THIS GALLERY’S ARCHITECTURE IS SIMPLICITY DONE WELL

The Ottawa Art Gallery’s new building has an almost ethereal quality to it; the perforated metal mesh of its facade creates soft transitions from the sharp lines of the cube toward the sky. Originally established by local collectors O.J. and Isobel Firestone, the gallery’s Firestone collection focuses on 20th-century Canadian art. It has a significant number of works from the Group of Seven, especially A.Y. Jackson and Lawren Harris.

MEET MAMAN AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF CANADA

There’s another gallery not too far away from the Ottawa Art Gallery, and it’s right near the place to take in one of the best views in the city. Keep an eye out for the giant, metallic arachnid, Maman, by Louise Bourgeois, who greets everyone who walks up to the National Gallery of Canada. The gallery has one of the most substantial collections of Canadian and Indigenous artwork and also hosts a significant collection of works representing artistic traditions from all over the world.

A short walk from the gallery is the Alexandra Bridge Lookout, which gives a sweeping view of the Ottawa River and the city of Gatineau on the opposite shore.

Food tip: For a filling snack nearby, try The Tavern on the Hill. If you are crossing over to Gatineau, there’s an assortment of French, Italian, and Thai restaurants just a stone’s throw from the bridge.

START THE DAY WITH A LEISURELY STROLL THROUGH CONFEDERATION PARK & OTTAWA’S CIVIC CENTRE

Opened in 1967 to mark Canada’s centennial anniversary, Confederation Park boasts several public art pieces and monuments, including the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument by Noel Loyd Pinay.

Take a short walk to Ottawa’s city centre to admire the geometry of the courthouse, check out the modern City Hall designed by Canada’s Raymond Moriyama, and explore a few museums along the way. Learn about Canadian military history at the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum. You may also pass by the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights, by sculptor Melvin Charney, which stands at the corner of Lisgar and Elgin.

The National Arts Centre is on the other side of Confederation Park. The brutalist building recently opened its new wing, courtesy of Diamond Schmitt Architects. The most striking addition to the centre is the Kipnes Lantern, a hexagonal tower wrapped in transparent LEDs. At night the tower comes alive with intense, colourful displays by Canada’s leading artists.

EXPLORE CANADA’S PARLIAMENTARY PRECINCT

Start at the bronze statue of Sir Wilfrid Laurier and walk past the buildings of the East Block. This imposing structure, done in the Gothic-Revival style, once held the offices of Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir George-Étienne Cartier. Now, it houses the offices of the Senate.

Next up, you’ll arrive at the Centennial Flame. This fountain, and its not-quite-eternal flame, started out as a temporary monument to celebrate Canada’s 100th birthday. Prime Minister Lester P. Pearson lit the flame on New Year’s Eve in 1966; the monument was so beloved by the public that it became a permanent fixture.

The Parliament of Canada, with its iconic Peace Tower rising skyward, is just up the way. Its style is typical of 19th-century Gothic Revival, featuring medieval embellishments like pointed arches, vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and gargoyles. Further along is the Confederation Building, which currently houses the offices of several serving MPs. Opened in 1931, it’s a more recent addition to the Parliamentary Precinct.

You’ll soon arrive at the Supreme Court of Canada, where two allegorical “Truth” and “Justice” sculptures stand beside the main steps leading into the Grand Entrance Hall. The Canadian War Museum is just up the road from here. Military history buffs should consider this one a must-see; it has a massive collection of military vehicles.

CROSS OVER TO GATINEAU

Crossing the Ottawa River into Quebec is a simple affair, with two bridges nearby and a water taxi available in the warmer months. On the way to your destination, you’ll pass by the Palais de Justice de Gatineau and the Maison due Citoyen.

The Canadian Museum of History sits at the opposite shore of the Ottawa River across from Parliament Hill. Learn about 15,000 years of history, beginning with the earliest human settlements in North America all the way to the present day. The building, designed by Douglas Cardinal, is an architectural gem, defined by the undulating forms of its two main wings, which emulate the winding riverbank below.

