Fun Friday
Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure. Today we are going to go on another adventure to our next country. Can you guess where we are going? We are going to visit the lovely country of Canada and our stop this week will be the beautiful province of Ontario
1.) Niagara Falls Canada The crashing waters of Niagara Falls—comprising two American falls and one Canadian—are truly a sight to behold. Get up close on a boat ride (be prepared to get soaked!), enjoy amazing aerial views from the Skylon Tower or on a helicopter tour, stroll along the White Water Walk, or hit the Journey Behind the Falls attraction that offers views of the falls from below and behind. Adventure seekers can also go zip-lining, jet-boating, hiking and cycling with the falls as the backdrop. For a truly magical experience, stay after dark when the falls are illuminated. For peak water flow, visit between June and August.
2.) St. Lawrence Market hours of operation are Tue-Fri 9-7pm Sat 7-5pm Sun 10-5pm closed Mon All roads to good food lead to St. Lawrence Market, a city landmark more than two centuries old. Two hundred vendors sell everything from local mustard to fresh pasta, lobster to artisanal bread.
3.) Toronto Island Park hours of operation are 10-5pm This park in Toronto is a haven for travelers looking to spend a fun-filled day in the great outdoors. Rent a bike at Centre Island Pier—which has fantastic views of Lake Ontario—and explore the park's many trails and paths. You can also have a picnic at Olympic Island while admiring the stunning views of the Toronto skyline. The kids will love the Centreville Amusement Park and petting zoo, too. In the evening, head to Hanlan’s Point Beach to catch one of the best sunsets in Toronto. The park can be explored on a bike tour of Toronto, which often includes other sights along the city's waterfront.
4.) Casa Loma hours of operation are 9:30-5pm Built in 1914, this castle on a hill overlooking Toronto is regarded as a treasured heritage landmark. At Casa Loma, you can explore three levels of elaborately decorated rooms, including the Conservatory which has Italian marble floors and Ontario marble side panels. Permanent exhibitions and special exhibits here feature early Canadian history. The castle is also a popular place for private events, and serves as a backdrop for film and photo shoots. There's even a steakhouse located within the grounds offering the finest beef from all over the world. The tour of Casa Loma is self-guided but multimedia audio guides are available.
5.) Royal Ontario Museum hours of operation are Tue-Sun 10-5:30pm Opened in 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) showcases art, culture, and nature from around the globe and across the ages. One of North America's most renowned cultural institutions, Canada's largest museum is home to a world-class collection of more than six million objects and specimens, featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. As the country’s preeminent field research institute and an international leader in new and original findings in biodiversity, palaeontology, earth sciences, the visual arts, material culture and archaeology, the ROM plays a vital role in advancing our global understanding of the artistic, cultural and natural world.
6.) Parliament Hill and Buildings Three Gothic Revival-style buildings, located on a 170-foot bluff overlooking the Ottawa River, house the offices of the members of Parliament, the House of Commons and the Senate. Free guided tours delve into Canadian history and explain the workings of the political system.
7.) Rogers Centre With its retractable roof, in-house hotel and Hard Rock Cafe, the home turf of the Toronto Blue Jays and the Toronto Argonauts is truly a sight to see.
8.) Rideau Canal National Historic Site Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30pm One of the oldest landmarks in Ottawa, this canal is filled with boats in the summer and becomes the "World's Longest Skating Rink" in the winter.
9.) Canadian War Museum price of admission is about $19 hours of operation Wed-Sun 10-4pm The Canadian War Museum is more than a museum that is internationally renowned for its symbolic architecture; it is synonym for inspiring and touching stories. Canada's rich military history is showcased through personal stories, artwork, photographs and interactive presentations. Tour the extensive permanent exhibitions and expand your knowledge of the conflicts that shaped Canada, Canadians and the world, as well as the roll Canadians played in them.
10.) Toronto Zoo hours of operation are 9-7pm Your Toronto Zoo is committed to connecting people, animals and conservation to fight extinction and we are excited to be welcoming back you and your families. Take a drive on the WILD side and experience our Zoo comfortably from your own vehicle with our Scenic Safari Drive-Thru or enjoy our new one-way walking routes. To further enrich your visit, why not add on a Wild Encounter to get up close and personal with some of our animals! For more information, including hours of operation, please visit our website: http://www.torontozoo.com
11.) Bird Kingdom hours of operation are 9:30pm-4:15pm Bird Kingdom is the World’s Largest Free-Flying Indoor Aviary. Discover hundreds of tropical birds as you explore the pathways throughout the multi-level rainforest. Meet friendly parrots and exotic animals at Bird Kingdom’s Animal Encounters. Explore the ruins of the Night Jungle that is home to many fascinating nocturnal creatures. Lorikeet Landing provides an unforgettable experience where you may feed and interact with the playful lorikeet birds. Bird Kingdom is an exciting adventure that is fun for all ages. This world class attraction is located a 5 minute walk from Niagara Falls and is open all year. Be sure to bring your camera as you encounter exotic birds and animals up close in their natural habitats.
