There are many good sites that will make excellent recommendations on what to do in Toronto. While my following selections are on most of the lists, I have tried to concentrate on things that are unique to Toronto.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is less than a two hours’ drive from Toronto. It is one of the natural wonders of the world and if you have never been I would not miss the chance. You can book a day trip or a multi-day trip to the falls, but it is an easy drive and that would be my recommendation. In addition to the falls themselves, I would recommend the Cave of the Winds where you can get behind the falls and access a lower-level observatory where you can feel the mist. They provide a raincoat which you will need. The Maid of the Mist is also worthwhile. I have never been to the butterfly conservatory but several of my friends have recommended it. More options are contained in the following link.
CN Tower
At one time the CN Tower was the tallest freestanding structure in the world, and it remains the tallest in the Americas. There is a great view of Toronto from the observation deck and sometimes you can even see New York State across Lake Ontario. There is a rotating restaurant which might be fun for Sunday brunch if you arrive early. Otherwise, I would not recommend the restaurant. The more adventurous of you may consider the Edge Walk but that is not something I would consider for myself.
The CN Tower is a short walk from the hotel.
Royal Ontario Museum
The ROM is a short subway ride from the Royal York, and you do not even need to go outside. Just take the University line from Union Station and get off at the Museum stop. The entrance to the museum is a short walk north and west. I would not have put this on my list; however, there is a current exhibit called “Auschwitz, Not long ago, Not far away”. The following description is from the website.
The internationally touring exhibition, created by Musealia, co-produced by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in Poland, and developed with an esteemed international panel of curators and historians, is one of the most comprehensive exhibitions ever presented on the subject, and ROM is the only Canadian stop on its international tour.
I have not seen this myself but do plan to go while it is in Toronto. While the ROM is not the Smithsonian, it has many other exhibits that are worth seeing while you are there. I would recommend the bones of dinosaurs and other extinct mega-fauna. The rock and mineral collection is also interesting for its collection of Canadian samples. If you go on May 4 you could also see “Wildlife Photographer of the Year.”
McMichael Gallery
There were a group of Canadian artists, sometimes referred to as the “Group of Seven,” although there are more than seven, who painted iconic Canadian landscapes in the early 20th century. While these artists are very well known in Canada, they are almost unknown outside Canada. If you would like to experience this art, the McMichael Gallery is the best place to start. Unfortunately, it is located outside Toronto. You could rent a car and drive, or you could take the subway to the Vaughan station and then get a taxi/Uber for a 20-minute ride. My favourite artists are Tom Thompson and Emily Carr. If you are not up to a long drive, you could visit the Art Gallery of Ontario which is a long walk or short subway ride from the hotel. Their collection of the Group of Seven is much smaller and not as good, but it is easy to get to.
Other Events
Many Broadway Shows come to Toronto and some Broadway shows start in Toronto before moving to New York. While you are in town you will be able to see “Come From Away” (although the last show is May 4 so you will have to come early), “The Lion King” and “Life After.” The theatres are a short walk or subway ride from the hotel.
You could hear the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Roy Thompson Hall, a short walk from the hotel.
You could also see an opera at the Four Seasons Centre. This is also a short walk from the hotel.
The Toronto Blue Jays (MLB) play Cleveland on May 3 and 4 but after that they are out of town.
The Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) will likely have a playoff game while you are in town. Tickets will be next to impossible to obtain but Scotiabank Arena is a short walk from the hotel and the game will likely be broadcast on a large screen outside the arena. You could join the thousands of fans who gather to watch, or you could just go to any local pub.
Useful Advice
The subway is a good way to get around in Toronto (look for TTC signs). You can access the subway from the Royal York without going outside. There are two lines from the Union Station, the Yonge line and the University line. Both go north. You can access the subway by tapping your credit/debit card, buying a day pass or a Presto card.
The Canadian dollar is currently worth about $.70 so the prices are better than they appear.
Toronto is a multicultural city with many great ethnic restaurants. Do not be afraid to try a few you will not be disappointed.
The temperature will likely be in the 60s but it is quite variable this time of year. You should bring a light coat if you plan to go outside.
On Monday evening the CAS reception will be in the Hockey Hall of Fame. That would have been on my top five list but there is no need to go twice, unless you are a hockey fanatic.
