The Annex

Bata Shoe Museum
327 Bloor St W
+1 416 979-7799
$8 adults, $6 senoirs/students, $4 children. Free on Th 5PM-8PM
Tu-W,F-Sa 10AM-5PM, Th 10AM-8PM, Su noon-5PM
at St George; Subway: St George

One of Toronto's more unusual attractions, the Bata Shoe Museum tells the story of footwear through the ages. Much more interesting that it sounds, the building is worth a look if only to check out its unique deconstructivist architecture, meant to resemble an opening shoe box.

Royal Ontario Museum
100 Queens Park
+1 416-586-5549
$20 adults, $17 senoirs/students, $14 children. Free 45 minutes before closing
F 10AM-9:30PM, Sa-Th 10AM-6PM
at Bloor; Subway: Museum

The ROM is Canada's largest museum, displaying everything from preserved Egyptian mummies to live Madagascar cockroaches. It's must-see for anyone with an interest in cultural or natural history, and a terrific place to wander through. The first floor's East Asian Exhibit is particularly beautiful. Be aware that the museum is can easily take more than a day to fully explore. A new civilization wing is currently under construction, apparently designed to resemble the Louvre pyramid exploding.

Casa Loma
1 Austin Terrace
+1 416-923-1171
$16 adults, $10 seniors (60+) and youth (14-17), $8.75 children (4-13)
9:30AM-5PM daily
between Spadina and Walmer; Subway: Dupont

In 1911, financier Sir Henry Mill Pellatt decided to construct Canada's largest private residence. The resulting European-style castle is now a Toronto landmark and popular tourist attraction. The gardens are particularly beautiful.

The Spadina House Museum
285 Spadina Rd
+1 416-392-6910
at Austin; Subway: Dupont

Adjacent to Casa Loma, this museum gives a more authentic version of Canada's history. It's also a cultural centre, hosting music and art events. Hours and admission vary with the season. Check the website for what's on at the moment, or call their event hotline at 416-338-3888.