DK Travel : Toronto : Places of interest

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Royal Botanical Gardens

Four nature sanctuaries are replete with greenhouses, cultivated gardens, and trails. In spring, the world’s largest lilac collection bursts into bloom. Centuries-old roses thrive summer to fall. In winter, visitors get their fix at the indoor Mediterranean Garden. Gift shop, café, and teahouses (seasonal).
Royal Ontario Museum

A truly magical place for children, Canada’s largest museum makes a special effort to have plenty of hands-on exhibits. The much-loved Dinosaur Gallery and mummy cases are strictly “don’t touch,” but the Hands-On Bio-diversity Gallery enchants and educates youngsters with interactive exhibits (see Royal Ontario Museum).
Royal Ontario Museum

Canada’s premiere museum has more than six million artifacts showcasing art, archeology, science, and nature (see Royal Ontario Museum).
Shopsy’s

Its hot dogs are legendary, as are its smoked-meat sandwiches.
SkyDome

At the base of the CN Tower, this sports and large-events venue is home to the city’s baseball team, the Blue Jays, and football team, the Argonauts. When built in 1989, it had the world’s only fully retractable roof of its kind, which takes just 20 minutes to open or close. When teams are not in action, you can tour the facility and peek into players’ dressing rooms. Outside, on the northeast corner of the building, a frieze by Toronto artist Michael Snow depicts 14 spectators.
South Market

Opened in 1844 as Toronto’s second City Hall, this building had a police station on the first floor and a jail in the basement. Today it houses a thriving public market – and some of the tastiest, freshest meats, cheese, produce, and breads around.
St. Jacobs and Elora

Arts and crafts, antiques, and gift shops set in 19th-century buildings; bakeries; and cozy restaurants abound in these historic villages. St. Jacobs’ two markets have hundreds of flea-market and produce stalls – including those offering the area’s specialty, maple syrup, sold by local Mennonites. For more on this sweet treat, visit the Maple Syrup Museum at 1441 King St N, St. Jacobs. A 15-mile (24-km) drive northeast is Elora, on the bank of the Grand River and stunning Elora Gorge.

Maple syrup stand, St. Jacobs Market
St. Lawrence Hall

Just north of the market, at Jarvis and King streets, is this magnificent Victorian building, a carved stone and cast-iron gem. Built in 1850 for grand public gatherings, it is now used for private functions.
St. Lawrence Market

Farmers sell fresh produce and baked goods from seasonal stalls in the north market on Saturdays, with many specializing in organic food. In the vibrant south market, open Tuesday to Saturday, permanent vendors sell everything from fresh bread and produce to seafood, meats, and cheeses. The south building served as City Hall in the mid-to late 1800s (see St. Lawrence Market).
Stratford

Known worldwide for its Shakespeare festival, the city continues the theme of the bard with, among other things, a garden planted with every species named in his plays. Riverside parks are picnic-perfect; shops sell works by local artisans. Check out local history at Stratford-Perth Museum, and a fine example of High Victorian architecture – Perth County Court House (1887).