Compare Signature City Toronto by Road Scholar

Day 1
Arrival and Check-In, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Toronto, Ontario D Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown
Activity note: Check-in is 4:00 p.m.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a welcome dinner

Evening: We’ll begin our evening with an orientation session where we’ll get to know each other as well as review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes. We’ll go over important information as well as have time for questions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars or settle in for the night. You may also wish to explore what the city has to offer. The hotel is in downtown Toronto, surrounded by restaurants, City Hall and historical sites.

Day 2
Old Town Toronto, St. Lawrence Market, Urban Planning
Toronto, Ontario B,L,D Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown
Activity note: Walking approximately 2 miles over two hours. Driving about 50 miles over 3 hours.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Join a local expert for an entertaining and enlightening presentation on the city of Toronto, past and present. Then set out to experience Canada's largest city. See places that even locals don't even know about - the hidden gems often overlooked. Explore Old Town Toronto on foot with stops at St Lawrence Hall, St. James Cathedral as well as various historical sites along the way. The fusion of classic architecture and modern amenities is enhanced by the stunning view of Toronto's skyline. At St. Lawrence Market discover some Canadian delights; the restored 1845 market building is home to more than 50 specialty vendors.

Lunch: At the market, a variety of options are available to suit any taste.

Afternoon: We will embark on a coach exploration of the city with our local expert; discovering Toronto’s famous landmarks, unique architecture and we learn more about urban development. Enjoy an onboard presentation that will examine urban planning and design, and the revitalization projects underway in the city, including Regent Park.

Dinner: We’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Day 3
Multicultural Toronto, Chinatown, Art Gallery of Ontario
Toronto, Ontario B,L,D Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown
Activity note: Public transit will be used today. Walking approximately 2 miles over 3 hours; multiple flights of stairs, busy streets

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world and celebrates over 100 different cultures with over 180 languages spoken. A local expert will provide us with an in-depth talk on Toronto's vibrant multicultural landscape. Then set off on foot to explore Chinatown and Kensington Market - the very epicenter of the city - it is a combination of Greenwich Village, the Lower East Side, and the Meatpacking District with the culture and excitement of a great multicultural city. We’ll continue to learn about this area's fascinating history from our expert as we work our way to our lunch destination.

Lunch: Lunch at the market

Afternoon: Uncover the treasures of the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) on an expert-led exploration. Founded in 1900 by a group of private citizens as the Art Museum of Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America. The AGO expanded its facility in 2008 with an innovative architectural design by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. The Canadian collection vividly documents the development of the nation's art heritage since pre-Confederation, including one of the largest and finest Inuit art collections in the world. The AGO also houses the world's largest public collection of works by internationally renowned British sculptor Henry Moore.

Dinner: We’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Day 4
Harbour Cruise, Free Afternoon
Toronto, Ontario B Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown
Activity note: Walking approximately 1 mile, busy streets. Option for additional walking during free time

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: This morning we will take a cruise to see Toronto from a different perspective. See the Toronto Islands, harbourfront, CN Tower and the city's iconic skyline.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions

Afternoon: Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Some options you may find of interest are: Performing Arts (Sony Centre, Young Peoples Theatre, Canadian Stage Theatre); Gardens & Historic Homes (Toronto Sculpture Garden, Mackenzie House, Allan Gardens Conservatory, Casa Loma); Museums (Art Gallery of Ontario, Bata Shoe Museum, Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art, Tatar Gallery, University of Toronto Art Centre, Gardiner Museum) and many more interesting sites.

Dinner: Dinner on your own (at your own expense) to explore the many dining options in Toronto.

Day 5
Queen's Park, Royal Ontario Museum, Farewell Dinner
Toronto, Ontario B,L,D Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown
Activity note: Public transit will be used today. Walking approximately 2 miles over 3.5 hours; multiple flights of stairs, busy streets

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Visit Queen's Park, the seat of Ontario's Parliament. Discover the architecture of the Legislative buildings and learn about the history of the provincial legislature and the inner workings of the legislative process. We will explore the notable historical statues and monuments on an expert-led walk of the grounds (details of visit dependent on Parliamentary activity).

Lunch: At the ROM, we'll enjoy lunch

Afternoon: Embark on an expert led exploration of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) for an overview of the many galleries and exhibits followed by free time to explore on our own. Explore an exceptional array of themed galleries throughout the Museum, spanning both world cultures and natural history. Learn about the evolution of the ROM's architecture, and the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal. The ROM is the fifth largest museum in North America and contains more than six million items and over 40 galleries. It is also the largest museum in Canada and has notable collections of dinosaurs, Near Eastern and African art, East Asian art, European history, and Canadian history.

Dinner: We’ll enjoy our farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Day 6
Departure, Program Concludes
Toronto, Ontario B
Activity note: Check-out is 12:00 noon.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. Program concludes

Morning: We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!