Museum & Culture Weekend

Description:

One of a kind in Canada, this museum, which opened in 1975, features an international collection of quilts, garments, carpets and ceremonial objects. First shown in a small area in Mirvish Village, the collection is now located in a 25,000-square foot space. Exhibits include textile arts from such places as China, Japan, Africa, South East and Central Asia, South and Central America, Europe and the Pacific, as well as Canada and the U.S.

Description:

After the renovation, the management at Gardiner didn't just add more artistic touches to the place but they added a culinary one too. Jamie Kennedy, which is named after the head chef, holds up to 100 people for cocktails or 200 for seated events. A terrace room is available for open air parties or business gatherings. Dinners made with seasonal ingredients are served only on Fridays , but if you call ahead you can book a lunch here on any day of the week.

Our Local Expert Says:

Special group tours can be arranged in English, French, Cantonese, Mandarin and Spanish.

Description:

With the addition of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal in 2007, Toronto's Royal Ontario Museum became a major point of architectural interest (and debate) in the city. It is also home to six million Canadian and international artifacts that spread across three levels of gallery space. One of the largest museums in North America, the ROM is a primary research and tourism destination for visitors and locals alike. Blending arts and science, old and new, the ROM's collection is devoted to exploring the relationship between nature and humanity and is divided into three gallery spaces: World Culture, Natural History and Hands-on. In addition, a continuous roster of exciting temporary shows pass through the museum's special exhibition galleries. The kid-friendly second level features a special, interactive space (the CIBC Discovery Gallery), where young patrons can participate in a Dinosaur Dig, get close to replica clothing and armour, and get an inside look at a (child-size) tipi.

You may want to continue your cultural experience with a nice dinner at the nearby Pho Hung Vietnamese restaurant for some delicious Pho - the delicious and filling beef soup that makes this... read more

Description:

Founded in 1827 and now home to over 53,000 students, this is Canada's largest and arguably most famous university. Some of the more interesting sites to visit are the main room of the University of Toronto Bookstore, the chapel and the dining hall at Trinity College, the second floor great rooms of University College, Hart House and its art gallery, and the Sydney Fisher Rare Book Library. The university offers daily tours during the summer, starting at Hart House. The campus is right in the heart of the downtown core.

Description:

Japanese, Indian, Chinese and Thai cuisines come together at this upscale Asian fusion restaurant located right in the middle of the theatre-Entertainment District and within walking distance of City Hall. The restaurant's award-winning design features bamboo and mandarin orange walls, white linen tables with chunky place mats, and tall stemware. East meets east with Tandoori Salmon Bamboo-Steamed Red Snapper, Atlantic Salmon with Ghee and Fenugreek, Cantonese Roasted Pork Tenderloin and Thai Basil Chicken.

Description:

The Royal Alexandra Theatre (named, with her permission, for Alexandra, wife of King Edward VII and great-grandmother of Canada's current Queen, Elizabeth II) was built in 1907 and has been operating as a theatre ever since. Bought and restored in the early 1960s by the Mirvish family, whose name is now synonymous with big-budget theatre in Toronto, the Alex was also the hub around which the city's entertainment district was developed. Today, the 1500-seat theatre is home to a variety of touring Broadway plays and musicals, as well as the occasional home-grown production.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Royal York once dominated the Toronto Skyline. Even if you don't end up staying here, it's still a sight to behold and definitely worth seeing the interior. For guests, there are different packages of Toronto sights available for your trip.

Description:

This landmark hotel has been around since 1929, but don't be fooled by it's classic charm - the six restaurants will tempt every contemporary pallet and the hotel has kept up with Toronto's growth. There are 49 fully equipped banquet and meeting halls, business centres, and a health club. The rooms are elegant and the hotel is central to everywhere downtown, located right across from Union Station. This is a great place to stay to be within walking distance of the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Air Canada Centre, Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame, and Harbourfront.

Description:

Named after the late Nathan Phillips, Toronto's "Mayor to all the people," this architectural delight is located at the foot of City Hall. It is the focal point for many events throughout the year, including the First Night Toronto festival every New Year's Eve. During the summer it is home to many outdoor entertainers and live bands. For more information, call ahead.

Our Local Expert Says:

Towering over Old City Hall on the other side of Nathan Phillips Square, Torontonians had mixed reactions to the this new piece of architecture in the core of the city. Both city halls are worth a quick stop at least, if only to join in the debate about which better represents Toronto's culture and population. The backdrop of Nathan Phillips square is also worth checking out, as it is home to many festivals, concerts, and art shows.

Description:

In the middle of downtown Toronto are the new and old city halls. This area also includes Nathan Philips square which is turned into a skating rink in the winter. Although this area is quite touristy, it's still worth checking out and taking in some of Toronto's interesting architecture. Don't plan on spending a full day here but it is certainly something to see when you're in town.

