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There is a grove of Japanese cherry trees on the SW side of the Robarts Library. The trees bloom in late April or early May (depending on weather) and blooming lasts for only one or two weeks. There is a web page to find more precise information about when cherry trees bloom in Toronto.
One of Toronto's more unusual attractions, this offbeat museum is devoted to shoes and footwear. Exhibits include Napoleon Bonaparte's socks and footwear from cultures all over the world. Also interesting is the building's unique deconstructivist architecture, meant to resemble an opening shoe box.
Galleries featuring a collection of rare ceramics, 18th-century yellow European porcelain and Chinese white and blue porcelain. Free guided tours take place daily at 2PM.
Silent film star Mary Pickford, known as "America's Sweetheart", was born in Toronto in 1892. A bust and historical plaque marks her birthplace, now the site of the Hospital for Sick Children. The plaque was unveiled by her third husband (of 42 years) Buddy Rogers in 1973. The bust by artist Eino Gira was added ten years later. There is also a plaque for Mary Pickford on Canada's Walk of Fame on Simcoe Street just south of King Street.
Queen's Park Subway Station
This ceramic tile mural, a gift from the Government of Portugal, is located within the fare-paid area of the subway station mezzanine level. The mural's theme is Portuguese exploration of the New World.
In order to evoke exhibits at the neighbouring Royal Ontario Museum, the supporting columns along the platforms of Museum Station were modelled to resemble the ancient Egyptian deity Osiris, Toltec warriors, Doric columns found in the Parthenon, China's Forbidden City columns, and First Nations house posts. This makes Museum the most impressive station on the subway system.
This grand Victorian building is home to Ontario's provincial legislature. Tours are offered every weekday year-round and on weekends during the summer.