Toronto
Ottawa
Niagara Falls
Our own Backyard
(Kingston& Area)
(Kingston& Area)
Free for All
100
This is Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto.
True:
One of Toronto's newest top attractions is the Ripley's Aquarium near the base of the CN Tower. This fabulous facility displays all kinds of marine life and is one of the most popular things to do in Toronto for families.
The most impressive feature is the huge underwater tunnel with a moving sidewalk. You can watch the ocean world go by all around you as sharks glide past and sawfish linger on the tunnel roof above. This is a truly serene experience for all ages.
Another unexpected highlight is the jellyfish display, accented with creative lighting. Further on, touch tanks with stingrays and small sharks allow for a hands-on experience. And for the engineering minded, the building's open concept also allows for a look at the Life Support System and filtration equipment operating the facility.
100
Parliament Hill is located in Ottawa and is the Capital of Canada.
True:
The Parliament Buildings, in all their splendor of Victorian Gothic sandstone, are quite an imposing sight on the 50-meter-high Parliament Hill (Colline du Parlement) looking out over the Ottawa River.
The Parliamentary Library, at the back of the building opposite the entrance, is a wonderfully furnished octagon that was untouched in the 1916 fire. You can explore the sprawling historic Centre Block on a guided tour, and the public can also attend a question period when the government is in session.
The attractive grassed area in front of the Parliament buildings is patrolled in summer by members of the Canadian Mounted Police, looking very dashing in their Mountie uniforms of scarlet jackets, Stetsons, riding breeches, and knee boots.
On summer mornings, the Changing of the Guard always attracts visitors with its regimental band and pipers. The ceremony begins at 9:50am, but you should be there at least 15 minutes before that for a good view. The Changing of the Guard and tours of Parliament are among the most popular free things to do in Ottawa.
100
One of the top attractions in Niagara Falls is Niagara Falls.
True:
Niagara Falls are some of the largest, most beautiful, and most famous waterfalls in the world. They are also some of the most easily accessible. You can walk up and stand on the very edge of the falls, separated only by a railing, without even having to pay a fee.
If you want to see them from a little different perspective, you can take a boat trip to the base of the falls, or go behind the falls and see the water pouring over from above.
The falls consist of three parts: The most spectacular section is the concave Horseshoe Falls, running 640 meters across from the Canadian shore to the American shore. The American Falls, about 330 meters across, is on the New York side, but the best views are from the Canadian side. A small third section, known as Bridal Veil Falls, is located between these two.
On the Canadian side of the falls, a walkway stretches from above the falls all the way along the edge of the gorge, providing spectacular views. At night, the falls are lit up in different colors.
The main viewing area is on the edge of Horseshoe Falls, behind which is the Table Rock Welcome Centre. This building has a restaurant overlooking the falls and is also where you'll find shops and an information and ticket booth where you can purchase tickets to the various attractions and tours.
Below the falls, the Niagara River flows through the deep walls of the gorge, between 80 meters and 300 meters across, forming the Whirlpool Rapids as the gorge narrows. The waters eventually flow into Lake Ontario.
100
Kingston is home to the 1000 Island Boat Tours.
True:
The other very popular activity that leaves from close to the Visitor Centre is the 1000 Island Boat cruise.
The waterway near Kingston – the Thousand Islands and the Saint Lawrence River – are historically very important and beautiful places to explore from the water.
There are loads of different boat tours you can do – some are quick while others are the whole day. Some are sunset dinner cruises on different boats. You can pick the one you want and plan accordingly based on price and timelines.
We did the 3 Hour Cruise to the 1000 Islands and really enjoyed our half day on the water!
The live guitar performer was great, the audio commentary was full of interesting knowledge, and the sun was shining on the top deck all day! Eric has also been on the sunset cruise with friends and it was SO worth it.
100
Byward Market is located in Downtown Ottawa and in the summer you can purchase fresh fruit and vegetables plus a variety of other products.
True:
Located in Ottawa's busy Lower Town, north of the Rideau Canal, the Byward Market has enjoyed a colorful existence since 1846. In summer, fruit, flower, and vegetable stalls in the streets supplement the food stores in the main market hall.