Wrap up the day with a stroll through Jacques Cartier Park, enjoying its sculpture, gardens, and historic structures, or just wander about and see what the streets of Gatineau have to offer.

DISCOVER A GEM IN GATINEAU: THE MACKENZIE KING ESTATE

Take a side jaunt in Gatineau to the summer home of Canada’s longest serving prime minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King. King bequeathed the estate to the people of Canada, and visitors are luckier for it. In the heart of beautiful Gatineau Park, the estate’s English and French flower gardens are stunning, and nearby wooded trails link up with the broader trail network of the park. Learn more about the famously colourful King (among other things he turned to séances in hopes of speaking with his late mother and dogs). Enjoy the beauty of ruins King salvaged and reconstructed on the grounds, using stones from the fire that destroyed the Parliament Buildings in 1916, among other historic sources. In summer take an ice cream or cool drink break at the cute Café Pat. It’s named after the PM’s beloved Irish Terriers — Pat l, Pat ll, and Pat lll.

YOUR LONG-WEEKEND FORAY INTO THE NIAGARA REGION CONTINUES IN ST. CATHARINES

Once a hub for travellers called Shipman’s Corners, St. Catharines grew into a thriving city after the construction of the Welland Canal in 1820 brought significant trade and commerce to the region.

While the canal continues to bring business through the city, St. Catharines has also become a thriving centre for the arts. In 1969, several artists came together to form the collective known as the Niagara Artists Centre. Now, the Centre features works by local artists across various media, including painting, sculpture, performance art, and even film.

LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF ST. CATHARINES

The St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre traces the history and development of the entire Niagara Region. The museum has collected a wealth of written materials documenting Victorian life and follows the city’s rapid transformation into an industrialized urban centre. The Museum also has an observation deck where you can watch ships navigate the Welland Canal as they have for centuries.

ST. CATHARINES HAS A LONG TRADITION OF THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE

Many actors, directors, and playwrights have gathered together to form collectives and theatre companies, staging bold productions in venues across the city.

The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre is the largest venue where you can catch a show in St. Catharines. Whether you’re looking to settle in and watch a play or jam out to the sounds of a local band, their roster of in-person performances is growing as they continue to develop guidelines for safe enjoyment in their spaces. Look for the return of the Film House to enjoy the best in indie film programming, and stick around after a show to connect with the filmmakers behind the flick you just watched.

IF YOU’VE BEEN TO NIAGARA FALLS BEFORE, YOU’VE BEEN TO QUEEN VICTORIA PARK.

This stretch of green has the best views of the American & Horseshoe Falls. Its gardens, ponds, and flowerbeds are decorated with a rotating display of seasonal flowers.

Explore the garden’s hidden gems, including the various memorials to battles fought here in 1812, as well as statues of notable figures like Nichola Tesla and King George VI.

During the winter months, the park is the best place to view the light shows, illuminating the cascading waterfalls on a nightly basis.

LOCATED A SHORT WALK AWAY FROM THE HEART OF NIAGARA’S TOURISM DISTRICT, THE NIAGARA FALLS HISTORY MUSEUM IS SOMETHING OF A HIDDEN DELIGHT

The War of 1812 takes pride of place here with an entire gallery dedicated to its battles, but for anyone interested in a more niche history of the region, this museum teaches visitors all about the storied attempts to traverse or survive a trip of the falls by locals and adventurers alike. The Museum also hosts several travelling exhibitions, including a recent one documenting the lives of descendants of those who passed through Niagara along the underground railroad.

LIKE QUEEN VICTORIA PARK, THE BOTANICAL GARDENS ARE HOME TO COLOURFUL DISPLAYS AND TRANQUIL CORNERS.

The gardens, established in 1936, can be explored on foot or by horse-drawn carriage and feature 99 acres of horticultural delights. Visit the Niagara School of Horticulture grounds, where you can watch students honing their green thumbs in the surrounding gardens.