12.) Kensington Market Immerse yourself in the heart of Toronto’s bohemian culture at Kensington Market. Restaurants and hole-in-the-wall eateries offering food from all over the world are interspersed with vintage thrift shops, coffee joints, tattoo parlors, bars, art galleries, and Victorian-style houses. The area is part gritty, part chaotic but it has tons of personality. The best time to visit is on Pedestrian Sundays (last Sunday of the month from May to October), when street parties and festivals are the highlights. Take public transportation to get there as parking is hard to come by. You can experience the neighborhood on a food, walking, or bike tour
13.) Little Canada hours of operation are 10-6pm Little Canada is a journey of discovery through a vast, highly detailed and animated miniature attraction. Enjoy an immersive 90 minute experience exploring the captivating vistas, famous landmarks, iconic cityscapes and little stories of Canada right in the heart of downtown Toronto at 10 Dundas St. East.
14.) Canadian Museum of Nature hours of operation are 9:30-5pm The Canadian Museum of Nature is open. Discover our special exhibition, Under the Canopy,Animals of the Rainforest. Enjoy our seven world-class galleries, from dinosaurs, to birds, to live bugs, Canada's Arctic and more. Timed ticketing - book in advance to save time and skip the line!
15.) Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum hours of operation are Wed-Fri 10-4pm Sat and Sun 10-3pm Ottawa’s immersive history destination. Descend into history, 75 feet underground. Immerse yourself in stories and artifacts from the past as you explore this impressive four-storey underground Cold War communications headquarters. Today, the Diefenbunker is a one-of-a-kind museum and national historic site offering award-winning experiences year-round. Explore this window into the past on your own, through a guided tour, or by challenging yourself to an escape room! Explore educational exhibitions, connect with Cold War history, and discover unforgettable experiences.
16.) Bata Shoe Museum Mon- Sat 10-5pm Sun 12-5pm The Bata Shoe Museum: For Every Shoe There's a Story The Bata Shoe Museum is home to the world's largest, most comprehensive collection of shoes and footwear-related objects. The mission of the BSM is to contribute to the knowledge and understanding of the role of footwear in the social and cultural life of humanity. Through acquiring, conserving, researching, communicating and exhibiting material evidence related to the history of footwear and shoemaking, the Museum illustrates the living habits, the culture and the customs of people from every corner of the world.
17.) Canada Aviation and Space Museum located in Ottawa hours of operation are 10-5pm Located on a former military air base just 5 kilometres from the Prime Minister’s residence in Ottawa, the Museum focuses on aviation in Canada within an international context, from its beginnings in 1909 to the present day. As Canada’s contribution to aviation expanded to include aerospace technology, the Museum’s collection and mandate grew to include space flight. The Collection itself consists of more than 130 aircraft and artifacts (propellers, engines) from both civil and military service. It gives particular, but not exclusive, reference to Canadian achievements. The most extensive aviation collection in Canada, it is also considered one of the finest aviation museums in the world. Museum Highlights: Largest surviving piece of the famous Avro Arrow (its nose section); the original Canadarm used on the Endeavour space shuttle; Lancaster WWII bomber; Life in Orbit: The International Space Station exhibition.
Don't forget to also check out the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum located in Mt Hope for more amazing war planes.
18.) Dundurn Castle hours of operation are Tue-Sun 12-4pm Experience a guided tour of this 40-room Italianate-style villa built in the 1830's on Burlington Heights; the former site of a fortified military encampment established by the British in 1813. The tour guides dress in clothes from that time period and are both kind and knowledgeable. Totally worth the time spent.
19.) Ontario Science Centre hours of operation are Mon 9-5pm Tue-Fri 10-4pm Sat and Sun 10-5pm Where questions spark discovery! The Ontario Science Centre invites you to an exciting visit full of exploration, adventure and innovation! Visitors of all ages can explore more than 500 interactive exhibits, take in live science demonstrations, check out a real-life rain forest and a science arcade and discover the wonders of the galaxy in the Space Hall, home to Toronto’s only public planetarium. Experience how thrilling films can be on our giant screen inside Ontario’s only IMAX® Dome theatre (film tickets sold separately). Science at Home: Science is everywhere, and learning can happen anywhere. That’s why, during our temporary closure due to COVID19, we’re bringing the Science Centre to you! From DIY experiments to science activities to educational resources, we’ve got you covered. Explore the science around you. Whether you’re in the kitchen or the backyard, there are lots of opportunities to ask questions, make observations and test theories.
20.) Royal Canadian Mint hours of operation are Tue-Sun 10-5pm The Royal Canadian Mint’s historic headquarters in Ottawa produces all of our collector coins, gold and silver bullion, and medals, medallions and tokens.
21.) Fort Henry National Historic Site hours of operation are daily 10-5pm Once inside the wooden gates, visitors enter the realm of 19th century military life, experience guided tours, scenic views, heart-pounding musical performances and precision military demonstrations by the Fort Henry Guard. You will also see people representing the civilian population of the Fort as schoolteachers and soldiers' wives. The Fort also plays host to numerous special ceremonies and events that take place all season long.
