How the Toronto Public Library Saved me more than $500 in the last year.

Since I started blogging last October, I have written 4 articles of services offered by the Toronto Public Library that are above beyond borrowings books and using reference materials.

Here is a list of my previous articles:

1) Who Needs 'Next Issue' if you have the Toronto Public Library

2) How to See Toronto Tourist Sights for Free

3) The Hoopla about Hoopla (Free Old Movies, TV Shows, and Music)

4) Who Knew - Free Access to Consumer Reports via the Library

In discussion with my wife one night, I started doing the back of the envelope calculation and I was shocked to realize it was getting over $500.  All it cost me was a few minutes one day getting a library card, and a few minutes here and there on the computer.  It takes me about a minute more to take out an Ebook from the library then to buy it on my Kobo.  Also, there is getting up early on Saturday morning occasionally to get MAP passes; but I don't regret because we end up getting a lot more done from being up early.  Finding something on Hoopla is no different than using NetFlix, you just have a lot less selection.  As for the physical copies of magazines, going digital was cheaper and saving clutter around the house. Same with books, as my shelves are already cramped and I seldom read a book twice.

The Math:

This is what it would have cost us if we paid for these services today.  Admissions are for two adults.

$56 - Zoo Passes

$48 - Casa Loma

$30 - Black Creek Pioneer Village

$30 - Textile Museum

$147 - The Economist Digital Magazine Subscription

$45 - The Hockey News Digital Annual Subscription

$38 - Mental_Floss Magazine Subscription

$45 - Annual On-Line Subscription to Consumers Reports

---

$439 Total Savings

+ now I read Rolling Stone, Men's Health, Maxim and Esquire magazine regularly for free

+ now I watch 2 or 3 movies/TV shows a month for free from Hoopla

+ now I read an ebook every quarter from the Library rather than buy one from Indigo.

Rough math for each:

$136 = $9.99 per month for basic subscription to NextIssue * 12 + HST (They don't have Economist, THN or Mental_Floss available like the Toronto Public Library)

$50 = From Itunes movies and shows can be watched starting from $2.99 an episode.  Netflix is a far better service for Movies/TV and Hoopla does not replace that.  I think an arbitrary value for this service is $50 to me.
$80 = Hard to value, but I typically read non fiction best sellers and would buy them hardcover on sale. Roughly, $20 a book * 4 books = $80.00
---
$266 in further savings.

This is for an approximate grand total of $705.00.

That is a fair amount and again unlike giving up your daily latte or brown bagging your lunch, this is a saving that does not take the little joys out of life.  In fact with more breadth from magazines and the ability to not worry about reading majority of articles is priceless.  The Economist magazine for the cost always made me feel guilty that I was not getting my money's worth and this created needless stress for me.

Accept the Library Challenge:

I have done my own math and I'm practicing it.  I feel no guilt as we pay Toronto Property Taxes of about $3K a year, so why should you?  Tell me if going digital from the Library worked for you?

Comments? Thoughts? Suggestions? Offended by being part of the 'great unwashed?' Please share below.  

Shake It Up - Blue and White Style

Well it has been a few weeks since the draft, buy-out season and of course silly season.  The latter saw more than $600 million committed in guaranteed NHL contracts signed.  This is my first blog on the Leafs since they hired Brendan Shanahan as Leafs President on April 11, 2014 and the Leafs dreadful last few weeks of the season.

Hiring of a Stats Wonk! 

The Leafs have just hired a boy wonder named Kyle Dubas, who was the youngest General Manager in OHL history. He created a rag-tag team of volunteers to track advanced stats of the Sault-Ste-Marie Greyhounds and this resulted (working with Coach Sheldon Keefe) an improvement from 47% to 57% in puck possession.  The improvement has led to finishing atop of the West Conference in the OHL Standings during the last regular season. Although, they lost to the Erie Otters in 4 straight in the second round of the play-offs.

