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Tips For Your Visit To Ripley’s Aquarium In Toronto, Canada

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People Enjoying Ripleys Aquarium

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The Ripley’s Aquarium is a captivating attraction. It is home to more than 450 species of marine life. The Aquarium sits on a 35,000sq. ft. space and has a 315ft. long viewing glass tunnel with a moving walkway that snakes through Dangerous lagoons. Ripley’s Aquarium is open daily throughout the year, from 9am to 9pm. The aquarium may close early when it is hosting special or private events.

When To Visit

The aquarium is a popular attraction that gets hundreds of visitors, the weekends being the busiest days. Hence, if you plan to visit the place then plan to do it on a weekday and in the morning hours or late hours of the day. Between 9 and 10 in the morning and then 3 in the afternoon; those are the ideal hours to be at the entrance. You will find a short queue and the best bit is that there are no crowds or groups of students visiting. If you plan to visit during the weekend, then you should plan to be there at 11am in the morning or later on during the day at around 4pm. Upon entry, the tranquil music playing from the aquarium’s speakers gives a transcendent feeling that adds to the overall experience.

How Much Time To Spend

How much time to spend in the aquarium is often a matter of personal preference; it can be based on one’s plans for the visit and the day. However, if you aim to enjoy your visit, you should plan to spend around three hours at the aquarium as you marvel as the diversity of marine life on display. Do not be quick to view the exhibits; take your time and wait to see the different types of fish as they swim.

Carry a camera with you and taking pictures of the different marine life, being patient and waiting for the fish to swim into the frame so that you can capture the perfect shot.  The time you spend waiting for the perfect shot will be enough for you discover the rhythmic dances of the various species of fish and its way of life in the expansive mass of water.

How To Take Perfect Photos

Taking a photo may not be as easy as it seems. Most of the sea creatures are in constant motion, and the aquarium is quite dark, which also presents a unique challenge. However, you need to have a good camera, some insight on which type of camera to carry, and some photography skills. For instance, you can use a wide angle lens to take photos of fish in tight spaces. A camera with zoom lens is ideal for close-up shots but make sure you reduce the blur in the pictures. All in all, carry a camera with excellent imaging and speed and make sure you do your homework on marine photography to get a few clues on what to expect.

If you just to take memorable shots of your visit, then your smartphone will handle all the photography. At least it is less technical and produces nice photo though some may come out a bit blobby; nonetheless, you still will manage to capture many photos, a handful of which will be less than okay. Just remember to disable the flash so that you kill any ambiance that may be created when the light heat the glass barrier.

Where To Find The Best Dining Experience When In Toronto

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Picture Of A Restaurant

Toronto’s restaurant scene can be as alluring and surprising as its many sights and sounds. The city has many top eateries with some have a world class status, and this is why it is impossible to miss an exceptional dining experience when in Toronto. Here are some of the restaurants that standout in Toronto’s culinary scene.

Alo

Alo is a fine-dining restaurant with a four-star rating, which speaks of the exemplary services and exquisite dishes Alo has to offer. If you find it included in the menu, consider ordering a dish made with foie gras, bouncy, coxcomb, and veal trotter. While the restaurant’s settings and its deluxe food may make you think that it is a bit pricey, the changing menu makes it possible for a guest to enjoy select dishes for as little as $89.

Yunaghi

Yunaghi offers a mix of Japanese and Western cuisine. The dishes never lack a visual flair that speaks of the level of art in Chef Tetsuya Shimizu culinary skills. It is a four-star restaurant. It is its combination of a laid back setting and modern elements that distinguish Yunaghi from other customary kaiseki eateries. For only $77, a customer can enjoy a seven-course meal, which is fairly reasonable given the quality of the food and its preparation. Sticky rice topped with leek emulsion, pickled ginger and marinated honey mushrooms is its signature item for its rice course.

Eulalie’s Corner Store

The name may give a varied impression of what to expect, but everything about Eulalie’s Corner Store is true when it comes to classy dining. While it may offer sandwiches, waffles, and other snacks, this restaurant is considered the place to be for some authentic Indian cuisine. It has something nearly every taste and preference thus even vegetarians can find a tasty dish such as the mushroom dip. All in all, Eulalie’s Corner Store is a nice place to take the family for dinner.