Make sure to check out The Butterfly Conservatory⎯⎯a tropical transplant replete with waterfalls, thick vegetation, and thousands of butterflies fluttering around the interior. It’s not uncommon for butterflies to land right on you, so be gentle if you want to grab a selfie with the winged locals.

QUEENSTON HEIGHTS PARK, AT THE TAIL END OF THE BRUCE TRAIL, IS A HIKING PATH THAT WINDS ITS WAY NORTH TO THE VERY TIP OF THE BRUCE PENINSULA

It’s a fitting spot to begin the end of your journey through Niagara. The park houses many monuments dedicated to the Canadians who played a pivotal role in the War of 1812, like the towering column memorializing General Brock and the bite-sized monument to Laura Secord.

The Landscape of the Nations, a memorial dedicated to the First Nations who fought alongside the British during the War of 1812, is home to bronze statues commemorating John Norton and John Brant of the Mohawk Nation, a father-son duo fought alongside British forces at the Battle of Queenston Heights. The Memory Circle, a sunburst made from eight limestone walls, commemorates the Six Nations and the other Indigenous peoples allied to the British during the War of 1812.

NEWSPAPERS ARE NOT ANCIENT HISTORY, BUT THEY ARE PART OF A LONGER TRADITION OF PRINTING THAT STRETCHES BACK CENTURIES

At the Mackenzie Printery & Newspaper Museum, learn all about the history of printing production, from pamphlets to newspapers. Working replicas of linotype equipment and a printing press let you try your hand at printing the old-fashioned way.

CHECK OUT THE PUMPHOUSE GALLERY AND STUDIO CENTRE, AND THEN PERUSE CABINETS FULL OF “MIRACLE CURES” AND ACTUAL MEDICINE.

Set up in a 19th-century building that once served as the pumping station for all of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the building was converted in 1994 to become the artistic hub it is today. Now, the Pumphouse hosts a rotating series of exhibitions, workshops and events throughout the year. It’s the perfect place to grab a souvenir crafted by a local artist or pick up a new artistic skill.

After the Pumphouse, walk a few minutes down the road to the Niagara Apothecary Museum for a window into Canadian medical history. The Apothecary, a precursor to our modern pharmacies, changed hands several times over the centuries before finally opening as a museum in 1971.

EXPLORE THE HOME OF THE SHAW FESTIVAL

Three different theatres are located along Picton/Queen Street, all with varying rosters of programming, are surrounded by restaurants and breweries to please every palate.

Check out the many boutique shops, galleries and cafes all along the main street, or grab dinner after the show and go for a stroll along the Niagara River. Either way, make sure to wave to the statue of George Bernard Shaw as you go along.

Looking for something off the beaten path? We’ve only just scratched the surface of what the Niagara Region has to offer. If you’re looking to take a broader, more winding route, then here are some must-sees:

Situated west of St. Catharines, Pearl Morissette is a restaurant & winery situated on a picturesque vineyard in Jordan Station, Ontario, noted for its striking design by Ontario architects gh3. Their European-style menu features fresh ingredients sourced directly from local farms and complemented by their many locally produced wines. With glowing reviews in the Toronto Star, Globe & Mail, and Bon Appetit, this is a must-visit for foodies of all stripes.

Nestled in the heart of a conversation area, Balls Falls is a well-preserved example of a 19th-century hamlet. Established by United Empire Loyalists in the wake of the American Revolution, the village features a lovingly-preserved blacksmiths shop, a church, and a flour mill. It’s a picturesque door into a different time and place, surrounded by equally captivating views of the Twenty Mile Creek, high cliff faces, and the southern stretches of the Bruce Trail.

This historic fort, which played a crucial role in the British defensive lines, was destroyed during the War of 1812 but has since been restored to its early 19th-century form. Now, you can explore the grounds and see staff in period garb engaging in re-enactments of military drills and mock battles.