Brendan Shanahan and Kyle Dubas (Hiring Press Conference)

Some Quick Leafs Facts by the Numbers:

FYI - These stars are for free from NHL.com:

• 2014 Shots Allowed Against Goal 2,945 or (30th in the League)
• 2014 Shot on Opposing Team net 2,290 (25th in the League)
• 655 negative shot differential or the opposing team out shot the Leafs 7.98 shot a game. (30th in the League.)
• 2014 Penalty Kill 78.4% or (28th in the League)
• 2014 Short Handed Goals Against total 12th (29th in the League)
• 2014 Face-off percentage 48.3% or (24th in the League)

You don't need a PHD in statistics to realize that finishing in the bottom quartile of defensive stats in the league is going to result in a disappointing season.  So, what can do Dubas do?

Well he can probably challenge the coaching staff to better utilize players in varying situations at both the Marlies and Leafs level.  He also can probably identify which players are better with and without the puck,   But, is that the answer? NO.

You don't Need to be a Stats Genius!

Dubas might be able to make a small difference in the standings with the player personnel in the organization by identifying the better farm talent and giving the coaching staff better situational analysis.  It doesn't address the fundamental overall skills level in the Leafs organization.  The Leafs lack a #1 Center and a #1 or a second #2 defensemen.  True #1 defenseman are the rarest commodity and if you have two number #2's you are still better than the majority of teams.  

First lets address the #1 Center - the Leafs have not had a bonafide #1 since Mats Sundin's retirement 2007-08 season and then for majority of those seasons the Leafs did not have a genuine top winger.  Now, the Leafs have Phil Kessel a top 5 Right Winger without that true Center. In fact they may have two top 

wingers with James van Riemsdyk emergence last season as a 30 goal scorer.   At this time the Leafs do not have a center that is projected to be better than a third line center in their system.  Frederik Gauthier who the Leafs drafted #1 - 15th overall in 2013 has not shown a substantial improvement in his final season of Jr to warrant this or Peter Holland who they traded for with the Anaheim Ducks.  Nazem Kadri who was much higher draft pick (1st round - 9th overall 2009) -  has not shown the prowess at face-offs nor the ability to be defensively sound to be a #1 or #2 center.  He is probably best utilized as a second line Right Winger.

The answer here is either the Leafs hit a home-rum with highly skilled William Nylander (1st round -8th overall) or Brendan Shanahan works his charm and lures Steve Stamkos to Toronto in 2016 from his close friend Steve Yzerman.  Both are long-shots... Tampa will likely throw $10+ million a season at him and are the better team on paper right now.  Also, why would Stamkos want the pressure cooker of Toronto media for a team that is not close to Stanley Cup contention. If Shanahan can work his charm on the best unrestricted free agents that would be great.... but NHL teams have consistently signed their top players to long-term contracts the last few years.

Phaneuf is a talented player and is an NHL number #2 defencemen, but he is clearly better when not playing beyond 21 minutes a night and makes more mistakes.  You can not play at top form, play against the other team's top talent and not have a great defensive partner. Frankly, I was surprised when the Leafs traded Carl Gunnarsson for Roman Polak of the St. Louis Blues.  They got a right-handed shot which the Leafs only had in Franson.  Other than that it seems a wash in skill, as both had similar contract, are the same age and talent. There is a case for optimism here with the Leafs having Morgan Rielly who played well in his debut season for a defenesmen and who could be a legitimate #2 and play for Team Canada at the Olympics.  He's young and people outside of Leafs Nation think highly of him.  It is going to take him another few seasons to learn the game and push Phaneuf down the depth chart.

Also previously I had argued that the Leafs try to trade up and get Aaron Ekblad or #2 or #3 overall pick to get a Center.  Since none of the top picks moved, I can think that none of the GM's made a worthy offer. So, what can Dubas do?  You need elite talent to win.  

Well maybe he can remind Brendan Shanahan that the majority of Superstar and Star players are drafted in the first few picks of the annual draft.  Maybe, he can point out that you can find mediocre players for under $2 million rather than for $5 million.  Why spend to the Cap.... try some 'Moneypuck.'  Why not just tank the Leafs in 2014 for a shot at Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel who are both likely going to be NHL Superstars.  Baseball has wins above replacement, maybe the Leafs should have players better than pylons.

