I live in Oakville, which is in Southern Ontario.  I am near Toronto, and a number of other touristy-type destinations, yet I have yet to find the time, energy or company to visit anything in the area.  This summer I hope to change all of that.

So…on my list of places to visit this summer are:

Casa Loma
Royal Ontario Museum
Toronto Zoo
CN Tower
Ontario Science Center

Admission to all of these sites is available for the super cheap rate of $55.00 if you purchase a CityPass (google it, its online).  Thats a great deal and by my count you have at least four full days of entertainment.  The caveat to the CityPass is that you have nine days to use it, or you lose it.  Well…that’s not too much of a problem I think. 

I have never been to Casa Loma, and I am quite looking forward to the experience.  I know, it is just an old home, but I am fond of the history of these old large homes.  I find it interesting…as an aside, I would not mind visiting Hearst Castle in California one day.  It has been many years since I have visited the Royal Ontario Museum.  The last time I visited I was in Grade 11.  That was almost twenty years ago, and I’m sure (despite the fact that it is a museum preserving artifacts that are centuries old) that some stuff has changed.

The same goes for the CN Tower and the Toronto Zoo.  The last time I was at the CN Tower was some twenty-six years ago.  Despite my fear of heights, I’m looking forward to standing on the glass floor taking photos of the city below (and afar).  The Toronto Zoo should be a fun time too.  Hopefully the weather co-operates for that one.  I have not been to the zoo since I went with my school class back in either Grade 2, 3, or 4.  I’m not sure exactly, but it has been far too many years between visits.

I was at the Science Center twice a few years ago and I was not terribly impressed.  The first time I really did not see too much, because we were there for the BodyWorlds exhibit.  That was a most interesting experience.  I have never seen anything like that before, or since.  In so saying that, I just found out that BodyWorlds will be in Buffalo from July 9th for a few months, and I fully intend to see it again.  This time, we will not go at 5:00 in the morning (that hurt, but it was the only time that we could get tickets).  The second time I went it seemed like a lot of the exhibits were under renovation or closed.  It did not feel like I had the complete experience, so I’m hoping that things are better this time around.

Wasaga Beach – I think that I was up there when I was a kid, but to be honest I am not sure.  My parents do not remember either.  However, spend a day or two up there, relax, get my whale-sized belly tanned up…sounds like a great time to me.

Marineland – I was 10 the last time I visited Marineland.  That was two decades and a half ago.  Damn – my oh my does time fly.  Marineland has gone through a great many changes since I was there last.  It would not surprise me, however, if some of the whales and dolphins are still there from my last visit.  It has evolved more into a fun park as well, with rides and coasters for kids.

There are other places…and as I track them down I will post a follow up.  However, the above places should keep me busy for a bit.