Markets, Shopping, Art Centers, Canada

Immerse yourself in a world of 20,000 aquatic animals and discover your own underwater adventure in the heart of downtown Toronto. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada features North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel with more than 5.7 million litres of water and over 100 interactive opportunities. Get up close and personal with several touch exhibits and soak in a live dive show daily. This awe-inspiring attraction consists of nine carefully curated galleries showcasing a cross section of saltwater and freshwater environments from around the world – starting with species from Toronto’s backyard, the Great Lakes basin. From the heart-pounding experience of Dangerous Lagoon, a football-field length acrylic viewing tunnel with moving glide-path sidewalk through sharks, green sea turtles, sawfish and moray eels; to the hypnotic dance of Pacific sea nettle jellyfish which are illuminated in an array of breathtaking colours from within the kreisel tank at Planet Jellies, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada will captivate Torontonians as well as guests from around the world! http://www.seetorontonow.com/listings/ripleys-aquarium-of-canada/#sm.0017houyxdtier210nr1h126u6a73

No trip to Toronto is complete without a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum — Canada’s largest museum showcasing art, culture, and nature from around the globe and across the ages. The ROM is home to a world-class collection of more than six million objects and specimens, featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. Explore special exhibitions, as well as the Museum’s permanent collections of dinosaurs, South Asian art and culture, gems and minerals, ancient Egyptian treasures, biodiversity, and much more. http://www.seetorontonow.com/listings/royal-ontario-museum/#sm.0017houyxdtier210nr1h126u6a73

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) Collection features more than 100,000 great works of art, from cutting-edge contemporary to classic European masterpieces. View iconic paintings by the well-known Group of Seven as well as amazing art by established and emerging Indigenous, Inuit and Métis artists, sculptures, photographs, prints & drawings and so much more are on display in a beautiful building that itself is a work of art, with design details created by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. http://www.seetorontonow.com/listings/art-gallery-of-ontario/#sm.0017houyxdtier210nr1h126u6a73

Centreville Theme Park is the ultimate summer destination for families! Located on the Toronto Islands, Centreville offers a full day of family fun — featuring more than 30 kid-sized rides & attractions, alongside beautiful beaches and 14 casual restaurants for grown-ups and kids to enjoy. One of the top attractions for families in Canada, guests are invited to revel in Centreville’s new & improved Sky Ride. You are welcome to explore 600 acres of natural parkland, interact with farm animals and experience stunning lake and city views. Getting to Centreville is almost as exciting as the park itself. Everyone likes the scenic Centre Island ferry ride across Toronto Harbour. You can choose to arrive by private boat or water taxi just minutes from downtown Toronto, along the Harbourfront. http://www.seetorontonow.com/listings/centreville-theme-park/#sm.0017houyxdtier210nr1h126u6a73

Toronto’s newest centre for arts, culture, food and entertainment. This national historic site includes 44 heritage buildings and numerous brick-lined courtyards. Explore the district’s many restaurants, art galleries, artisan boutiques, specialty retail stores and more. https://www.seetorontonow.com/listings/distillery-historic-district-the/

With a huge range of creatures from around the globe, the Toronto Zoo is divided into seven zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, the Americas, Australasia, Eurasia, Canadian Domain and the Tundra Trek. Animals can be seen indoors in tropical pavilions and outdoors in naturalistic environments. The Toronto Zoo also participates in many conservation initiatives including captive breeding and reintroduction, habitat and species research and much more. Set in the beautiful Rouge Valley in the east end of the city, the Zoo is open 364 days a year and is accessible by car and public transit. https://www.seetorontonow.com/attractions/in-the-spotlight-toronto-zoo/

This massive Toronto Eaton Centre shopping complex in the heart of downtown Toronto is more than a mall — it’s a major tourist attraction. Almost 50 million visitors come here every year. Shop at more than 250 stores, including the Apple Store, Uniqlo, Hudson’s Bay, Indigo, the Disney Store and Sephora. The Eaton Centre is also the first Canadian shopping centre to feature both a Nordstrom and a Saks Fifth Avenue. The CF Toronto Eaton Centre is located steps from several Toronto attractions, including Toronto City Hall, Nathan Philips Square and Yonge-Dundas Square. http://www.toronto.com/things-to-do/attractions/toronto-eaton-centre/

