Toronto Attractions

The city's "premier venue" for sporting and music events is this "modern", "convenient" Entertainment District arena with a capacity of almost 20,000; among its charms are "clear" sight lines "from even the highest level" and an on-site brewery that "adds character", so though ticket prices may be "too much for some country bumpkins", the majority of surveyors agrees there's "no better place to catch a hockey game."

For "a day full of beauty and peace" aesthetes adore this "fabulous" repository in Grange Park, "one of those museums that can make anyone comfortable" as they enjoy the "fine collections", "terrific lectures" and "awesome gift shop"; however, they will have to wait until fall 2008 to experience it again, as it's closed to "re-dress the gallery in a Frank Gehry vision" and install new artwork.

"You can't miss it, literally" – one of the "world's tallest freestanding structures" (553 m/1,815 feet), located in the Entertainment District, is a "must-see" for "unparalleled" vistas from a "terrifying" "glass-floored" observation deck as well as educational exhibits and a "greatly improved" revolving restaurant ("grab a meal and get more value" for your admission fee); expect "long waits" and an "expensive elevator ride" (one of which is now outfitted with glass panels in its base), but if you "go just before sunset", "you'll be stunned."

Built in 1977, this "one-stop shopping" complex in the Downtown Core is a "bustling" place perfect for "people-watching"; the tenants are mostly "typical" "chain stores" – "from budget-conscious to bling" – but the "glass roof", "flying geese display" and sheer size (two city blocks) help to make this a "nice mid-afternoon diversion."

Set in an "imposing old bank building" in the Downtown Core, this "hockey fanatic's dream" offers "comprehensive", "interactive displays" and "video simulators" ("pretend to be Mario, Wayne or Bobby") plus "cool authentic memorabilia" (e.g. Lord Stanley's "original cup", stored in what was once the bank's vault); the only quibble: loyal Canadiens fans grumble this "shrine" "should be in Montréal."

An "all-day experience", this Don Mills science museum (founded in 1969) stimulates "kids, families and the geeks at heart"; most fans feel its time-tested, "imaginative", "hands-on" exhibits and "mind-blowing movie-theatre planetarium" are "well worth the price of admission."

"Huge dinosaur skeletons", an "ancient Chinese tomb" and "unparalleled Egyptian artifacts" are to be found within the "world-class collections" at this Bloor Yorkville "maze" that specializes in international cultures and natural history; architect Daniel Libeskind's crystal-shaped addition proves an "eye-catching" extension.

A "must-see for foodies", this "old-fashioned" culinary bazaar is full of "fantastic" meats, baked goods, fruits and vegetables, "eccentric characters hawking their wares" and "steady crowds" that are "part of the charm"; go on "Saturday early morning" (it opens at 5 AM) to enjoy an "authentic" breakfast – regulars recommend Carousel Bakery's "Canadian bacon on a bun" – and "fun" people-watching.

"Just a short ride from Downtown", this "tranquil" archipelago is an "urban oasis" inviting day-trippers to "bring a picnic", "wander the beaches", "rent boats or bikes" and visit the "small" amusement park for children; while heading back to the "hustle and bustle", take in the ferry's "scenic views" of the cityscape (they're "stunning at dusk") – or extend your "escape" and stay in one of the "lovely" B&B cottages.

"Bring your walking shoes", "pack a lunch" and "plan to spend a whole day" at this mammoth menagerie in Scarborough where a "huge selection of animals" graze, growl and cavort "in natural-type enclosures"; it's a "bit out of the way", but once you get here, you'll find "excellent facilities", including restaurants, camel rides, a virtual-reality habitat and a water park; there's so much to do, veterans urge "take the shuttle" tour first to help you "decide where to spend your time."