Things to Do in Canada

In 1890 Scottish coal baron Robert Dunsmuir built Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, British Columbia, to showcase his inordinate wealth. This 39-room hilltop mansion is rich with opulent details, including multiple turrets and chimneys, a red slate roof, stained-glass windows, wood carvings, antique furnishings, and gold-framed paintings. 

A National Historic Site, Craigdarroch Castle is one of the most prominent—and certainly the most eye-catching—of Victoria’s historic houses. Experiencing the castle provides insight into the history of Victoria and the life of turn-of-the-century wealthy industrials in Canada. 

You can see the castle during walking, biking, pedicab, and driving tours of the city, which typically include Victoria’s other most well-known attractions, such as Butchart Gardens, Beacon Hill Park, and the Emily Carr House. Some sightseeing tours even include admission to the castle. Once inside, you take a self-guided tour around the property.

Craigdarroch Castle is east of the inner harbor, just off Fort Street in the suburbs of Rockland. Take bus line 11, 14, 15, or 22 from downtown Victoria and get off at the Eastbound Fort at Fernwood stop, which is just a block from the castle. 

The castle is open year-round. If visiting during the peak period of mid-June to early September, arrive soon after opening (9am) or an hour or two before closing (5pm to 6pm) to beat the crowds.

Exhibits in the house reveal more about the tempestuous Dunsmuir family dynamics. Though it was Robert Dunsmuir who ordered Craigdarroch to be built, he himself never got that chance to live in the mansion, as he passed away several months before the building was completed. His family took up residence here in 1890, though Robert’s death—or more specifically, his will—sparked conflict within the family regarding the distribution of his estate. Robert’s first son, Alex, passed away in 1900, and his death ignited yet more tension regarding the distribution of assets and wealth, with Robert’s second son, James, instigating legal action against his own mother, Joan Dunsmuir. 

The Emily Carr House was the childhood home of Canadian painter and author Emily Carr and had a long-lasting impression on much of her work. Today, it is an Interpretive Centre for Carr’s artwork, writing, and life.

Emily Carr’s work reads like an adventure. It carried her from remote native settlements throughout British Columbia to major cities like San Francisco, London, and Paris. But her childhood home continually appeared throughout all of her work, especially her writing.

The house itself was built in 1863 and Carr called it home from her birth, in 1871, until she left to pursue artist training overseas. Her father’s death triggered ownership changes and, after years of passing through the Carr Family, the house was sold off. Although it was once scheduled for demolition, the house made its way back to the Emily Carr Foundation before being purchased by the provincial government and restored. It is now considered a prime heritage example of Italianate villa style popular in that era. It’s also the second National Historic Site of Canada designed by the local architects Wright and Saunders, who also built the Fisgard Lighthouse.

Toronto’s Entertainment District lives up to its name with a variety of performing arts venues, clubs, and live sporting events. From symphony to jazz and blues, theater, and baseball games, it’s all happening. Other options for entertainment in the area include Canada’s iconic CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. 

The Entertainment District is where visitors to Toronto go for nightlife. It includes the Roy Thomson Hall, home of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra; Royal Alexandra Theatre, which hosts stage shows such as Mamma Mia! and The Lion King; and the Princess of Wales theater. Sports fans shouldn’t miss Air Canada Center, home to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors), or the Rogers Centre, the Toronto Blue Jays’ home turf.

The Entertainment District lights up at night thanks to clubs, cocktail bars, restaurants, and live music venues, including jazz and blues clubs. A guided tour helps you find highlights quickly and takes you behind the scenes at entertainment venues. During the day, a hop-on-hop-off tour is a great way to see the district and come and go on your own schedule.

The Entertainment District is roughly bordered by the Financial District on the east, Spadina Avenue on the west, Queen Street West on the north, and the Gardiner Expressway on the south. Parking can be limited and costly in downtown Toronto, so walking or public transit are recommended. If you take the subway, Union Station and St. Andrews Station are both within the district.

