Toronto Off The Beaten Path Tips by tvor

MacKenzie House

William Lyon MacKenzie was the City of Toronto's first mayor. he also led a failed rebellion in 1837 for which he was convicted of high treason. MacKenzie house is the last home where he lived and is supposed to be haunted.

82 Bond Street, near Dundas St. E between Yonge and Church

Phone: 416-338-3888

Website: http://www.toronto.ca/culture/mackenzie_house.htm

Campbell House Museum

Campbell House was built in 1822 and is the oldest remaining brick house left from the old City of York, the precursor of Toronto. However, the building is not in it's original location and was moved here at a later date. the rooms are recreations of Georgian life in Canada in the 19th century. There are programs for students as well.

160 Queen Street West at University
Cost $4.50 adults, $3.00 students and seniors, $2.50 children with family rates as well.
Campbell House is open Tuesday to Friday
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Weekends from 12:00 p.m. to 4 p.m.
(between Victoria Day in May and Thansgiving Day in October)
Campbell House is closed Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Canadian Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

Phone: 416-597-0227

Website: http://www.campbellhousemuseum.ca/

Textile Museum of Canada

The Textile museum is a bit off the beaten track but is an enjoyable way to spend an hour or so. They started off 30 years ago in one room and have moved to a new facility. It focuses on the production and celebration of textiles and tapestries, patterns and how culture is reflected in textiles. There are workshops and learning centers for children and adults both. Two floors of public exhibits with various temporary and permanent collections. Some of the rooms are dark until you enter, and then motion sensors cause the lights to come on. When i was there, there was an exhibit on West African culture from the 3rd to 16th century with reproductions of some wonderful wraps and wall hangings. The exhibits change periodically. There is a lovely small shop with all kinds of interesting things on offer. Cost is $10 per adult, $6 for students, children and seniors.

Daily 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Open Statutory Holidays during the summer
Closed: New Years Day, Good Friday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, Boxing Day

Phone: (416) 599-5321

Website: http://www.textilemuseum.ca

Odd ball Museums

I love unique museums. Toronto has several, one i've been to and one or two i want to see. On the waterfront is the Redpath sugar refinery. They have a sugar museum on the site though i haven't yet been there.

The Bata Shoe Museum is really interesting. It's on Bloor Street West right across from the George St. subway stop in a modern building. The history of footwear makes for fascinating viewing. It would break your heart to see the little bent shoes that were used for the Chinese women that were made to bind their feet and thus deforming them. Lots of very cool displays on three floors.

Website: http://www.batashoemuseum.ca/