Adventures in Toronto & Niagara Falls With your Grandchild

Program Registration. 4:00-5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.

At hotel.

Orientation: 7:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Travel and transportation for program-related activities will be via private motorcoach as well as public transportation (streetcars, subway). 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. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the hotel.

We will be joined by a local expert who will teach us about Toronto’s history and some of the city’s most vibrant and culturally diverse neighbourhoods. Embark on a scavenger hunt around Toronto's City Hall and Nathan Philips Square. Match photographs with their locations on a map and uncover the stories behind each monument, public art, and statue. From the majestic architecture of City Hall to the eclectic array of sculptures and monuments, we will learn about Toronto's rich history and vibrant culture. Decode intriguing questions at each spot, earn points for correct answers, and compete against friends for a fun and educational outdoor adventure.

At a local restaurant.

Next, we’ll take public transit to the harbour and board a 76-foot Great Lakes Steamship replica that has been decorated with the perfect blend of varnished woods, wrought iron, polished brass, and plush upholstery. Two wrought iron staircases lead to the canopied upper deck. We’ll embark on a study cruise to experience Toronto Harbor on the water. With a local expert, we will view the city’s breathtaking skyline including the Harborfront, CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Scotiabank Arena, Toronto Islands, and the fabled Gibraltar Point Lighthouse.

At a local restaurant.

Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening will be at leisure. You might like to enjoy the on-site hotel facilities. Kids of all ages love it! The Family Fun Zone features the Kid Centre, pool and the 130-foot “Corkscrew” indoor waterslide — the only one in downtown Toronto - and other supervised activities.

At the hotel.

We will set out via public transit for a field trip to the Ripley Aquarium, a public aquarium featuring more than 20,000 freshwater and exotic sea specimens. Our exploration of the Canadian Waters Gallery will take us from coast to coast learning about some of the country’s spectacular habitats, freshwater wildernesses, fisheries, and kelp forests. We’ll also have an opportunity to see the inner workings of the aquarium. We’ll also go behind the scenes to the animal husbandry department with an expert aquarist who will explain the food preparation and water filtration systems that mimic the animals’ natural habitats.

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

Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your 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. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.

On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel.

We’ll head out via motorcoach to explore the history and flavors of the city with a local expert. We’ll see some places even locals don’t know about: hidden gems that are often overlooked. In Old Town Toronto, we’ll stop in front of 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. We will end our walk at historic St. Lawrence Market, considered by “Food and Wine” magazine to be one of the world’s 25 best food markets. The restored 1845 market building is home to more than 50 specialty vendors. We will then board a motorcoach and ride to Niagara Falls and check in to our hotel. Note: Depending on traffic, check-in could be before or after lunch.

At a local restaurant.

At Niagara Falls, we will experience the thundering water, awesome power, and amazing mist of one of Canada’s natural wonders. We will get up-close and personal on a new state-of-the-art catamaran boat, “Voyage To The Falls” and ride from the Canadian docks at the base of the Great Gorge, past the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and mighty Horseshoe Falls.

At a local restaurant.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

We will board a motorcoach and ride to the Great Gorge. We’ll be transported through the air in an antique cable car, high above the racing Niagara River while far below the torrent of water abruptly changes direction and creates one of the world’s most mesmerizing natural phenomena: the unforgettable Niagara Whirlpool. Next, we will ride to explore the Butterfly Conservatory, this magical place features more than 2,000 colorful tropical butterflies floating freely among lush, exotic blossoms and greenery. Paths wind through the rainforest setting, past a pond and waterfall and the Emergence window, where butterflies leave their pupae and prepare to take their first flight.

At a picnic area, we’ll have box lunches.

Next, we’ll board a motorcoach for a field trip with a local expert to explore the historic Niagara area including Niagara-on-the-Lake. We’ll learn about the area from times of the First Nations peoples to the arrival of Europeans and eventually the War of 1812. We’ll ride through the battlefields on the motorcoach with an occasional stop to explore these battlefields from the War of 1812 and Queenston Heights. We will also have some time for independent exploration in Niagara-on-the-Lake before dinner.

At a restaurant in Niagara.

We will ride back to Toronto and check in to our hotel for the night. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

At the hotel. This concludes our program.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!