Final Thoughts:

The Leafs hiring a Stats Genius is not going to bring the Toronto Maple Leafs to the promise land of an NHL Stanley Cup.  You need to have the talent an as LA, Pittsburgh, Boston, Detroit and Chicago the last few season has proved it is a combination of drafting talent and developing them. It is a lot easier having a couple of top picks to get things moving towards success and then you get some players ready to re-sign for less or join your team at a discount.  Shanahan please use your past success and charm to placate the fools who expect you to turn it around in one season.  Bottom-out and let the kids from the farm have opportunities.  Try not to spend for a change and give the Leafs some room under the Cap by avoiding more Clarkson like commitments.  Then when the Leafs have enough young talent than try to lure in those complimentary players and then I can watch the Leafs without a paper bag over my head.

Comments? Thoughts? Suggestions?  I don't really watch the Leafs with a paper bag over my head.  I just only watch a dozen of 82 or so games. I'm not a masochist. How many do you watch?

Rouge Valley - Toronto's Eastern Edge

Rouge Valley bills itself as "Canada's Premier Urban Wilderness Park" and we certainly love it.  My wife and I have visiting a few times year for several years now and it was by accident the first time we went.  Several years ago we wanted to go to the Zoo on a Victoria Day weekend and realized everyone else wanted to go as well.  I made a wrong turn at the Zoo entrance and noticed an old farm house and a bulletin board with hiking trails, curious we got out of the car and explored.  We walked along top of the Vista Trail and we were hooked.

Look Out Point - Rouge Valley - Vista Trail

You can hike along the top of the valley in places and also along the edge of the Rouge River or the Little Rouge Creek.  There are more than 20 km of maintained trails and many of them are not marked on the map.   Access to the park and parking are both free as well.  Making this a great cheap date.

Little Rouge Creek

At the North End of the Main Park there are several duck ponds as the area is being restored to a wetland. During the Spring and Fall you can countless geese and other migratory birds as they travel.  Also, if you look carefully you can see turtles sun bathing on logs and muskrats swimming.

Duck Pond

Muskrat Swimming

Tips for Enjoying the Rouge Valley:

• Bring comfortable hiking shoes, snacks and bottled water.  The trails can be rough in places so open toe shoes is a bad idea.  There are no snack bar or fountains in the park.  Also, the trails are not stroller friendly.  
• The parking lots can get full on the weekends; I'd suggest going earlier in the day before Noon.  Also, you will find it quieter with a fewer people; so you can enjoy the birds singing.  
• Bring your camera and get some great shots.  
• Bring your Smartphone and use one of those walking/running apps to track your progress and 
• The park does not have proper washrooms, just a few port o' potties.  I'd suggest stopping at a washroom before heading into the park.
• Bring a nature or bird guide to learn more about what you are seeing.  A large variety of birds make the park their home and we always see bird watchers.
• Fido is also welcome in the park.  The signs say to keep your fur baby leashed, but most people don't.

Vista Trail - Next to Spring Trilliums

Spring Trilliums - Ontario's Provincial Flower

Key Links:

The Rouge Valley has a professional website here and includes details on the history of the park, biodiversity and events at the park.

For a Map of the Park including hiking trails click here.  

For a detailed guide to the park click here.

The Trail Along Little Rouge Creek

How to get Here and Places to Park:

The park is located at the Eastern edge of Toronto just before Pickering and easily gotten to via the 401 and driving a few minutes North off of Meadowvale Road. There are 3 lots for the central portion of the Park.  If it is your first time you visiting, I'd suggest parking at Rouge Valley Conservation Centre; where you can get a map and to speak to volunteers at the Visitor Centre.

Enlargement of Park Map

• Rouge Valley Conservation Centre - Off of Meadowvale Road, North of Sheppard Ave.  Instead of going up the ramp and making a left to the Toronto Zoo, make a right and park next to the old Farm house.
• Twyn Rivers Drive - Take Meadowvale Road North to Sheppard Avenue and go east on Sheppard 1 Block and make the first left onto Twyn Rivers Drive. 
• Glen Rouge Campground - Instead of Meadowvale Road exit, take the following Kingston Road exit.  Make a left onto Kingston Road and go east for about 5 minutes.  The entrance is on the left side as you descent down into the Valley. 

