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CN Tower

admin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:55:28 +0000

CN Tower
301 Front Street West
Toronto, Ontario M5V 2T6
416-868-6937

The CN Tower is located in the heart of Downtown Toronto between the Rogers Centre (SkyDome) and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Front Street. At a height of 553.33m (1,815 ft., 5 inches), the tower is the centre of tourism in Toronto and Canada?s most recognizable icon.

The CN Tower became the tallest free standing structure in the world while still under construction, when it surpassed the height of the Ostankino Tower located in Moscow, Russia in 1975. The CN Tower held the title of tallest free-standing structure in the world for the next 31 years until the Burj Khalifa (formerly known as Burj Dubai) surpassed its height on September 12, 2007 while still being constructed.

It remains the tallest free-standing structure in the Americas, the signature icon of Toronto’s skyline, the 2nd tallest building in the world and a symbol of Canada, attracting more than two million international visitors annually.

Construction of the CN Tower started on started on February 6, 1973 and took 40 months to complete. On June 26, 1976, the tower was finally opened for the public to visit.

Below is a list of CN Tower Attractions.

CN Tower Main Attractions

There are several fun things to do oustide and inside of the tower once you are there. Here are some of the main attractions that the CN Tower offers.

Glass Floor

Test your courage with a view of 1,122 ft straight down. Even if you?re not afraid of heights, this will surely test your nerves. The Glass Floor has been specifically designed for you to have fun on it. That means you can walk or crawl across it, sit on it or even jump on it.

The floor is 256 square feet of solid glass that is five times stronger than the required weight bearing standard for commercial floors. It can actually withstand the weight of 14 large hippos.

Sky Pod

The CN Tower?s Sky Pod is one of the tallest observation decks in the world. To get to the Sky Pod, you will need to take another elevator once you have gotten out of the main elevator. The Sky Pod elevator will take you up another incredible 33 storey?s. You may have thought you were high enough after the first elevator, but you thought wrong!

At its peak, the Sky Pod is 447 metres (1465 ft.) high. From the top you will see an awe-inspiring 360 degree unobstructed view of Toronto, Lake Ontario, and surrounding region. Visibility is over 160 kilometres (one hundred miles), and on a clear day it’s not unusual to see Niagara Falls or Rochester, New York.

The Look Out

After a 58 second elevator ride, you will find yourself at a height of 346m (1,136?). The Look Out level offers breathtaking views and Horizons. Also located on this level is one of many souvenir photo opportunities.

One level down you will find not only the Glass Floor but the Outdoor Observation level. Feel the breeze at 342m (1,122?) above the ground.

High Speed Elevators

The CN Tower Elevators travel upwards at 22 kilometres (15 miles) per hour! They are also constructed with glass side panels so that you can enjoy the view on the way up. You better make that view quick as you will be at the top in 58 seconds!

On April 9, 2008, the CN Tower introduced North America’s first and the world’s highest glass floor paneled elevators. Three glass-fronted elevators now offer a thrilling new perspective on the view 346m (1,136 ft) straight down through two glass panels in a portion of each elevator floor. Combined these two panels represent almost 6ft2 of the total 39.25ft2 of elevator floor space.

Night Lighting

The CN Tower?s lighting system is designed to architecturally enhance the CN Tower structure from bottom to top, providing elegant night time illumination honouring the legacy of this national icon and landmark.

The CN Tower installed an intelligent LED illumination system that is energy efficient, cost efficient and provides a number of added unique benefits which includes Millions of colours, infinite effects, directional lighting and low maintenance. This means the tower can control the colour and effects it chooses to illuminate at night. The CN Tower will illuminate different colours based on holidays and special occasions.

The 360 Restaurant

Right on the top of the CN Tower is the 360 revolving restaurant. Enjoy the magnificent revolving view of Toronto more than 351 metres (1,151 ft) up in the sky. Elevation is complimentary with the purchase of a main course.

The 360 restaurant offers market-fresh cuisine, featuring regional ingredients to ensure an incomparable culinary experience.

CN Tower Interesting Facts

- The CN Tower was built by the Canadian National Railway
- At 181 storeys, 553.33m (1,815 ft., 5 in.) it is the world’s 2nd tallest building and free-standing structure
- At the base of the CN Tower: * Circumference – 109.1m (358ft.) * Radius – 33.2m (109.2 ft.) * Diameter – 66.6m (218.4 ft.)
- Located at a: * latitude of 43 degrees 28 mins 36 sec North * longitude of 79 degrees 23 mins 15 sec West
- Opened to the public on June 26, 1976
- Official opening on October 1, 1976
- Attendance: about 2 million per year
- Lightning strikes the CN Tower an average of 75 times per year
- Long copper strips run down the CN Tower to grounding rods buried below ground to prevent damage from ligthning.
- The CN Tower dims unnecessary exterior lights during bird migration seasons to prevent bird injuries.
- On April 2, 1975, onlookers gazed up in amazement as a giant Erickson Air-crane Silorsky helicopter placed the final piece of the CN Tower’s antenna into place, officially making it the world’s tallest building.

Height of

- Glass Floor – 113 storeys – 342m (1,122ft.)
- Look Out Level – 114 storeys- 346m (1,136ft.)
- Sky Pod – 147 storeys- 447m (1,465ft.)

Pricing / Cost

- Original cost: 63 million
- Adjusted cost (1999 dollars): 260 million

Construction

- Construction started on February 6, 1973
- Total construction time: 40 months
- Tower sphere construction (middle portion) started on August 1974
- Antenna construction started on March 1975
- Construction of The Tower was completed on February 22, 1974, and the antenna was completed on April 2, 1975
- Number of construction workers: 1,537 toiled 5 days a week, 24 hours a day to build the CN Tower.
- Total weight of the Tower: 117,910 metric tonnes (130,000 tons)
- Volume of concrete: 40,523.8 cubic metres (53,000 cubic yards)
- Tensioned steel: 128.7km (80 miles)
- Reinforcing steel: 4,535 metric tonnes (5,000 tons)
- Structural steel: 544.2 metric tonnes (600 tons)
- The CN Tower was built to withstand an earthquake of 8.5 on the Richter scale (the Kobe earthquake in 1995 was 7.2 on the Richter scale). The upper reaches of the CN Tower were built to withstand winds up to 418 km/h (260 mph).

Wind Factor

Maximum sway in 190 km/h winds with 320 km/h gusts (120 mph winds with 200 mph gusts):

- Antenna: 6 ft., 8 in. from centre
- Sky Pod: 3 ft., 4 in. from centre
- Tower Sphere: 1 ft., 7 in. from centre

Elevators

- Number of elevators: 6 (including 2 which officially opened March 20, 1997)
- Speed of elevators: 6 metres/second (20 feet/second)
- Slow speed of elevators (in high winds): 1.5 metres/second (5 feet/second)
- Six glass-faced elevators travel at 22 km/hour (15 miles/hour) to reach the observation deck in 58 seconds.