Description:

As the capital of Ontario, Toronto is home to the provincial legislative assembly. Completed in 1892, the majestic Richardsonian Romanesque Legislative Buildings in Queen's Park have served as a meeting place for the Ontario government ever since. You can take a free guided tour (in English or French) viewing the exhibits on the history of parliament, stroll through the buildings and grounds and, when the legislature is in session, you can watch the proceedings from the public galleries with a guest pass from the information desk.

Description:

Opened in 1899 as chief meeting place for Toronto politicians, this Romanesque Revival structure was built by the same man who conceived Casa Loma. The beautiful gray and brownstone exterior has the faces of many of the city's former politicians etched near the roof line. A large stained glass window inside the marble interior represents the late Victorian ideas of progress and pride. And, at the time it was built, its clock tower was one of the highest in the world. Today, the historic structure is used as a Provincial Court Office while also hosting civic weddings.

Description:

The Gooderham Building - also known as the Flatiron building due to its shape - is one of the city's more iconic pieces of architecture. Its narrow wedge shape is forced by the junction of Wellington and Front streets at the east end of the city's financial district, and built in 1892, it is the oldest flatiron-shaped building in North America. There is a mural on its back wall, painted by renowned Canadian artist Derek Michael Besant as a trompe l'oeuil - it appears to give the building more windows than it actually has. The mural is of the Perkins Building which is located across the street. The building is currently occupied by business offices, but there is a pub in the basement with a large patio and views of one of the oldest sections of the city.

Our Local Expert Says:

Fresh Pizza from St. Lawrence Pizza is great to grab on the go. Two levels of stalls brim with produce, artisanal cheeses, bread and meats. Make a picnic to take to the waterfront, or grab what you need for an decadent dinner-in.

Description:

The St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood is close to the financial district and it is home to an eclectic mix of people. The absolute must see in the neighbourhood is the market itself. It's consistently ranked in the top markets globally and is divided into North and South markets. The South market is the main area and has a main floor and basement. A St. Lawrence (and Canadian) staple is the peameal bacon sandwich which can be found in a number of locations with the perennial favourite being Paddington's Pump. Also worth tasting at the market is the fresh pasta and pizza from St. Lawrence Pizza.

Our Local Expert Says:

On a summer evening, the Distillery patios are a great place to hang out and soak in Toronto’s history.

Description:

The Distillery District has exploded onto the Toronto map as a major centre for the city's theatre and live culture scene. The area boasts a number of performance venues and is the official home of many of Toronto's acclaimed small theatre companies.

Visitors can wander freely through the brick-laid, pedestrian-only streets, and they can explore the art studios and gallery spaces that fill the former Gooderham & Worts buildings. A burgeoning restaurant industry and the local Mill St. microbrewery attract foodies to the area, while the thriving cultural production scene makes the Distillery district a stronghold of information (and important destination) for anyone interested in the what's-what of the Toronto art world.

Don't forget to drop by SOMA Chocolatemaker, where you can sip on the richest, most chocolaty hot chocolate in the city, test one of the scrumptious handmade chocolates, and even watch them being made through the glass-paneled chocolate kitchen.

If oysters in the half shell and great wine are your thing, you my want to check out Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill for a slice of heaven.

The Distillery district is framed to the west by Parliament Street and to the... read more

Description:

This restaurant in the trendy Distillery District isn't afraid to experiment with dishes that aren't on their menu. If you do want to stay with what is on their Italian and Mediterranean-based menu you can sample some of our specialties like grilled veal chop, seafood pasta with lobster, mussels, crabs, shrimp and calamari. The warm, casual space also features a wine bar with vino from all over the world.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Royal York once dominated the Toronto Skyline. Even if you don't end up staying here, it's still a sight to behold and definitely worth seeing the interior. For guests, there are different packages of Toronto sights available for your trip.

Description:

This landmark hotel has been around since 1929, but don't be fooled by it's classic charm - the six restaurants will tempt every contemporary pallet and the hotel has kept up with Toronto's growth. There are 49 fully equipped banquet and meeting halls, business centres, and a health club. The rooms are elegant and the hotel is central to everywhere downtown, located right across from Union Station. This is a great place to stay to be within walking distance of the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Air Canada Centre, Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame, and Harbourfront.

Description:

Looking for an intimate place to pop the question? Or maybe you need to throw a private party for an unsuspecting friend? This upscale yet intimate restaurant can provide that and more. Actually a house converted into a restaurant, there are five separate rooms here with four or five tables in each. Ex-Jump chef Herbert Barnsteiner, a 25-year veteran of the Toronto culinary wars, features an eclectic range of cuisines from Wild Mushroom Risotto to Provimi Veal Sweetbread. There's also a four-course tasting menu.