Joanna James
As one of Toronto's most colourful suburbs, North York is a cultural heartland full of museums and galleries. Offering visitors a glimpse of its multi-cultural heritage, here are some of the must-see highlights during a holiday in North York.
Offering families with children and science fanatics an array of impressive exhibits, the Ontario Science Centre in North York was established to ensure the survival of planet earth in the millennia to come. Visitors can watch mesmerizing IMAX Dome Films or spend the day enjoying an indoor camping experience in this science centre which delves into the importance of conservation through its programs and exhibits. Interactive exhibits such as Wildlife Rescue allows tourists to uncover the uniqueness of various species while other hands-on activities available at the venue also encourage travellers to reduce their carbon footprint.
Having once served as the residence of the Edward Rogers Wood family, this stunning structure which resembles an Italian villa is a historic highlight in North York. Built as early as 1925, the venue is now connected to the illustrious York University and features breathtaking rose gardens and parklands that are easily accessible to tourists. The walking trails on the shores of the Don River also make a trip to Glendon Hall and Rose Garden well worth the effort.
Home to period buildings and guides in historically accurate costumes, a tour of the Black Creek Pioneer Village takes visitors on a trip back in time to what life was like in Ontario from the 1790's up until the 1860's. Spread out across 30 acres, the idyllic pastoral landscape of the Village boasts forty heritage structures and an impressive collection of more than 50,000 relics from the era. Interactive activities such as axe throwing contests, escape rooms and brewery tours are also on hand to help tourists understand the living conditions of locals back in the day.
Constructed in 1851, Gibson House is one of the top 10 historic sites managed by the City of Toronto. The Museum which contains a scenic garden and an expansive gallery hosts special events throughout the year.
Renowned as one of Toronto's finest performance arts hubs, no trip to North York would be complete without catching a show or signing up for a tour of the Toronto Centre for the Arts. Housing the North York Arts organization, the centre runs many workshops and other programs to promote creative expression in the area.
Dedicated to Islamic culture and art, the Aga Khan Museum is one of the most innovative museums in all of North York. Running educational programs and live shows throughout the year, the venue was also the first institution in North America to boast a permanent collection of nearly a thousand relics. Those based at the Pan Pacific Toronto or any similar hotel suites in Toronto should take the time to explore the various artworks, manuscripts and other artefacts contained within the premises
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