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Top Things to do in Toronto, Canada
- on family holidays

By Teresa Plowright, About.com

Toronto -- on Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes-- is Canada's largest city and business center, and has the upscale shops and restaurants to prove it; the city's also proud of its neighborhoods, such as Chinatown, Little Italy, Little India, Queen Street.

Below are some top things for traveling families to do and visit, plus suggestions for where to stay and best times to visit.

**Click to see larger images.

11. More Top Attractions in Toronto For Famiies

Families may want to head for the Hockey Hall of Fame, or Riverdale Farm, or the Paramount Canada's Wonderland theme park north of Toronto, with thrill rides, live shows, waterpark.

12. Choice Times to Visit

Top things to do in Toronto - Santa Claus Parade Photo courtesy of Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership.
  • Toronto's giant Santa Claus Parade happens mid-November (and in some years coincides with American Thanksgiving Weekend.)
  • During Holiday Season, Cavalade of Lights has free concerts, fireworks, and holiday lights downtown and in neighborhoods.
  • WinterCity Festival in early February has free entertainment -(lots for grownups), and kids events at major Toronto attractions, such as Dora the Explorer at CN Tower.*
  • During summer, enjoy attractions such as Wonderland and Ontario Place; for extra fun, time your visit with the CNE giant fair (aka "The Ex".)

13. Places to Stay

photo © Teresa Plowright
Left: the Fairmont Royal York Hotel-- one of Canada's classic railroad hotels, now owned by the luxury Fairmont chain -- has a prime location downtown; at the right time of year, kids might take a tour to see bee-keeping on the Fairmont's roof.

The Delta hotel chain, meanwhile, is known for family features, such as pool with four-story waterslide, Family Fun Suites, babysitting, kids' meal discounts, play center, and kids' camp at certain times of year.

14. Good Eats

A good family eatery downtown is Richtree Market Restaurant: browse the offerings at colorful food stations, and select what you like; get a special card swiped at each station; pay for all when you leave.

And of course, any family not already familiar with Tim Hortons has to try at least one meal at this Canadian institution (and marvel at the low cost.)

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.

*Always check web sites for updates!

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