Dandylion

Dandylion was, during its first several months, a restaurant where chefs go to dine. Why? The restaurant was opened by Master Chef Jason Carter, and it was opened after his long career in the Kitchen. Thus, those who came were coming with the intention to pay respects to the chef and savory is culinary creations. The dishes are the huge reason for the restaurants fame because Carter’s creations consist of only nine dishes, done in variations and are a blend of European cuisine.

Boralia

Boralia is located on Ossington Avenue and it a trending joint that brings out the best of old-school cooking, giving it a modern twist. The owners, Chef Morris, and Evelyn Wu Morris come from British Columbia and saw Toronto was the perfect place to set up a restaurant to bring back the rich diversity of forgotten Canadian cuisine. The menu rarely strays from the Canadian cuisine paying keen attention to the past recipes. The dishes include smoked mussels adapted from something Samuel de Champlain whipped up for his crew when they were homesick way back in 1605.

Interesting Activities For Kids In Toronto Before They Grow Up

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View Of Mount Pleasant Cemetery

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Visiting Toronto with kids can indeed be an exciting experience, given the innumerable activities ready to welcome you and your kids. Here are some of the prime attractions the city has to offer.

Music Garden

Get lost in the beauty of musical compositions as you enter the Music Garden of Toronto. The design of this beautiful garden was conceived by Julie Moir Messervy, renowned landscape designer, and Yo Yo Ma, a famous cellist. The exclusive features of the Garden, including the Maypole and the Music Pavilion, were designed by the Canadian artists Anne Roberts and Tom Tollefson.

Sunnyside Park And Gus Ryder Pool

There was a time when the park housed the Sunnyside Amusement Park. Currently, there are no swimsuit pageants or roller coaster rides; but the place still has a lot of things to provide amusement to families.

Take a stroll down the boardwalk, as you make a halt to run across the big splash pad or climb the large statues of dinosaurs, or even get to the swings for some workout. You may also make good use of the exercise equipment present, explore the Martin Goodman Trail or enjoy some beach volleyball. If you do not like lake water, the Gus Ryder swimming pool is waiting for you to take a dip. By the side of the pavilion, there are concession stands where you will get ice cream cones, hot dogs and pizzas.

Riverdale Farm

The farm covers 7.5 acres of land and its beautiful landscape includes pathways that traverse through wooded regions, meandering around ponds and passing into vegetable and flower gardens. Enjoy interacting with the farm animals and start a conversation with the farmers as they carry out their daily chores. The Riverdale Farm is situated in the center of Cabbagetown downtown community in a beautiful park like setting. The admission here is free of cost.

Mount Pleasant Cemetery

This cemetery is not only a living memorial, but is also a keeper of the history of the country. It is the final abode of a number of prominent Canadians including pianist Glenn Gould, first female surgeon of Canada Jennie Smillie Robinson and William Lyon Mackenzie King, who is the former prime minister of Canada. The place has an exclusive artwork collection which adds to its natural beauty. There are also large flower gardens and numerous trees which are home to a plethora of wildlife including birds.

Dufferin Grove Park

This is a great place for families looking for some healthy living, recreation, relaxation as well as social interaction. The park has a couple of fire pits where one can enjoy camping. There is also an artificial ice rink that is opened to the public in the winter season. You can also attend the Friday Night Supper, which has special menus for children. A gardening program is also held where everybody can take part.

You can also take your kids to the Adventure Playground at High Park, which is designed specifically with kids in mind, and has many giant wood castles with several hiding places. Other places to have a blast with your kids include Grenadier Pond, Sunnybrook Stables, Bata Shoe Museum, and more.

Toronto During Spring: Places To Visit This Spring

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People Relaxing At High Park

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Canada is said to have three seasons because spring is not considered to come around partly because it comes during the “still winter” months. Be it as it may, the sun does shine during spring, and several places shine, which are worth a visit when in Toronto during spring.

Toronto Flower Market

Springs come with a bounty of color as nature blooms. Flowers are often taken a sign that indicates the onset of spring. When the need to pluck a few flowers comes knocking, then it is time to head to the Toronto Flower Market. Amaryllis, tulips, anemone, and forage accents are just some of flowers that are on sale in the market.

High Park

For around a week or so during late April and early may, the Sakura Cherry flowers in High Park blossom carpeting the area with a colorful display. The action happens in the cascading Hillside Gardens on the northwest quadrant of the park, along the West Road close to the baseball diamonds, and near the duck pond on the north of the park.

