As someone who loves visiting Toronto and has visited many of its incredible attractions, I feel a need to really share a few ‘must-do’ experiences with everyone who visits. From the iconic CN Tower to the Hockey Hall of Fame, and from Ripley’s Aquarium to the Royal Ontario Museum (or the ROM, as most know it better), there are so many incredible experiences to be had within walking distance of IABC’s 2023 Convention. I’ve outlined just a few below that I think you should really check out if you have the time while you’re in town!
CN Tower
Arguably the most recognizable icon in Toronto, and likely across Canada, the CN Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the western hemisphere. The Tower boasts a revolving restaurant (360 Restaurant), Skypod, main observation level, and if you are really brave, you can even take a walk on the Edgewalk. The Edgewalk is the world’s highest full-circle hands-free walk that takes place on a 1.5m ledge circling the top of the CN Tower’s main pod. The 1.5 hour walk that is 116 storeys above Toronto (with nothing but a harness securing you) is the first of its kind in North America. To me, this is an absolutely terrifying experience, but I have heard from my (much braver) friends that it is unforgettable.
Ripley’s Aquarium
While you’re near the CN Tower, nestled right near the bottom, you will find Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. Ripley’s includes marine life from around the globe, extensive jellyfish exhibits, 65+ year old giant lobsters, stingray touch pools, and live dive shows. While travelling through North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel on a moving sidewalk, you will see sharks, fish, stingrays, and more swimming overhead and all around. With over 20,000 marine animals on display in 5.7 million litres of water, there are 50 live exhibits and 100 interactive displays for kids of all ages.
Hockey Hall of Fame
No visit to Canada could be complete without something hockey-related. And as almost every Canadian will tell you, our passion for hockey doesn’t stop when the warm weather hits. It just takes a quick breather. The Hockey Hall of Fame is our answer to the warm weather hiatus. Here, you will be greeted by a nine-foot tall statue of Gordie Howe, who, to Canadians is akin to one of the Beatles or Madonna. Inside, you will find the Honda NHL Zone, a to-scale replica of the Canadiens Dressing Room, Stanley Cup Dynasties exhibit hall, the Tissot World of Hockey, and more.
Royal Ontario Museum (The ROM)
Canada’s largest museum is right here in Toronto! The Royal Ontario Museum, or known in the area as “The ROM”, it has more than 13 million objects inside its walls showcasing everything from art to culture to nature. Featured exhibitions during the IABC 2023 Convention include the T. rex: The Ultimate Predator dinosaur exhibition, Canadian Modern (an exhibition on Canadian design), and the ᑐᓴᕐᓂᑐᑦ TUSARNITUT! Music Born of the Cold exhibit, which invites visitors to discover the breadth and diversity of Inuit musical expression.
The bottom line is – there is no shortage of must-do attractions within walking distance of the IABC Convention. Stay tuned to this blog to hear more about wellness activities, Toronto’s waterfront attractions, and incredible nightlife that YYZ has to offer!