Toronto Update: Accessibility is a priority at Little Canada, Scotiabank Arena and more

I was back in Toronto recently, with a close eye placed on accessibility wherever I went. Here are some highlights.

LITTLE CANADA

As Canada finds itself under a global spotlight, Canadians are rallying together and responding in the way we know best—with resilience, a sense of humor, and a shared national pride. Spanning 45,000 square feet in the heart of downtown Toronto, next to CF Eaton Centre, Little Canada brings the country’s vast geography closer together, shrinking the distance from coast to coast in stunning miniature form. The attraction highlights thousands of stories and iconic scenes through an immersive and uniquely Canadian lens.

I spent a solid 90 minutes exploring Little Canada, and if not for another commitment, I could have easily doubled that time. It was a completely “feel-good” experience.

“Canada is a nation that thrives on collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation, and Little Canada is a showcase of our country’s greatest strengths under one roof,” says president and CEO Brad Ford. “No matter what the future brings, Canadians will meet each challenge with resilience and solidarity. We’re proud to create a space where people can come together to experience the remarkable moments, stories, and landscapes that set our country apart.”

Open seven days a week, Little Canada features seven distinct destinations: Little Niagara, Little Toronto, Little Golden Horseshoe, Little Ottawa, Pétit Québec, Little East Coast, and the newly launched Little West Coast and Little North. Little Montréal is on the roadmap, though a timeline has yet to be announced.

It comes as no surprise that Little Canada has been voted Ontario’s Attraction of the Year for three consecutive years (2022–2024).

Little Canada is the realization of a dream for Dutch-Canadian Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer, who moved to Ontario with his young family in the late 1990s. His passion for miniatures dates back to childhood, inspired by his father’s model train set—now passed down to him. It was while unpacking this very train set, long stored away in boxes, that the idea for Little Canada first took shape.

Drawing inspiration from attractions such as Hamburg’s Miniature Wunderland and Madurodam in the Netherlands, Jean-Louis set out to bring his vision to life with the support of David MacLean from the Toronto Model Railway Club. Together, they aimed to replicate Canada in miniature—creating a destination where people could learn about and connect with the country in a surprising and meaningful way.

Little Canada is Jean-Louis’s tribute to the country he now calls home—an ode to the landscapes, scenes, and people that welcomed him. It’s also an ongoing educational journey, uncovering stories, histories, and moments that have shaped the nation. Ultimately, it’s a legacy built on wonder, discovery, and delight.

Visitors of all ages can be seen thoroughly enjoying the experience. The miniatures are so exquisitely crafted that you’ll likely find yourself lingering over individual scenes. I was particularly captivated by Ottawa Station and the Parliament buildings. Every ten minutes, it becomes Canada Day, complete with a remarkably realistic fireworks display. The Niagara Falls exhibit is stunning, and downtown Toronto features the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Scotiabank Arena, and more.

One highlight you won’t want to miss is the Littlization Station, where you can be “shrunk” into a 3D-printed Little Me. I struck my favorite pose as 128 cameras captured my image, which will be transformed into a ¾-inch figurine—a process that takes a few weeks.

While you’re free to explore on your own, guests can also join a loosely structured guided tour lasting approximately two hours. The tour offers deeper insight into each destination, sharing whimsical details and behind-the-scenes stories about the builds.

Building Little Canada has taken more than 600,000 hours. Construction began in a large warehouse in 2012 and continues to this day. Guests can stop by the Maker’s Window to see firsthand how the intricate scenes and moments are created.

Accessibility is a priority at Little Canada. The attraction provides full access for guests with mobility challenges, accommodates service animals, and is designed without tight corridors to allow easy navigation. The facility avoids having areas less than six feet in diameter to accommodate a 1500mm turning radius for wheelchair accessibility. Seating is available throughout for resting, and audio/visual elements can be adjusted for guests with sensory sensitivities. Story cards are also available for guests who are hearing impaired, offering written versions of information typically shared verbally.

Little Canada is located at 10 Dundas Street East. For more information, visit www.little-canada.ca .

I’d recommend taking the subway—Line 1 (Yonge–University) and exiting at TMU Station.

THE MAPLE LEAFS

I attended my first Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game at Scotiabank Arena, and my first piece of advice is simple: if you have access to the subway, use it. Get off at Union Station and, depending on which gate you need to enter, you may not even have to go outside.

I was fortunate to watch the game from the press box. The arena is just as lively as Montreal’s Bell Centre, though with a slightly smaller seating capacity. More than 18,000 fans were on hand for the Leafs–Senators matchup I attended.

