The Great Lakes

TORONTO
CN TOWER
301 Front St. E. (Take the LRT streetcar from Union Station or Spadina Ave.)
Toronto, Ontario Canada
Telephone: +1 (416) 360-8500
Wheelchair accessible
Days Open:Daily

The world's tallest freestanding structure features spectacular observation decks, a revolving restaurant, and futuristic attractions, mainly for children. Admission is expensive, so allow enough time to take in the astounding view of the city and Lake Ontario, and don't bother with the tower when visibility is low. On a really clear day, eagle-eyed observers can see the mist rising above Niagara Falls.

The stomach-sinking elevator ride and section of glass flooring on the observation deck are not for the faint-hearted. EcoDek's interactive, multimedia exhibits inspire personal commitment to thinking globally and acting locally. Lighting strikes the CN Tower about 75 times a year. At 553 meters (1,815 feet), the communications tower is almost twice as high as the Eiffel Tower.

Other attractions at the CN Tower are a simulator theatre, virtual reality centre, and laser tag game with special effects and rock music. Children ages 5–12 must fork out C$6.50 per attraction or purchase a combo package. Hours vary but are
similar to CN Tower hours. Allow at least an hour for each attraction.

TORONTO ISLANDS
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
Telephone: +1 (416) 392-8186

Toronto Islands is the city's must-see park. Allow at least a few hours for strolling, biking, feeding ducks,canoeing, or taking children to the amusement park. The islands have several beaches, but the water is cold and often polluted. The islands have a fabulous view of Toronto's skyline, especially at sunset. Four main islands make up the park, and ferries go to three points. Hanlan's Point holds a small domestic airport, handy for a quick flight to Ottawa or Montreal. Its beach is a popular gay hangout. A free trackless electric train runs between Hanlan's Point and Centre Island. Centre Island is the most developed, and includes picnic areas, a petting zoo, and Centreville, a children's amusement park. A sign at the ferry dock lists attractions. Car-free Toronto Islands are bicycle heaven, and good signage points the way to bicycle and boat rental. At huge, sheltered Long Pond Lagoon, you can rent canoes, rowboats, and paddleboats. Walk east along the boardwalk for 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) from Centre Island to Ward's Island, whose quaint cottages, converted to permanent homes, house 600 lucky souls.

CASA LOMA
This 20th-century folly is in fact a medieval castle complete with 98 rooms, creepy passageways, secret panels, and some of the best views of Toronto. 1 Austin Terr.; on Spadina Ave., south of St. Clair Ave.; and near the St. Clair West subway stop, tel. 416/923-1171.

EATON CENTRE
Eaton Centre. This 3-million-square-foot building is a gigantic mall, but even those to whom shopping is anathema will be charmed by the graceful elegance of this structure, now Toronto's most popular tourist site.

HABOURFRONT
This 100-acre cultural and recreation centre, which includes some wonderful spots for eating, a centre for the contemporary arts, and theatre space for performances and readings, is the city's most attractive tourist spot, drawing more than 3 million visitors a year.

METRO TORONTO ZOO
The Metro Toronto Zoo. This remarkable zoo just east of Toronto has a varied terrain, from river valley to dense forest, where mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish have been grouped according to where they live in the wild. In most of the regions, you'll find remarkable botanical exhibits in enclosed, climate-controlled pavilions. Meadowvale Rd.,
just north of Rte. 401, in Scarborough, a 30-min drive from downtown; or take Bus 86A from the Kennedy subway station. Tel. 416/392-5900.

ONTARIO SCIENCE CENTRE
This stunningly successful blend of education and entertainment has free movies and thrilling space, communications, laser, nutrition, and electricity exhibits. 770 Don Mills Rd., about 11 km (7 mi) from downtown. Take the Yonge St. subway from downtown to the Eglinton station and Eglinton East bus to the Don Mills Pkwy. stop. Tel. 416/696-3127 or 416/429-4100.