Toronto Zoo

While plants bloom to usher in the start of new life, animals also usher in new lives. Newborn critters make spring the cutest of all seasons, and the Toronto Zoo is the place to see these cute exotic baby animals. From panda cubs to white lion cubs, a rhino calf and bear cub, Canada’s largest animal reserve will be beaming with new life.

Riverdale Farm

The Riverdale Farm may not be as fun as having the chance to pet a baby panda, but having the hands-on experience of handling calves, piglets, foals, chicks, and other baby farm animals is still an unforgettable experience.  Visitors can also learn how operations are the farm gets ready for the Doors Open Toronto Festival.

Sunnyside Bike Park

The name says it all. Sunnyside Bike Park is where the GTA cyclists go during sunny spring to catch some air was they put their feet to the pedal. For the wild cyclists, the pavilion close by has bermed corners, expansive ramps, logs, and jumps that will push many a cyclist’s zeal to the limit.

Tommy Thompson Park

Every spring, thousands of zoo visitors line up a see cute baby pandas and also take part in free natural walks and excursions at the Tommy Thompson Park. Cottonwood forests, wildflower meadows, and coast marshes make the excursion more fun as visitors have an encounter with Mother Nature in a man-made peninsula.

Allan Gardens Conservatory

It can be hard to admire baby animals and butterflies flying from one flower to another when the sun isn’t shining and the floodgates decide to open. However, Toronto’s domed greenhouses offer the perfect opportunity to engage in some weather-proof butterfly watching and flower-gazing. Allan Garden starts to have its carpet of blossoming flowers in late April with crocuses, tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils competing for the spotlight. The Tropical House is a burst of color during the early humid days of summer.

Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat

The Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat is a 4-acre habitat located along the west-end lakeshore. This ecological restoration project encapsulates spring’s natural themes – renewal, awakening, and return – by showcasing dozens of migratory and native species of butterfly as they flutter through and above the habitat’s gardens and meadows that are full of flowers.  Visitors can also learn how to set up a backyard butterfly habitat in their homes.

Things To Do When You Are In Toronto

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Beautiful View Of Niagara Falls

Toronto is a beautiful city and is amongst the major Tourists’ attraction of the world. The city has magnificent parks, festive events and great zoos, which draw the public from all around the world.  Although the entire city has a lot to offer to the visitors, the following list would act as a tourists’ guide for those who are visiting Toronto for the first time.

The Majestic View Of Niagara Falls

Although the lovely Niagara Falls is a 90-minutes drive from the main city of Toronto, the trip is worth it. The sight of 750,000 gallons of water falling from the curved cliff is a mesmerising sight. The view from the Table Rock top is merely a meter away from the Horseshoe Fall. The falling water creates a soothing effect and is attention-grabbing for the visitors. A view of the Niagara Falls from the helicopter is also a good idea for the adventure lovers.

You Got To Visit The CN Tower

The 553.33 meters high CN Tower is a Tourists’ magnet and is on the priority list of the travellers. It was once the world’s tallest tower but even now it continues to be impressive. The view from the Look Out level which us about 346 meters high, the walk on the delicate glass floor and the open space Sky terrace promises major interest points for the visitors.

For The Love Of Hockey

Hockey is a national fascination for Canada and same is the case with Toronto. Though currently there are some dry spells in the history of NHL, the Maple Leafs at Toronto is still a crowd attraction. The Hockey Hall of Fame is famous for the Hockey games and the being a tourist; you must visit it, if you are around during a big game season.

A Little History Never Hurts

If you want to see the massive collection of cultural and historic items, you must visit the Royal Ontario Museum. You may also like to check out the rotating exhibitions at Bata Show Museum with over around 13500 footwear items in the collection.

Sometimes It Thrilling To Be Scared

Who would not like to just get out and explore the city of Toronto? Although it might not be true, but the Haunted Walk promises some spooky stories and multiple gory facts from the past days. This would also be a great opportunity to get acquainted with the place’s every corner.

“Shop Till You Almost Drop”

It would not be wrong to acclaim that Toronto is a place to shop with Toronto Eaton Centre packed with numerous shops. The city promises goods from the poshest brands to the mere low-cost products. Get hold of the antiques from St. Lawrence Market at a reasonable rate, and then visit the most appealing bookstore in the city. The bookstores have a wide variety of books and you may find a discount, if you are lucky enough.  The city is a tourist’s paradise since it promises good food, shopping and the majestic views by nature.

EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF TRAVEL AND LEISURE IN TORONTO LIKE A CELEBRITY

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View From Above Of Yorkville District In Downtown Toronto

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Toronto is at times referred to a Hollywood North and with good reason. It is a part of Canada that has some unique spots that can make you feel like you are a movie celebrity. It is a city that is an embodiment of some of the prominent places in America such as New York, Boston, and Chicago.

Being a city that has four seasons in which to film, it probably the reason that it plays host to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and even held every September that gets high press coverage and celebrities and businessmen alike.If you are thinking of visiting Toronto, this time round try and do it like an A-lister by walking the walk of the movie makers. Just keep in mind that this is not a thing that Torontonians do; they are never wowed easily when in the presence of a film celebrity.

THE TIFF HUB

Visit around the time when the city hosts the TIFF Bell Light Box that is a mix of panel discussions, interviews, premieres, and screenings held in a state of the art space. Within the same area, a lavish O&B Canteen and an upscale bar and dining section called Luma. The two restaurants are pack with customers ranging from actors, directors, onlookers, and industry type getting a something to bite. The Montecito is close by and it also takes a good number of VIP bookings. It is a favorite joint owned by Ivan Reitman and run by Chef Jonathan Waxman. Montecito serves a California-style cuisine made from fresh market products. Some of the movie celebrities are known to have dined there include Denzel Washington, Robert Pattinson, and Jennifer Garner among others.

Another famous restaurant just round the corner is Momofuku Toronto. It is a sleek joint owned by David Chang that has independent eateries. Momofuku has served its fair share of A-listers including Felicity Jones and Liam Neeson. The Ritz-Carlton is yet another spot frequented by celebs and it is reported that Olivia Wilde, Alexander Skarsgard, and Ryan Gosling had hung their hats there.

YORKVILLE

If you seek to shop like an A-lister, then Yorkville is the place to head. It is an upscale neighborhood popular to many Hollywood royalties. It is the perfect place to go do a bit of high-end shopping and a chance to bump into movie celebs as you stroll along Bloor Street. It is home to Chef Daniel Boulud’s Four Season Hotel’s dbar that has hosted many celebrities such as Bruce Springsteen and Woody Harrelson. It is a one of a kind space that has an enormous dining patio and 20ft windows that stretch from the floor to the ceiling.

The One Restaurant located at Hazelton Hotel is a popular eatery for many celebs including Jennifer Aniston and Bono, and some celebs also option to stay at the hotel when in Toronto. The Parisian Style Bistro La Societé is yet another glamorous place that has seen the likes of Michael Kors, and Amy Adams possibly come to enjoy a French bubbly and the duck confit.

DOWNTOWN CORE

Eateries in other parts of the city are often a choice for those celebs that do not like the limelight and prefer staying under the radar. One such spot is Buca on King and Portland that has seen celebs such as Penelope Cruz and Jason Priestly. The Vibe is yet another joint located in at Soho House; a members-only restaurant frequented by the likes of Colin Firth and Jenner Lawrence.

THE MOST AMAZING TOURIST SPOTS IN THE CITY OF TORONTO

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Parents With Children Visiting Toronto Zoo, Largest Zoo In Canada

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Toronto, Ontario’s largest city and its capital, houses diverse tourist attractions from science centers and zoos to galleries and the famous CN Tower. The city can be easily traveled with a number of places within a walking distance from the city center. Enjoy the vibrancy of the city as you hop from one tourist spot to another. The major ones include:

ROGERS CENTER

This uniquely designed gigantic sports arena includes a sliding roof that can be opened when the weather is favorable. Rogers Center has the capacity to house thousands of spectators, who gather there to enjoy games like football and baseball as well as pop and rock concerts. Tourists can also have a glimpse of the entire facility through a guided tour.

TORONTO ZOO

This huge zoo, situated over the Red River, is home to several animals. The panda exhibit is one of the primary attractions. The zoo has innumerable sections, each representing a particular region on earth. You will find the North American section quite appealing with its impressive polarium, huge bison park and roomy grizzly bear enclosure. Other highlights of the zoo include the Great Barrier Reef and the African Savanna.

CN TOWER

This famous 553-meter landmark of Toronto cannot be missed by any chance. The structure is visible from almost all parts of Toronto. You can simply view the CN Tower from the ground level or visit an observation area for magnificent views of Lake Ontario and the city. The Sky Pod is the topmost area on the tower from where one can see the New York State and the Niagara Falls. Other attractions in this tower are the revolving 360 restaurant, the Outdoor Sky Terrace and the Glass Floor.

