Canada's largest museum of world cultures and natural history.

The Royal Ontario Museum, often referred to as ROM, is a world-renowned cultural institution located in Toronto. /n It houses a vast collection of exhibits, showcasing art, culture, and nature from around the globe. The museum's collection spans over six million objects, making it one of the largest in North America.

Royal Ontario Museum is a world-renowned cultural institution.

The Ontario Science Centre is a science museum in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Ontario Science Centre, located in Toronto, is a family-friendly museum that makes science fun and accessible. It features interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and IMAX films that cover a wide range of scientific disciplines. /n The centre's exhibits explore everything from the human body and the wonders of space to the latest technology and environmental issues. There's also a planetarium, a real rainforest, and a science arcade. The centre also hosts special events and programs throughout the year, including science festivals, lectures, and workshops. It's a great place for both kids and adults to learn about science in a fun and engaging way.

Ontario Science Centre is a family-friendly museum that makes science fun and accessible.

The Toronto Christmas Market is an annual event that transforms the Distillery Historic District into a winter wonderland. It features vendors selling unique gifts, food and drink, and a variety of entertainment.

The Toronto Christmas Market is a beloved holiday tradition in Toronto. Each year, the Distillery Historic District is transformed into a festive wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, beautifully decorated trees, and wooden vendor booths selling everything from unique gifts to delicious food and drink. /n The market also features a variety of entertainment, including live music, carolers, and performances by local artists. It's a magical experience that captures the spirit of the season and brings joy to all who visit.

A festive event with vendors, entertainment, and holiday cheer.

A zoo located in Toronto's east end. It is Canada's largest zoo with over 5,000 animals representing over 500 species.

Toronto Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world, home to over 5,000 animals representing 500 species. /n The zoo is divided into seven geographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia, and the Canadian Domain.

Toronto Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world.

Scarborough Bluffs is a natural attraction in Toronto, offering stunning views of Lake Ontario. It's a popular spot for picnics, walks, and photography, with its towering cliffs and beautiful beach.

Scarborough Bluffs is one of Toronto's most unique natural attractions. Located in the city's east end, the Bluffs stretch for about 15 kilometers along the Lake Ontario shoreline, reaching heights of more than 60 meters at some points. /n The Bluffs are a popular spot for picnics, walks, and photography, with its towering cliffs and beautiful beach. The park area at the top of the Bluffs offers picnic tables, a walking path, and a stunning view of the lake and the city skyline. The beach at the bottom of the Bluffs is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing in the summer months. /n Whether you're a local or a visitor, Scarborough Bluffs is a must-visit spot in Toronto. It's a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the natural beauty of the Lake Ontario shoreline.

A stunning natural attraction in Toronto, Scarborough Bluffs offers breathtaking views of Lake Ontario.

The Cavalcade of Lights is a holiday event in Toronto that features a spectacular tree lighting ceremony, fireworks, and live performances.

The Cavalcade of Lights is a beloved holiday tradition in Toronto. Each year, the city kicks off the holiday season with a spectacular tree lighting ceremony in Nathan Phillips Square. The event also features a stunning fireworks display, live performances by local artists, and a variety of food and drink vendors. /n The Cavalcade of Lights is a magical event that brings the city together and fills the air with holiday cheer. Whether you're a local or a visitor, it's a must-see event that captures the spirit of the season.

A holiday event featuring a spectacular tree lighting ceremony.

One of the largest art museums in North America. It holds more than 80,000 works in its collection.

Art Gallery of Ontario, also known as AGO, houses a vast collection of artworks, including pieces by renowned artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet. /n The gallery also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and public programs throughout the year.

Art Gallery of Ontario houses a vast collection of artworks.

Harbourfront Centre's Natrel Rink is a popular outdoor skating rink located in the heart of Toronto's waterfront. It offers a unique experience of skating by the lake, with stunning views of the city skyline.