Mast Trail - Along the Rouge River

What to do Around the Park:

• On the Westside of the Rouge Valley is the Toronto Zoo if your legs are up for more walking.
• Further to the North there is an area of the park called Woodlands Area at the intersection of Steeles ave and Reesor Road.  I find this portion of the park less scenic, but in May when the Trilliums are in bloom you can them in the thousands along the trail adjacent to the Little Rouge River.
• South of the Park there is Rouge Beach on Lake Ontario and it has a Sandy Beach for sunbathing, a Marsh Area where you can see countless birds and a short boardwalk.
• In regards to eating, there are the usual fast food chains (Tim Horton's, Mr. Sub, McDonald's, Mucho Burrito, Starbucks, and Wimpy's Diner) near the intersection of Port Union Drive and Kingston Road. My wife and I normally bring snacks like trail mix, nuts, and fresh fruit... as a more enjoyable alternative. 

Comments? Thoughts? Suggestions?  Have a favorite place to be outdoors in Toronto?  Add your comments below.

Guinness Caramelized Onions (Gourmet Burger or Sausage Topping)

With the BBQ season starting and the gorgeous weather we had of late, it is time to have meals out on the patio.  This is one of my favorite burger toppings and it works great combination with some old cheddar.  This topping is also great with Oktoberfest/Bratwurst/Knackwurst sausage or back bacon.  This recipe makes about enough for 12 Burgers or Sausages and in the multiple times I have brought it to other peoples homes or camping; the container is always empty when I leave.

Guinness Caramelized Onions

This recipe can made the day prior and will keep in air tight container in the fridge for several days.   It takes about an hour to make, but once the onions are simmering you just have to occasionally stir.  When I made this I kept myself busy watching a movie.

Guinness Caramelized Onions
Ingredients:
	2 Large or 3 Medium Sweet (White) Onions or Vidalia -Sliced
	1 TBSP of Butter
	1 TBSP of Packed Brown Sugar
	1 TBSP of White Wine Vinegar
	1 TSP Worcestershire Sauce
	1/4 TSP Sea Salt
	1/4 TSP Pepper
	1 Cup (250 ml) of Guinness Beer or Dark Ale
Steps:
	1) Heat large fry pan to medium heat and add butter to melt.
	2) Add onions and fry at medium heat, stirring often, until softened, about 10 minutes.
	3) Add brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper; continue to cook for 3 minutes. Continue to stir
	4) Poor in Guinness Beer and bring to a boil; reduce heat from medium high to medium-low.  Cook uncovered and occasionally stirring until onions are golden and liquid has evaporated.  Approximately 30 minutes.
	5) Let cool in open container or bowl. Once cooled, put in an airtight container and refrigerate until needed.  Onions will keep for several days.  Or serve hot onions when ready on a burger, sausage, etc.

Ingredients for Guinness Caramelized Onions

Step 2: Frying the Onions

Step 3: After adding Brown Sugar, White Wine Vinegar, etc

Step 4: Prior to adding Guinness Beer

Step 4 (Continued): The Onions Reducing

The Onions Now Reduced and Ready to be Served

The Final Product

Substitutions:

• The beer need not be Guinness; but I would use a dark ale.
• For a slightly different flavor, omit the Worcestershire sauce and add a bay leaf with the beer and a pinch more sea salt.  Remove the bay leaf once liquid in the pan is mostly simmered off.

What I have Learned Making This Recipe:

• If you light a candle near the cutting board this helps to neutralize the compound in onions that irritates your eye.  If you frequently cut onions overtime you will become immune.
• Your hole house could smell like onions.  I suggest closing doors to your various rooms and running your kitchen exhaust fan on maximum.  

Other Condiment Recipes:

I have published two other of my favorite burger/sausage toppings if you are interested in previous blogs.

• Currywrust Sauce Recipe
• Creamy Horseradish (aka Horseradish Aioli)

Thoughts? Suggestions?  What is your favorite fancy burger topping?  Add your comments below.

Cherry Blossoms in High Park

My wife and I recently went to enjoy the Cherry Blossom Trees and go for a good walk at High Park.  It is one of our favorite parks in Toronto.  Unfortunately, it was overcast all morning and my hopes of getting some great pictures was dashed.  Also, this year the blooms came out later than usual because of the harsher and longer winter we had.  They normally are in blossom at the end of April/beginning of May.