CITY HALL

The City Hall stands tall in the Nathan Philips Square, boasting of “The Archer”, Henry Moore’s bronze sculpture. Built in 1965, the hall has two high-rise arc-shaped blocks, one 27 storied and another 20 storied, along with a lower central building that has a flattened cupola at the top. A manmade pond lies is front, which is popularly used as a skating rink in winter.

ONTARIO SCIENCE CENTER

With a number of interesting exhibits that appeal to children, this family oriented center has a spot that overlooks the beautiful Don Valley. Visitors can have a brush with the latest developments in telecommunications, technology, space travel, physics, biology, optics and meteorology, all of which are wonderfully presented.

DISTILLERY DISTRICT

The Distillery District is actually a historic spot that has been revamped into a stylish shopping and entertainment district, which makes for an enjoyable visit during the daytime or in the evening. Here tourists will find a range of charming boutiques, restaurants, artists’ studios and galleries. The place also houses many performing arts schools and venues and hosts a number of entertainment shows. Apart from these, other significant places to visit are the St. Lawrence Market, the Casa Loma, the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, the Eaton Center, the High Park and the Entertainment District. On the whole, the city offers a full package of entertainment and sightseeing.

STAYING AS A TOURIST IN TORONTO

You can comfortably stay in Toronto as there are a number of hotels situated in posh locations. If you are looking for luxury hotels, Delta Toronto, The Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton and Hilton are the right ones for you. Mid-range hotels include the likes of Novotel, the Radisson Admiral and the Holiday Inn Express. Again, for budget hotels, you may choose from The Saint James Hotel, the Comfort Inn City Center or the Super 8.

IT’S THE PERFECT TIME IN THE YEAR TO VISIT TORONTO

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Perfect Time To Visit Toronto

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Compared to America’s “The Big Apple”, Toronto is not as big but is as, if not more, majestic and the New York City. Being the fourth largest of Canada’s cities, Toronto is big on being a hub for what is hip and happening in Canada. It is a reputation that noted as the New York Times listed the town in its “52 Places to visit in 2016”; giving Toronto the seventh position on the list.

The city has caught up with the big players such as Montreal and Vancouver in terms of annual visitors. It had over 14.3 million visitors in 2014. Its demeanor that is less intimidating and noticeably friendlier than the other cities may be the reason it has caught the interest of travelers.

Summer is always the best time of the year to head on to Toronto. The sights and sounds are just to “die for”; a joy to experience. But then again, even when the cold weather comes knocking, the town still has plenty to offer, and you should plan to visit someday, soon. In regards to hospitality, Toronto has an array of hotels to choose from at affordable prices.

Many prefer the Chelsea Hotel because of its size and location. The hotel has 1,500 rooms to choose from and is located next to the Eaton Center shopping mall. The Center houses a lobby bar, two restaurants, a nightclub, shopping malls, and two pools (an outdoor and an indoor pool) as well as a kids’ indoor water park.

A walk in Distillery District is sure to be fun as you explore the different shops and took a stroll through Allen Gardens. Head down to the Carbon Bar for some mouthwatering barbecue-themed gourmet meal after having a day of some spectacular sightseeing. The bar is among the many trending eating joints in Toronto for both the locals and visitors.

With a full belly, head over to the Royal Alexandria Theatre to watch “Kinky Boot”, a dazzling upbeat musical whose casts included Alan Mingo among others who mostly were Canadian actors. The theater was constructed in 1907 and is among the many other architectural sights in Toronto that include museums and galleries.

However, the main structural attraction is the CN Tower, an 1815ft free standing structure and it’s the third tallest tower in the world. It was completed in 1976 and stands as one of the iconic parts of Toronto’s skyline. From its revolving gourmet restaurant, you can have a magnificent view of the Niagara Falls. Speaking of dining, the Bannock, Sassafras, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, and the Sultan’s Tent as jus some of the best eateries you will find in Toronto.

So, we can conclude that no visit to this upbeat town would be complete without visiting the falls. It is one thing to view the Niagara Falls from afar, atop the skyscrapers and another to be a few feet away from the freefalling water and hearing the raging sounds of the water as is blazing water sprays hits you. In a unique way, Toronto was a mix of cultural surprises, and you will enjoy every minute of your visit there.