The Harbourfront Centre's Natrel Rink is a must-visit attraction during the winter months in Toronto. This outdoor skating rink is located right on the waterfront, offering stunning views of the city skyline and Lake Ontario. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, providing a unique experience of skating by the lake. The rink is well-maintained and offers skate rentals, making it easy for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a seasoned skater or trying it out for the first time, the Natrel Rink offers a fun and memorable experience. /n In addition to skating, the Harbourfront Centre also hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, making it a vibrant hub of culture and entertainment. From music festivals to art exhibits, there's always something happening at the Harbourfront Centre. So, after a fun session of skating, you can explore the rest of the centre and enjoy the diverse offerings. The Natrel Rink at the Harbourfront Centre truly offers a unique and enjoyable way to experience Toronto's waterfront.

An outdoor skating rink located at the Harbourfront Centre.

A modern theatre hosting a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, musicals, and concerts.

The Princess of Wales Theatre is a premier entertainment venue located in the heart of downtown Toronto. This modern theatre is known for hosting major musical productions, making it a must-visit for theatre lovers. With a seating capacity of over 2,000, the theatre is designed to provide an intimate viewing experience, ensuring every seat offers a great view of the stage. /n The theatre is named after Diana, Princess of Wales, and features a stunning mural by American abstract-expressionist painter Frank Stella. The Princess of Wales Theatre is not just a place to watch a show, but a cultural experience in itself. From the moment you step into the grand lobby, you'll be captivated by the theatre's modern elegance and sophistication. Whether you're a local or a tourist, a visit to the Princess of Wales Theatre is a great way to experience the vibrant arts scene in Toronto.

A large, modern theatre in downtown Toronto, known for hosting major musical productions.

A beautiful garden located in Toronto featuring 17 themed gardens spanning nearly four acres.

Toronto Botanical Garden, located in the heart of the city, is a serene oasis that offers a variety of plant collections, educational programs, and garden tours. It's a must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life. /n The garden features 17 award-winning themed gardens spanning nearly four acres, designed to educate and inspire. You'll find a wide range of plants from various geographical regions, from local native species to exotic varieties. The garden also offers a range of educational programs for adults and children, including gardening classes, nature walks, and workshops.

A serene oasis in the city, Toronto Botanical Garden offers a variety of plant collections.

The Ontario Place Winter Light Exhibition is a winter-themed exhibition that transforms Ontario Place into a magical winter wonderland with various light installations by artists.

The Ontario Place Winter Light Exhibition is a unique winter-themed exhibition that transforms Ontario Place into a magical winter wonderland. This annual event features a variety of light installations by local and international artists, creating a mesmerizing display of art and light. /n As you walk through the exhibition, you'll be captivated by the stunning light installations, each one unique and thought-provoking. The exhibition is set against the backdrop of Ontario Place, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. In addition to the light installations, the Winter Light Exhibition also features a variety of other activities and entertainment, including live music, food vendors, and more. Whether you're a local or a tourist, the Ontario Place Winter Light Exhibition is a must-visit attraction during the winter months in Toronto.

A winter-themed exhibition featuring light installations by various artists.

The Toronto Light Festival is a free annual outdoor lighting festival that transforms Toronto's historic Distillery District into a visual journey of light and sound.

The Toronto Light Festival is a free annual outdoor lighting festival that transforms Toronto's historic Distillery District into a visual journey of light and sound. This event features a variety of light installations by local and international artists, creating a mesmerizing display of art and light. /n As you walk through the festival, you'll be captivated by the stunning light installations, each one unique and thought-provoking. The festival is set against the backdrop of the Distillery District, a historic area known for its well-preserved Victorian-era architecture. In addition to the light installations, the Toronto Light Festival also features a variety of other activities and entertainment, including live music, food vendors, and more. Whether you're a local or a tourist, the Toronto Light Festival is a must-visit attraction during the winter months in Toronto.

A free annual outdoor lighting festival in Toronto's Distillery District.

A public aquarium located at the base of the CN Tower in downtown Toronto. It features several aquatic exhibits including a walk-through tank.

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, located in the heart of downtown Toronto. This state-of-the-art facility features a variety of marine and freshwater habitats from around the world, housing over 20,000 aquatic animals. /n As you explore the aquarium, you'll have the opportunity to see a wide range of species, from colourful tropical fish to majestic sharks. The aquarium's most popular attraction is the Dangerous Lagoon, a 2.9-million-litre tank that features a moving sidewalk, allowing visitors to travel through an underwater tunnel and come face-to-face with sharks, stingrays, and other marine life. In addition to the exhibits, the aquarium also offers a variety of interactive experiences, including touch tanks and daily dive shows. Whether you're a marine life enthusiast or looking for a fun family outing, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada offers an unforgettable experience.

