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Toronto - The Big Family Friendly City!
As far as big cities go, Toronto is a bit of an anomaly, albeit a good one. It is Canada's largest city with a population of 2.4 million. It is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, comprised of over 80 ethnic groups. It has world-class shopping and boasts over 5,000 restaurants. It is home to four professional sports teams and has one of the largest theater districts in North America.
Despite its size, Ontario's capital city has eluded many big city ills. It is safe, clean, green, and extremely family-friendly. My husband, Michael, and I have lived in the Toronto vicinity for over 10 years and have always enjoyed its many attractions. Since the birth of our son, Alexander, two years ago, we are discovering how fun and easy it is to explore our city with a toddler. Toronto is a perfect place for a family holiday, and has something to satisfy every age and interest. Your biggest dilemma will be pairing down your list of "things to see". Let me make it easier for you, by taking you on my favorite one-week, family-friendly tour of Toronto.
Day 1: Getting Your Bearings
Toronto can be overwhelming for the first time visitor. What better way to get your bearings than with a visit to the CN Tower (416/86-TOWER), the world's tallest freestanding structure. (If it happens to be overcast, save this attraction for another day.) Glass-faced elevators whisk you up to the observation decks for fabulous panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the sprawling Toronto metropolis. Taking a walk across a glass floor 113 stories above the ground is sure to thrill. For budding scientists there's the EcoDek, an environmental tour of the globe with interactive exhibits. When the youngsters catch a glimpse of the arcade and the exciting motion simulator rides your remaining tour may be put on hold!
301 Front St. W. at John St. Open daily (hours varies according to season). Fee: Total Tower Experience (Lookout, glassfloor, skypod, movie, and motion theater ride) C$31.99 - All Ages. Prices varies according to different attractions.
Day 2: Explore the Waterfront
It's too difficult to provide just one recommendation for enjoying Toronto's waterfront, so I'll fill you in on three of the best. If you're short on time or energy, an easy and very pleasant excursion is to spend a few hours at Harbourfront Centre (235 Queen's Quay West, ( 416/ 973-4000) right at the edge of Lake Ontario and only minutes from downtown. Harbourfront Centre houses a variety of upscale shops, restaurants and venues for music, dance and cultural events. Many of the events, particularly on summer weekends, are geared to families with kids (outdoor concerts, magic and puppet shows, youth dance troupes). Events are either free, nominal fee or ticketed. It is worthwhile to contact the Centre for information about scheduled events during your visit. Even if you don't take in any of the events, Harbourfront is a wonderful place to watch the abundant boating activity and to enjoy an ice cream on one of the restaurant patios. Or, take a boat tour (tours of varying length depart regularly from Harbourfront piers).
If you can spare the better part of a day, another great, inexpensive outing is to take the short ferry ride to Centre Island, Toronto's "island getaway". Don't forget your camera as the magnificent view of Toronto alone makes this trip worthwhile. Centre Island is primarily parkland with loads of shady spots to enjoy a picnic (even when Toronto swelters, there's always a lovely breeze on the island). We particularly like the countless smooth rollerblading and biking trails that we use with Alex in the stroller. Children from about age 3 will love the attractions at Centreville Amusement Area including a ferris wheel, water slide, mini golf and nearby petting zoo. Pack you bathing suits; there's a wading pool and sandy beaches. If your family tends to get "hot and bothered" waiting in lines, plan this trip for a weekday. However, if a weekend is your only option, don't let the ferry lineup deter you. It's amazing how the crowd thins out over the more than 600 acres of parkland.
Take ferry from terminal beside Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. Call (416/392-8193) for info and schedule. Fee for ferry: C$6/adult, C$3.50/students under 19 and seniors, C$2.50/ kids<14. Additional charges for rental of bikes/boats and rides at Centreville Amusement Park.
If you're looking for beautiful waterfront scenery combined with exciting entertainment options, head to Ontario Place. Ontario Place is host to some fabulous summer events: international fireworks displays, air shows, big-name concerts. On a daily basis, you can enjoy films at the Cinesphere, a huge domed IMAX theatre. We've always enjoyed strolling along the marina and enviously eyeing the lovely yachts. For kids, there's an expansive wet playground, water slides, children's village and rides. While toddlers are welcome in most of the play areas, there are minimum height requirements for many of the rides and water activities. After an action packed day, recharge at one of the family-friendly waterfront restaurants serving local and international cuisine.
Ontario Place is at 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West at Exhibition Place. Call (416/314-9900) for event information; there is easy access by public transit. The vast array of amenities and fairly pricey admission (C$29/ages 6-64, C$17/ 65+, C$15/ages 4-5, free for under 3s) makes this a full-day outing so plan for a sunny day.
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