Toronto Tourism Magazine 2009 - (Page 54) York Region and North Toronto Just north of Toronto lies one of the fastestgrowing regions — and the conveniences and attractions are growing right along with it By Fina Scroppo Family adventures With more than 200 attractions and 65 exhilarating rides, Canada’s Wonderland is one of the most diverse amusement parks on the continent. Those with a penchant for adventure will want to ride on the “greatest variety of roller coasters” in North America — from the newest addition, The Behemoth, considered the biggest, tallest and fastest coaster in the country, to the longest wooden coaster, The Mighty Canadian Minebuster. Or consider a free fall of 70 metres (230 feet) from the Drop Tower. Milder thrills for smaller kids include a variety of attractions in designated areas. If you’re looking to beat the heat, head to the park’s Splash Works, a 20-acre water park with one of Canada’s largest wave pools, splash pads, water slides and a lazy river. (Visit www.canadaswonderland.com) If you have a need for speed, you need to make a pit stop at NASCAR SpeedPark. The venue has four tracks of varying difficulty (the outdoor tracks operate seasonally), a variety of simulators, a SpeedDome arcade, kid-sized rides and more. If your little Dale Earnhardt, Jr. wants to look the part, there’s a large assortment of NASCAR merchandise and apparel — everything from T-shirts and jackets to hats and mugs. Before you drive away, fill up with lunch or dinner at the grill. Located in the Vaughan Mills mall. (Call 905-669-7370 or visit www.nascarspeedpark.com/toronto.html) With more than 5,000 animals and exhibits, including a 12-hectare (30-acre) African Savanna and the largest indoor gorilla exhibit in North America, The Toronto Zoo is the place to go to feel the call of the wild. Ride the Zoomobile from exhibit to exhibit, stopping to meet the animal keepers who make regular appearances at each pavilion. Kids will enjoy the 54 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com Top: Exotic fish at Toronto Zoo. Below: The Behemoth at Canada’s Wonderland. Opposite: From the latest fashions to large anchor stores at Vaughan Mills. Discovery Zone with a Splash Island and Kids Zoo, where children can interact with animals, touch tables and storyboards. (Call 416-392-5929 or visit www.torontozoo.com) With nine exhibit halls, the Ontario Science Centre is the destination for big and little scientists alike. Miniature Einsteins are challenged at KidSpark, an interactive playground for kids eight and under and at the Weston Family Innovation Centre, a 25,000-squarefoot space that merges art with science and helps find solutions to world problems. Before leaving, catch an IMAX film at the OMNIMAX Theatre where the 24-metre domed screen immerses audience members in subjects ranging from coral reefs to Mars. (Call 416696-1000 or visit www.ontariosciencecentre.ca) Photo: (top) Andrew Robb http://www.canadaswonderland.com http://www.torontozoo.com http://www.nascarspeedpark.com/toronto.html http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca http://www.seetorontonow.com
Contributors
Welcome
Cityscapes
Toast of the Town
In the Night Garden
Gooooal!
Take a Moment
Faces of Toronto
Red Rocket
Past Perfection
Water Lust
The Artist’s City
Living the Green Dream
York Region and North Toronto
Mississauga Marvels
Vine Country
Discovery Walks
Neighbourhoods of Greater Toronto
Listings
Visitor Resources
2009 Event Calendar
Parting Shot
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