Cherry Blossom Trees - High Park

Further, the trees started to go in bloom the weak prior and with the winds and several days of rain it also caused the trees to be more barren than years past when we visited.

Cherry Blossom Tree - High Park

Some Quick Facts about Cherry Blossom Trees:

• Cherry Blossom Tress (in Japan 'Sakura') are known for their beauty and elegance.  They are a good omen and sign of Spring.
• In 1959, as a gift from Japan the first Cherry Blossom tree was planted at High Park.  In 2001, 34 more additional trees were donated by the Government of Japan.  

Plaque Commemorating Cherry Blossom Trees

• Cherry Blossom trees have a short blooming period (less than two weeks) and approximately one after the blossoms appear ('kaika'), full bloom occurs ('mankai').
• In Japan, they eat the blossoms and leaves.  They are used to enhance the flavor of confectioneries and buns.  Also, as a tea at special events and festivities.  However, they can be toxic in large quantities because they contain Coumarin; which is harmful to the liver and kidneys.  
• 'His Worship' Mel Lastman now can enjoy retirement knowing that he is not the worst Mayor in Toronto history and his verbal gaffe's, out of wedlock affairs and bastard children are nothing compared to our current worship 'Rob Ford.' 

Cherry Blossom Trees High Park

Tips for Enjoying Cherry Blossoms and High Park:

• Get to the the park early.  We arrived at 10:00 am and got one of the last parking spots.  I'd suggest arriving at 9:30 or instead taking the TTC and getting off at High Park Subway Station.
• Parking can also be found on many of the side streets surrounding the park.
• Bring your SLR Camera and have some fun taking photos.

Cherry Blossom Trees - High Park

• Wear comfortable walking shoes that you don't mind getting a little muddy from the trails.
• Don't be 'Johnny' picnic under the Cherry Trees.  It is certainly poor manners and of course people are going to give you dirty looks and openly complain about you. I give two thumbs up to the photographer who set his tri-pod with his camera and cannon sized lens right next to the obnoxious family.
• We noticed the Police and Parking Enforcement out in full force; so I imagine respecting the laws and rules of the park would be a good idea.  I'd keep Fido on his leash and keep your beverages discreet.  

Nesting Swan - Grenadier Pond

Things to do around the Park:

• For the children there is ample to see including small Zoo (Llamas, Deer, Emus, Goats, Yaks, Bison, and Peacocks) and the Castle playground.  The latter is probably one of the best in Toronto and makes me want to be eight again.
• High Park also has a very large off-leash area and we just enjoy watching the dogs play.  I'm always impressed with a dog who can catch a Frisbee mid-air with a jumping leap.  

Swan - Grenadier Pond

• Visit the swans and walk along the shores of Grenadier Pond.
• See the flowers around the park and the central garden.

Tulips at the Main Entrance

Things to do outside the Park:

• Our favorite fancy grocery store Cheese Boutique is only a few block away, just off of the South Kingsway at 45 Ripley Avenue.  A great place to buy cheese, deli meats, pates, chocolate, gourmet cookies, and preserves.  The service is phenomenal and you can easily spend a fortune on some tasty treats.
• Just north of High Park is the Junction neighborhood (Dundas West and Keele St) and there are several good restaurants.  A little further north also is very tasty micro-brewery called Junction Craft Brewery.  Try some samples and see what you like.  You can easily walk out with a growler of great beer. 
• To the South-West is Humber Bay Park at the mouth of the Humber River.  It is also a great place to walk around and you have an amazing view of the CN and the downtown core.  

The Best Photo of the Day:

Trilliums in High Park 

Comments? Thoughts? Suggestions?  What's your favorite park in Toronto?

That Mansion on the Hill - Casa Loma - Toronto Landmark

Toronto does not have many buildings that show the rich excesses of the 'Gilded Age' and if you want to see how the 1% lived in the early part of the 20th century than this is the place.