22.) Brockville Railway Tunnel The tunnel is now open 7 days a week, from 9am-9pm. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for the most current information, contests and pictures. Admission is free but please look for our RED DONATION BINS. Key features of the Tunnel restoration include a paved concrete floor, a music program and state-of-the-art energy efficient lighting for safety and to highlight the Tunnel’s architecture and geology. Canada's First Railway Tunnel was completed in 1860 for the Brockville and Ottawa Railway and later owned by the CP Railway until being acquired by the City of Brockville in 1983. The Tunnel is a remarkable example of Canada’s pre-Confederation industrial heritage that has been repurposed for the benefit of recreation, tourism and economic development. . * Daily Access may be limited due to private rentals. Please check our website before you travel.
23.) Fort William Historical Park opened daily from 10-5pm Fort William Historical Park (FWHP) features Fort William, one of the largest living history sites in North America, and the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory, home to one of Central Canada’s largest telescopes. Fort William is dedicated to bringing to life the excitement and drama of the 19th century fur trade at the magnificent inland headquarters of the North West Company. The historic site also serves as a gateway to learn about the traditional lifestyle, culture and heritage of the local Indigenous People, the Anishinaabe. FWHP includes a campground, as well as canoe and kayak rentals for the recreation enthusiast, and presents a variety of special events year-round.
24.) Canada's Penitentiary Museum Temporarily Closed until Nov 3, 2024 Housed in the former Warden's residence of Kingston Penitentiary, the museum offers a wide range of exhibits of artifacts from across Canada's federal Correctional system. Admission is by donation.
25.) Aga Khan Museum opened daily from 10-5:30pm The Aga Khan Museum provides visitors with a window into the artistic, intellectual, and scientific contributions of Muslim civilizations to world heritage.
26.) Science North opened daily from 10-4pm Let your imagination soar at Science North! Explore the fun side of science in your everyday life at Northern Ontario's most popular tourist attraction. A newly designed and renovated 3rd floor Northern Ecosystems exhibit gets you up close to our resident beaver, porcupine, skunk and much more! Visit the new nocturnal room and see what flying squirrels and bats do at night! Don't miss live science shows, special exhibits, IMAX(R) 3D, the digital Planetarium, the F. Jean MacLeod Butterfly Gallery, and four floors of interactive science experiences.
27.) Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park open daily from 10-5pm We at Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park believe that all living creatures are significant and must be treated with value and respect. Since 1983, our purpose has been to connect our guests with the animals in our care in a respectful and mutually meaningful way.
28.) Black Creek Pioneer Village hours of operation are Wed-Sun 11-4pm Immerse yourself in the 1860s and explore an authentically re-created country village of the Toronto region. At Black Creek Pioneer Village, visitors discover 40 historic buildings, 70 rare and heritage breed animals, 10 gardens growing flowers and plants from heirloom seeds, and exciting programs that engage people of all ages. They meet costumed educators who demonstrate and involve visitors with trades and crafts common in 1860s’ Ontario, tap their toes to music of the era, laugh at the hysterical antics of the History Actors, and have fun engaging in hands-on activities throughout the village!
29.) Parkwood National Historic Site open daily from 10-5pm An Autobaron's home of innovation and inspiration, and one of Canada's last grand estates. Immerse yourself in the era and lavish lifestyle of R. S. McLaughlin - founder of GM Canada. Beautifully preserved and so evocative of the jazz age & big band styles in automobiles, fashions, sporting life and garden parties. Get up close and personal with extensive access to historic spaces and fascinating stories of achievement and a life well-lived. Learn about the daily life of the large domestic staff that made this grand estate possible, and take a wander through the staff quarters to get a glimpse into the life of service.
30.) Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm hours of operation Tue-Sat 10-4pm Sun 12-4pm Sugarbush Hill is a "State Of The Art" maple sugaring operation near the Town of Huntsville. We are the largest sugarhouse open to the public on a year round basis in the District of Muskoka. We offer 100% pure maple syrup and other delicious maple products produced right here from our own sugarbush. SUGARHOUSE TOURS and TASTINGS from May to October, please check tour times and hours on our website under "Contact" and "Tours Details". Reservations and payment is required for tours in advance as they fill up quickly. See our huge eco-friendly and highly efficient wood-fired evaporator, many displays of maple antiques and artifacts or stroll our maple forest. We would be pleased to take the time to explain the complete maple sugaring process from the past to the present day. A Canadian heritage at it's finest is waiting for you. For your premium MUSKOKA MAPLE EXPERIENCE come to Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm and see what all the fuss has been about for centuries.
With so much history packed into this providence and over 1800 different things for you to enjoy you are sure to find something around every corner. There are theaters and many other amazing things to check out.
I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious and you never know whose life you could save simply by being kind and when it comes to kindness sprinkle it everywhere the world needs more of it.
Written by: BeautifulChaos318
