Give memories, not things. A popular phrase around the holiday season, and one my family has quickly come to adapt.
I will admit, there is nothing I love more than receiving a new pair of socks or a refill of my favourite body wash in my stocking, but when it comes to a gift, I’d much prefer to receive an experience. Something to create memories with my family.
Living in Toronto, I can attest to the fact that there is an unlimited supply of experiences - ways to taste, hear, touch, smell and see your way through the city.
Today’s gift guide includes a round up of five experiences available in Toronto that make the perfect holiday gifts.
To & Fro’s Holiday Gift Guide: Toronto Experiences
Available in numerous big cities across North America, the Toronto CityPASS allows you to see the city’s top attractions, handpicked and packaged together at a significant savings. The Toronto CityPASS admission includes the CN Tower, Casa Loma, Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and the Toronto Zoo or Ontario Science Centre. Purchasing the pass saves you approximately 33% versus buying an individual admission at each attraction. It is valid for 9 consecutive days starting the first day of use, which is plenty of time to see all of the sights at your own pace.
Cost: $86 per adult; $58 per child
Recommended for: the staycationer
CityPASS is also available in other large cities - New York, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Dallas and Houston.
CityPASS is also available in other large cities - New York, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Dallas and Houston.
Get up close and personal with the stingrays at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada! This one-of-a-kind experience allows guests to be in Ray Bay with the cow nose, southern, spotted eagle and rough tail stingrays. It also includes a behind the scenes tour to learn how the animals are cared for and the water is cleaned.
Cost: $99 per person (includes admission, behind the scenes tour, backpack, towel, USB flash drive of photos)
Recommended for: the animal lover
Oh hey, that's me. As you can see, I can speak from experience - if you have an animal lover in your life, the Stingray Expereince at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is a no bRAYner. (See what I did there?!)
History buff in your life? This hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour is the best way to see the city from the comfort of a double decker bus. Tickets are valid for up to 48 hours and include a free Toronto harbour and islands cruise. The 21 stops to chose from include the CN Tower, Eaton Centre, Art Gallery of Ontario, St. Lawrence Marker, The Distillery District, Hockey Hall of Fame and more. The informative guides will animate the sights and attractions along the route and are more than happy to give advice on how to make the most of your time in the city.
Cost: $38.05 per adult; $34.51 per senior and student (with valid ID); $20.35 per child (3-12)
Take advantage of this 10% discount coupon for hop-on hop-off service!
Take advantage of this 10% discount coupon for hop-on hop-off service!
The CN Tower EdgeWalk is Toronto’s tallest urban adventure, and the world’s highest full circle hands-free walk. This 1.5 hour experience takes pale on the roof of the CN Tower’s restaurant, approximately 356m or 1,168 feet above the ground.
Cost: $225 per person (include keepsake video, printed photos, certificate and re-entry to the CN Tower)
Recommended for: the adrenaline junkie
Mariposa Cruises Toronto Dinner Cruise
Enjoy a truly unique evening on the water with Mariposa Cruises. Dine, dance and experience the magnificent scenery along Toronto’s harbour and islands. Watch the sun set on Toronto’s harbour and take in the sights and sounds of the city’s waterfront and towering skyline. Evening dinner cruises depart spring to the end of December and include a delicious buffet-style dinner and fully-licensed cash bar while you cruise from 7-10pm. Mariposa offers a wide selection of cruises, be sure to check out their website for available listings.
Cost: $74.95 per adult; $41.22 per child (4-12 years)
Recommended for: the romantic
*Fine print: Quoted prices are subject to change, and do not include HST. Be sure to visit the attraction website for more information, including experience policies, availability and how to book.
What are your favourite gifts to give and receive during the holiday season? Any favourite experiences you’ve received? I’d love to hear!
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