This early 20th-century, Tudor-style manor was built for Canadian business tycoon Harry Oakes. Marvel at the intricate stonework, glare at the gargoyles and visit the lovingly-preserved main floor of this 37-room mansion. Oak Hall sits on the same stretch of green that hosts the annual Winter Lights Festival and is within walking distance of the former Toronto Power Generating Station, a wonderful Beaux-Arts style building from 1906.

TAKE IN THE HISTORY OF THE SOO

After your lunch break, head over to the Sault Ste. Marie Museum, which is located in an old Edwardian post office. The museum chronicles the history of the Soo, from when the ancestors of the Ojibwe people first walked along its shores, through to French and British colonization, and into the present day.

The museum’s three floors are full of galleries, displays, and vignettes, including the Walter Wallace Military Gallery, the Sports Hall of Fame, and the Discover Gallery where kids can get hands on.

A slice of 19th century life awaits you at this National Historic Site. Here you’ll find some of the oldest stone buildings in Ontario, which were built for notable fur trader Charles Oakes Ermatinger, and later housed the American industrialist Francis Hector Clergue. Both Ermantinger and Clergue were instrumental in building up industry and infrastructure in the area, allowing the Soo to grow into the commercial hub that it is today.

Stroll through the historic chambers of the Old Stone House and the Blockhouse, or wander its gardens, where period-specific produce and flowers are grown. You can visit the nearby Heritage Discovery Centre to take an interactive tour of 19th century Sault Ste. Marie.

Your final of three options for an afternoon museum will have you find your wings! In Ontario’s northern reaches, the bush plane is vital, enabling shipping and transportation across vast distances.

At this museum, take in dozens of bush planes from across decades. Relax in the theatre and learn about battling forest fires in Ontario, from the air and on the ground, or hop in the Flight Adventure Simulator and experience the unique aerial views of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma.

WIND DOWN WITH A TRIP ALONG THE HUB TRAIL

Sault Ste. Marie is a city with a view, so put on a comfortable pair of walking shoes or grab a bike, and head down the Hub Trail. The trail circumvents the entire city, including a wonderful portion running along the waterfront. It’s a great way to see the river and its American sister city of the same name, Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, across the water. If you’re keen to take a more casual route, the boardwalk also offers a fantastic view and includes a few spots to stop and look at the river.

Either way, you’ll eventually find your way to the Canal National Historic Site, where you can watch ships cruise by or learn about the history of the locks.

Just across the canal is White Fish Island, a popular spot for a leisurely stroll or a beautiful sunset walk.  Here, you can take a self-guided, 2-hour tour to learn about Indigenous heritage and culture. This has always been a place of importance for the Ojibway: Elders from Batchawana share that when the Creator told the crane to choose a homeland, he flew in search of it and settled in Bawating. Currently a gathering place for the Three Fires Confederacy between the Ojibway, Potawatomi, and Odawa Peoples. While you’re there, look out for the interpretive signs to learn more of this history!

This walking tour will have you work up an appetite right before dinner – for a late evening bite choose between Chinese, Italian, Thai, and Middle Eastern.

PADDLE, PAINT, AND TREK WITH THRIVE TOURS

Connect to nature on a guided adventure by either canoe, kayak, hiking, or snowshoeing. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, Thrive Tours is has an option for anyone looking to enjoy nature or learn to kayak. Their outings range from a half-day, 2-hour excursion to a full 6-hour trek. We recommend the tours featuring Indigenous ecology philosophies as well as the Woodland Style paint-and-paddle workshop. Inquire online ahead of time, as pre-registration is required.

For a quick bite on your way back into town, choose Chummy’s Grill. Home of an “All Day Breakfast” and renowned burgers and home cut fries. Don’t miss their ‘R Smokin Store’ drive-thru, which is open 7 a.m. to midnight, 365 days a year.

EXPLORE IN THE EAST

Take in the farther out city spots in the east end. Head to the Bishop Fauqier Memorial Chapel and the neighboring Shingwauk Centre. The Gothic- and Tudor-style chapel (constructed between 1881 and 1883) is named after the first Anglican Bishop of Algoma, and was built to service the Shingwauk Residential School, which ran until 1970.