Travel in spring (late April through May) and fall (mid-September through October), to avoid peak summertime crowds, score deals on hotels, and enjoy walking and dining outdoors while the weather is neither too hot or cold. 

The CN Tower, located in the Entertainment District, is Toronto’s most recognizable symbol—and for good reason. It’s the tallest building in the western hemisphere at 1,815 feet (553 meters). A glass elevator takes you to the top in 58 seconds, where there’s an observation deck that affords views of Niagara Falls, Lake Ontario, and New York.

The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, in Vancouver’s Chinatown, was the first “scholar’s” garden built outside of China in the Ming Dynasty tradition. This cultural and natural oasis offers a serene break from Vancouver’s hustle and bustle, and the nonprofit organization was named the one of top 10 city gardens in the world by National Geographic.

 

This combination of the free public park and admission fee-based garden comprises winding covered walkways, ancient limestone formations, and 150-year-old miniature trees that serve as a tranquil break from the concrete jungle. The first classical Chinese garden in Canada, the site was created by master craftsmen from China using 14th-century methods: no screws, no glue, and no power tools. On Friday nights in summer, the garden hosts an eclectic repertoire of musical and dance performances that includes classical, Asian, world, gypsy jazz, Slavic soul, and fusion. The garden aims to create cultural understanding between the eastern and western ways of life in British Columbia.

 

The Chinese garden offers 45-minute guided tours throughout the day and is also a stop on many Vancouver gardens tours, city highlights tours, Vancouver bike tours, and cultural tours of Chinatown. 

 

 

The Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, on Carrall Street in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown, is easily accessible via public transportation, and it’s only a few blocks away from the Gastown neighborhood and downtown Vancouver. 

 

The garden is open daily from 10am to 4:30pm from October 1 to April 30 (closed on Mondays from November 1 to April 30), 10am to 6pm May 1 to June 14, and 9:30am to 7pm from June 15 to August 31. Summertime visitors get an added bonus of Friday night cultural performances, held from mid-July through the first weekend in September.

 

The ancient Chinese practice of feng shui, or energy alignment between physical spaces and people’s intentions, is evident everywhere in the garden. Notice how dark pebbles are placed next to light ones, how swaying bamboo grows around immovable rocks, and the way in which soft-moving water flows across solid stone. Each item—including the roof tiles, tai hu rocks, and native flora—was placed with a considered purpose to create balance and harmony.

To its owners, the name Church and State Wines represents a balance between the varied elements required to produce the highest quality wines. The name suggests a balance between change – each year’s distinct vintage – and tradition – aging wines in French oak barrels.

Church and State Wines puts plenty of focus on its grapes. Its owner’s belief is the best grapes are only produced on the best land, but also requires unwavering attention to detail throughout the planting, growing, and harvesting processes. The best land is also subject to the right grape varietal, so Church and State Wines has two British Columbia locations: Oliver-Osoyoos and Victoria. The former includes 70 acres of Vineyards BC’s dominant wine region, while the latter houses 11 acres of vineyards on the Saanich Peninsula, just minutes from downtown Victoria.

Their mindfulness is paying dividends, too, as they’ve now been awarded Canada’s best red wine on three occasions.

Built in 1954, the Cleveland Dam was constructed for a number of important reasons. Unlike many other dams though, this one is not used for hydroelectricity. Instead, the original purpose of the dam was to hold back water entering into Burrard Inlet, which used to come in at a heavy pace carrying with it a hearty amount of silt and rocks, as well as a heavy current. Cleveland Dam was also constructed to protect a means of fresh drinking water for the lower mainland of Vancouver. In fact, the lake above Cleveland Dam provides the lower mainland with a whopping 40% of its fresh drinking water.

These days, Cleveland Dam makes up a part of North Vancouver that has quickly become a popular tourism destination and in the area around the dam, there are a number of parks and hiking paths. The dam itself sits in a protected park called Capilano River Regional Park, which also encompasses Capilano Lake, the body of water that the 300-foot spillway of the dam encloses. In the area, visitors can also find attractions such as the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Lynn Canyon Park, and Grouse Mountain.