One of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, located in downtown Toronto.

A group of small islands located just off the shore of the city's downtown district. They are home to parkland, the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, several yacht clubs, a residential area, and several sandy beaches.

Toronto Islands offer a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The islands are home to beautiful beaches, picnic areas, bike rentals, and several other recreational facilities. /n They also offer stunning views of the Toronto skyline, making them a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.

Toronto Islands offer a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

A signature icon of Toronto's skyline, and a symbol of Canada, attracting more than two million international visitors annually.

CN Tower is a renowned architectural marvel in Toronto, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. Standing at a height of 553.33 meters, it was the world's tallest freestanding structure until 2007. /n The tower features a revolving restaurant, a glass floor, and an outdoor observation deck. It's a must-visit for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique perspective of the city.

CN Tower is a renowned architectural marvel in Toronto.

Experience the vibrant city life of Toronto, Ontario, Canada's largest city. Known for its iconic skyline featuring the CN Tower, Toronto offers a rich blend of modern urban culture and historical charm. Explore diverse neighborhoods like the bustling Kensington Market or the trendy Distillery District. Visit world-class museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Art Gallery of Ontario. Enjoy the beauty of Lake Ontario from the Harbourfront, or escape to the tranquility of Toronto Islands. Indulge in a variety of cuisines from around the world, reflecting the city's multicultural heritage. Toronto is also home to major sports teams, a thriving theatre scene, and hosts numerous festivals throughout the year. Whether you're a nature lover, foodie, history buff, or sports fan, Toronto has something for everyone.

Royal Ontario Museum

Ontario Science Centre

Toronto Christmas Market

Start your day at the Royal Ontario Museum, where you can explore a wide range of world culture and natural history exhibits. The museum is especially festive during the Christmas season, with special holiday exhibits and decorations.

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at a local restaurant in the Yorkville neighbourhood, known for its diverse culinary scene.

After lunch, head to the Ontario Science Centre. The centre offers interactive exhibits that both kids and adults will enjoy. Don't miss the special Christmas-themed science shows.

Have dinner at a cozy restaurant in the Distillery District, which is beautifully lit up with Christmas lights during the holiday season.

End your day by exploring the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District. The market features vendors selling unique gifts, festive foods, and holiday decorations.

Exploring Museums and Christmas Market

Toronto Zoo

Scarborough Bluffs

Cavalcade of Lights

Start your second day at the Toronto Zoo, home to over 5,000 animals. During the Christmas season, the zoo hosts a special 'Christmas at the Zoo' event with festive decorations and activities.

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the Scarborough area, close to the zoo.

Visit the Scarborough Bluffs, a significant geological feature where you can enjoy a scenic walk and take in the views of Lake Ontario.

Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in downtown Toronto.

Experience the Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square, a spectacular holiday tradition featuring a towering Christmas tree, live music, and a fireworks display.

Zoo Visit and Cavalcade of Lights

Art Gallery of Ontario

Harbourfront Centre's Natrel Rink

Princess of Wales Theatre

Begin your day at the Art Gallery of Ontario, which houses a vast collection of artworks. During the holidays, the gallery often has special exhibits and family-friendly activities.

Have lunch at a local restaurant in the Chinatown neighbourhood, known for its vibrant food scene.

Spend the afternoon ice skating at the Harbourfront Centre's Natrel Rink, one of Toronto's favourite winter activities. The rink offers stunning views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline.

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Entertainment District, home to many of Toronto's best restaurants.

Watch a Christmas-themed show at the Princess of Wales Theatre, a premier venue for musical theatre in Toronto.

Art, Ice Skating and Theatre

Toronto Botanical Garden

Ontario Place Winter Light Exhibition

Toronto Light Festival

Start your day at the Toronto Botanical Garden, which offers 17 themed gardens spanning nearly four acres. During the Christmas season, the garden is adorned with festive decorations.