The Canadiens have mascot Youppi; for the Leafs, it’s Carlton the Bear. During the game, the PA announcer introduced a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, prompting a standing ovation. This was followed by the appearance of a former Maple Leafs player, who presented a Toronto sweater. On this night, it was Wilf Paiement.

I also had the pleasure of meeting veteran broadcaster Joe Bowen, who has been doing radio play-by-play for an incredible 44 years. What a nice gentleman. He is well known for his iconic catchphrase, “Holy Mackinaw!”—a phrase he admitted he has no idea what it means. Bowen shared that his late father, who passed away when Joe was very young, used to repeat it often while he was growing up.

Like the Bell Centre, Scotiabank Arena features in-house animators who do a great job energizing the crowd. Some of the scoreboard promotions are especially entertaining. One is called “Dreaming,” where the camera focuses on fans and a bubble appears above them showing what prize they’re thinking about—and they win it. Another crowd favorite is inspired by the old Saturday Night Live skit Night at the Roxbury, where Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan bob their heads back and forth. Leafs fans are encouraged to do the same when the camera finds them, with the best “shaker” declared the winner. There’s also a noise energy meter on the scoreboard, urging fans to crank up the volume.

And yes, while the Bell Centre has veteran organist Diane Bibeau, the Leafs have Jimmy Holmstrom, who has been playing the organ for 37 years. I hope to seek him out for an interview the next time I attend a game.

Scotiabank Arena is welcoming to fans with disabilities and allows the use of personal assistive devices. The venue offers Assistive Listening Devices and wheelchair escorts, though wheelchairs are not available for use throughout the duration of an event.

When available, accessible seating can be purchased through Ticketmaster by phone at 1 (855) 682-6736 or online at www.ticketmaster.ca.

There are four on-site accessible parking spaces for fans with disabilities, as well as additional wide parking spots near elevators that can be reserved by calling (416) 815-5982 during regular business hours. Reservations may be made up to four weeks in advance of an event.

Fans being dropped off or picked up by Wheel-Trans or private vehicles should use the west-side Gate 5/6 area in the Bremner Boulevard traffic loop.

Scotiabank Arena also welcomes fans with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals may accompany fans in all areas open to the general public. For safety reasons, fans with service animals are required to sit in an accessible seating section.

For assistance, Guest Services can be contacted at FanServices@mlse.com or (416) 815-5982.

MR DRESSUP TO DEGRASSI

A multi-disciplinary exhibition at the Museum of Toronto’s outpost location at the Harbourfront Centre revolves around Mr Dressup to Degrassi: 42 Years of Legendary Toronto Kids TV. The chronological exhibition explores the dramatic shifts in how children’s television in Toronto was created and produced from 1952 to 1994. It runs until March 15 at 225 Queens Quay West. The complex is fully handicapped accessible.

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE

Smash-hit musical A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is coming to Toronto in Spring 2026, making its highly anticipated Canadian premiere at the Princess of Wales Theatre from April 28 to June 7. Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, this is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon. With 120 million albums sold, a catalogue of classics like "America," "Forever in Blue Jeans," and "Sweet Caroline," an induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award, and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis, Neil Diamond's story was made to shine on Broadway—and head out on the road across America. Following the huge success of the motion picture Song Sung Blue, about a Neil Diamond Tribute band, this is coming at just the right time. Wow, I would love to find a way to get back to Toronto and see it. This musical is being described as “an inspiring, exhilarating, energy-filled musical memoir, that tells the untold true story of how America's greatest hitmaker became a star, set to the songs that defined his career.”

Wheelchair accessible seating accommodates guests who will remain in a wheelchair or mobility device during the performance, with adjacent seating for one companion guest. Special Access seating includes options for bariatric seating (up to 400 pounds) and non-fixed chair seating. For assistance in booking special access seats or for information about our Accessibility Services, please call 1.800.461.3333.

The musical has raised $750,000 for the Parkinson’s Foundation. Neil Diamond now suffers from the disease, which includes movement issues like tremors (shaking), rigidity (stiffness), bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and balance/walking problems, leading to stooped posture, small steps, and shuffling. For more information, visit www.abeautifulnoisethemusical.com/partners.

Tickets are available at Mirvish.com or by calling 1.800.461.3333.

DINING OUT

We enjoyed dinner at two exceptional downtown locales: Cassius Cucina Contemporanea and Casa Madera.