Casa Loma - Scottish Tower

This is wonderful place to visit year round, but it is particularly nice in late Spring and Summer when the gardens on the southern terrace are in full bloom.  They also decorate for Christmas Holidays in the Grand Hall and have events throughout the year.  One of the highlights is to see the Conservatory; but that and main dining room were being used for Mother's Day Brunch when we recently visited.

Grand Fountain on the Garden Terrace

Quick Facts:

• Casa Loma commenced being built in 1911 and was substantially finished 3 years later at a cost $3.5 million at the time. Modeled after in the style of an English 19th Century county Nobes home. 
• Built by Sir Henry Pellatt; entrepreneur and one time Chairmen of 21 companies.  He founded Toronto Electric Company in 1883 and key investor in the Canadian Pacific Railroad Company and North West Land Company.  He eventually got over extended during the changing econonmy during WWI and declared bankruptcy.  Thereafter, Casa Loma changed hands many times and eventually became a tourist attraction.
• Often featured in Movies and was notably the School for the Gifted in the first X-Men movie. For a more detail history see their website or better yet visit and listen to the audio guide.

The Library

What you need to know for a visit:

• Open Daily year round from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm; except Christma Eve and Christmas Day.
• Admission is $24.00 for adults, $18.00 for Seniors(60+) / Teens (14-17), and Children (4-13) $14.00.  Admission includes an Audio Guide that explains the majority of rooms and provides a narrative history.  They are picked up from the Gift Shop in the basement.
• Located at 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON, M5R 1X8 - Nearest major intersection is Bathurst & St. Clair Ave.  

Lady Pellatt's Suite

• On site parking is available for $9.00
• TTC - Casa Loma nearest Subway station is Dupont on University/Spadina Line and is about 3 blocks North, but it does involve going up 110 steps.  Someone else counted.

For more information see Casa Loma's visitor website.  

Suggestions for a better visit:

• Try to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds and have more elbow room.  Also, you may be able to find free street parking nearby.
• Try to come on a sunny day with your SLR Camera; it is a great place to take pictures and you have some unique views of the city from the towers.  

View of Downtown Toronto

• Comfortable walking shoes, as there are countless steps and cobble stone patios. 
• If you have a Metropass you get 20% off.  If you are Toronto Resident and have a Library Card you can obtain free Passes via the MAP program; for more details see my blog. 
• Bring some light snacks/bottled water as the site only has one restaurant and it grossly over-priced for an okay salad or panini.  
• Take the 1000 foot underground walk from Casa Loma to the Carriage House.  See the stables and vintage cars.

Carriage House

Don't be that Guy and the little things:

A Merry Traveler

• There is numerous decorative motifs to keep an eye open for.  However, there is an obscene amount of graffiti in the rafters and in the towers.  Don't be 'Johnny' I was here.
• Also, the Norman Tower which is the tower that lets you go outside for a panoramic view of the city is closed for renovations and I could not find when it is expected to re-open. 

View West of the Norman Tower Under Renovation

What to do in the Neighbourhood:

• Casa Loma is situated in the Forest Hill neighbourhood and there are ample streets to walk around see gorgeous mansions/homes, which are surrounded by Old Oak Trees.  I'd suggest weaving your away homes to the NE of CASA Loma, East of Spadina Avenue and North of St. Clair.  
• I'd also suggest visiting Timothy Eaton Memorial Church at 230 St. Clair Avenue East; it is an impressive building inside and out.  

View North from the Scottish Tower 

• Get lunch or a snack in Forest Hill Village that is about 1 KM north of Casa Loma.  There is a Starbucks, Aroma Espresso Bar, Subway, Second Cup,  Hero Burger, Cobb's Bread, and What A Bagel.
• If you are looking for more restaurants including many of the chains head east on the St. Clair Streetcar to Yonge and St. Clair.  There are countless bars, pubs and my favourite Toronto book store - Book City. 
• Or go the other way on the St. Clair Streetcar to Dufferin and walk west into little Italy.  There is countless restaurants, shops, bakeries and of course Gelato. 

Comments? Thoughts? Suggestions?  Did you have a good visit?  Please be that guy who puts a comment below.

