What to Do in Toronto During the Day

With a host of exceptional attractions to experience, and Niagara Falls just a one-hour drive away, Toronto is a city brimming with a diverse and lively culture.

Whether it’s wandering the antique halls of the city’s castle Casa Loma, tasting the Toronto classic peameal bacon on a bun, or taking in the breathtaking views from 116 stories up at the world-famous CN Tower, Toronto’s wealth of elite experiences promise to impress.

THE TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN

The Toronto Botanical Gardens offer an array of 17 award-winning contemporary themed garden areas spanning nearly four acres.

Designed to educate and inspire, the Toronto Botanical Garden reflects the compact scale of typical urban gardens in an effort to motivate visitors into translating ideas into their own gardens. Private tours can also be arranged, and include visits to Toronto’s other horticultural spots, Edwards Gardens, Allan Gardens and the Toronto Music Garden. Led by experts from master gardener groups, horticultural societies, and other gardening enthusiast groups, the tours add to the beauty of these locations. In 2011, tours to the Gardens of Casa Loma were also introduced, blending formal and elegant perennial borders with vibrant wildflowers, rhododendrons, iris, roses and seasonal displays.

CASA LOMA

Casa Loma, Spanish for ‘house on the hill’, was built between 1911 and 1914 for Canadian financier and industrialist, Sir Henry Pellatt and his family.

Inspired by the elegance and splendor of European design, the castle boasts exquisitely decorated suites, secret passages, an 800-foot tunnel, towers, stables, and a beautiful five-acre garden estate. Wander through Peacock Alley, a reproduction of its namesake at Windsor Castle, or explore the Billiard Room where Pallett and the castle’s architect, E.J. Lennox recorded a long-running game of billiards. A Major General in Canada’s second oldest regiment, the Queen’s Own Rifles, Sir Henry Pellatt had a love of fine art and architecture, interests that are reflected throughout the castle.

CN TOWER

Built in 1976, the CN Tower is a national icon and one of the tallest free-standing towers in the world.

Standing at 1,815 feet, and classified as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the Tower boasts award-winning dining, fantastic entertainment, and dazzling views of Toronto. Experience the thrill of standing on a glass floor 116 stories above the ground, or go one further with the Tower’s latest attraction EdgeWalk, an adrenaline-fuelled trip around the outside of the Tower with nothing but air and breathtaking views beneath you. Opt for a Premier Experience ticket and enjoy exclusive queue jump priority, or arrange the private hire of part of the Tower, an ideal option for the elite traveler looking for a unique experience at this breathtaking landmark.

THE ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM

The Royal Ontario Museum is one of the world’s preeminent natural history and world culture museums, and something of a celebrity hotspot, frequented by the likes of Gabourey Sidibe and Mariah Carey.

The museum offers outstanding exhibitions, public debates, lectures, symposia, films, tours and family activities. Don’t miss “Jane Ash Poitras: New Acquisitions of Contemporary First Nations Art”, featuring recently acquired original works by one of Canada’s leading artists.

NIAGARA HELICOPTERS

Around an hour from Toronto, Niagara Falls is a must-see attraction for any visitor.

Made up of the two major waterfalls, Horseshoe Falls and American Falls, and the smaller Bridal Veil Falls, Niagara acts as the international border between Canada and the United States. Visited by millions of tourists each year, the elite traveler can best experience the wonders of this spectacular landmark from the air. Having delivered expert tours for over 50 years, Niagara Helicopters guarantee to thrill visitors with one of the highest, most scenic and most exciting sightseeing experiences in the Niagara region. From the comfort of a meticulously maintained six-passenger Bell 407 helicopter, take a tour over the Falls before landing in one of the wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake, or take advantage of the company’s transfer option between Toronto and Niagara Falls.

SHOP WITH A CHEF

The Fairmont Royal York’s Shop with a Chef Apprenticeship Package is a truly unique experience for any food-lover.

Beginning with a one-hour culinary tour of Toronto led by an expert Fairmont chef, the experience includes sample tasting, the chance to eat one of Toronto’s famous peameal bacon sandwiches and a second, historical tour of the city. Finishing with a four-course meal at EPIC, The Fairmont’s impressively innovative restaurant, Shop with a Chef is an exciting alternative to regular tours of Toronto. Fairmont also offers a Shop with a Chef Introduction Package, ideal for those wanting a shorter tour experience. All packages include one or two nights stay at The Fairmont Royal York.

TORONTO TOURS LTD

Toronto Tours Ltd offers exciting, informative tours around Toronto, visiting famous sites including the Harbourfront, Financial and Theater Districts, Chinatown and Yorkville.

Launched in 1972, tours can be customized to cater to personal and group requests, whether it’s for two or 2,000 people. Led by expertly trained guides, Toronto Tours Ltd is one of the leading companies in tourism and transportation in the city. The company also offers boat charter and vehicle hire, as well as the option of tailored tours to Niagara Falls and the Air Canada Centre, home to ice hockey greats the Toronto Maple Leafs and basketball team the Toronto Raptors.