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN HOSPITALITY:
Cassius Cucina Contemporanea

Cassius Cucina Contemporanea is a contemporary Italian restaurant and social venue in downtown Toronto that seamlessly blends elevated cuisine, striking design, and authentic Italian hospitality. Opened in April 2025, the restaurant arrived with strong recommendations—and it more than lives up to the buzz.

Entirely Italian-owned and operated, Cassius offers more than just dinner; it delivers an immersive social experience where every detail, from the menu to the music, is thoughtfully curated. From the moment guests arrive, they are welcomed like family. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, the warmth feels instinctive, genuine, and deeply rooted in Italian culture.

The front-of-house experience is shaped by Manager and Sommelier Andre Marzolla, a native of Italy with a five-star hospitality background spanning Europe, Bermuda, and Toronto’s top dining rooms. Having moved to Toronto 12 years ago “for love,” Marzolla now speaks with equal passion about Cassius. Our server, Samuel, also hails from Italy—Torino, to be exact—adding another layer of authenticity. The clientele reflects the venue’s ethos: tastemakers, creatives, and culture-forward diners who value elevated design, premium ingredients, and curated experiences inspired by Italian excellence.

At the heart of Cassius is its culinary program, led by Executive Chef Michael Frigo, born in Bassano del Grappa, Italy. With global experience in London, Spain, Mexico, and Australia, Chef Frigo brings a refined yet soulful approach to contemporary Italian cuisine. “My love for cooking started in my grandmother’s kitchen,” he says, “where I learned that great ingredients and technique create magic.” That philosophy is evident throughout the menu, which honors tradition while reimagining it for the modern palate.

Cassius also offers thoughtfully designed dining experiences. The Raw Bar features oysters and wine specials, including $2 oysters and half-price bottles every Wednesday evening. From Wednesday to Saturday, guests can enjoy Cenetta Dopo Lavoro—a “small dinner after work” from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.—with a prix fixe menu, $10 classic cocktails, and half-price wine by the bottle.

The atmosphere at Cassius evolves effortlessly throughout the night. Early evening is refined and elegant, with ambient lighting and sound. As the night progresses, DJs and curated playlists usher in a higher-energy vibe without ever feeling abrupt. We began our evening with Rocco cocktails and a glass of prosecco rosé, followed by a series of standout starters: salmone crudo (BC organic salmon tartare with avocado, kataifi, toasted almond, and chef’s special sauce), casapinta Rockefeller (BC scallops with spinach, butter sauce, and gremolata), and the unforgettable crostone di ricotta—whipped ricotta on toasted sourdough with honey and generous shavings of fresh truffle.

Other members of our party had recently traveled to Italy and raved about the Florentine steak, so naturally we ordered Cassius’s bistecca Fiorentina. Made with Canadian prime beef sourced from a small farming community in Guelph and dry-aged for 45 days, it arrived cooked perfectly medium, pre-sliced, and bursting with flavor. Roasted potatoes made the ideal accompaniment. I opted for seafood, choosing the Salmerino Alpino—arctic char served with fennel, orange compote, and aged balsamic—which was beautifully balanced and elegant.

The menu also features an extensive selection of pastas and pizzas, along with dishes such as lamb chops, octopus, and more. Dessert was indulgent and memorable: a dramatic, generously portioned baked Alaska and a delicate semifreddo rochet.

Cassius is more than a restaurant—it’s a multifaceted destination. Upstairs, The Galleria houses the Charles Puma Gallery, a rotating collection that merges Italian artistic tradition with contemporary culture. The space is ideal for cocktail receptions, art-driven gatherings, and stylish private events. Tucked discreetly behind the main floor is Sartoria Meucci, a bespoke tailor shop offering private fittings and made-to-measure Italian garments—an unexpected and luxurious extension of the Cassius experience.

Owned by hospitality veterans Pat Lisi and Bruno Commodari, formerly of the iconic Buonanotte Toronto, Cassius carries forward their legacy of blending refined Italian dining with vibrant nightlife. The result is a venue that feels sophisticated yet energetic, polished yet expressive.

Modern Italian luxury with an edge—Cassius is a place where food, culture, and nightlife converge beautifully.

Please note that this restaurant has a few steps at the entrance. Call in advance to ask for level seating. There are also stairs leading to the washrooms.