Have lunch at a restaurant in the North York area, close to the botanical garden.

Visit the Ontario Place Winter Light Exhibition, a free annual event that transforms the park into a magical winter wonderland with various light installations.

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the West End neighbourhood, known for its eclectic food scene.

End your day by taking a stroll through the Toronto Light Festival in the Distillery District, where artists from around the world create light installations that are truly a sight to behold.

Botanical Garden and Light Exhibitions

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Toronto Islands

CN Tower

Begin your final day at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, home to a wide variety of marine life. The aquarium is especially magical during the holiday season with festive decorations and activities.

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the downtown area, close to the aquarium.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Toronto Islands, a group of small islands located just off the coast of downtown Toronto. During the winter, you can enjoy activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Have your final dinner at a restaurant in the trendy Queen West neighbourhood.

End your trip with a visit to the CN Tower, one of Toronto's most iconic landmarks. During the Christmas season, the tower is illuminated with festive lights, offering a spectacular view of the city.

Aquarium, Islands and CN Tower

UTC -7, -6, -5, -4, -3 going from West to East

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates the subway system, which is the quickest way to get around the city. There are four lines: Line 1 Yonge-University, Line 2 Bloor-Danforth, Line 3 Scarborough, and Line 4 Sheppard.

The TTC also operates 10 streetcar lines, which are a unique way to see the city. The streetcars run frequently and cover many of the city's major streets.

Buses complement the subway and streetcar network, covering routes that those systems do not. The TTC operates the bus system, and buses run frequently throughout the day.

Taxis are plentiful in Toronto and can be hailed on the street, ordered by phone, or picked up at designated taxi stands. They offer a convenient, though more expensive, way to get around the city.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in Toronto. These services can be more convenient than taxis, as they can be ordered directly from a smartphone app.

Toronto has a public bike share system, Bike Share Toronto, which has stations throughout the city. The city is also quite bike-friendly, with many dedicated bike lanes and paths.

Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to visit areas outside of the city, but keep in mind that traffic can be heavy and parking can be expensive in downtown Toronto.

Toronto is a very walkable city, especially in the downtown area. Many attractions are within walking distance of each other, and there are plenty of sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

To visit the Toronto Islands, you'll need to take a ferry. The ferry terminal is located at the foot of Bay Street at Queens Quay and ferries run frequently during the warmer months.

For travel to the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, you can use GO Transit. This regional transit system operates buses and trains that connect Toronto with surrounding cities and towns.

A Toronto specialty, this sandwich is made with peameal bacon, a type of back bacon made from lean boneless pork loin, rolled in cornmeal. It's a must-try for any meat lover visiting Toronto.

Peameal Bacon Sandwich

A classic Canadian dessert originating from pioneer times, butter tarts are sweet, rich, and filled with a gooey mix of butter, sugar, and eggs in a pastry shell.

Butter Tart

A Canadian iconic pastry that is often compared to a flattened doughnut without a hole. It's typically topped with sweet condiments and confections, like a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a spread of Nutella.

Beavertail

Originally from Quebec, poutine has become popular across Canada. It's a dish of fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy.

Poutine

A traditional French-Canadian dish, tourtière is a meat pie typically made with minced pork, veal, or beef. It's a hearty dish often served during the holiday season.

Tourtière

A no-bake dessert bar named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. It consists of a wafer crumb-based layer, topped by a layer of custard flavoured butter icing, which is covered with melted chocolate.

Nanaimo Bar

A cocktail created and primarily consumed in Canada. It typically contains vodka, a caesar mix (a blend of tomato juice and clam broth), hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, and is served with ice in a large, celery salt-rimmed glass.

Caesar

Unlike the New York-style bagel, the Montreal bagel is smaller, thinner, sweeter and denser, with a larger hole, and is always baked in a wood-fired oven. It's a popular breakfast item in Toronto.

Montreal-style Bagel

Toronto is known for its thriving craft beer scene. Canadian craft beers are diverse in flavor, ranging from light and crisp lagers to dark and rich stouts.