In the centre of historic Old Town Toronto, close to the hub of today’s downtown sits the St. Lawrence Market Complex – three buildings that have served as Toronto’s social centre, City Hall and marketplace throughout the City’s history. Explore the south market building with its restaurants, artisans and specialty food vendors offering visitors the unique and lively atmosphere of an authentic farmers market; the Market Galley with changing exhibits dedicated to Toronto’s art, culture and history; and the Market Kitchen with cooking classes for all ages and abilities. In the north market building you’ll find the farmers’ market where farmers arrive every Saturday at dawn to sell their meat, cheese and produce, just as they have been for more than 200 years. http://www.seetorontonow.com/listings/st-lawrence-market-complex/#sm.0017houyxdtier210nr1h126u6a73

Gastown is an historical part of Vancouver's downtown and was rejuvenated in the 1970's. Today it gives visitors a glimpse of what Vancouver would have been like a century ago with its cobbled streets, lined with shops and restaurants. A popular attraction here is the Gastown Steam Clock. http://gastown.org/

Just 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver and the Vancouver International Airport, the Museum of Anthropology at UBC houses one of the world’s finest displays of Northwest Coast First Nations arts in a spectacular Arthur Erickson designed building overlooking mountains and sea. See magnificent carvings, weavings and contemporary artworks inside the soaring glass and concrete structure of the Museum’s Great Hall. Admire the world’s largest collection of works by acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid, including his famous cedar sculpture The Raven and the First Men. Explore the Museum’s Multiversity Galleries where more than 9,000 objects from around the world are displayed. Visit the award-winning Koerner Ceramics Gallery, displaying a collection of European ceramics unique to North America. Stroll the Museum’s grounds, where monumental Haida houses, poles and Musqueam house posts capture the dramatic beauty of traditional Northwest Coast architecture and design. Enjoy a wide range of special exhibitions and public programs, including free guided gallery walks, visit the MOA Shop and relax in Café MOA. https://www.tourismvancouver.com/listings/museum-of-anthropology-at-ubc/17853/

In the 1970’s, Granville Island began its successful transformation from an industrial wasteland to one of the most beloved public spaces in Vancouver. As Vancouver’s premier artistic and cultural hub, located in an urban, waterfront location and steeped in a rich industrial and maritime heritage, this unique destination attracts millions of visitors each year from Vancouver and around the world. The charm of Granville Island lies in its unexpected mix of uses. The famous Public Market, open daily from 9 am to 7 pm, is home to more than 50 independent food purveyors and contributes to the Island’s appeal as a renowned culinary destination. In the Net Loft Shops and Railspur District, many of Canada’s best artists and designers can be found. Granville Island is home to many cultural venues and hosts numerous performing arts and cultural festivals year-round. https://granvilleisland.com/

Welcome to Stanley Park, Vancouver's first, largest, and most beloved urban park! Designated a national historic site of Canada, Stanley Park is a magnificent green oasis in the midst of the heavily built urban landscape of Vancouver. Explore the 400-hectare natural West Coast rainforest and enjoy scenic views of water, mountains, sky, and majestic trees along Stanley Park's famous Seawall. Discover kilometres of trails, beautiful beaches, local wildlife, great eats, natural, cultural and historical landmarks, along with many other adventures. The park offers a wide range of unforgettable experiences for all ages and interests, including Canada’s largest aquarium. http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx

If you’re interested in Oriental architecture and gardens, a visit to the second largest Chinatown in North America is recommended. Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden is a beautiful and peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. http://vancouver-chinatown.com/

Carnarvon Park offers many recreation opportunities, from a multitude of sports fields to a fitness circuit and a children’s playground. The dappled shade of the tree-lined walks makes for a very enjoyable stroll, with a diversity of trees that include ash, plum, crabapple, and hornbeam. This park was first assembled by the Point Grey Municipality prior to the City of Vancouver amalgamation in 1929. It was secured by tax sales from the B.C. Government. The Park is named for one of its bounding streets which in turn is named for the Earl of Carnarvon who was Britain’s Secretary of State and introduced the British North America Act thereby bringing into confederation the Canadian provinces. https://covapp.vancouver.ca/ParkFinder/parkdetail.aspx?inparkid=2

Hastings Park now has more unique features than ever! There's lots to enjoy and discover: recreational activities, park spaces, gardens, playground, and sport fields, mixed with an amusement park, horse race trace, and large sport and entertainment venues. Explore the ecologically rich green space at Hastings Park, featuring spectacular gardens and the Miracle Mile statue. This Italian-styled garden features fountains surrounded by whimsical sculptures inspired by famous Italian operas. Pear trees and plantings of lavender and Italian cypress add to the Mediterranean feel. A large children's play area is adjacent to the garden. http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/hastings-park.aspx