Once home to the 1832 Gooderham and Worts’ mammoth distilling facility, Toronto’s charming arts and entertainment quarter is now a popular strolling spot for off-duty creatives. The cobblestone streets are lined with Victorian-era industrial buildings, which have been repurposed to serve as contemporary art galleries, third-wave coffee shops, concept boutiques, restaurants, and bars.

Toronto’s Distillery Historic District is one of the city’s most vibrant cultural quarters. You can explore it during a walking tour or a Segway tour, with guides chronicling the evolution of the neighborhood from a manufacturing powerhouse for Canada’s largest distillery to a hip heritage district. Many tours include tastings from local and artisan producers, including the award-winning Mill Street Brewery.

 

The Distillery District is located east of downtown Toronto. From Union Station (which is served by subway line 1 Yonge-University), ride the eastbound 504 King streetcar to King Street East at Trinity Street and walk south two blocks, or take the eastbound 514 Cherry streetcar to the end of the line (Distillery District). Walking from Union Station will take 20 to 25 minutes.

 

There is no bad time to visit Toronto’s Distillery Historic District. The neighborhood is at its liveliest during summer, when many of the cafés and restaurants set up outdoor seating areas—perfect for people-watching. Weekends tend to be busier than weekdays.

 

Seasonal events are a key draw of the district. During the holiday period, a popular Christmas market sets up shop here, with dozens of stalls piled high with food and handcrafted gifts, and carol singers belting out festive favorites. In summer, the Distillery Historic District hosts food-oriented events, live jazz, art and craft shows, and flea markets. On summer Sundays, vendors at the weekly farmers market sell produce from around Ontario, including maple syrup, meats, cheeses, and ready-to-eat treats.

Attracting skiers and hikers alike, Cypress Mountain is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The title Cypress Mountain is something of a misnomer; there is no peak by this name. It instead refers to a trio of skiable mountains (Black Mountain, Mt. Strachan, and Hollyburn Mountain) that hosted events at the 2010 Winter Olympics. 

Because of its proximity to downtown Vancouver, Cypress Mountain is often visited on sightseeing tours. During the summer season, many sightseeing tours of Vancouver or the scenic Vancouver area stop at Barrett’s View lookout, which offers far-reaching vistas. The park is most heavily used in winter, when its downhill runs, snowshoe and cross-country ski trails, and snow-tubing course attract locals and visitors.

Cypress Mountain is in Cypress Provincial Park on Vancouver’s North Shore, about a 45-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. Car-free travelers or those who don’t want to tackle mountain roads in winter can take seasonal winter shuttle buses from Vancouver to the ski resort area.

When to Get There 

In summer, come during the day to fully appreciate the views from the various lookouts. In winter, the resort remains open as late as 10pm, meaning visitors can ski down floodlit runs. The winter season typically lasts from mid-November to mid-April, while hiking is best between June and October. 

Hikers heading to Cypress Mountain can choose among several trail options. The flat and accessible 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) Yew Lake trail leads through meadows to Yew Lake, whose waters are framed by mountain peaks. A more challenging option is the 5-mile (8.2-kilometer) Eagle Bluff trail, which leads to viewpoints overlooking Howe Sound and Vancouver.

The capital of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown blends big-city convenience with small-town charm. Site of the pivotal 1864 Confederation Conference, the city is proud of its starring role in Canada’s history as well as its flourishing contemporary dining scene, with oyster bars and locavore restaurants operating out of heritage buildings in the leafy downtown core.  

While Charlottetown makes an excellent base for travelers who want to explore other destinations on PEI, such as Prince Edward Island National Park and the Green Gables Heritage Place, the city itself also has lots to offer. Charlottetown tours by bus cover highlights, such as the Victorian-style Beaconsfield Historic House, the waterfront Victoria Park, and Province House, where the Confederation Conference was held. City tours are a good way for time-tight travelers to get an overview of the city, and provide an opportunity for first-time visitors to get their bearings before exploring independently.