The University of Algoma took over the site of the residential school and over time has worked to research, document and share the history of the residential school program. You can go for a tour at the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre or visit the archives to learn more about the lives of survivors.

Still in the east, you’ll find a handful of blocks that contain some of Sault Ste. Marie’s most charming homes, storefronts and hotels. Wander the streets and you’ll see lovingly- restored examples of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

For the final stop on your journey, it’s time to turn your gaze to natural delights. Bellevue Park has an abundance of flora and fauna to explore, as well as a greenhouse full of decorative blooms.  If you want to get a little closer to the water, walk across the small land bridge to Topsail Island and check out its miniature beach. This is the perfect place for a final sunset to end your trip to the Soo.

Looking to explore a little further afield? Sault Ste. Marie is a major hub for outdoor exploration, and with a twin sister city across the river, there’s plenty to do if you’re looking to extend your northern adventure.

AGAWA CANYON & PICTOGRAPHS

Located to the far north of Sault Ste. Marie, these ancient trails house some of the oldest Indigenous art in the country: the famed Pictographs of Agawa.

STROLL THROUGH CIVIC CENTRE PARK AND SWING BY KITCHENER-WATERLOO ART GALLERY.

Take a stroll through Civic Centre Park to discover a remarkable monument. The Kitchener Fallen Firefighters Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. Civic Centre Park is a key hub of Kitchener, with easy access to the Kitchener Public Library, the aptly named Centre in the Square, and Waterloo’s Regional Headquarters.

Continuing through the park, you’ll arrive at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery. The space is home to
over 4,000 works in its permanent collection, including works by major Indigenous artists like Kent Monkman and Shelley Niro. If you’re travelling with someone with sensory needs, then make this an early stop; between 10 AM and 12 PM, the KWAG hosts “Sensory Friendly Saturdays”, where the galleries and public spaces have reduced light and volume levels.

STROLL THROUGH DOWNTOWN KITCHENER

Spend the remainder of your afternoon exploring downtown Kitchener, and check out the former industrial buildings that remain a fixture in the city. Highlights include the Kaufman Lofts, a footwear factory turned residential building, the Tannery Building that now houses several tech companies, and the Abe Erb Brewery. The local spot is an ode to Abraham Erb, one of the first Mennonite immigrants from Pennsylvania. To see where icons like Eleanor Roosevelt and Louis Armstrong stayed while in town, check out the Walper Hotel, a red brick beauty constructed in 1893.

But keep 3:30 open, as you don’t want to miss out on Stroll Walking Tour’s ‘Black Presence in Berlin’. This Black history walk strings you between the region’s first Black residents (1806) to modern era musicianship, like Louis Armstrong’s 1953 visit. Learn about the teachers, lawyers, domestic workers and politicians who worked in the neighbourhood, owned businesses, and celebrated Emancipation Day at the local hotel.

VISIT THEMUSEUM FOR A VERY DIFFERENT MUSEUM EXPERIENCE

You won’t always find famous works of art or paintings here. Instead, prepare to move your body and get creative. Permanent exhibitions include a virtual graffiti wall with a light-powered spray can, a stop motion animation studio, and a six-foot piano you can walk on. THEMUSEUM is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

After that, cut across town to Victoria Park, where you’ll find the Clocktower of the Old City Hall amid a garden and pond. It used to rest atop Kitchener City Hall, but that building was demolished decades ago. Fortunately, enough of the Clocktower survived, and with some much-needed restoration, it continues to keep time for Kitchener’s citizens.

THE IDEA EXCHANGE IS CAMBRIDGE’S PUBLIC LIBRARY, BUT IT’S NOT YOUR TYPICAL LIBRARY SYSTEM

You’ll find your first stop in Cambridge near the water. The Idea Exchange Old Post Office is housed in a former post office building from 1885. Designed by architecture firm RHDA, the new library, which opened in July 2018, features a 9,000 square foot transparent pavilion that wraps around the original building and looks over the Grand River. This digital hub has gaming areas, recording suites, and more.