Quilchena’s wide green fields are welcoming to sports enthusiasts and those looking for a pleasant stroll alike. Majestic poplars tower over the rolling lawns and shelter the seating areas below. Originally owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), the CPR leased this land (40 acres in total) to the Quilchena Golf Club. The word “Quilchena” means “flat place near the water” in the local First Nations language. On February 11, 1956, following the expiration of the CPR’s lease with the golf course, the Park Board purchased the eastern area of the course for park purposes and this site was designated Quilchena Park. The western portion of the golf course became Prince of Wales Secondary School. Park development began on January 22, 1962. https://covapp.vancouver.ca/ParkFinder/parkdetail.aspx?inparkid=6

Fieldcote is a cultural heritage centre with an emphasis on the collection, preservation and exhibition of local history, the promotion of fine arts and the celebration of natural heritage through beautiful landscaped gardens and walking trails. Explore ‘Stories From the Edge’, an exhibition celebrating the history of Ancaster. Set on the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, with a bounty of water and resources, Ancaster has attracted humans since the retreat of the last glacier over 10,000 years ago. Using 31 stories and artifacts, one for every year the museum has been open, this exhibition offers snapshots of Ancaster’s history from the earliest human occupants to present day. https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/fieldcote-memorial-park-museum

Burlington Heights, where Dundurn Castle and the Hamilton Military Museum now stand, was occupied by the British military from 1813 -1815. Built as a gate house by Sir Allan MacNab in the late 1830s atop a battery from the War of 1812, This building known as Battery Lodge, now houses The Hamilton Military Museum. https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/hamilton-military-museum

Witness the social and mechanical life of Canada’s early industrial revolution. Housed in a 150-year-old Waterworks, this National Historic Site preserves two 70-ton steam powered water pumping engines, perhaps the oldest surviving Canadian-built engines. The historic Hamilton Waterworks is a Civil and Power Engineering Landmark. The museum offers guided tours, various permanent and changing exhibits, and features special events for the whole family https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/hamilton-museum-steam-technology-national-historic-site

Discover one of the finest examples of an intact historic home in Canada during a guided tour with a costumed interpreter. Three generations of the McQuesten family lived at Whitehern from 1852 until 1968. Among the last generation were six children who never married. In 1959 the three surviving members of the family bequeathed the home to the City with all its original contents. It contains elements from many time periods – Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian – dating up to 1939 when the Honourable Thomas McQuesten was Minister of Highways. Explore the heritage of Victorian ideas and possessions that influenced life at Whitehern on the eve of World War II. https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/whitehern-historic-house-garden-national-historic-site

Visit this preserved early 19th century home, set on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Dundas Valley. Explore the history of Enerals Griffin and other early Black settlers, and enjoy a walk along nearby trails. Griffin House host a variety of events, workshops and exhibitions throughout the year. https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/griffin-house-national-historic-site

A UNESCO World Heritage treasure, Old Québec is the only fortified city north of Mexico. Bask in the European charm as you stroll through the old quarters and take in over 400 years of history in the birthplace of French North America. https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/old-quebec/

The most popular museum in Québec City. A visitor-oriented museum with a participatory and interactive approach for stimulating wonderment and encouraging discovery. Magnificent exhibits of international calibre about Québec culture and history. Take part in the family workshops on current, historical or sometimes unusual topics. Guided tours available for some exhibits. https://www.quebecregion.com/en/businesses/attractions/museums/musee-de-la-civilisation/

Rue du Petit-Champlain, one of the oldest commercial streets in North America, is lined with one-of-a-kind boutiques and restaurants. The Petit-Champlain district isn’t just illuminated for the holidays—it stays decorated all winter long, much to everyone’s delight. It’s the ideal place to bundle up for a winter evening stroll in an enchanting atmosphere straight out of a Christmas fairy tale. The French influence is evident everywhere you look in Place Royale and along Rue du Petit-Champlain. The two—and three—storey plastered stone homes with their dormer windows, gabled roofs, large chimneys and firewalls rising above the rooftops make it hard to believe you’re not in France. https://www.quebecregion.com/en/businesses/shopping/shopping-centres-and-commercial-streets/commercial-streets/quartier-petit-champlain/

