Canada: Activity Guide for a Toronto Getaway

The famous Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is a huge urban funfair, renowned for its rides, wacky food, various shows, dog show, and games.

Their food options have always been crazy. In recent years they’ve featured rainbow grilled cheese, pickle lemonade, cotton candy fried Oreo’s, and the famous fried Mars bar. This funfair is open from August to early September.

In Vaughan, north of Toronto, the Canada’s Wonderland amusement park offers 70 rides, starting in early May. If the weather is warm, you can enjoy their water park. It’s one of the most iconic parks to visit in Canada.

In Nathan Phillips Square, the Toronto Dragon Festival, held in early September, offers free dragon dance performances, street food, and demonstrations of Chinese art.

The CN Tower always attracts many visitors. The view of the city and Lake Ontario is impressive. Try walking fearlessly on the glass floor and looking down at the ground, 114 floors below!

After your visit to the CN Tower, take a trip to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, right next door.

With or without children, the experience is spectacular. One of the highlights is the passage through the Dangerous Lagoon underwater tunnel, when sharks and sawfish swim overhead.

When you visit the Toronto Islands, just minutes south of downtown, you can get away from the hectic pace of the city. A ferry gets you there in 15 minutes, from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.

Toronto Island Park is famous for its view of downtown. Then check out the rides at the Centreville Amusement Park, which opens in early May.

In the southern part of the islands, near Centre Island Beach, don’t hesitate to rent a bike to explore the islands. To the east, take the opportunity to visit the 262 charming homes hidden in Algonquin and Ward’s Islands.

Hockey fans are sure to be thrilled by a visit to the Hocky Hall of Fame! You can take a picture with a real Stanley Cup.

Northeast of the city, the Ontario Science Centre is an interactive museum of science, society, and technology. Special activities are regularly scheduled.

A little further east is the Toronto Zoo. An opportunity to admire over 5,000 animals. The site is divided into seven geographical regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Canada, Australia, Eurasia and Tundra.

Tip: AIR MILES Dream Miles can be used for free admission.

The Casa Loma castle was built in the middle of the city and is fascinating for architecture lovers. You can visit the main building, as well as the stables and gardens.

The Canadian International Air Show will blow your mind! This event is open from late August to early September and features aerial shows and aerial acrobatics by parachutists.

Other things to do in and around Toronto:

• Discover Niagara Falls on a guided minibus tour;
• Visit Toronto for free on a three-hour city walk;
• Discover the Distillery District of Toronto on a Segway;
• Book a guided and personalized tour of the most iconic places in Toronto.

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, the city of Toronto is about a six-hour drive from Montreal.

By plane, the flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes non-stop. Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) is closest to downtown Toronto.

If you want to use your Aeroplan points, the direct flight on Air Canada in economy class starts from 6,000 points one-way, according to Air Canada’s points predictor.

Frequent non-stop flights, lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes, means you’ll avoid the eight-hour drive from Quebec City. Direct flights on Air Canada in economy class also start at 6,000 Aeroplan points one way.

There is no shortage of Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Toronto. For a visit including downtown activities, we suggest a few establishments:

• The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto
• Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel
• Courtyard Toronto Downtown

If you prefer the north or east of Toronto, with visits to Canada’s Wonderland or the Toronto Zoo, you’ll find affordable hotels in Vaughan and Markham:

• SpringHill Suites Toronto Vaughan
• Residence Inn Toronto Vaughan
• TownePlace Suites Toronto Northeast/Markham

You could also use your Marriott Bonvoy free night certificate.

There are several ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points: the easiest way is through credit cards. American Express offers two credit cards linked to this loyalty program:

• Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card
• Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^®* Card

If you are not staying at a Marriott hotel, our guide on booking independent hotels will show you other strategies to save on your accommodation.

As you can see, there are several ways to lighten your bill on this getaway. Feel free to use:

• Aeroplan Points;
• Marriott Bonvoy Points;
• AIR MILES Miles;
• Travel Points.