The entire area surrounding the market has been lovingly restored and now is a neighborhood filled with restaurants and smart boutiques.
200
The CN Tower is the world's tallest free-standing structure.
False:
Toronto's famous landmark, the 553-meter CN Tower, is one of the city's must see attractions and also the most impossible to miss. Towering above the downtown, this Canadian icon can be seen from almost everywhere in the city.
You have the option of simply appreciating the building from the ground, or taking a trip up to one of the observation areas or restaurants for fabulous views over the city and Lake Ontario. The CN Tower, built between 1972 and 1976, was once the tallest freestanding structure in the world, but has long since been surpassed.(9th)
The highest viewing area on the CN Tower is from the Sky Pod at 447 meters above the city, with views that, on clear days, extend to Niagara Falls and New York State. To get here requires taking two elevators.
Below this, at the top of the main elevator is the LookOut level at 346 meters, with floor-to-ceiling windows and the new Glass Floor, which looks down to the original Glass Floor, one floor below, where the Outdoor Sky Terrace is located. As the name suggests, the Glass Floor offers a bird's-eye view directly down over the city.
For those looking for a little more adventure, or perhaps a lot more adventure, there is the "Edge Walk." This involves a hands-free walk on a 1.5-meter-wide ledge around the outside edge of the main pod, at an elevation of 365 meters. Participants are attached to a safety harness and rope.
200
In the winter, people skate on the Rideau Canal.
True:
The 200-kilometer-long (but only 1.6-meter-deep) Rideau Canal, connects Ottawa with Kingston on Lake Ontario. Sometimes also called the Rideau Waterway, it was originally intended as a strategic route between Montréal and Lake Ontario, the military need for which was demonstrated during the war with the United States in 1812.
In summer, the canal and locks are an active waterway. Fun things to do include taking a Rideau Canal cruise aboard one of the many tour boats that ply the water here (better still, splash out on an overnight cruise of the canal!).
As soon as it freezes over, though, the canal becomes a recreational area for festivals and skating, one of the favorite things to do in Ottawa in the winter.
Château Laurier is one of the grand buildings on the canal banks. Though it has the air of a medieval castle, it was actually built in 1912 and is a prime example of how big Canadian railroad companies added grand hotels (and striking landmarks) across Canada.
200
Hornblower Niagara Cruises give you an opportunity to see Niagara Falls up close from the bottom of the falls.
True:
Hornblower Cruises offer close-up tours to the base of all three falls in 700-passenger catamaran boats. Cruises run all day and into the evening, when the falls are lit.
This is a wet experience, and rain jackets are provided. Since the Maid of the Mist stopped operating out of Canada, this is the only boat tour option from the Canadian side that takes visitors to the base of the falls.
200
Fort Henry is a popular tourist destination.
True:
Want to dive into Canada’s military history at one of the most important sites? Then Fort Henry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is definitely a stop you should make when visiting Kingston!
Fort Henry is actually part of a larger historical site known as “Kingston Fortifications National Historic Site”. This site includes the old fortifications around Kingston Harbour and the entrance to the Rideau Canal.
Besides Fort Henry itself, the historic sites include the Shoal Tower (right by the waterfront downtown), the Murney Tower, and the tower/walls of Fort Frederick which is out near the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) close to Fort Henry.
200
Calypso waterpark offers a variety of waterslides.
True:
Calypso Waterpark is the summertime place to be for children and thrill seekers alike! As the biggest theme waterpark in Canada, Calypso Waterpark features a wide variety of attractions for people of all ages: 35 slides, 100 water games and 2 theme rivers! It is also home to the largest wavepool in the country, exciting slides for everyone, play areas for young families, 2 VIP Zones and a great selection of restaurants.
300
If you wanted to find this animal, you could find them at any of the community parks in Toronto.
False:
Toronto zoo has an outstanding and diverse collection, with approximately 5,000 animals. Some of the favorites include pygmy hippos, lions, tigers, giraffes, penguins, orangutans, and many more. The zoo is divided into several sections, each representing a major region of the globe.
