Seeing Great Museums When They're Discounted -- or Free
Admissions to the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario have jumped since their massive renovations. However, you can pay less -- or nothing -- if you know when to go.

Listening to a Concert at the Toronto Music Garden
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma co-designed this serene space that's intended to evoke Bach's "First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello." It's easy on the eyes, but the best time to come here is for a summertime concert. Pure bliss.

Wandering through Riverdale Farm
In case you need more proof that Toronto is a very green city, it has a working farm in its midst. Cows, sheep, pigs, goats, and other critters call it home.

Strolling the Lakeside Boardwalk
You can choose from a number of starting points, but don't miss the quirky parks, open-air concert venues, and wintertime skating rink near Harbourfront. Or venture east to the long boardwalk in the neighborhood called The Beach, where you'll share the lake views with locals and their many dogs and youngsters.

Visiting Harbourfront Centre and the Power Plant Gallery
The collection of studios, stages, open-air exhibits (especially in summer), and the Power Plant Gallery itself together offer an always-interesting, ever-changing attraction. You might call it a living museum. Watch for the many free special events.