Staffing

- Total staff (off season): approximately 400
- Total staff (peak season): approximately 550

Windows and Floors

- Windows: Double-pane armour-plated
- Thickness of windows: Outer pane – 9.5 mm (3/8 inch), inner pane – 6.4 mm (1/4 inch)
- Glass Floor was opened on June 26, 1994
- Thickness of The Glass Floor: 2 1/2 “. Layers, from the top down: * 3/16″ scuff plate (replaced annually) * Two 1/2″ layers of clear tempered glass, laminated together * A one inch layer of air (for insulation) * Two 1/4″ layers of clear tempered glass, laminated together * Size of each panel: 42″ by 50″ * Load tests are performed annually on each panel to ensure safety.
- The CN Tower’s Glass Floor was the first of its kind when it was opened in June 1994. It is 23.8 square meters (256 sq. ft.) of solid glass and 5 times stronger than the required weight-bearing standard for commercial floors. If 14 large hippos could fit in the elevator and get up to the Observation Deck, the Glass Floor could withstand their weight.

360 Restaurant Facts

- 360 Restaurant was opened on April 25, 1995
- The Wine Cellar in 360 Restaurant was opened on May 13, 1997
- Capacity of 360, The Restaurant at the Tower: 400 people
- Time for 360 Restaurant to revolve once: 72 minutes
- Capacity of Horizons Café: 500 people

Media / Entertainment

- The opening of the million entertainment expansion, which was completed in nine months, took place on June 26, 1998
- Broadcast Facilities: UHF, VHF Television; FM Radio; Microwave Transmissions; Fixed Mobile Systems
- Companies that broadcast from the Tower: § CBC Channel 5 & 25, CFMT 47, CFTO 9, City 57, Global/CIII 41, TV Ontario 19, LOOK Communications (Digital), CHFI/Rogers, CFNY FM, CHIN FM, CHUM FM, CILQ FM, CJEZ FM, CJRT FM, CKFM FM, Bell Canada, Cantel, Motorola, TTC

Other Height Records

Since the construction of the tower had been completed, it has gained several other world height records. It?s hard to determine if the tower actually holds world records in these categories, however it is among the record holders in the world.

World’s highest public observation gallery – Sky Pod 447 metres (1,470 ft)
World’s highest bar Horizons Restaurant – 346 metres (1,140 ft)
World’s longest metal staircase – CN Tower 2,579 steps
World’s highest glass floor – CN Tower 342 metres (1,120 ft)
World’s highest and largest revolving restaurant – 360 Restaurant 351 metres (1,150 ft)
World’s highest wine cellar – 360 Restaurant 351 metres (1,150 ft)

CN Tower Hours of Operation

The CN Tower is open 364 days a year (closed on Christmas Day). Hours of Operation are adjusted seasonally. Please call (416) 86-TOWER to confirm the hours for the date of your visit or visit the CN Tower Website and select the ?Plan Your Visit?, then ?Hours? on the navigation bar and select the season you are looking for.

Directions and Map to the CN Tower

By Car

From the South or West: Follow the QEW into Toronto, where it turns into the Gardiner Expressway. Exit onto Spadina Ave. North and turn right onto Bremner Blvd.

From the East: Take Highway 401 into Toronto and exit onto the Don Valley Parkway Southbound. As you approach Downtown, this will turn into the Gardiner Expressway. Exit at Spadina Ave. North and turn right onto Bremner Blvd.

From the North: Take Highway 400 into Toronto, exiting onto Highway 401 West. Continue until you reach Highway 427 southbound. Follow Highway 427 to downtown via the QEW/Gardiner Expressway. Exit onto Spadina Ave. North and turn right onto Bremner Blvd.

From within the Greater Toronto Area: Drive to Front Street or Bremner Blvd. We’re in the Entertainment District, so there’s plenty of parking around. See the map below for details.

By Subway

Hope on the subway and your ultimate destination is Union Station which is on the Yonge / Yellow line. From there, the Tower is a short walk west along Front Street, or a 5 minute indoor covered stroll along the SkyWalk.

By Bus

Check with the Toronto Transit Commission for details on bus route information: (416)-393-INFO

Map of CN Tower Location

Video of the CN Tower

Contact the CN Tower

Email : web_cntower at cntower.ca
Phone: (416) 868-6937
Fax: (416) 601-4722

Reservations for 360 (416) 362-5411

Specific Contacts Group Sales:

Tour & Travel Group Dining (416) 601-3792
Tour & Travel Group Attractions (416) 601-4707
Toll free in US and Canada 1-888-684-3268 or1-88-TO-THE-CNT
Fax us (416) 601-4712 Email us sales at cntower.ca

Corporate & Association/Convention Sales

Corporate & Association/Convention (416) 601-4718
Fax us (416) 601-4712 Email us sales at cntower.ca

Casa Loma

admin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:34:41 +0000

Casa Loma
1 Austin Terrace
Toronto, Ontario M5R 1X8
416 923-1171

Casa Loma, now a museum and landmark, was the former home of Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellatt, Canada’s foremost castle is complete with decorated suites, secret passages, an 800-foot tunnel, towers, stables, and beautiful 5-acre estate gardens.

Casa Loma was constructed over a three-year period from 1911-1914. The architect of the mansion was E. J. Lennox who was responsible for the designs of several other city landmarks.

Casa Loma History

In 1903 Sir Henry Pellatt purchased 25 lots from developers Kertland and Rolf. Sir Henry commissioned Canadian architect E.J. Lennox to design Casa Loma with construction beginning in 1911, starting with the massive stables, potting shed and Hunting Lodge (a.k.a. coach-house) a few hundred feet north of the main building.

The house cost approximately $3.5 million and took a team of 300 workers three years to build from start to finish. Construction was halted on the castle once during its building process due to the start of World War I. At 98 rooms, it was the largest private residence in Canada. Most of the third floor was left unfinished, and today serve as the Regimental Museum for The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Notable

Casa Loma Features

- An elevator
- An oven large enough to cook an ox
- Two vertical passages for pipe organs
- Two secret passages in Sir Henry?s ground floor office
- Three bowling alleys that were never fully completed

During the depression that followed World War One, the City of Toronto increased Casa Loma’s annual property taxes from $600 per year to $1,000 a month, and Sir Henry Pellatt, already experiencing financial difficulties, was forced to abandon his castle home. By 1923 Sir Henry had already left Casa Loma.

After Sir Henry had sold the castle, it was operated as a luxury hotel for a brief period and during the late 1920?s was a popular nightspot. In 1933 the city of Toronto finally seized Casa Loma for $27,303 in back taxes.