Some of the other highlights at the Toronto Zoo include the Gorilla Rainforest; the Tundra Trek, featuring polar bears; and the Great Barrier Reef. The Discovery Zone is a popular area with families, and during the summer months, a splash pad offers fun in the sun.
300
The museum of Nature in Ottawa has a dinosaur exhibit.
True:
The Canadian Museum of Nature (Musée Canadien de la Nature) takes visitors through the world of the dinosaurs all the way up to today's animal population, and also features poignant temporary exhibits.
It is the national natural sciences and history museum, and the historic building (once the Victoria Memorial Museum) is the birthplace of Canada's national museums. Construction on this castle-like building was completed in 1910.
300
The Niagara Skywheel is located in Niagara Falls and gives you a great view.
True:
One of the newest attractions at Niagara Falls is the Niagara Skywheel, the largest observation wheel in Canada. Standing 175 feet tall, it offers visitors a new way to see the roaring falls.
Climate controlled gondolas means it's open year-round, and rides last between eight and 12 minutes. You can take these day or night. At night, you can see the city lights as well as Niagara Falls illuminated in various colors.
300
Lemoine's Point is a conservation area located in the west end of Kingston.
True:
If you want to get away from downtown without going too far north or outside of Kingston, then Lemoine point might be for you. Located to the west of downtown – out by Kingston Airport – this conservation area is a nice little nature getaway.
The parking area is big and the trails are well marked. There’s a variety of paths to take – from thick woodland trails to open fields.
There are even ones that give you great views out over the water (Collins Bay) and ones that bright you right to the shore of the lake.
Eric wandered through a few summers ago and it was great – good for dogs, too. If you want to get out for a nature day in Kingston, this is where you should go with a rental car or bikes!
300
Sandbanks provincial park offers long sandy beaches.
True:
- World’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation
- Three expansive sandy beaches that some say are among the best in Canada; Outlet Beach is perfect for families, with shallow waters and gentle drop off
- Location jutting out into Lake Ontario means that this park is a bird migration hotspot in spring and fall
- Walking trails that allow visitors to experience the dune and wetland habitats of the park
- Daily interpretive programming for the whole family during summer months
- Great starting point to explore Prince Edward County known for its bicycle touring, wineries, food and antiques
- Cottages available for rent year-round for adventures in any season
400
Rodgers Centre is where the Toronto Blue Jays Play.
True:
Immediately adjacent to the CN Tower is Rogers Centre, a massive domed sports arena and home to the Toronto Blue Jays (MLB). The unique design includes a retractable roof, which slides back, allowing it to be opened in favorable weather.
This mega-structure was completed in 1989 and can accommodate tens of thousands of spectators and is also used as a venue for other major events, including concerts. The center also offers one-hour guided tours with a behind-the-scenes look at the facility.
Attached to Rogers Centre is the Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel, with rooms that look out over the field. If you are in town to see a game, staying here is an extremely convenient option and a bit of a unique experience.
400
The Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa no longer manufactures Canada's circulating coins but does produce Olympic medals there.
True:
While the Royal Canadian Mint (Monnaie royale canadienne) no longer manufactures Canada's circulating coins, the Ottawa facility creates finely crafted medals, commemorative coins for collectors, and awards in precious metals. These include Olympic medals.
The tour is fascinating, especially on weekdays when you can see the craftspeople at work. You'll also see one of three giant gold loonies (Canadian dollar coins) minted here, and get to hold a real gold ingot. Tour groups are small, so you should reserve a spot in advance.
400
The Butterfly Conservatory is located in Niagara Falls.
True:
The Butterfly Conservatory, along the Niagara Parkway, is home to 2,000 free-flying butterflies. The glass-enclosed conservatory with waterfalls and tropical plants features more than 40 different species of butterflies.
This attraction is open year round making it a particularly popular place to visit during the winter months when the outside gardens are not in bloom.
400
Kingston Penitentiary does not hold guided tours.