A perfect balance between bourgeois and bohemian, the Montcalm neighbourhood attracts epicureans, sports fans, and art and culture lovers in a magnificent historical environment. Head to the Upper Town for a highly entertaining and tasty experience! Stroll down avenue Cartier in the heart of the Art District and you’ll pass a hundred or so places of business. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, gourmet food shops, and fashionable and specialty boutiques of this less-touristy area. Bookstores, theatre, museums, movies, art galleries: in Montcalm there's something for culture lovers of every stripe. Don't forget to visit the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ), a real architectural gem showcasing both Québec and international art. To keep up with the latest films, head to Cinéma Cartier, the only movie theatre downtown; it can get pretty busy on weekends. https://www.quebecregion.com/en/businesses/shopping/shopping-centres-and-commercial-streets/commercial-streets/quartier-des-arts-de-quebec-sdc-montcalm/

A creative chocolate shop and a quaint small chocolate museum. Learn about the history of chocolate from Mayan times to this day. Ancient and modern accessories, chocolate-making techniques (video and view on the kitchen), and more. For chocolate lovers: little pieces of chocolate, a handmade selection of pure original chocolate bars cookies, brownies, cupcakes, cakes and hot chocolates. Summer: homemade ice cream dipped in chocolate, yogourt and sherbet. https://www.quebecregion.com/en/businesses/attractions/museums/erico-chocolaterie-patisserie/

The Huron-Wendat Museum presents one of the rarest collections emphasizing the wealth of the culture and the know-how of the Huron-Wendat. The Museum shares the same entrance as the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations. https://www.quebecregion.com/en/businesses/attractions/museums/musee-huron-wendat/

Through a 30-minute sound and light show, travel back in time to the foundation of Québec to revisit the six military sieges that shaped its history! This exciting historical period is brought to life with an impressive model of the city circa 1750. Located in the heart of Old Québec, start your visit to Québec City with a bang at the Musée du Fort! https://www.quebecregion.com/en/businesses/attractions/museums/musee-du-fort/

A stroll along rue Saint-Jean is a must for anyone visiting Québec City. Starting from centrally located Place D’Youville, a string of boutiques, restaurants, churches, and historic buildings create a unique and eclectic ambiance. And when the street is closed to traffic in summer, pedestrians take over and a festive atmosphere reigns. Religion, politics, and education converge at Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, home to City Hall and just steps from Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral-Basilica and the historic Séminaire de Québec. In summer, you can watch the performances of the public entertainers while the charming wooden kiosks of the German Christmas Market settle there from late November to end of December. The ice rink at Place D'Youville is the perfect place to experience Québec City's winter. From mid-November, put on skates and enjoy its magical atmosphere! https://www.quebecregion.com/en/old-quebec-summer/rue-saint-jean/

Over $500 million was invested in Québec City's new downtown core, the revitalized Saint-Roch district. The spirit of innovation fostered by Saint-Roch makes it the hub of the Greater Québec Area. The many avant-garde businesses, shops and restaurants, local breweries, bars found here create a vibrant atmosphere that appeals to local residents and visitors alike. Saint-Roch owes its distinctive flair to its cultural, commercial and artistic vitality that rivals that of the greatest North American metropolises. Over 130 shops! In summer, young professionals from the web and video game industries blend in with the student crowd looking for a place to eat outside in Jardin Jean-Paul-L’Allier, a real oasis of greenery in the heart of the city. In winter, Saint-Roch is illuminated by a 15-metre Christmas tree; simply magical! https://www.quebecregion.com/en/businesses/shopping/shopping-centres-and-commercial-streets/commercial-streets/sdc-centre-ville-de-quebec/

This interpretation centre is located at the historical and archeological site of the Château-Richer convents. Visit the permanent exhibitions on the history of one of the first French settlements in North America. Attractions also include the excavated foundations of the first two convents (built in 1694 and 1830), the reconstruction of a classroom from 1912 and temporary exhibitions on the cultural identity of the Côte-de-Beaupré. Do not forget to enjoy a delicious beverage in our coffee shop before leaving! https://www.quebecregion.com/en/businesses/attractions/historic-sites/aux-trois-couvents/

One of the largest malls in the Québec City area, with 200 stores and services including such major banners as Walmart, Maxi, Urban Planet, Sears, The Bay, Sports Experts, Mode Choc and Jysk. A must for any shopping expedition, Fleur de Lys is strategically located less than 5 minutes from downtown. Close to all highways and several major development projects, and next to the Videotron Centre. https://www.quebecregion.com/en/businesses/shopping/shopping-centres-and-commercial-streets/shopping-centres/fleur-de-lys-centre-commercial/

Only 20 minutes from Québec City, Valcartier Vacation Village becomes the largest winter playground in North America, with more than 35 inner tube runs for thrill-seekers of all ages, 17 mechanical lifts and skating paths. The four steep slopes of the Himalaya are Xtreme fun! https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/businesses/outdoor-activities/snow/sliding/village-vacances-valcartier/