How to See Toronto Tourist Sights for Free

The Toronto Public Library in its effort to promote arts and culture in the city has partnered with Sun Life Financial to create Museum + Arts Program ('MAP') back in 2007.  We only learned of this program last year, but have now taken advantage of it several times to get free admission to the Toronto Zoo, Royal Ontario Museum, Black Creek Pioneer Village, Gardiner Museum, Bata Shoe Museum and Textile Museum.  The saving can be great, getting for example a pass to the Toronto Zoo will save a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children) $90 dollars or $70 at the Ontario Science Centre.  

MAP Pass Front

What Toronto Sights are Available:

Available at Limited Locations (32 Branches - See Here for a List) 

• Toronto Zoo (Adult: $28.00 Senior: $23.00 Child: $18.00)
• Royal Ontario Museum (Adult $16.00 Senior/Student: $14.50 Child: $13) 
• Casa Loma (Adult $24.00 Senior/Teen: $18.00 Child: $14.00)

MAP Pass Casa Loma Back

• Black Creek Pioneer Village (Seasonal) (Adult $15.00 Senior/Student: $14.50 Child: $11.00)
• Ontario Science Centre (Adult $22.00 Senior/Student $16.00 Child: $13.00)
• Gardiner Museum (Adult $12.00 Senior $8.00 Students $6.00 Child: Free)

Admission prices are from May 1st, 2014 and subject to change.  See links to their respective sights.  

Available at All Library Branches:

• Art Gallery of Ontario
• Museum of Inuit Art
• Textile Museum of Canada
• City of Toronto Historic Museum
     a) Colborne Lodge in High Park
     b) Fort York National Historic Site
     c) Gibson House Museum
     d) Mackenzie House
     e) Montgomery's Inn
     f) Scarborough Museum
     g) Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens
     h) Todmorden Mills Heritage Site

The Cons and How to Get Them:

It sounds to good to be true that you can get access to all these locations for free.  The caveat is that you have to be up early on a Saturday morning and be in line for about 8:30 at an eligible library.  Passes for most attractions are limited to 3 per week and they go quickly.  In talking to librarians that some people line up as early as 6:00 am for the more coveted Zoo, ROM or Ontario Science Centre passes.  We have been in lines with 20 or 30 people at the Victoria Village Branch this Spring.  However, we have had the best luck in Winter when the line was short and we managed to get Zoo passes and we had great day. (See my old blog.)  The perk is getting up early on Saturday lends itself to getting your out of the house chores and shopping done before the crowds.  Also, the line moves rather quickly and we have never had to wait more than 10 minutes for our turn to see the librarian when it opens at 9:00 am.  Our experience is that the librarian announces what passes are no longer available and is helpful in suggesting alternatives.

Toronto Zoo - Panda

We also got passes for museums that we would never consider paying for and we had great visits to Gardiner Museum (ceramics, dishes, objets d'arts - they have piece called Monkey Symphony which is a must see) and the Bata Shoe Museum (history, fashion and customization of foot wear - it is interesting.)  The one flop and thankfully it cost us no money was the Textile Museum.  The latter takes about 30 minutes to see and has less than memorable collection in my opinion.      

Wooden Shoes - Bata Shoe Museum

Rules regarding Museum and Arts Passes:

• You must be Adult living in Toronto with a Valid Toronto Public Library Card.  (See here how to get a library card.)
• You can get one pass per week from the Toronto Public Library and the pass must be used within 3 months. If not used, the pass just expires.
• Passes are generally good for 2 adults and 2 children, see individual passes for details.
• When visiting a site you must show the MAP pass and date due receipt, your library card and ID upon request (at the venue's discretion.)  The pass holder must be present.
• Passes can not be sold or transferred. 
• For a complete list see Library's page here. 

What you Don't Get:

• Special Tours and Exhibits that have additional fees are not included such as the recent David Bowie exhibit at the AGO or the current Forbidden City at the ROM.  Additional fees apply for shows Ontario Science Centre Imax Theatre.
• Ripley's Aquarium of Canada and CN Tower is not part of this program, nor tickets to the Toronto Symphony, Theatrical Shows, Toronto Opera Company, or TIFF Lightbox.  
• It does not include parking or access to member's lounges; or features that come with annual family memberships.

Comments? Thoughts? Suggestions?  Have a favorite tourist attraction in Toronto? Please comment below.