DOWNTOWN. [Due to facility upgrades, the museum is temporarily closed. It should reopen mid-2008.]This extensive museum is comprised of 50 galleries and represents all media and the best traditions of Western art. Its strongest collections are Impressionist paintings and the Canadian Group of Seven. The latter were a group of 1920s landscape painters who, through their use of bright colors, substantially influenced all Ontario painting. SUBWAY: Take the Yonge-University line to St. Patrick station, then the westbound streetcar to McCaul Street.

DOWNTOWN. Housed in Richard Moriyama's award-winning, five-story building, this museum is North America's largest shoe museum. The collection boasts over 10,000 artifacts spanning 4,500 years. Items displayed include shoes from notables such as Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Elton John, Ginger Spice, Imelda Marcos, and an Egyptian smuggler who lived in 300 BC. SUBWAY: Take the Yonge-University line to St. George's station; Bloor is on the corner.

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.

DOWNTOWN. Items in this one-of-a-kind museum range widely across the centuries and include pre-Columbian artifacts dating to 3000 BC. Also included are 17th century English pottery, 18th century European and Chinese porcelains, and items from the Renaissance. Ceramics by Canadian artists are featured as well. The Clay Pit allows folks to try their hand at pottery, and classes and workshops are taught by professional potters.

DOWNTOWN. Located in the grand hall of the former Bank of Montreal building, this museum houses the most comprehensive collection of hockey artifacts and memorabilia in the world. Included in the collection are the Stanley Cup and the Honoured Members Wall. There's also an interactive area featuring virtual hockey. SUBWAY: Take the Yonge-University line to Union Station, then walk east to Yonge Street.