Across the water is the Design at Riverside Gallery at the University of Waterloo’s School of Architecture. The gallery hosts a variety of lectures, concerts, and film screenings.

Continuing along the Grand River, you’ll arrive at the Cambridge Sculpture Garden. The grounds are full of carefully manicured filled with several pieces of mind-bending sculpture. At night, the sculptures are illuminated, revealing details you might miss in broad daylight.

TAKE A RIDE TO THE LUXURIOUS SIDE

Langdon Hall was originally built as a summer home in 1898 by the great-grandson of the American real estate tycoon John Jacob Astor. Gardens surround the estate, all carefully arranged to reinforce the Victorian Era charm of its long-standing residence.

Nowadays, Langdon Hall caters to those searching for absolute luxury; there, you’ll find fine dining, high tea, and even a spa.

The Cruickston Park Estate, which has its own luxury home, lies a little further afield. The English mansion was refurbished after its purchase by Matthew Wilks in 1858, and was later expanded to the nearly 1000 acres it currently occupies. You might recognize this Tudor-style manor house from shows & movies like RED, Cold Creek Manor, and CBC’s Frankie Drake Mysteries.

The area also gives you easy access to the Walter Bean Grand River Trail, which closely follows the banks of its namesake waterway. Follow the trail to Devil’s Creek Falls, where you can catch a glimpse of a small but stunning waterfall.

A FEAST FOR ALL SENSES IN KENSINGTON MARKET

Kensington Market is more than just a market, it’s a neighbourhood! A short walk north of Graffiti Alley, the market is on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, and the Huron-Wendat. You may notice this history reflected in Queen Street’s other name, Ogimaa Mikana. It’s part of the The Ogimaa Mikana Project, aimed at restoring Anishinaabemowin place names to Toronto’s streets and byways.

The area first became a market in the early 1900s when Jewish immigrants moved into the area. That wave of migration also gave rise to the nearby fashion district, marked by artist Stephen Cruise’s giant thimble, “Uniform Measure/Stack,” at Spadina and Richmond.

Today the market is a rich tapestry of many cultures, a walkable, open-air marketplace filled with delectable produce; vintage clothing stores, and eclectic restaurants. One popular spot for live music is the restaurant/bar fittingly called Supermarket.

If you’re hankering for some of the best Chinese food anywhere, stroll a few minutes east to North America’s largest Chinatown. It’s a parade of fresh fruit, veggies and herbs, and its restaurants feature everything from delectable dim sum to delicious dumplings. (Mother’s Dumpling’s is one perennially popular spot.)

Of course, you could make a whole day of it in the Kensington-Chinatown area, for art as well as edibles. The Art Gallery of Ontario on Dundas Street is minutes away, and home to the famed Henry Moore Sculpture Centre. (To literally get into Moore’s work visit nearby Grange Park, and slide onto his famous “Large Two Forms” sculpture.) StrollTo’s guide to the neighbourhood will provide yet more reasons to linger longer.

TAKE PHILOSOPHER’S WALK TO THE ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM

Take one of the city’s loveliest pathways — Philosopher’s Walk — which brings you through the University of Toronto, following the now-underground Taddle Creek. At Bloor Street round the corner east to the Royal Ontario Museum. The ROM is rightfully one of the most visited museums in Canada, with extensive galleries of art, world culture, and natural history. Delve into the Daphne Cockwell Gallery, a permanent exhibition dedicated to First Peoples art and culture. The exhibition contains more than one thousand works, from beautiful birchbark canoes to Lakota Sioux chief Sitting Bull’s war bonnet.

Bloor Street itself is home to Mink Mile, so named for an abundance of upscale shops. But the area is also a treasure trove of museums, art exhibitions and cultural centres, all within an easily walkable one mile (or via a quick subway hop). No wonder it’s been dubbed the Bloor Street Culture Corridor.