False:
If you are just hearing about Kingston, you might find out that it is home to one of Canada’s most (if not, THE most) notorious prisons: Kingston Penitentiary.
Opened in 1835, this prison held Canada’s worst criminals for decades.
These days, “The Pen” as it’s called is closed down and features a museum and tours. Eric has never been inside but has always wanted to and should have gone when they started running tours a few years back! To book a tour, check the official website.
400
Gananoque is referred to the main gateway to the Thousand Islands.
True:
Spread over an 80-kilometer stretch of the St. Lawrence River is a scenic natural area known as the Thousand Islands. The islands are on a granite shelf extending from the Canadian Shield to the Adirondack Mountains in the United States, with the US-Canada boundary actually running between the islands. It is one of the oldest and best-known holiday areas in Ontario, popular with cottagers, boaters, and those looking to get away from the cities of Southern Ontario during the hot summer months.
One of the most popular things to do in this area is a Thousand Islands Sunset Dinner Cruise through the maze of islands. Gananoque is the principle resort town in the area and the main gateway to the Thousand Islands.
500
Canada's Wonderland is located in Kingston, Ontario.
False:
Canada's Wonderland is a 134-hectare theme park located in Vaughan, Ontario, a suburb approximately 25 kilometres north of Downtown Toronto. Opened in 1981 by the Taft Broadcasting Company and the Great-West Life Assurance Company as the first major theme park in Canada, it remains the country's largest.
500
You are able to travel the rapids of the Ottawa River by Whitewater Rafting with one of the local companies.
True:
Known as the Whitewater Capital of Canada, the area is home to some of the fastest, cleanest, warmest and safest rivers in the country - perfect for serious kayak, canoe or rafting action.
You'll find rivers for all seasons and skill levels - the Ottawa, Madawaska, Bonnechere, Petawawa, Opeongo, Dumoine, Barron, Mattawa, Coulonge, Noire, Papineau Creek, York, Grant's Creek and more.Rivers flow from March to the end of November making for a long paddling season.
Each year the Ottawa Valley hosts a variety of international, national and provincial kayaking and canoeing championships, festivals and paddling events.
Want to master your J-stroke? The Valley is also home to Canada's best paddling schools - kayak, canoe or raft.
Several seasoned outfitters offer a variety of guided packages from screamin' high-adventure rafting to gentle family float-trips, sea kayaking and sport-yaking, canoe clinics, slalom racing and whitewater rodeos.
If racing down a Class III, IV or V rapid is not your style, then slow down and relax as you glide across one of the area's 900 lakes. Be sure to pack your camera as the photo opps are endless.
500
Niagara Falls has an indoor waterpark.
True:
It's called the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark and it has the following features.
- 16 Thrilling Waterslides
- Massive indoor wave pool, hot springs & outdoor sundeck with pool
500
Kingston offers Trolley Tours to explore the city.
True:
One of the top attractions tours in Kingston is hopping on the red Trolleys and doing the Trolley Tour!
This “hop-on hop-off” style tour takes you all around to the highlights a visitor would want to see. You can even get off, explore the attraction, and catch another Trolley – they come by very frequently in the summer!
The trolleys have a live commentary from the driver and/or audio guide so it’s a great way to learn about the historical points of the city – and then some. Eric has done it and loved the tour. It’s also a good mode of transportation to get to Fort Henry – but we will cover that.
If you want to take the Kingston Trolley around, you can check here for Trolley Tour tickets. It leaves from right outside the Tourist Centre.
500
TIFF stands for an event called the Toronto International Film Festival.
True:
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is the most famous event on Ontario's calendar, attracting some of the biggest movie stars across North America. This 10-day festival, held in early September in Toronto, is one of the best attended film festivals in the world, with almost a half million visitors annually.
Tourists and locals descend on the city to watch a film or catch a glimpse of some of their favorite actors, and the city is a buzz of activity. At this time of year, the weather is still hot, and evenings are pleasant. The streets are full of people, restaurants are booked well in advance, and outdoor patios in the city are crowded until late at night. If you are visiting Toronto at this time of year, make sure you have reservations.