Things to do in Richmond Hill
Allan Gardens Conservatory
Allan Gardens Conservatory, downtown between Gerrard, Jarvis, Sherbourne and Carlton sts. at 19 Horticultural Ave., has a large collection of tropical and exotic flowering plants from various regions of the world, including cacti and succulents as well as seasonal plants to supplement the permanent collection. The 1909 Palm House follows the tradition of the great Victorian glass greenhouses. The Victorian Christmas Flower Show and the Spring Flower Display are highlights. Call (416) 392-7288 for more information.
19 Horticultural Ave., Toronto, On M5A 2P2
Casa Loma
Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terr., at Spadina and Davenport rds., is a medieval-style castle 91 metres (300 ft.) high. Built by Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellatt 1911-14, its 98 rooms required $3.5 million and 300 men to build. Self-guiding audiotape tours are provided in eight languages, except during some special events. Decorated suites, secret passageways, a 244-metre (800-ft.) underground tunnel, towers and luxurious stables are some of the castle's many features. Two hectares (5 acres) of gardens surround the estate and are open May through October. Call (416) 923-1171 for more information.
1 Austin Terr., Toronto, On M5J 2N5
Royal Ontario Museum
Royal Ontario Museum is Canada's largest museum of natural history and human cultures with more than 5 million art, archeology and science objects. The Samuel Hall Currelly Gallery serves as an orientation center. Collection highlights are featured in displays and videotape presentations. Interactive exhibits include touchable specimens and armor to try on, and children will enjoy seeing an 80-million-year-old maiasaur and her baby and digging for dinosaur bones. Nature galleries include Insects and Their Relatives, Birds, Reptiles and Mammals. More than 1,500 Egyptian objects are displayed. Visitors can see Greek and Etruscan ceramics, sculpture and metalwork and a model of the Acropolis as it was during Athens' "Golden Age." Portrait busts, coinage, ceramics and jewelry from Imperial Rome also can be seen. Call (416) 586-8000 for more information.
100 Queen's Park Ave., Toronto, On M5S 2C6
The Tall Ship Kajama
The Tall Ship Kajama, departing from Queens Quay W. at Lower Simcoe St., just w. of the Queens Quay Terminal building at the harborfront, is a 53-metre (175-ft.), three-masted schooner, originally launched in 1930 and used as a commercial sailing ship in Europe. Sailing trips along the harborfront and on Lake Ontario are offered; a cannon is fired on every sail. Call (416) 203-2322 for more information.
249 Queens Quay W., Toronto, On M5J 2N5
Wild Water Kingdom
Wild Water Kingdom, 2 km (1.2 mi.) w. of Hwy. 427N on Finch Ave. near the Clairville Conservation Area, is situated on more than 40 hectares (100 acres) of natural parkland and features more than 14 waterslides, two seven-story speed slides, a .2-hectare (.5-acre) wave pool, a 550-square-metre (6,000-sq.-ft.) Caribbean-themed swimming pool, hot tubs, tube rides, rock climbing, a children's area and a water playground, two miniature golf courses, batting cages and picnic grounds. Call (416) 369-9453 for more information.
7855 Finch Ave. W., Brampton, On L6T 3Y7