GET YOUR MUSIC FIX AT ICONIC KOERNER AND MASSEY HALLS

Two of the city’s finest concert halls are close to the ROM: the stunning Koerner (a three-minute walk), and legendary Massey (a twenty-minute subway ride). Koerner opened in 2009 to rave reviews for its acoustics and beauty. It showcases classical, jazz, pop and world music concerts of the highest order. The recently renovated Massey Hall dates back to 1894, and it’s seen an incredible list of artists perform centre stage, from Maria Callas to Bob Dylan to Glenn Gould to Bob Marley.

MEDITATE AT THE MUSIC GARDEN

The beguiling Toronto Music Garden makes for a tranquil, lakeside start to your day. The musical work that inspired it, Bach’s First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello, is reflected in the actual garden, with each movement corresponding to a different section.

From garden calm to city hustle and bustle — and colour, thanks to the Toronto Colour Walk, created by Toronto West BIA. Downtown buildings may trend grey, but splashes of artist-created colour bring the city to life. This self-guided walking tour takes you by a range of sculptures and murals, including two works by Douglas Coupland (yes, Generation X author Douglas Coupland): the playful “Bobber Plaza” and “Superior,” inspired by Group of Seven artist Lawren Harris’ painting “North Shore, Lake Superior, 1926.”

HISTORY AND HIPNESS, FROM THE DISTILLERY TO LESLIEVILLE

Stop 2: Head east to hip Leslieville, maybe with a stop en route at the Distillery District. There you can stroll the pedestrian-only enclave of restaurants, boutiques and galleries, all in striking former Victorian industrial buildings. On to Leslieville, so named after pioneering gardener George Leslie, whose 19th century nurseries spanned 150 acres. Artefacts from fields around Jones and Queen streets suggest that long before flowers and fruits Indigenous peoples camped in or near what’s now Leslie Grove Park. Today the area has a village feel, casual and fun, with plenty of options for foodies. Note: Take the streetcar from The Distillery to Leslieville to trundle over the Queen Street Bridge beneath by Eldon Garnet’s elegant art installation, “Time and a Clock.”

WALK THE DON RAVINE FOR URBAN FOREST AND SCULPTURAL SURPRISES

Toronto is a city of ravines, a network of urban forest perfect for biking, walking and occasional glimpses of wild critters. Access the Lower Don Trail (a 4.7 kilometre walk along the Don River) at the Queen Street Bridge and head north. You’ll pass beneath the arched magnificence of the Prince Edward Viaduct (better known as the Bloor Viaduct, made famous by Michael Ondaatje’s In The Skin of a Lion). Next you’ll encounter “Monsters for Beauty, Permanence, and Individuality,” reconstructed copies of gargoyles from historic Toronto buildings. These striking sculptures were created by Omaskêko Cree artist Duane Linklater as part of the Don River Valley Park Art Program. Once you’re all walked out head up to The Danforth and Greektown for mouth-watering Greek specialties.

TIME FOR SOME MUSIC…OR DANCE…OR THEATRE

Built as a movie theatre in 1919, the character-filled Danforth Music Hall hosts both local and international musicians. Home to smallish shows (capacity is roughly 1,400) it has a neighbourhood feel, bordered by leafy Riverdale. Or, if the play’s the thing, take a short streetcar ride south to Crow’s Theatre. Crow’s opened in 2017 in a sleek new complex complete with lobby bar. Since then, it’s quickly became a preeminent cultural destination with a penchant for inventive, fiercely contemporary (and frequently Canadian) work.

ICONIC CANADIAN ARCHITECTURE ALONG THE RIVER

Settled along the bank of St. Lawrence, Brockville was one of many ports where ships would dock and ferry goods and visitors from far afield. The city became even more integrated with trade networks across Canada when the Brockville Railway Tunnel opened in 1860. The historic tunnel was recently refurbished and is now open seasonally, often featuring special community events and live music inside.

The downtown core is packed with historic buildings that served multiple purposes for the bustling nineteenth-century community – even City Hall used to be a combination concert hall, office space, and indoor market!