Many visitors arrive in Charlottetown port via cruise ship, while others touch down at Charlottetown Airport. Cars can access the island via Confederation Bridge (the Trans-Canada Highway), which connects PEI to New Brunswick.

Cruise ship season runs from May through October. This is when Charlottetown, and Prince Edward Island as a whole, is busiest. July and August are best for beach time and alfresco dining, while the monthlong Fall Flavors festival, which runs throughout September, is a big lure for foodies. Winters are cold and snow typically falls from mid-December through late March. 

For visitors interesting in delving into Canada’s past, Charlottetown is packed with sights of historical interest. Chief among Charlottetown’s historic landmarks is Province House, the seat of the provincial government and the site where representatives of British North America met in 1864 during the Confederation Conference. Don’t miss Victoria Row, an atmospheric restaurant and bar-lined block of Richmond Street that’s closed to traffic during the summer months.

The huge star-shaped Citadel of Quebec (La Citadelle de Quebec) is the largest military fortress in North America still occupied by troops. Begun by the French in the 1750s, the fortress was completed by the British in the mid-19th century, but never actually saw any action. Today, Canada’s French-speaking Royal 22nd Regiment (Royal 22e Régiment) is based here. 

Sightseeing and hop-on hop-off bus tours of Quebec City often visit the Citadel of Quebec, with guides providing commentary about its history and current role as a base for Canadian forces. Purchase a ticket to explore the National Historic Site and access the Royal 22nd Regiment Museum (Musée Royal 22e Régiment), where weapons, uniforms, and other military artifacts are displayed. French- and English-language guided tours of the complex take place at least every hour. 

The fort is set atop Cape Diamond (Cap Diamant), which overlooks the St. Lawrence River. Reach the citadel by car via Côte de la Citadelle (limited parking is available at the site). It’s about a 30-minute walk from Gare du Palais train station and a 20-minute walk from Chateau Frontenac. RTC buses (3 and 11) stop next to Côte de la Citadelle. 

Summer is the best time to visit: Tours are more frequent, the weather is warmer, and troops can be seen performing special ceremonies. Changing of the Guard ceremonies take place daily at 10am from June 24 through Labour Day in early September, while Beating of the Retreat ceremonies run at 5pm on Wednesdays in July and August. Nighttime tours by lantern take place from June to October.

The Changing of the Guard marks the handover between the previous sentries on duty and the batch of troops taking over for them. Officers inspect the troops, with the military band providing music and the well-behaved mascot, Batisse the goat, also taking part. Meanwhile, the Beating of the Retreat marks the end of the day and sees guards assemble on the parade square to fire rifles. Troops wear bearskin hats and red regimental coats during both ceremonies.

An inlet dividing downtown Vancouver from the rest of the city, False Creek borders some of Vancouver’s busiest shoreside neighborhoods, from chic Yaletown to Granville Island. The inlet hums with the activity of ferries, kayaks, and other boats, while the water’s edge is lined with scenic paths.

 

Many travelers cross False Creek via the Burrard Street, Granville, or Cambie Street bridges on the way downtown. Some bike tours follow routes along the edge of False Creek, while select cruises and kayaking tours depart from Granville Island and venture out into the inlet. Water-based tours offer a unique view of shoreside urban landmarks, including Science World and BC Place stadium, and provide a chance to spot wildlife, such as harbor seals and cormorants.

 

 

False Creek faces downtown Vancouver and is easily accessible via public transport. Take the SkyTrain to Stadium-Chinatown (Expo line), Main Street-Science World (Expo line), Yaletown-Roundhouse (Canada line), or Olympic Village (Canada line).

 

False Creek is quietest in early morning and evening. For a memorable experience, opt for a nighttime cruise or kayak tour, so you can see Vancouver sparkle.

