From The Fairmont Royal York Best Nearby Historic Sites (Attractions) (10 Overall Closest) Metro: Toronto, ON Old City Hall (Attractions - Historic Sites) 60 Queen St W, Toronto  ON  M5H 2M3 • 416-338-0338 • 416-338-7320 Distance: ~0.787 km         Description: DOWNTOWN. Designed by Edward James Lennox, Old City Hall (actually Toronto's third – the first burned down, and the second is situated inside the St Lawrence Market) is an excellent example of Romanesque Revival architecture, characterized by corner pavilions, round-arch openings, an interior courtyard, and elaborate stonework. In corbels under the roof, Lennox had his name secretly inscribed around the entire building. Old City Hall is worth a visit for its two-story entryway alone, in which a stained glass memorial window, a grand staircase, a mosaic floor, and commemorative murals make a spectacular impression. Today, the building functions as the Toronto South Court Office. Heritage Toronto – Walking Tours (Attractions - Historic Sites) 157 King St E, Historic St Lawrence Hall, 3rd Floor, Toronto  ON  M5C 1G9 • 416-338-1338 Distance: ~0.943 km User Rating: 10 / 10         Description: DOWNTOWN. Heritage Toronto offers historic and architectural walking tours during summer months. Popular subjects include Toronto's churches, banks, cemeteries, and neighborhoods, as well as the Distillery Historic District and the University of Toronto. Occasional daylong treks are popular as well and cover such topics as archaeology and Toronto's aboriginal history. Departure points and times vary, as do difficulty levels and topics. Call for details. Mackenzie House (Attractions - Historic Sites) 82 Bond St, Toronto  ON  M5B 1X2 • 416-392-6915 • 416-392-0114 Distance: ~1.169 km         Description: DOWNTOWN. Operated by the City of Toronto, this gas-lit Victorian structure was once home to the city's first mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie. In the 1930s, local citizens saved the house from demolition, and it was restored and opened as a public attraction in 1950. Today, a gallery addition features changing exhibits, and the costumed staff presents demonstrations of 19th century life. Special programs for children are offered during summer months, and the site is available for private functions. Fort York (Attractions - Historic Sites) 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto  CN  M5B 1N2 • 416-392-6907 Distance: ~1.848 km         Description: DOWNTOWN. These seven historical acres house Canada's largest collection of original buildings dating to the War of 1812. The restored fort is a designated National Historic Site, and many of the original buildings are surprisingly intact. Costumed staff perform frequent period demonstrations in July and August, and guided tours are available throughout the year. Limited wheelchair access. Free parking. University of Toronto (Attractions - Historic Sites) 25 Kings College Cir, Nona Macdonald Visitors Centre, Toronto  CN  M5S 1A1 • 416-978-2190 • 416-978-2011 Distance: ~2.124 km         Description: DOWNTOWN. Founded in 1827, this public institution has been ranked the number one medical doctoral school by Maclean's magazine for several years. Among the many programs offered are engineering, architecture, education, humanities, landscape activities, mathematics, medicines, music, and social sciences. A variety of architectural styles (contemporary, Gothic, Victorian) and greenspaces add distinctive character to the campus. During the summer, there are wonderful and informative historic walking tours of the campus as well. Ontario Parliament (Attractions - Historic Sites) 111 Wellesley St W, Queen's Park, Toronto  ON  M4W 3H8 • 416-325-7500 Distance: ~2.169 km         Description: DOWNTOWN. Referred to by many as Queen's Park, this pink granite and sandstone building was built in the late 1800s as a political forum for Ontario. Stroll the marble halls, take guided tours, listen to the Legislative Chamber session, and view the display of Canadian art and historical exhibits. When the House is in session, visitors may view the proceedings – free passes are available at the south basement entrance. The exact dates the house is in session vary, but the hours are Monday from 10:30am-6pm and Tuesday through Thursday 9am-6pm. Casa Loma (Attractions - Historic Sites) 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto  ON  M5R 1X8 • 416-923-1171 Distance: ~4.260 km User Rating: 10 / 10         Description: MIDTOWN. This stately castle has been dubbed "a rich man's folly." Built in 1917 by Sir Henry Pellat (a financier and military officer) for the exorbitant price of $3.5 million, the home was a gift to his wife. Within ten years, it was valued at only $27,305. It features beautiful, 17th-century architecture, including Elizabethan chimneys, Rhenish turrets, underground tunnels, and secret passageways. The furnishings originally cost $1.5 million. Other features include a marble swimming pool, a 10,000-volume library and 15 baths. Even horses lived in luxury with their names engraved in 18-carat gold above their stalls. Self-guided audio tours (available in seven languages) are available at no additional cost. Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens (Attractions - Historic Sites) 285 Spadina Rd, Toronto  ON  M5R 2V5 • 416-392-6910 • 416-338-3888 Distance: ~4.297 km         Description: MIDTOWN. Built by businessman James Austin in 1866, this historic home features much of its original artwork and furnishings. In addition, the six-acre grounds include one of the best restored Victorian and Edwardian gardens in Toronto. The home is now maintained by the city as a museum and historic site. Guided tours detail the home's architectural and artistic significance, and special exhibits appeal to children. Black Creek Pioneer Village (Attractions - Historic Sites) 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy, Toronto  ON  M3J 2P3 • 416-736-1733 • 888-872-2344 Distance: ~17.786 km         Description: YORK. This living-history village recreates the 1860s with more than 30 restored buildings and such craftsmen as tinsmiths, blacksmiths, millers, clock-makers, and weavers selling their wares. Visitors will also find demonstrations of spinning, hearth cooking, and quilting. Special theme weekends are held as well, and food is available. Copyright ©2001 10Best Inc. All rights reserved.