Contrary to popular belief, Casa Loma has never been an official residence of either the city or the Province of Ontario. In 1937 it was opened to the public for the first time as a tourist attraction operated by the Kiwanis Club of Toronto.

During World War II, Casa Loma was used to conceal research on sonar, and for construction of sonar devices (known as ASDIC) for U-boat detection. The house is still operated by the Kiwanis Club. Today it is one of Toronto’s most popular tourist attractions.

Hours of Operation

Casa Loma is open daily 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Last admission : 4:00 p.m.)
Casa Loma closes at 1:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve – December 24
Closed Christmas Day – December 25

Directions and Map to Casa Loma

From the South-West, (Windsor, London etc.)

Take the 401 East to Allen Road (Allen Expressway). Go south on the Allen Expressway to Eglinton Avenue West. Turn left (east) on Eglinton to Spadina. At Spadina, turn right (south, which is the only way you can go.) Continue on Spadina until you reach the front of the Castle, which is just south of St. Clair.

From the North-East, (Ajax, Oshawa, Scarborough etc.)

Take the 401 West to the Don Valley Parkway. Go south on the D.V.P. to Eglinton Avenue East. Go west on Eglinton to Spadina. Turn left (south) on Spadina (which is the only way you can go) Continue on Spadina until you reach the front of the Castle, which is south of St. Clair.

From the South, (Niagara, Hamilton, Mississauga etc.)

Take the Queen Elizabeth Way Eastbound into Toronto. Continue along the Q.E.W., (which turns into the Gardiner Expressway) to Spadina. Exit Northbound (which is the only way you can go) on Spadina. Continue north to Davenport Road (Spadina ends at Davenport). Turn left on Davenport, and take your first right (Walmer Road ), which takes you around to the front of the castle.

TTC (subway) Directions to Casa Loma

The TTC traveler has four options to reach Casa Loma by way of public transportation.

Go to Dupont station (located two stops north of St. George station on the Spadina- University line) and walk north two blocks on Spadina Ave. At this point, visitors have the option of climbing the Baldwin Steps (110 steps) at Spadina Ave. and Davenport Road or walking up the hill on the west side of the castle.

Go to Spadina station and take the Davenport 127 bus to Davenport & Spadina. Get off the bus and climb the Baldwin steps (110 steps ), or take the bus one stop further to Davenport and Walmer and walk up the hill on the west side of the castle.

Go to St. Clair West station on the Spadina-University line, walk east on St. Clair to Spadina, turn right (south) and keep walking (approximately 15 minutes) to the castle.

Go to St. Clair station on the Yonge line. Take the St. Clair streetcar (going West) to Spadina Road (5 minute ride-during construction this service is temporarily being provided by buses), get off and walk south on Spadina Road (approximate 10 minute walk) to Casa Loma.

Map of Casa Loma’s Location

Video of Casa Loma

Contact Casa Loma

Email: info at casaloma.org
Telephone: (416) 923-1171
Fax: (416) 923-5734

Canada’s Wonderland

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:09:47 +0000

Canada’s Wonderland
9580 Jane St.,
Vaughan, Ontario, L6A1S6
(905) 832-7000

Canada’s Wonderland is Canada’s premier theme park. The park is 330-acres (1.3 km2) of land located in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada which is within the Greater Toronto Area. Canada?s wonderland is open seasonally from May to October and contains more than 200 attractions including over 65 rides. The park hosts more than 3 million guests annually and employs over 4,000 seasonal employees and 160 year-round employees

Canada’s Wonderland opened in 1981 and was Canada’s first major theme park. The park was formerly known as Paramount Canada?s Wonderland from 1994 to 2006 when it was owned by Paramount Parks. It sold to Cedar Fair in 2007 and was reverted back to its original name of Canada?s Wonderland.

It was designed by Landscape Architects Richard Strong and Associates and structurally engineered by O.T. Baggio and Associates Professional Engineers. Canada’s Wonderland was the most attended seasonal theme park in North America in 2005 and 2006. In 2006, attendance was just over 3.2 million. Notably, with 15 roller coasters, the park holds the record for the most roller coasters in one park outside of the United States.

Canada’s Wonderland Facts

Construction began in June 1979 when William Davis, then Premier of Ontario, pushed a plunger in downtown Toronto touching off the first blast at Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan. The peak construction period occurred in 1980 with 700 trades people, 12 architectural and engineering firms and 40 inspectors working on the enterprise.

Canada’s Wonderland opened to the public on May 23, 1981, William Davis and Dudely Taft, President of Taft Broadcasting Co., were among the notables attending an elaborate opening ceremony for Canada’s first national theme park. The ceremony included 10,000 helium balloons, 13 parachutists, 350 white doves, a pipe band and 4 children representing the Arctic, Pacific, Atlantic, and Great Lakes regions of Canada.

The 300 plus acre site in Vaughan, Ontario was selected for its proximity to Toronto. The area’s large population base and easy accessibility, particularly via Highways 401 and 400, were two other factors determining the location.

Canada’s Wonderland Rollercoaster?s

Behemoth

Canada’s biggest, fastest & tallest coaster ever, This adrenaline pumping coaster will have you clinging to the edge of your seat as it takes you up 230 feet and then sends you speeding down at a 75 degree angle of descent with speeds reaching 125km/hour! With open air seating, and a track length of 5,318 feet, this ride is sure to thrill roller coaster enthusiasts everywhere!

The Bat

On The Bat, riders are pulled backwards and launched through an unyielding corkscrew and a breathtaking loop. After one trip through The Bat’s intense, tight track, riders have little time to catch their breath when The Bat climbs its second launch to take riders through one more time – Backwards!

Vortex

On Vortex, riders will enjoy the thrills of Canada’s first suspended roller coaster. This steel coaster plunges over Wonder Mountain, reaching speeds of 90km/h. Vortex’s invisible track drives riders through unrelenting turns, swooping, diving and plunging over a scenic waterscape.

Mighty Canadian Mindbuster

The Mighty Canadian Minebuster is the largest and longest wooden coaster in Canada. Its immense wooden track is full of side-winding turns, stomach lifting camel humps and breath-taking drops. The Minebuster reaches astounding speeds of more than 90km/h on its 4000 feet of serpentine designed track.

Flight Deck (Formerly known as Top Gun)

Flight Deck is Canada’s only inverted looping jet coaster. This mega coaster simulates flight with speeds of 90km/h, exhilarating 90-degree vertical climbs, barrel rolls, inverted wing loopovers, a 270-degree after burn and a complete snap roll over. Riders take flight in a fully open cockpit suspended beneath the coaster’s steel track as the sky races below.

Drop Tower (Drop Zone)

On Drop Tower, riders sit on a high-speed transport lift that travels over 16 feet per second, 230 feet in the air. At the top of the tower, guests have but moments to take in the panoramic view of the Park before it registers that what goes up must come down. Free falling at more than 100km/h, 23 stories flash by as the ground races up and catches riders in a silent, smooth stop.