 

Extending along the north and south edges of False Creek are pedestrian and cycle-friendly promenades. Follow the wide, paved False Creek seawall, which offers excellent views of the downtown skyline and mountain peaks looming behind the skyscrapers. The route leads past Granville Island Market, waterfront parks, and the Olympic Village, which hosted athletes during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Clifton Hill is a neon-heavy, Vegas-like strip filled with a concentrated cluster of family-friendly attractions and entertainment options. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, the 175-foot (53-meter) Niagara SkyWheel, Guinness World Records Museum, Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, and several haunted houses are among its prominent points of interest.

 

The bustling promenade of Clifton Hill is one of Niagara Falls most attraction-packed thoroughfares. Many visitors to the falls will find themselves here at some point, whether en route to a Hornblower Cruise or to visit one of the many other attractions based here.

 

Visitors can pre-purchase tickets for Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum and for the Niagara SkyWheel, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the Horseshoe and American falls, Niagara River, and Niagara Parks. If you plan on visiting a few of the major attractions here, consider opting for a multi-attraction Clifton Hill pass, which will get you access to the Niagara SkyWheel, Movieland Wax Museum of Stars, the Wild West Coaster ride, the Zombie Attack experience, the Ghost Blasters Dark Ride, and either Wizards’ Golf or Dinosaur Adventure Golf.

 

Clifton Hall is located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, connecting River Road on Niagara Parkway to the intersection of Victoria Avenue. To get there, ride the WEGO red, blue, or green line buses to the Clifton Hill/Hornblower Niagara Cruises stop.

 

Clifton Hill is fun to visit in any season, with attractions, like the Niagara SkyWheel, Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, and the Fun House, open throughout the year. Summers are when Clifton Hill is liveliest and arguably most atmospheric, though in winter, the Winter Festival of Lights helps ensure it’s never dull. Visit Clifton Hill early in the morning, while other sightseers are just waking up, to avoid the biggest crowds.

 

To get the most out of your Clifton Hill experience, wait until night to go up the SkyWheel. Once it’s dark, you’ll be able to see the Falls Illumination, during which Niagara Falls is lit up with twinkling LED lights. During the summer months, you may even get to see the Niagara Falls Fireworks spectacle from the pod of the Ferris wheel, which rises 175 feet (53 meters).

Black bears, arctic foxes, and lynx are just some of the species you’ll find at the Ecomuseum Zoo Montreal, an open-air wildlife park that houses rescued, orphaned, injured, and captive-born animals native to Quebec’s St. Lawrence Valley. In addition to outdoor enclosures, the zoo has an indoor space housing reptiles, amphibians, and nocturnal creatures.

Visitors can pre-purchase a zoo entrance ticket to gain speedy, skip-the-line access. Inside, you can explore independently; wander around the outdoor area, read informational panels, and see which animals you can spot. 

Visitors can also sign up for guided experiences. Join a docent-led tour focusing on the zoo’s larger mammals, learn about raptors during a birds-of-prey guided tour, or try your hand at being a zookeeper for a day by helping staff feed and care for the animals. Night tours and breakfast tours are also available; additionally, some Montreal sightseeing passes include free access to the zoo. 

The Ecomuseum Zoo is situated in Sainte-Anne-De-Bellevue on the western edge of the island of Montreal, about a 25-minute drive from downtown Montreal. The best way to get there is by car, as there is no direct bus link between downtown Montreal and the zoo. Free parking is available. 

Most of the zoo is outdoors, so the best time to visit is summer. The zoo does remain open in winter, and although some creatures go into hibernation, others, such as the arctic fox, thrive in colder temperatures.

Wildlife lovers may want to visit some of Montreal’s other animal-themed attractions. Stop by the Biodome in the Olympic Park, where a series of recreated North American ecosystems play host to a range of birds and animals, from penguins to capybara. Nearby is the Montreal Insectarium, which contains many different species of creepy crawlies, including living specimens—it’s a big hit with children.