Canadian Craft Beer

Canadian whiskies are often referred to as "rye whiskies

Canadian Rye Whiskey

Canada is the world's largest exporter of maple syrup, and it's a popular sweetener used in a variety of dishes and drinks in Toronto.

Maple Syrup

A traditional Indigenous bread that's become popular across Canada. It's a simple, flat, and versatile bread that can be prepared in numerous ways.

Bannock

New Year's Day

Day After New Year’s Day (Quebec)

Day off for New Year's Day

Family Day (regional holiday)

Nova Scotia Heritage Day (Nova Scotia)

Louis Riel Day (Manitoba)

Islander Day (Prince Edward Island)

Yukon Heritage Day (Yukon)

St. Patrick's Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Good Friday

St. George's Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Victoria Day (regional holiday)

National Patriots' Day (Quebec)

St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec)

June Holiday (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Memorial Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Canada Day

Nunavut Day (Nunavut)

Nunavut Day observed (Nunavut)

Orangemen's Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)

The Royal St John's Regatta (Regatta Day) (Newfoundland and Labrador)

New Brunswick Day (New Brunswick)

Saskatchewan Day (Saskatchewan)

British Columbia Day (British Columbia)

Natal Day (Nova Scotia)

Civic/Provincial Day (regional holiday)

Gold Cup Parade (Prince Edward Island)

Discovery Day (Yukon)

Labour Day

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (regional holiday)

Thanksgiving Day (regional holiday)

Remembrance Day (regional holiday)

Christmas Day

Boxing Day (regional holiday)

Easter Monday (regional holiday)

Christmas Eve (New Brunswick)

One of the world's most famous natural wonders with attractions like the Butterfly Conservatory and Clifton Hill.

Niagara Falls

The largest botanical garden in Canada, featuring over 2,400 acres of gardens and nature sanctuaries.

Royal Botanical Gardens

Canada's premier amusement park featuring over 200 attractions, 70 rides including 16 rollercoasters, and a 20-acre water park.

Canada's Wonderland

One of North America's premier arts festivals, featuring a series of Shakespearean and other plays.

Stratford Festival

A family-owned safari park where visitors can see, photograph and feed animals from their own vehicles or by tour bus.

African Lion Safari

A large resort in the Blue Mountains, offering a variety of summer and winter activities.

Blue Mountain Resort

A group of more than 1,800 islands in the St. Lawrence River, straddling the border of the U.S. and Canada.

Thousand Islands

The southernmost point of mainland Canada, known for its abundant bird life and monarch butterfly migration.

Point Pelee National Park

A 553.3 m-high concrete communications and observation tower located in Downtown Toronto.

A museum of art, world culture and natural history in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Brightly lit Christmas decorated alley in front of a skyscraper in downtown Toronto

Civic square in front of Toronto City Hall is brightly lit with Christmas decorations

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the fourth largest city in North America.

The city is very multicultural, with over 200 ethnic groups represented.

Toronto is located on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario.

The city has a humid continental climate, with warm, humid summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures range from 75-80°F (24-27°C), while winter temperatures can drop to 20-30°F (-6 to -1°C).

Toronto is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), which is GMT-5.

The city is known for its high cost of living, especially in terms of housing.

Toronto is a safe city, but like any large city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

The city's public transportation system, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), is extensive and reliable. It includes buses, streetcars, and subways.

The official language is English, but you'll hear many other languages due to the city's multiculturalism.

The currency used is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand.

Tipping is customary in Toronto. A standard tip for good service in restaurants, bars, and taxis is 15-20%.

Toronto is known for its food scene, with a wide variety of cuisines available due to its multicultural population.

The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues.

Toronto has a strong sports culture. It's home to teams in seven major league sports, including hockey, baseball, and basketball.

The city is very walkable, and it also has an extensive network of bike lanes.

Toronto has a 'Green P' parking system, which provides both on-street and off-street parking throughout the city.

The city has a mix of modern and historic architecture, with many buildings dating back to the 19th century.

Toronto has a strong commitment to sustainability, with numerous green initiatives and policies in place.

The city is home to several universities and colleges, including the University of Toronto and Ryerson University.

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5-Day Family Christmas Holiday Itinerary in Toronto, Ontario

About Toronto, Ontario