Time Warp (Formerly known as Tomb Raider)

Wonderland introduces Canada’s only FLYING COASTER — enjoy the thrills of a rollercoaster while experiencing the sensation of flying. On this roller coaster you are lying down on your stomach. Be sure to empty your pockets as your stuff may come flying out!

SkyRider

On SkyRider, riders soar through loops, sharp bank curves and a side-winding helix while standing up! This coaster takes all of the classic elements of a steel coaster and adds the intensity and freedom of a new point of view.

Back Lot Stunt Coaster (Formerly known as The Italian Job)

On the Back Lot Stunt Coaster, riders experience what it is like to be a stunt car driver as their car races out onto the track. Drivers twist through a parking garage, dodge near collisions, race down stairs, chase through tunnels and narrowly escape massive explosions triggered by gunfire from a helicopter.

Dragon Fire

On Dragon Fire, unrelenting speed and loops are just some this coaster’s tricks. This immense steel coaster hurls riders through two 360-degree loops, a full corkscrew and a side-winding helix.

Jet Scream

Jet Scream is a looping starship that takes riders through unparalleled moments of zero gravity. While riders are orbiting 360-degrees, they will catch sensational hang time, 100-feet in the air.

Night Mares

You’ll be tilted 90-degrees, while spinning through stomach teasing loops ? Standing up!

Psyclone

On Psyclone, in the Action Zone, catch some gravity defying hang time on the most powerful pendulum on the planet! Daring thrill-seekers will rock 120-feet in the air, while spinning on a giant, sky teasing disc.

Riptide (Formerly known as Cliffhanger)

Riptide is Wonderland’s super swing with attitude and altitude! Riptide takes passengers through snap rollovers and unyielding 360-degree twists and turns as they are propelled through moments of zero gravity and an inescapable wall of water. Riptide is the ultimate experience for thrill seekers who think they have done it all.

Shockwave

Get set for the sensation of flying as Shockwave’s twisted force and spinning power, boosts riders 70-feet in the air, while rotating and looping 360-degrees! Immense speed, immense force, Shockwave will leave thrill seekers awed by its arsenal of tangled tricks

Sledge Hammer

Sledge Hammer is a menacing, mechanical giant, cutting the skyline at an awesome 80-feet in the air. Its massive power will hurl riders through accelerated jumps and freefalls. Sledge Hammer – A monstrous thrill that will leave white-knuckled riders screaming for more!

Thunder Run

Take a wild trip through Wonder Mountain. This themed runaway mine train coaster weaves riders through the depths of Wonder Mountain and out and over the scenic sights of Wonderland.

Wild Beast

Get set to ride the banks and jump the humps on this massive serpentine designed wooden coaster. With more than 3000 feet of track, this wildcat wooden roller coaster reaches maximum speeds through a never-ending stretch of camel humps and hairpin turns.

Directions and Map to Canada’s Wonderland

General Directions – Canada’s Wonderland is located just minutes north of Toronto off Highway 400, just 10 minutes north of Highway 401. Exit Rutherford Rd. if heading north or south on Highway 400.

Public Transit – By Public Transit the Wonderland Express “GO” Buses run regularly from Yorkdale and York Mills subway stations. Schedule operates throughout the day and evening through closing. York Region Transit offers several routes to Canada’s Wonderland. YRT Routes 4 and 20, as well as TTC Route 165A operate directly into the park. For more YRT route and schedule information, please visit the YRT/Viva website.

Map of Canada’s Wonderland Location

Video of Canada’s Wonderland Biggest Ride

This is a first person video of biggest roller coaster at Canada’s Wonderland, the Behemoth

Contact Canadas Wonderland

Email: guestservices at canadaswonderland.com
Guest Inquiries: (905) 832-8131
Group Sales: (905) 832-7400
Press/Media Inquiries: (905) 832-7000 x8000
Employment Opportunities: (905) 832-7401

Hockey Hall of Fame

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:24:03 +0000

Hockey Hall of Fame
Brookfield Place
30 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M5E 1X8
(416) 360?7765

The Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF) is a museum and hall of fame dedicated to the history of ice hockey. It holds exhibits about players, teams, National Hockey League (NHL ) records, NHL Trophies and is home of the greatest prize in hockey, the Stanley Cup.

It’s located in the heart of downtown Toronto at the corner of Yonge & Front St. in Brookfield Place (formerly BCE Place) lower concourse level, a short walk from many Toronto attractions, including Air Canada Centre, CN Tower, Rogers Centre and Eaton Centre. The Hockey Hall of Fame is the perfect place for any hockey lover to explore the largest collection of hockey memorabilia in the world.

The Hockey Hall of Fame was first established in 1943 in Kingston, Ontario which is approximately 3 hrs east of Toronto. In 1958 the Hall moved to Toronto, and was given its first permanent location in 1961 at the Exhibition place and finally moved to its current location in 1993.

The Hockey Hall of Fame has 15 exhibit areas covering 57,000 square feet (5,300 m2). In these exhibits are trophies, game worn equipment and other rare hockey memorabilia. The main attraction of the Hall is the Stanley Cup, the trophy handed out to the National Hockey League champions each year. For part of the year, a replica of the Stanley Cup will be displayed while the real presentation trophy travels outside the Hockey Hall of Fame for several charity events.

Hockey Hall of Fame Main Attractions and Exhibits

Verizon Great Hall (Hockey?s Cathedral)

The highlight of any visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame is Verizon Great Hall, the core sanctuary of hockey’s proud history. Inside, double glass walls hold portraits and biographical sketches of each Honoured Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

In the centre, flanked by showcases containing the NHL trophies, the greatest collection of silverware in the world of sports, including the Vezina, Hart, and Calder, stands the most famous and coveted of them all the Stanley Cup.

The Montreal Canadiens Dressing Room

The Hockey Hall of Fame’s Montreal Canadiens Dressing Room exhibit is a to-scale replica of the renowned space within the Montreal Forum which was home to 23 Stanley Cup champions between 1924 and its closing in 1996. Player stalls commemorating some of the greatest Habs, including Lafleur, Plante, Beliveau, Dryden and Morenz, encircle the area. Through this tribute, one can appreciate the evolution of equipment from the increasing size of goalie equipment to the decreasing weight of protective gear.

NHLPA Be A Player Zone

Challenge yourself within the impressive NHLPA Be A Player Zone, featuring new versions of the famed Source For Sports Shoot Out and Lay’s Shut Out. These two state-of-the-art interactive games reside on a 2,400 square-foot simulated rink, complete with an overlooking gondola, two fan stands, arena rink boards and a custom multimedia scoreboard.

