facilities including barbecue spots, picnic areas, washrooms and much more.

These are some must-visit attractions of Ottawa which you can visit to make your trip enjoyable and memorable.

Top Three Attractions of Quebec City

Located within the Capitale Nationale region, Quebec City is the capital of Canadian province Quebec. After Montreal, it is the second most populous city in Quebec having a population of 491142. Like other major cities of Canada, Quebec City also has a lot of tourist’s attractions. Some of these attractions have become so popular that they have become a part of Quebec City’s life. Here are some of the major attractions of Quebec City.

Dufferin Terrace

Built in 1838, this terrace is next to Saint-Louis Fort but these days you can only see the remnant of this fort. This terrace is named after Lord Dufferin who was governor of Canada from 1872 to 1878. The Dufferin Terrace is the most visited attraction in Quebec City as from here; you can have an opportunity to see incredible view on the South shore, the Old Port. You will also be able to see the Chateau Frontenac which is one of the most popular and magnificent hotels in the world. The best time to visit this terrace is summer time because at this time of year, the terrace becomes full of life due to musicians, artists, mimes and many others. If you are interested to see some historical objects then you will be delighted to visit this terrace as some canons are also displayed here which were used to defend this city centuries ago.

Artillery Park

Artillery Park National Historic Site, which is located in the heart of this city, was once used as barracks for both French and British in mid-20^th century. Here you can visit three patrimonial buildings named:

• Dauphine Redoubt (Built in 1712 during French Regime)
• Officers’ Quarters (dating back to 1818 When this site was owned by British)
• Arsenal Foundry (Built in 1903)

In Officers’ Quarters and Dauphine Redoubt, guides in the characters of officers and soldiers will welcome you. These characters will show you military history of the site through three centuries. Here you will also find soldiers performing musket practice using real black powder.

Quebec Funicular Railway

Quebec Funicular Railway is one of the most famous and unique attractions of the city. Your tour to this city would remain incomplete if you will not get a ride on Quebec Funicular Railway. The special thing about this ride is that it operates throughout the year and is quite inexpensive. This railway is quite old but it was modernized at the end of 20^th century with a gift shop and beautiful views of city. Although this attraction has been modernized, it still has its older charm and beauty.

These were top three attraction of the Quebec City which you should not miss at any cost when you visit this wonderful city.

Famous Travel Destinations in Vancouver

This beautiful city has been named after British Captain George Vancouver. Vancouver is not a well-known tourist’s attraction but people who visit this city find it an unforgettable city. Although it is not featured with contemporary attractions, it has some landmarks that are enough for drawing tourists’ attractions towards it. Some of the most popular travel destinations in Vancouver are:

Vancouver Aquarium

Vancouver Aquarium is the best place to see if you have interest to see marine life. This aquarium has more than 20000 animals including dolphins, whales and snakes. This aquarium also provides you with an opportunity to visit Canada’s largest Marine Science Center. Here you can also enjoy a program named “Animal Encounters” which provides you a chance to get personal with marine animals. Another attraction of this aquarium includes BC’s only 4D Theater where you can watch a film with a feel of ocean and its life. There is also a popular café in aquarium called “Upstream Café” which provides hot and cold meals along with a kids menu.

Stanley Park

Stanley Park is the largest park in Canada having a breathtaking and awe-inspiring beauty. It covers an area of 1000 acres and has some of the best attractions to see including Hanging Gardens, Lagoon, Totem Poles and Prospect Point. You can also play different kinds of sports here in Stanley Park as it has swimming pools, tennis courts and golf courses. Other activities which you can enjoy here are cycling and walking. You will also find two beaches in this park.

Grouse Mountain

This mountain is located 15 minutes away from the Downtown Vancouver where you can do a lot of things. If you want to see the natural beauty of Vancouver, you should definitely visit this place. The best attraction here is the chairlifts that provide a breathtaking ride up to the mountain peak. Grouse Mountain provides different activities for summer and winter season.

In summer you can enjoy:

• Lumberjack Show: It is an outdoor show featuring two logging camps.
• Wildlife Refuge: You will find bears, wolves and other wild animals.
• Eco-Walks: This path will take you along the shores of Blue Grouse Lake.

And in winter, you can enjoy the following:

• Ice Skating: A chance to skate on the large ice skating pond of Grouse
• Sleigh Rides: Exciting ride on a snow cat through a snow-white mountain top forest

Granville Island

Granville Island is one of the worth-seeing attractions of Vancouver. To tell you the truth, it is not an island but a peninsula of land that is located underneath Granville Street Bridge. Attractions of this place include:

• Kids Only Market: Having a collection of kids’ toys and clothes. A great place for families!
• Granville Island Public Market: You will find seafood, chocolates, baked foods, flowers and plants in this market.
• Cycling: A walking tour of this island providing a chance to do cycling

These were some of the most popular travel destinations of Vancouver. Visit Vancouver this summer and have great fun with your family.

Top Four Attractions in Montreal

Montreal is the second largest city of Canada and is blessed with a number of wonderful attractions. There are amusement parks, sports stadiums and other attractions for people of all ages. Here I would like to give description of some of its beautiful places that will definitely stimulate to pay a visit to this wonderful city of Canada.

Biodome

Situated in the former Velodrome cycling stadium, Montreal Biodome houses four separate ecosystems. It also boasts of having more than 4000 animals and 5000 specimens of plants. Because of these features, Biodome has become the most popular attraction in Montreal. Other highlights of this attraction include polar area, ocean habitat and rainforest region.

La Ronde

La Ronde is an amusement park that is located nearby Montreal Island area. It was originally constructed for the 1967 Expo. Now this park is featured with more than 30 exciting rides along with Ferris Wheel and fast roller coasters which provide an opportunity to see the views of Montreal. Its top most attraction is the SAQ Mondial Fireworks event that takes place each year in summer. La Ronde is a part of Six Flags theme park and offers facilities of restaurants and cafes.

Dow Planetarium (Planetarium de Montreal)

A visit to this planetarium offers great enjoyment to both kids and adults as this planetarium is featured with shows about space, stars, solar system, which lasts for an hour. One interesting thing about these shows is that the two languages are used during these shows that are English and French. Planetarium also has a theatre that is situated in planetarium’s large dome having a height of 20 meters.

Insectarium

Insectarium is located alongside the Botanical Gardens and is an exciting place to visit. It has wide range of creeping animals like tarantula spiders, locusts, ants, worms and scorpions. Another attraction in Insectarium that is popularly visited by tourists and locals is beautiful Butterfly House having many local species of butterflies.

These were tourists’ favorite four attractions in Montreal. I will also recommend you to visit these places first whenever you visit Montreal.