Toronto Off the Beaten Path Tips by coolpanda87

At the intersection of Lake Shore Boulevard W. & Spadina Ave West, you will find Music Garden, a park that was inspired by musician Yo-Yo-Ma. It is designed after Johann Sebastian Bach's Suites for Unaccompanied Cello. Originally planned for Boston, the plan eventually became a reality here at the waterfront. Though it is small, it is one of the most beautiful parks in Toronto. Mr. Ma worked with landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy to interpret in nature the music of Bach's first suite, with each part of the garden dedicated to a different dance movement.

Dance Movements include -

Prelude - "An undulating river scrape with curves and bends," it was designed to give a flowing river feeling where visitors can stroll.

Allemande - "A forest grove of wandering trails," it is a birch forest with a swirl that has an upward slope. Eventually at its highest point, you could view the harbour through a circle of Dawn Redwood Trees. Allemande is an ancient German dance.

Courante - "A swirling path through a wildflower meadow," is a huge upward spiral through a field of grasses and brightly-coloured perennials. At the top, a Maypole spins in the wind. Courante is an exuburating Italian & French dance.

Sarabande - "A conifer grove in the shape of an arc," is an inward-arcing circle that is enclosed by evergreen trees. Envisoned to become a poet's corner, it has a pond that reflects to the sky and a stone in the middle set for readings.

Menuett - "A formal flower parterre," is a circular pavilion is designed to shelter small musical ensembles or dance groups. The symmetry and geometry of the pavillion follows the movement's grace and form. Menuett is actually a French dance.

Gigue Giant - "grass steps that dance you down to the outside world," is a series of giant grass steps that offer views onto the harbour. The steps form a curved amphitheatre that focus on a stone stage (under a weeping willow tree.) It is a place for informal performances. A gigue (jog) is an Englsih dance.

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Phone: 416-338-0338.
Website: http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/parks/music_index.htm
Other Contact: 475 Queen’s Quay West

As Toronto's high tech playground, Playdium offers over 200 of the world's greatest simulators and video games. It also has 11 acre outdoor playpark that includes a GoCart Track.

My favourites include the racing games, the VR (another universe ^_^), & the real life simulators.....

Admission into Playdium is free, & it only charges those that play! However the allure of lights & high tech will draw you to spend money & have fun! They are even stronger than the casino lures so common in Vegas...

Located at 99 Rathburn Rd, City of Mississauga. Take Hwy. 403 to Square One Shopping Centre. Playdium is across the street.

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Phone: (905) 273 - 9000
Website: http://www.playdium.com/

Cabbagetown is recognized as the largest continuous area of preserved Victorian era housing in N. America, and is a much admired heritage destination for visitors alike. It is located in the East portion of downtown Toronto.

MORE coming soon...

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Website: http://www.cabbagetown-toronto.com/

One of few North American Shoe Museums, Bata Shoe Museum has ancient clogs, Egyptian sandals and even Sir. Elton John's platforms. If you are interested in history and footwear, it is worth a stop here. Though the museum is not particulary big, it does bring fun to the good old sneaker.

"All about shoes", the permanent exhibit features a collection of 20th century celebrity footwear and an history exhibit dating over 4500 years apart. There are also three galleries that hold special exhibitions.

Click here for Bata Museum's latest events.

Among the celebrity collection is Marilyn Monroe's red leather pumps & John Lennon's Beatle Boots. Among the historic collection, there are Chinese silk boots, Japanese Fish Skin Boots, Indian Paduka, beautifully embroided Middle East footwear, Russian Skin & Fur Boats....

Click here for latest admission prices.

Operating Hours:
Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat. : 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

NOTE: The museum is open on Mondays only in the summer months ^_^

Now free on Thursday nights between 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

BY TTC: Get off at St. George subway station & walk towards Bloor

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Phone: (416) 979–7799
Website: http://www.batashoemuseum.ca/
Other Contact: 327 Bloor St. West, Toronto, Ont

Kensington Market is a lybrinthe of small markets just west of Chinatown. From butcher shops to vintage clothing, the market has it all. It is a diverse multi-cultural area with exotic tastes, feels, sights and smells.

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Website: http://www.toronto.com/feature/7892/Kensington.html
Other Contact: S. of College St., W. of Spadina

The Zoo is 287 hectares, and is divided into zoogeographic regions. There are four major tropical indoor pavilions and several smaller indoor viewing areas, plus numerous outdoor exhibits. In total, there are 10 kilometres of walking trails to explore.

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Take HWY 401 East to Meadowvale Road (Exit # 389)

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Website: http://www.torontozoo.com/
Other Contact: Meadowvale Road

A reconstruction of Toronto's pioneer history. It is a complete reconstruction of life for the first British subjects who lived in Toronto. Though interesting, I am sure glad I don't live in that century!

- Steeles ave between Jane & Keele, turn to Murray Ross Parkway

-from the Finch subway station using the Steeles 60 West or Jane 35 routes

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Phone: (416) 736-1733
Website: http://www.trca.on.ca/parks_and_attractions/places_to_visit/black_creek/
Other Contact: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway

Edwards Gardens is located within the Don Valley, and is a very beautiful park. One of its most interesting amenities is the Toronto Botanical Gardens, the park's conservatory.

-South west corner of Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue East)

-Eglinton Station take Lawrence East Bus 54 or 54A

http://www.civicgardencentre.org

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Phone: (416) 397-8186
Website: http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/parks/parks_gardens/edwardsgdns.htm
Other Contact: 777 Lawrence Ave E

Located in the Eastern stretch of Toronto, Woodbine Beach area used to be home to the Greenwood RaceTrack. That is now long gone, & has been replaced by a thriving new community called the Beaches. The ugly Gardiner Expressway is removed in this area of the city, so it is a great retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Aside from the beaches, there is a broadwalk which many use for recreation.

MORE coming soon...

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Website: http://beachestoronto.com/index.html

For Canucks who are true to their hearts...

Formerly the Bank of Montreal Building, it houses the world's largest collection of Hockey Memorbilia, & offers much more for vivid hockey fans! Great for the kids & the kids at heart.
coming soon...

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Phone: (416) 360-7765
Website: http://www.hhof.com/index.htm
Other Contact: BCE Place, 30 Yonge Street