The Source for Sports Shootout allows you to go one on one using real pucks and sticks versus a life sized computer simulated goalie. Lay Shut Out allows you to grab a glove, stick and blocker and play goal against video images of hockey superstars Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier, who fire weighted sponge pucks at speeds up to 70 mph through a number of openings in an 8-by-10-foot video screen.

Hours of Operation

Winter/Spring/Fall

(Excluding Christmas & March Breaks where hours are adjusted)

Monday-Friday: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:30am to 6:00pm
Sunday: 10:30am to 5:00pm

Summer

Monday-Saturday: 9:30am to 6:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am to 6:00pm

Directions to the Hockey Hall of Fame

By Car

From the South or West: Follow the QEW into Toronto, where it turns into the Gardiner Expressway. Take the YORK ST./ BAY ST. exit toward YONGE ST
Take the ramp toward HWY-11/ YONGE/ QUEENS QUAY.
Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto HARBOUR ST/ LAKE SHORE BLVD W/ PROVINCIAL ROUTE 2 E.
Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto YONGE ST/ PROVINCIAL ROUTE 11.
Turn LEFT onto FRONT ST W.

From the East: Take Highway 401 into Toronto and exit onto the Don Valley Parkway Southbound. As you approach Downtown, this will turn into the Gardiner Expressway.
Take the YONGE ST./HWY-11 exit toward HWY-11A/BAY ST./YORK ST./TORONTO ISLAND/HARBOURFRONT.
Merge onto LAKE SHORE BLVD E/PROVINCIAL ROUTE 2 W toward HWY-11A/BAY ST./YORK ST./TORONTO ISLAND/HARBOURFRONT.
Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto YONGE ST/ PROVINCIAL ROUTE 11.
Turn LEFT onto FRONT ST W.

From the North: Take Highway 400 into Toronto, exiting onto Highway 401 West. Continue until you reach Highway 427 southbound. Follow Highway 427 to downtown via the QEW/Gardiner Expressway.
Take the YORK ST./ BAY ST. exit toward YONGE ST
Take the ramp toward HWY-11/ YONGE/ QUEENS QUAY.
Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto HARBOUR ST/ LAKE SHORE BLVD W/ PROVINCIAL ROUTE 2 E.
Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto YONGE ST/ PROVINCIAL ROUTE 11.
Turn LEFT onto FRONT ST W.

By Public Transit

Take the TTC and transfer onto the Spadina / University or Yonge subway lines, and they will take you to Union Station, or the King subway stop. From either, it’s just a short walk to the Hall.

Map of Hockey Hall of Fame Location

Video of Hockey Hall of Fame

Contact Hall of Fame

Email: info at hhof.com

Infoline (416) 360?7765
Switchboard (416) 360?7735

Donations (416) 933?8226
Education Program (416) 933?8292

Group Reservations (416) 933?8292
Group Sales Toll?free 1?888?501?9770

Outreach Program (exhibit & game rentals) (416) 933?8244
Private Events & Facility Rentals (416) 933?8210
Retail: 1?866?267?1390

Fax: ( 416) 360-1501

Ontario Place

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:30:44 +0000

Ontario Place
955 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Toronto, ON M6K 3B9
416-314-9900
1-866-ONE-4-FUN

Ontario Place is located on the waterfront of Lake Ontario and is a great place to enjoy a day of family fun. Ontario Place is internationally acclaimed as being a cultural, leisure and entertainment parkland that is made up of 96 arches of fun. The complex extends throughout three man-made islands along the Lake Ontario waterfront and has lots of rides, attractions and entertainment.

The park has over 30 rides and attractions at Ontario Place that can be enjoyed by children of all ages. Ontario Place opened in May 1971 and featured a five pod pavilion complex, The Forum, pedal boats, a marina, restaurants and the world’s first permanent IMAX® theatre, the Cinesphere.

Construction started on March 17, 1969 and took an estimated 1.5 million person hours of labour to build at a cost of $29M. The gate first opened to the public on May 22, 1971.

Some of the Rides and Attractions at Ontario Place

Bumper Boats

Set your own pace, leisurely fun or frenzied action! Bumper Boats are located in the Marina Village.

Free Fall

This drop tower ride will thrill kids and their parents, too! Not for the faint of heart!

Mini Golf

Putt through two challenging 9-hole courses built into the landscaped hillside of Ontario Place.

Soak City Water Park

Soak City is Ontario Place’s coolest venue and Toronto’s only downtown water park. The water is heated and here you will find gigantic waterslides and heart-stopping Hydrofuge. Little kids can splash about in the children’s Waterplay area and everyone can whet their appetite at Seabreeze Bar & Grill. Soak city is the perfect way to spend a hot summer Toronto day with the family while enjoying the beautiful downtown Toronto view.

The Cinesphere

With the largest screen in the GTA (80 feet wide by 60 feet high) and 24,000 watts of digital sound, the Cinesphere is the place to see everything from IMAX films to the latest Hollywood hits. Other features include armchair seating for an audience of 752 people, swiveling seats so that each member of the audience has an equally good perspective and a steep rake is designed to ensure an unobstructed view of the screen.

The F/X Adventure Theatre featuring Ecozone

Join the specially trained Earth Science team as they embark on a death-defying mission to capture “Tony”, Earth?s only remaining T-Rex, before Dino Island is destroyed by a volcanic eruption. Ontario Place?s 30-seat motion simulator ride puts you in the driver?s seat with this animated adventure, as you travel underwater, through hazardous terrain, and find yourself face-to-face with “Tony” himself.

The Wilderness Adventure Ride

So there is wildlife at Ontario Place! The world’s largest fully animated flume ride takes riders through the scenic forests and canyons of ‘Northern Ontario’. Wilderness Adventure Ride is located on Adventure Island.

Wild World of Weather

This attraction will take you on a journey through several interactive stages of mind-blowing weather phenomena. Brave the elements, tempt a twister, and feel the shake of a massive quake! Hold onto your hat, because all of Mother Nature’s marvels are coming your way!

Directions and Map to Ontario Place

By Car

From the East: Take the Gardiner Expressway and get off at the Spadina Ave Exit, drive west along Lake Shore Blvd and follow signs to Ontario Place.

From the West: Take the Gardiner Expressway and get off at the Jameson Ave exit and follow Lake Shore Blvd. Eastbound to Ontario Place.

Public Transit

To get to Ontario Place via TTC:

Take the Bloor subway to Bathurst Station, then the Bathurst 511 streetcar south to Exhibition Place. You will then have to walk south through the Exhibition grounds, over the Lake Shore bridge and into Ontario Place.

From Wilson Station or Dufferin Station take the Dufferin 29 Bus South. This bus will take you to the Dufferin Gates at the north/west corner of Exhibition Place. From there it is a 10 minute walk across the grounds to Ontario Place.