Crescent Street, situated in the heart of Montreal’s bustling downtown, is the epicenter of the city's nightlife and home of the Grand Prix Festival, a celebration of the annual Formula One race. Lined with row houses, galleries, restaurants, and highly rated nightclubs, the street is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.

Located just steps from the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Crescent Street is a stop on most hop-on hop-off bus tours, a convenient way to explore without the hassle of navigating. Independent bike rentals offer a more active way to sightsee, while private tours offer the flexibility for visitors to tack a Crescent Street stroll or pub crawl onto a customized itinerary.

Crescent Street is easily accessible using Montreal’s comprehensive public transit system. The nearest stops are Sherbrooke and Rue de la Montagne on bus 24, René-Lévesque and de la Montagne on bus 150, and Lucien-L’Allier metro station on the orange 2 line. Alternatively, a BIXI bike share docks is conveniently located on the south end of Crescent Street.

As a hub for Montreal nightlife, Crescent Street is busiest during the evenings and on weekends. Go during the day for a quieter stroll. The street is best known for its annual Grand Prix Festival in June, a Formula One championship celebration known for its race car displays, autograph sessions, and live entertainment.

While Crescent Street was established in the 1860s, its reputation for nightlife only began in 1967 when the Sir Winston Churchill Pub Complex opened. Today, the Winston Churchill boasts three levels, each with a distinct atmosphere—from a candlelight club lounge to an airy outdoor terrace. With plenty of food and drink options, the pub is often filled with visitors and locals from across the city.

Situated between Kistilano and Stanley Park, English Bay is one of Vancouver’s best spots for water sports, such as swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Two popular beaches—Kitsilano Beach and English Bay—face out onto the bay, as does part of the Stanley Park seawall, a waterside promenade used by cyclists and walkers.

 

Walking or cycling along Stanley Park’s seawall is an essential Vancouver experience, and one of the best ways to see English Bay. Visitors can rent bikes and cycle along the path solo, or dive deeper into Vancouver on guided bike tours that visit other downtown sights. Visitors can also swim at English Bay Beach or Kitsilano Beach, take an exciting Jet Ski ride, kayak, or take a stand-up paddleboard tour around the bay.

 

 

English Bay Beach is situated in the West End neighborhood of Vancouver, adjacent to the downtown area. The No. 6 bus connects Yaletown with English Bay Beach.

 

The bay is best explored between May and September when warmer weather facilitates water-based fun. Strolling and cycling along the seawall and the beaches can be enjoyed year-round. For an invigorating winter activity, attend the Polar Beach Swim in January, when thousands of brave swimmers plunge into the cold waters of English Bay.

 

Every summer, the skies above English Bay explode with light during the annual Celebration of Light fireworks competition. This pyrotechnic spectacle, produced by teams representing different countries, is choreographed to music and launched from offshore barges. Crowds of spectators gather on the waterfront around English Bay to watch the show.

Surrounded by water on three sides, downtown Vancouver is the place to go for sea views, bright lights, and action. The city’s commercial core, it encompasses several distinct areas including shop-lined Robson Street, the green expanse of Stanley Park, historic Gastown, and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America.

With so much to see here, many visitors to Vancouver devote the majority of their time to downtown. Join sightseeing tours of downtown, or delve deeper with walking tours of specific downtown neighborhoods, such as Victorian-era Gastown or the hip waterfront enclave of Yaletown. Downtown biking tours typically follow routes around Stanley Park’s scenic seawall, while many boat tours cruise around Vancouver Harbour, False Creek, and English Bay, offering front-row views of the downtown skyline. 

From the airport, take the Canada Line SkyTrain to Yaletown–Roundhouse, Vancouver City Centre, or Waterfront station. Cruise ship passengers disembark at Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, on downtown Vancouver’s waterfront . 

