As summer slowly merges into fall, and the temps cool down while the leaves start to change to vibrant hues, fall can be a particularly beautiful time to visit Toronto. And since the city is home to a number of only-this-season activities, now might be the perfect time for a family getaway.

Ready to visit Toronto before the temps dip to freezing? Sherine Robinson, the chef concierge at the InterContinental Toronto Centre offers these for six suggestions on why to visit the 6ix this fall season.

Sherine Robinson, chef concierge, InterContinental Toronto Centre

Enjoy a Toronto Raptors Game

The Air Canada Centre, the home of the Toronto Raptors, is located just five minutes on foot from the InterContinental Toronto Centre. Sherine recommends enjoying a drink and indulging in a meal at the hotel’s Azure Restaurant & Bar before heading out for an evening of exciting NBA Action. The Raptors begin their pre-season on Oct. 1. 

Date Night at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Sherine says you might fall “head over ‘eels’” for the 16,000 aquatic animals at the Ripley’s Aquarium. Plus, the aquarium holds a special Jazz night every Friday night. To sweeten the pot, the InterContinental Toronto Centre offers an aquarium package that includes overnight accommodation and two adult entrance tickets as well as a buffet breakfast at Azure Restaurant & Bar and complimentary Wi-Fi, starting from $249 per night.

Explore the Artwork of Dale Chihuly at the Royal Ontario Museum

The beautiful artwork of the famed glass artist Dale Chihuly are on display at the Royal Ontario Museum, but they won’t be there much longer. You’ll marvel at how the master artist creates giant displays of colour and light but don’t wait, the exhibit ends on Jan. 2, 2017. Planning to take al look? InterContinental Toronto Centre has discounted admission tickets at the Concierge desk.

Giant Pandas at the Toronto Zoo

A visit to the Toronto Zoo is a must anytime you visit the city. But now, for only the second time ever, the facility is home to two giant pandas Jia Panpan and Jia Yueyue. The two sweet cubs, whose mum Er Shun also resides at the Zoo, will be celebrating their first birthday this fall season.

Walking Tour at High Park

There’s nothing quite so pretty as High Park in autumn. Watching as the changing fall colours bursts onto the scene in the peaceful park will leave you feeling refreshed and will probably also help you fill up your Instagram feed. Be sure to sign up for one of the park’s regularly scheduled nature walks. If the day you visit happens to be particularly warm and sunny, be sure to ask the concierge desk to help you organise a picnic lunch, which you can enjoy in any of 18 picnic areas.

The Cavalcade of Lights

Toronto’s annual Cavalcade of Lights and the lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree takes place at Nathan Phillips Square on November 26. This can’t-miss spectacle includes live performances and a spectacular fireworks display, plus you’ll be able to snap some photos with the famous TORONTO sign located at the square.

Ready to visit? Sherine also reminds Americans that with the low rate of the loonie, now is a perfect time to visit Canada since exchange rates have never been better.

The 584-room InterContinental Toronto Centre is the only hotel attached to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Located where Toronto’s financial, shopping, theatre and restaurant districts converge, the hotel offers a serene getaway overlooking Lake Ontario.

For more information, visit www.torontocentre.intercontinental.com.

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