From Union Station, take the Harbourfront 509 streetcar to Exhibition Place. You will then have to walk south through the Exhibition grounds, over the Lakeshore bridge and into Ontario Place.

Call TTC for more info at (416) 393-INFO or click here for additional TTC info.

Go Transit

Toronto and the surrounding area’s rail system leading into the core of the city.

Take the GO Train to Exhibition Place stop, then walk south through the Exhibition grounds, over the Lakeshore bridge and into Ontario Place.

For more information call: 416-869-3200 or 1-888-438-664

Map to Ontario Place Location

Video of Ontario Place

Contact Ontario Place

Email general information: info at ontarioplace.com
Email group sales: groupsales at ontarioplace.com

Automated Information Line 416-314-9900
Outside the GTA, call toll-free 1-866-ONE-4-FUN

If you require immediate assistance please contact our Security department at 416-314-9977.
Fax: 416-314-9989

Royal Ontario Museum

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:07:13 +0000

Royal Ontario Museum
100 Queen?s Park
Toronto, ON M5S 2C6
416-586-8000

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada’s largest museum of world culture and natural history and the fifth largest museum in North America. It contains more than 6 million items and over 40 galleries. It has notable collections of dinosaurs, Near Eastern and African art, East Asian art, European history, and Canadian history. It contains the world’s largest collection of fossils from the Burgess Shale with more than 150,000 specimens. It has also hosted many travelling exhibits.

The museum was first known as the Museum of Natural History and Fine Arts in 1857. In April 1912 the Royal Ontario Museum was established by an Act of the Ontario Legislature. The ROM first opened its doors to the public on March 19, 1914.

The Royal Ontario Museum adds 67,000 objects each year, making sure it?s audience is always interested. Some of the areas that the ROM is involved with are;

Archeology
Geology
Genealogy
Paleontology
Sociology

These areas are all represented through unique, informative exhibits. One of the most-visited areas of the museum is the Nubia Gallery. In 1998 a new archaeological culture in the Upper Nubia region of Northern Sudan was unearthed, showing the remains of a settlement dating to 1000-800 BC!

The Evolution Gallery is also a popular exhibit with an audiovisual presentation on Darwin?s theories of evolution. The Dinosaur collection draws attention and shouldn?t be missed, while the Gallery of Korean art is the largest permanent gallery devoted to Korean art and culture in North America.

The ROM is located at the corner of Bloor Street and Avenue Road, north of Queen’s Park and on the east side of Philosopher’s Walk in the University of Toronto.

Hours of Operation

Monday to Thursday: 10 am – 5:30 pm
Friday: 10 am – 9:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10 am – 5:30 pm

The Museum is open every day of the week throughout the year including all public holidays, except December 25 (Christmas Day).

Directions and Map of Royal Ontario Museum

By Car

If you are driving on the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), follow the Gardiner Expressway to Spadina Avenue. Proceed north on Spadina Avenue to Bloor Street W. and then turn right (east). Proceed east on Bloor until you reach Avenue Road / Queen’s Park. The Museum is on the southwest corner of Bloor Street W. and Queen’s Park.

From Highway 401, take Avenue Road south to Bloor Street W. or take the Don Valley Parkway south to the Bloor Street W. ramp and proceed west along Bloor Street to Avenue Road/Queen’s Park.

By Public Transit

The St. George stop on the Bloor-Danforth (green) subway line is closest to the ROM?s main entrance on Bloor Street W. The President’s Choice School Entrance is located at the Museum stop on the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line.

The closest fully accessible stop is also St. George. Elevators are available to street level at the Bloor St. and Bedford Rd. entrance. The Museum stop is not accessible to wheelchairs.

Visitors can also take the Avenue Road Bus #5 south from the Eglinton subway station. The 142 routes use accessible buses and runs north and south with stops at Queen?s Park in front of the Weston Wing.

For more information on public transportation call the Toronto Transit Commission TTC at 416.393.4636

Map of Royal Ontario Museum Location

Video of Royal Ontario Museum

Contact the Royal Ontario Museum

Email: ROM Contact Form

Visitor Services, Switchboard: 416.586.8000
24 hr recorded information in English and French: 416.586.8000

Switchboard: Hours of Operation
Daily: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Bell Relay Service (for people who are deaf, deafened and hard of hearing): 711

Art Gallery of Ontario

admin — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 23:00:43 +0000

Art Gallery of Ontario
317 Dundas Street West
Toronto Ontario M5T 1G4
1-877-225-4246
416 979 6648

Founded in 1900 by a group of private citizens as the Art Museum of Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America, with a physical facility of 583,000 square feet. The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) expanded it facility in 2008 with an innovative architectural design by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry.

The Art Gallery of Ontario contains more than 5,000 works in 110 galleries. The layout of the Art Gallery is open and easy to navigate. The extensive use of glass allows for stunning views of the city from every direction.

AGO Art Collections

The Art Gallery of Ontario holds more than 79,000 works in its collection, which spans from 100 A.D. to present day.

The Canadian Collection

This collection documents the development of the Canada’s art heritage since pre-Confederation, including one of the largest and finest Inuit art collections in the world. The collection includes pivotal works by Cornelius Krieghoff, Lucius O’Brien, James Wilson Morrice, Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, David Milne, Emily Carr, Paul-Emile Borduas, Joyce Wieland, and Kenojuak Ashevak.

European Art

Masterpieces of European art include works by renowned artists such as Anthony van Dyck, Thomas Gainsborough, Auguste Rodin, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and René Magritte.

Contemporary Art

The Art Gallery of Ontario maintains a comprehensive collection of Contemporary art spanning from 1960 to the present, reflecting global developments in artistic practice across all media, including painting, sculpture, works on paper, photography, projection art, and installation art. This collection includes art from both Canadian and International artists.

Photography Collection

A collection of more than 40,000 photographs represents the emergence of the medium in all its artistic, cultural and social diversity.

The Thomson Collection

The Thomson Collection at the AGO includes a broad range of works, from European to Canadian art, ship models and decorative arts.

Directions and Map to the Art Gallery of Ontario

By Driving

From QEW: Merge onto the Gardiner Expressway. Turn left at the Spadina Ave exit. Continue north and turn right when you reach Dundas St West. You will see the AGO at the corner of Dundas Street and Beverly Street on your right side.

From 401: Take the Avenue Road exit and go south to Dundas Street. Turn right onto Dundas Street West and you will soon see the AGO at the corner of Dundas and McCaul on your left side.

From Airport: follow Highway 427 to Toronto via the QEW/Gardiner Expressway. Turn left at the Spadina Ave exit. Continue north and turn right when you reach Dundas St West. The AGO will be on the right hand side at Beverly Street.

By Subway

The St. Patrick stop on the Yonge-University-Spadina line is the closest stop to the AGO entrance. The closest accessible stop is Queen’s Park (College Street) or Osgoode (Queen Street).

