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12-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Toronto, Canada Christmas and New Year

Viewed by 55 travelers

Day 1: Arrive in Toronto and check-in at your hotel. Day 2: Explore Toronto downtown. Day 3: Visit the Royal Ontario Museum and Ontario Science Centre. Day 4: Enjoy a day trip to Niagara Falls. Day 5: Explore Toronto Islands and Harbourfront Centre. Day 6: Discover the Toronto Zoo. Day 7: Visit Ripley's Aquarium of Canada and CN Tower. Day 8: Explore High Park and Casa Loma. Day 9: Visit the Ontario Science Centre and Toronto Eaton Centre for shopping. Day 10: Explore Toronto's Distillery Historic District. Day 11: Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame and St. Lawrence Market. Day 12: Attend a New Year's Eve celebration in Toronto.

Day 1: Arrival in Toronto

Start your trip by arriving in Toronto and checking in at your hotel. After settling down, take a stroll along the vibrant downtown area to get a feel for the city's atmosphere. Consider visiting Nathan Phillips Square, known for its iconic Toronto sign and ice skating rink during the winter season. Enjoy the evening by trying some local cuisine at one of Toronto's family-friendly restaurants.

  • Estimated Cost: Depending on hotel and dining choices
  • Time Spent: Evening
Day 2: Explore Downtown Toronto

Start your morning by visiting the iconic CN Tower, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline. After that, explore the Entertainment District, home to theaters, restaurants, and shops. In the afternoon, head to the Art Gallery of Ontario, which offers a diverse collection of artworks. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along Toronto's waterfront at Harbourfront Centre, where you can find various cultural events and activities.

  • Estimated Cost: CN Tower admission (approximately $40), Art Gallery of Ontario admission (varies)
  • Time Spent: Full day
Day 3: Royal Ontario Museum and Ontario Science Centre

Start your day by visiting the Royal Ontario Museum, known for its impressive collection of art, culture, and natural history exhibits. Spend the morning exploring the diverse galleries and exhibitions. In the afternoon, head to the Ontario Science Centre, where both kids and adults can enjoy interactive science exhibits and hands-on activities. Wrap up the day by trying some local delicacies at a nearby restaurant.

  • Estimated Cost: Royal Ontario Museum admission (approximately $20), Ontario Science Centre admission (varies)
  • Time Spent: Full day
Day 4: Day Trip to Niagara Falls

Embark on a day trip to the stunning Niagara Falls, located just a short drive from Toronto. Marvel at the breathtaking views of the falls and take a boat tour to experience the mist up close. Explore the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, known for its wineries and historic sites. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local restaurants while taking in the scenic views. Head back to Toronto in the evening and relax at your hotel.

  • Estimated Cost: Niagara Falls tour (approximately $100), lunch (varies)
  • Time Spent: Full day
Day 5: Toronto Islands and Harbourfront Centre

Escape the city's hustle and bustle by visiting the Toronto Islands. Enjoy a ferry ride to reach the islands and spend the morning exploring the beautiful parks and beaches. Pack a picnic lunch and relax by the waterfront. In the afternoon, head back to the mainland and visit the Harbourfront Centre, where you can find various family-friendly activities, including outdoor ice skating in the winter months. End the day with dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the lake.

  • Estimated Cost: Ferry ride (approximately $10), picnic lunch (varies)
  • Time Spent: Full day
Day 6: Toronto Zoo

Spend the day exploring the Toronto Zoo, home to over 5,000 animals from around the world. Explore various exhibits, including the Tundra Trek, African Savanna, and the Gorilla Rainforest. Enjoy educational shows and interactive experiences for the whole family. Grab lunch at one of the onsite cafes and continue exploring the zoo in the afternoon. Head back to the hotel in the evening and relax.

  • Estimated Cost: Toronto Zoo admission (approximately $30), lunch (varies)
  • Time Spent: Full day
Day 7: Ripley's Aquarium of Canada and CN Tower

Start the day by visiting Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, located at the base of the CN Tower. Explore the fascinating underwater world and admire the diverse marine life. Afterward, head to the CN Tower and take a trip to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city. Enjoy lunch at one of the revolving restaurants inside the tower. In the evening, take a stroll through the bustling Queen Street West and find a cozy spot for dinner with your family.

  • Estimated Cost: Ripley's Aquarium admission (approximately $40), CN Tower admission (varies), lunch (varies)
  • Time Spent: Full day
Day 8: High Park and Casa Loma

Start your day by exploring High Park, a vast green space perfect for outdoor activities and picnics. Take a leisurely walk through the park's trails and visit the picturesque Grenadier Pond. In the afternoon, head to Casa Loma, a magnificent castle with beautiful gardens. Explore the castle's grand halls and secret passages. Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant before heading back to the hotel.

  • Estimated Cost: Casa Loma admission (approximately $30), dinner (varies)
  • Time Spent: Full day
Day 9: Ontario Science Centre and Toronto Eaton Centre

In the morning, revisit the Ontario Science Centre for a more in-depth exploration of its exhibits and activities. Participate in interactive demonstrations and workshops. In the afternoon, head to the Toronto Eaton Centre, a popular shopping destination with a wide range of stores. Find gifts and souvenirs for your loved ones. Enjoy dinner at one of the international food courts inside the mall.

  • Estimated Cost: Ontario Science Centre admission (varies), shopping (varies), dinner (varies)
  • Time Spent: Full day
Day 10: Distillery Historic District

Spend the day exploring the Distillery Historic District, known for its charming cobblestone streets, cafes, and boutiques. Visit the numerous art galleries and check out local artisan shops. Enjoy lunch at one of the district's trendy restaurants. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of a local distillery to learn about the history of whiskey-making in Toronto. End the day with dinner at a cozy restaurant in the district.

  • Estimated Cost: Distillery tour (varies), lunch (varies), dinner (varies)
  • Time Spent: Full day
Day 11: Hockey Hall of Fame and St. Lawrence Market

Start your day by visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame, where you can learn about the rich history of hockey in Canada. Explore the interactive exhibits and test your skills at the simulated games. In the afternoon, head to St. Lawrence Market, one of Toronto's oldest and most vibrant food markets. Try local delicacies and shop for fresh produce and unique souvenirs. Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant offering international cuisine.

  • Estimated Cost: Hockey Hall of Fame admission (approximately $20), shopping (varies), dinner (varies)
  • Time Spent: Full day
Day 12: New Year's Eve Celebration in Toronto

End your trip with a memorable New Year's Eve celebration in Toronto. Join the festivities at Nathan Phillips Square, where you can enjoy live music, fireworks, and the iconic countdown to midnight. Take part in ice skating on the outdoor rink and indulge in delicious street food from the various vendors. Bid farewell to Toronto by immersing yourself in the city's vibrant energy as the year comes to an end.

  • Estimated Cost: Depending on activities and dining choices
  • Time Spent: Evening

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

If you have extra time during your trip, consider exploring some off-the-beaten-path attractions beloved by locals. Take a day trip to the Toronto Islands during the winter season for a unique ice skating experience on the frozen lagoon. Visit the Ontario Science Centre's planetarium for a mesmerizing stargazing show. Explore the picturesque Evergreen Brick Works and participate in their family-friendly workshops and nature walks. These hidden gems provide an opportunity to delve deeper into Toronto's local culture and create lasting memories with your family.

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