Toronto in the Off-Season: Ideas for Your Vacation

CN Tower - Canada's Wonder of The World

CN Tower Logo

Defining the Toronto skyline, CN Tower is Canada's most recognizable and celebrated icon.

Though Toronto receives visitors throughout the year, the most popular time to visit Toronto is in the summer or fall season. At those times of year, the weather is especially enjoyable.

For Everyone...

CN Tower... The tower is Canada's Wonder of the World, and is the world's tallest structure. The tower was built in 1976 to display the strength of Canada's industry. In 1997, the tower underwent a $26 million entertainment expansion and reopened to the public in 1998. While at the tower, visit the outdoor observation deck and glass floor. There you will be able to see the ground 1,122 feet below your feet. Then move on up to 360, where you can enjoy an exquisite meal with a 360-degree view of the city. If a more relaxing atmosphere is your style, try Horizons Cafe. After eating, enjoy yourself on the concourse level with arcades, simulation rides, and a movie theatre. Then it's on to the marketplace for the shopping lover. With over 12,000 square feet of retail space, there's sure to be something for everyone in the family.

Casa Loma... This medieval-style castle was once home to Sir Henry Pellatt. Building of the castle began in 1911 and took three years and three and a half million dollars to complete. At the castle, you'll be able to tour the decorated suites, an 800-foot underground tunnel, towers, stables, and five-acre estate gardens. The gardens are breathtaking with their elegance and color.

The Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley... This narrated tour of Toronto stops at all of the city's most popular attractions and neighborhoods. You can get off and explore any attraction you choose, for however long you like, and just "hop on" the next trolley coming through. It's a great way to explore the city, whether you are a first time visitor or an old friend.

For the Nature Lover...

Niagara Falls... Created at the end of the last ice age, the Falls are formed by the water that comes from Lake Erie, one of the five Great Lakes. Water flows over the 170-foot edge of the falls at an amazing rate of approximately 35-million gallons of water per minute. About half of this water is used to generate power in Canada and America. This beautiful sight is a favorite with visitors across the globe. Approximately 20 million visitors come to see Niagara Falls every year and the area is beautiful at any time of year. Off-season visitors will be able to avoid a majority of the crowds. There are many packages available that allow you to take guided tours. The Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour leaves early enough to allow time to explore the area in daylight, includes a fabulous dining experience overlooking the Falls, and brings you to the Falls again in just enough time to watch the spectacular lighting display.

The Royal Botanical Gardens is Canada's largest botanical gardens. With over 2,700 acres of beautiful flowers and plants. Depending on the time of year, you will find 100,00 spring bulbs, 250,000 Iris, 3,000 rose bushes, and the world's largest collection of lilacs. In the colder months, you may want to head to the two-story indoors Mediterranean garden. Take the Royal Botanical Gardens Tour and you can also tour the castle and grounds of Dundurn Castle.

For the Hockey Lover...

The Hockey Hall of Fame is where you can find hockey artifacts, archives, and collectibles. See the new Best of Legends exhibit and the 2003 inductee tribute. There is also an interactive exhibit area currently being built. The hall is open year round. The Grand City Tour includes a stop here.