Exit the subway station and walk west on Dundas St W towards Simcoe Street. You will pass the Village by the Grange building on the left. At McCaul Street, you will see the AGO on the left hand side. It is 3 blocks from University or a 5 minute walk to the AGO from St. Patrick station.

By Streetcar

Dundas: If you’re taking the 505 Dundas streetcar from the east, get off at McCaul Street. If you’re arriving from the west, get off at Beverly Street. The streetcar stops are located conveniently right in front of the AGO.

Spadina: If you are arriving on the 510 Spadina streetcar from the north or south, get off at Dundas Street and walk east along Dundas. You will see the AGO on the right hand side when you reach Beverly Street. It is 3 blocks from Spadina or about a 5 minute walk.

Map of the Art Gallery of Ontario?s Location

Art Gallery of Ontario Video

Contact the Art Gallery of Ontario

Email: Contact Form

General Information: 416 979 6648 / 1 877 225 4246 (toll-free)
Administration: 416 979 6660 or 416 977 0414

Art Camp Office: 416 979 6660 ext. 368
Art Rental + Sales: 416 977 4654
Corporate Membership: 416 979 6660 ext. 292
Donations to the AGO: 416 979 6619

Frank Restaurant: 416 979 6688
Gallery Shop: 416 979 6610
Membership Information: 416 979 6620
Photographic Resources: 416 979 6674
Public Programs: 416 979 6608
Resource Centres: 416 979 6642
School Programs: 416 979 6608
Volunteer Services: 416 979 6661

Bloor Yorkville

admin — Sun, 09 May 2010 21:43:03 +0000

Bloor – Yorkville
Bloor St to the S, Davenport Rd to the N, Yonge St to the E, Avenue Rd to the W

Bloor – Yorkville is a district in Toronto, well known for its shopping. It is roughly bounded by Bloor Street to the south, Davenport Road to the north, Yonge Street to the east and Avenue Road to the west, and is considered part of the ‘The Annex’ neighbourhood officially. It is recognized as one of Canada’s most exclusive shopping streets.

Flower-filled courtyards restored Victorian homes and sophistication is what you will find in Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville area. Accessible by car, the area offers ample parking, and extensive TTC service at Yonge / Bloor and Bay stations. More than 700 shops can be found on the 27 blocks that make up the Bloor-Yorkville business area, including galleries, museums and restaurants.

Year-round attractions include the Royal Ontario Museum , the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art and the Village of Yorkville Park (located on Cumberland St.). Bloor-Yorkville is also home of the annual Santi Wine Festival in May and the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

Upscale Bloor Street, the main shopping avenue, vies nationally with Vancouver’s Robson Street. In 2006, both were the 22nd most expensive streets in the world, with rents of $208 per square foot. In 2007, Bloor and Robson slipped to 25th in the world with an average of $198 per square foot.

Yorkville now commands rents of $300 per square foot, making it the 3rd most expensive retail space in North America. Bloor St. was recently named the 7th most expensive shopping street in the world by Fortune Magazine, claiming tenants can pull in $1,500 to $4,500 per square foot in sales.

With more than 2500 businesses, the association is one of the largest organizations of its kind in Canada. The “Village of Yorkville” was founded by entrepreneur Joseph Bloor, and has been around for over 150 years. In the 60′s, the area was home to long haired hippies, and some of Canada’s finest musicians (Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot and Neil Young) could be seen playing regularly in its coffee houses. Today, Bloor-Yorkville offers internationally renowned boutiques remaining one of the most popular tourist attractions in North America.

Bloor Yorkville Map and Parking

Click on the map below for names of stores and shops in Yorkville. Look for the parking signs for ideas on where to park.

Toronto Yorkville Hotels and Condos

Toronto Marriott Bloor Yorkville
Four Seasons Toronto Yorkville
InterContinental Toronto Yorkville
Park Hyatt Toronto Yorkville
Canada Suites Yorkville
The Hazelton Hotel Toronto Yorkville
Windsor Arms Yorkville

Directions and Map to Bloor Yorkville

By Car

Bloor Street and Yonge Street are major Toronto streets that intersect in Bloor-Yorkville. If travelling from the north, east or west, take Hwy. 401 to Yonge Street or Avenue Road, and go south to Bloor. Or, take Hwy. 401 to the Don Valley Parkway. Travel south to the Bloor/Bayview exit, and travel west along Bloor Street. If traveling from the south, take the Gardiner Expressway to Bay Street or Yonge Street, and continue north to Bloor Street.

By TTC Public Transit

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has three subway stations in the Bloor-Yorkville area (Museum, Bay, and the Yonge/Bloor interchange), in addition to several bus routes. For hours of operation and fare information, call the TTC at (416) 393-4636

Map of Bloor Yorkville Location

Bloor Yorkville Video

Kensington Market

admin — Sun, 09 May 2010 07:50:25 +0000

Kensington Market
S. of College St., W. of Spadina Ave

Toronto’s most unique community, Kensington Market is a distinctive multicultural neighbourhood in downtown Toronto, Ontario. The Market is an older neighbourhood and one of the city’s most well-known. Its approximate borders are College St. on the north, Spadina Ave. on the east, Dundas St. W. to the south, and Bellevue Ave. to the west.

Most of the neighbourhood’s shops, cafes, and other attractions are located along Augusta Ave. and neighbouring Nassau St. and Kensington Ave. The market is best travelled on foot or bicycle, as the narrow one-way streets and numerous dead-ends are difficult to navigate by car. Narrow streets make the market challenging for those driving and especially parking in the neighbourhood. On Saturdays and some late afternoons, pedestrians walk freely down the middle of the street or between slow-moving cars.

Kensington Market is a haven of fresh fruit, vegetables and dry goods stores. Some of the best local produce and meat shops are found on these cramped little streets. There is seafood, dry goods and dollar stores on Spadina that are just a few blocks away. Kensington Avenue itself also houses several cafes and the best vintage clothing stores in the city.

Kensington Market Facts

Kensington is constantly reinventing itself. The original market dates back to British settlement in the 1790s, after which it experienced waves of immigration from many different countries.

It was home to more than 80 per cent of Toronto’s Jewish community, in the early 1900s. By the 1950s, the market became more multicultural, a product of the immigrant influx after the war.

Today the area represents the true meaning of the word eclectic, with people from more than 30 cultural backgrounds, including Portuguese, East Indian, Ethiopian and Caribbean.

In more recent times, Kensington Market has lent its name to CBC television shows like The King of Kensington, and the sitcom Twitch City. There was even a band called Kensington Market that recorded between 1967 and 1969.

On December 1, 2006, Kensington Market was proclaimed a National Historic Site

Some area landmarks are the Number 10 Fire Station, Tom’s Place, Bellevue Square Park with a statue of actor Al, and St. Stephen’s Community House.