Downtown Vancouver sees the warmest weather from mid-June through mid-September, and this is the best time for outdoor activities such as biking around Stanley Park or kayaking in False Creek. Avoid driving into or out of downtown during rush hours (7am–10am and 4pm–7pm). 

Many of Vancouver’s most recognizable landmarks and well-known attractions are situated in the downtown area. View the city from on high at the Vancouver Lookout observation deck, admire the sail-shaped forms of Canada Place, hear the Gastown steam clock chime, and explore Stanley Park, home to the Brockton Point Totem Poles and the Vancouver Aquarium. 

For many visitors to Toronto, this needle-like telecommunications tower—often seen from the airplane window—is their first glimpse of the city. When it was erected in 1976, the CN Tower was the world’s tallest freestanding structure. Though it no longer holds that title, it is still the tallest tower in Canada, and the spectacular views from its observation decks are second to none.

 

At 1,815 feet (553 meters), the CN Tower is hard to miss, and almost every sightseeing tour of the Toronto includes at least a look at this iconic structure. To get a real sense of its soaring height, it’s best to go inside. Regular entry, which you can combine with a guided walking tour or harbor cruise, gives you access to the vertigo-triggering Glass Floor at 1,122 feet (342 meters) and the 1,136-foot (436-meter) LookOut Level deck via high-speed, glass-walled elevators. You can go to the even higher SkyPod platform at 1,465 feet (447 meters), though you need a separate ticket. For the ultimate thrill, try the EdgeWalk, a hands-free walk around the ledge of the tower’s main pod. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is located on the ground floor. For a novel perspective of the tower, take a helicopter tour over Toronto’s skyline.

 

CN Tower is located beside the Rogers Centre in downtown Toronto. The visitors’ entrance is on Bremner Boulevard. Take the subway (line 1 Yonge-University) to Union Station and walk west along Front Street. It’s a five- to 10-minute walk from the station.

 

Summer weekends are peak visiting days. Most people come between 11am and 5pm—go in early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds. After sunset, you can witness the tower’s eight-minute light show, which takes place on the hour.

 

More than just a show-stopping architectural icon and tourist attraction, the CN Tower serves a practical purpose as a telecommunications tower. Prior to its construction, the increasingly tall Toronto skyline was making it difficult to transmit radio and television signals. Though the tower may appear spindly, it is in fact very sturdy. It is covered with thick reinforced concrete, weighs 130,000 tons (117,910 metric tonnes), and is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Since its completion in 1892, Dorchester Square has been a cultural and political focal point for protests, social gatherings, and pedestrian traffic in Downtown Montreal. Adjacent to the Dominion Square Building and Place du Canada, the public park is home to four historic monuments, including a Robert Burns statue and the Boer War memorial.

The centrally located Dorchester Square is a stop on most hop-on hop-off bus tours, a convenient way for visitors to sightsee without the hassle of navigating. Downtown walking tours often include Dorchester Square in conjunction with other nearby landmarks, such as Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, St. Catherine Street, and parts of Montreal’s Underground City. Opt for a private tour and you can tack on a stroll through Dorchester Square to any customized itinerary. 

Dorchester Square’s central downtown location makes it easily accessible using Montreal’s comprehensive public transit system. Buses 107, 150, 430, and 747 all stop directly in front of the square, and the nearest metro stations are Bonaventure on the red 2 line and Peel on the green 2 line. Alternatively, a BIXI bike share dock is located on the square’s northeast corner.

Dorchester Square is open to the public 24 hours a day. Like most outdoor spaces in Montreal, the square is busiest from May to September; seating areas, shady trees, and wide walkways make it an easy place to spend an afternoon. 

Before 1854, Dorchester Square was the burial site of victims of a 1851 cholera epidemic that caused more deaths worldwide than any other 19th-century pandemic. Because the cemetery was built quickly and without much foresight, the government exhumed the bodies later that year and moved them to Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery atop Mount Royal. As you walk through Dorchester Square, you’ll spot the crosses engraved in the pathways—a small reminder of this land’s solemn beginnings.