As you drive up County Road 29 to the stately Brockville Courthouse, spot the intricate stonework of the Thomas Fuller Building, named for, and designed by the 15-year-tenure architect for the Canadian Government. This building also used to be the Brockville Post Office, further connecting the community to news, business, friends, and family from across the country.

LEARN ABOUT THE ST. LAWRENCE’S HISTORY AND ECOSYSTEM.

Your next port of call is the Aquatarium, an interactive science and education museum which teaches about the unique ecosystems of the St. Lawrence and the ships that once cruised it. Navy buffs will love it here: there’s a reconstructed Captain’s Cabin from the 1780 HMS Ontario, a storm-sunken British warship used during the American Revolutionary War.

For a picnic in the area, head over to the scenic Blockhouse Island, which is walkable from the mainland by a short road.

Since 1981, the museum has housed the stories of Brockville’s past. Learn about the Indigenous legacy and presence in the area, dive into the industrial and manufacturing story, and discover notable history from the region, including its Black history. The museum also centres the role immigration played for the city with its award-winning exhibit, Travel Trunk: Unpacking Brockville’s Cultural Stories, geared towards children and featuring newcomers’ firsthand accounts.

Keen on the spookier, creepier side of Brockville? Take one of many Brockville Ghost Walks and Haunted Tours offered by the museum during the summer.

FIND YOUR CREATIVE HOME AT THE ARTS CENTRE.

A place for music, talks and theatre shows, the Brockville Arts Centre has a long history of serving creative communities. Now situated in a building first constructed in 1858 as a townhall and fire engine house, in its nearly 125-year history, it transitioned artistic uses as art and entertainment technologies evolved, welcoming opera performances and cinema screenings alike. In 2009, the building was fully restored and renovated to be a fully accessible building while retaining much of its original charm, including some original stone.

After a show at the centre, round out your night with an evening walk along the waterfront, stopping in at shops, cafes and sights to see along the St. Lawrence River.

WAKE UP EARLY FOR ISLAND HOPPING.

From the neighbouring city of Gananoque, you’ll head off on a 2.5-hour cruise. Aim to arrive in Gananoque half an hour early, as the boat departs at 10:00 am sharp. On your boat ride, see the remarkable islands, historic structures along the river, and even treasures sunken beneath the water’s surface.

For a different kind of watery adventure, check out The Lost Ships of the 1000 Islands Cruise. Over the centuries, the St. Lawrence has seen thousands of ships pursue travel, trade, and warfare, but not every vessel completed its journey – many wreckages now rest underwater, and at least one, the Iroquoise/HMS Anson, has been sitting there for well over two centuries.

This cruise takes visitors past the famous Boldt Castle (c. 1900), the 1000 Islands International Bridge, and the St. Lawrence Seaway. Catch glimpses of dozens of wreckages, like the Islander, Oconto, and Kinghorn. On the boat, get to know these ships better with an audio-visual presentation and side-scan sonar images of the various wrecks.

A MUSEUM ON THE BANKS

You won’t have to go far after disembarking your boat ride: the 1000 Islands Museum is in the Heritage Village district, right on the picturesque waterfront. The museum is a treasure trove of local history, documenting the islands, the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee First Peoples of the region, and the European settlers who came after. At the museum, you’ll also learn about the Black history of the area, like stories of Black soldiers, sailors and farmers in the region.

Stepping into downtown Gananoque, you’ll find a charming small town with a collection of antique stores, galleries and shops to peruse. Several historic structures are hiding in plain sight, like the local library which was once the Victoria House & Jones Shovel Company.

Then detour down Stone Street to take in more of the small town’s history. Visit the Clock Tower, which chimes every hour, before making your way to the swing bridge by the water.

Close your night out with a cut across to watch the sunset on the waterfront. The area around the 1000 Islands Playhouse is charming, with a great view of the islands and plenty of spots to eat, including Japanese, steakhouse and Italian cuisine.