Kensington Market Festivals

The annual Kensington Market Festival of Lights is celebrated on the streets of Kensington Market and at Bellevue Square Park during the Winter Solstice in December. This carnival parade of giant puppets, firebreathers, stiltwalkers and samba was first created by Ida Carnevali in 1987 as a way of beckoning the return of the sun on the longest night of the year — an ancient solstice tradition celebrated around the world.

After collaborating for 3 years Ida officially passed the torch to local artists in 1995. In 1987 the parade consisted of a handful of costumed revellers — it now welcomes over 10,000 people and continues to grow annually.

Parade goers of all ages make their own fantastic paper lanterns at Red Pepper’s storefront studio in popular workshops during the month prior to the parade. All parade imagery is collaboratively created by community artists, local schools, community organizations and volunteers working with Red Pepper’s creative team.

The festival moves its way through Kensington’s narrow streets witnessing surprise theatrical scenarios on rooftops and at intersections throughout Kensington Market. A giant fire sculpture marks the final send-off to the old year.

The Festival of Lights remains hand-made and commercial-free since 1987.

Kensington Market Cultures

The culture of the Kensington Market is a very hip, trendy and open. It has been the home and founding location of many punk and metal bands. There are also several movie and television series filmed in the area.

Along with the movie and music scene culture, there is a strong Marijuana culture. The market is home to one of Canada’s few cannabis cafés and boutiques, as well as a couple of head shops where drug paraphernalia is sold . The Hot Box Cafe and Roach’o'Rama are businesses in Kensington Market where the consumption of cannabis takes place openly.

Kensington Market Hours

Generally, the Market is open 7 days a week excluding Christmas and New Years. The best time for optimal shopping is between the hours of 11:00am and 7:00pm. Many of the grocery and fresh vegetable stores, however, are open earlier than 11:00. Of course bars, restaurants and entertainment remain open well into the evening.

Kensington Directions

By TTC Public Transit

4 streetcar lines provide direct access to Kensington.

From the Bloor Subway: take the Spadina or Bathurst streetcar south. Get off at College or one or two stops further south.

From Yonge/University Subway: take the College or Dundas streetcar west, getting off at Spadina or the next stop.

From Union Station: take the Queen’s Quay/Spadina streetcar. Enjoy the ride along the lake, where it turns north on Spadina. Get off at Dundas or the next couple of stops.

Kensington Market Location

Kensington Market Video

African Lion Safari

admin — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:45:42 +0000

African Lion Safari
1386 Cooper Road,
Flamborough, Ontario
1-800-461-9453

African Lion Safari is a safari park situated about 100 kilometeres (62 mi) west of Toronto. The mailing address is in Cambridge, Ontario, however its location is in Flamborough, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.The park first opened the gates to the public in 1969 and the experience is completely different from the traditional approach; that is, the visitor is caged in the car, and the animals roam in 2 to 20 hectare (5 to 50 acre) reserves.

African Lion Safari includes more than 1,000 animals, representing over 130 species of mammals and birds from across the globe. Guests may tour seven game reserves (with a total area of about 300 hectares) traversed via tour buses or the visitors? own vehicles where animals roam freely in large contained areas. Accompanying the game reserves is a large walking section where hundreds of exotic birds and primates, as well as the park?s herd of Asian Elephants, are on display.

The park is a great experience that allows you to view and photograph 1000 unique and rare mammals and birds who are roaming freely, waiting to meet you. The Safari Trail takes you through prides of lions, troops of baboons and herds of zebra. You will see big cats, baboons, white rhino, ostrich, aoudad, eland, giraffe and many other exotic and native species.

Travel through the reserves in your own vehicle (Convertibles, motorcycles and other unsuitable vehicles will not be permitted to drive) or park your car and let an informative tour guide drive you through this wild kingdom in a air-conditioned Safari Tour Bus (additional cost). The drive through tour will take about one hour and the average stay for a family visit is five to seven hours.

The African Lion Safari also offers two tours for no additional charge; the first on boat around a lake whose islands are inhabited by various primates of the world, and the second by train through a natural wetland, which provides excellent opportunities of viewing local wildlife. The natural setting of the entire park provides excellent bird watching opportunities.

Beyond the displays, the Lion Safari provides regularly scheduled shows featuring their collection of raptors (birds of prey), parrots and Asian elephants. The Asian Elephants are also led through the park twice daily for a swim in full view of the public. Other attractions include elephant and pony rides, a petting zoo, a large wet-play area, a playground, a discovery center and multiple food and souvenir shops.

African Lion Safari is open from the first weekend in May to the weekend of Canadian Thanksgiving in October.

African Lion Safari Attractions

- Drive Through Game Reserve (9 km)
- Misumu Bay Wet Play area
- Jungle Playground (height restrictions apply)
- Parrot Paradise show
- Elephant Roundup (demonstration)
- A scenic railway tour
- Pets’ Corner
- Birds of Prey (flying demonstration)
- Take a cruise aboard the “African Queen”

Directions and Map to African Lion Safari

TORONTO via 401

Follow 401 West (London) to exit 299, Highway 6 SOUTH, which is just past Milton. Go SOUTH on Highway 6 for 14 km and turn RIGHT on Safari Road. Follow Safari Road for about 16 km and you will see us on your right. We are approximately one hour away.

TORONTO via Q.E.W.

Follow the Q.E.W. West and then follow Hwy 403 West towards Hamilton. Take Highway 6 NORTH towards Guelph. Go NORTH on Highway 6 for 11 km and turn LEFT on Safari Road. Follow Safari Road for 16 km and you will see us on your right. We are approximately one hour away.

LONDON, WINDSOR, DETROIT

Take the 401 East and then take exit 268A. Follow Regional Road 97 East to Highway 8 and turn RIGHT on Highway 8 and follow the signs. We are approximately one and one half hours from London and three and one half hours from Detroit. (It’s a nice drive though.)

BUFFALO, NIAGARA FALLS, EAST HAMILTON

First take the Q.E.W. NORTH and/or EAST towards Hamilton and then take Highway 403 WEST towards Hamilton. Take Highway 6 NORTH towards Guelph and go NORTH for 11km and then turn LEFT on Safari Road. Follow Safari Road for 16 km and you will see us on your right. We are approximately one hour and twenty minutes away.

GUELPH, MOUNT FOREST, OWEN SOUND

Take the old Highway 6 SOUTH towards Hamilton and cross over the 401. From the 401 to Safari Road is 14km, turn RIGHT on Safari Road and after 16km you will see us on your right.

Map of African Lions Safari’s Location

African Lion Safari Video

Contact African Lion Safari

Email: admin at lionsafari.com
Toll Free: 1-800-461-WILD(9453)
Telephone: (519) 623-2620
Fax: (519) 623-9542