Cassius Cucina Contemporanea is located at 624 King Street West (near Portland Street) in Toronto’s King West district. It is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 p.m. to midnight, and Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., with bottle service available late night. The venue seats 150 for dining and expands to 250 when the dance floor is open. Log on to: www.cassiusonking.com

CASA MADERA

When you first step into Casa Madera in downtown Toronto, you immediately recognize something inherently inviting. Time slows as you dip into a warm, immersive experience that revolves around the ubiquitous tradition of celebrating each meal.

Casa Madera made its debut here on April 5, 2022 inside the 1 Hotel Toronto, the city's sustainable sanctuary. Both the hotel and restaurant were developed in partnership with Mohari Hospitality, a real estate investment company founded by the entrepreneurial investor Mark Scheinberg. Casa Madera highlights creative twists on traditional Mexican cuisine, inspired by life's essential elements: earth, air, fire and water. There are also West Hollywood and Miami locales.

The diverse menu at Casa Madera pushes and transforms boundaries while respecting the bedrock tenets that have served Noble 33, a team of innovators and hospitality entrepreneurs co-founded by Tosh Berman and Mikey Tanha, that has served its guests faithfully for years: bold, inventive flavors structured around sustainably sourced ingredients presented with honesty and passion.

We were pleasantly surprised by our experience, which was greatly enhanced by a superb server named Faiz. He has been there for about a year and is a walking encyclopedia of the menu. I can say that he personally made our night with all of his recommendations on items.

Casa Madera's impressive beverage program draws inspiration from all the essential life elements. There is a reserve list of the world’s finest tequilas, mezcals, and wines greet guests alongside a sophisticated but approachable menu of libations crafted from fresh organic fruit and produce.

We started off with drinks, the Cielo nocturnal (cocchi americano, peach, white port, simple syrup, lemon, prosecco, peach air), Agua Rosa (gin, lime juice, organic agave, grape, rosé, cucumber and flower sphere) and Mayahuel (mezcal, nopales, kiwi, lime, mint, fernet sidecar), adding a Playa paradiso (blanco tequila, watermelon, coconut water, benedictine, lime, agave, eucalyptus & cinnamon Fog) and POG (reposado tequila, passion fruit, guava, orange, agave, fire water) later in the dinner. These were all very creative and tasty.

It was then on to the food. We began by sharing some splendid appetizers. The hamachi serrano is a standout item from the raw bar that beautifully showcases the restaurant’s coastal-inspired, fresh-seafood focus. It features slices of fresh hamachi (Japanese yellowtail) served with bright, citrusy fresh lime, crisp cucumber, tangy pickled onion, and a sprinkling of crispy garlic. The combination creates a dish that is clean, buttery, and refreshing, with the serrano element adding a subtle heat that complements the silky texture of the fish.

Also from the raw bar Faiz suggested the tuna timbale. This was yet another standout item. It’s composed of finely diced, sashimi-quality tuna layered into a delicate tower, then accented with house-made ponzu, creamy avocado, and bright citrus supremes. The dish is finished with chili oil and a light lime air, giving it subtle heat and vibrant acidity that lift the natural richness of the tuna. Sea beans, charred cucumber, and hand-torn herbs add texture and herbal brightness, making each bite simultaneously clean, refreshing, and richly nuanced.

The arrachera is part of the taqueria section of the menu, a vibrant and flavorful interpretation of traditional skirt steak. It’s prepared with wagyu skirt steak that’s marinated and grilled, delivering a rich, juicy texture with bold, savory notes. The dish is served in tacos with complementary accents like cilantro, pineapple, and red onion, enhancing the beef’s deep, smoky character with brightness and a touch of sweetness. The combination balances tender steak with fresh, zesty elements, making it a standout choice for diners who love bold coastal-Mexican flavors. Menu link

It was then on to the main courses.

Two members of our party shared the À la roca, a standout steak dish that perfectly embodies the restaurant’s bold, elevated approach to modern coastal-Mexican cuisine. It features a wagyu striploin grilled to order and served with a rich red wine jus and a signature triple inferno salt, which adds layers of depth and a subtle smoky heat to each bite.

I went for the King salmon. This entrée is a beautifully composed dish that highlights the restaurant’s fusion of coastal flavours and elevated culinary technique. It features a perfectly cooked fillet of salmon paired with caramelized fennel, caper berries, Cerignola olives, cilantro oil, and hoja santa—a combination that balances rich, buttery fish with bright, savory, and herbaceous accents. The caramelized fennel adds a subtle sweet depth, while the caper berries and olives bring briny pop and contrast. The finishing cilantro oil and hoja santa lend aromatic freshness and nuanced complexity to each bite. Guests can also opt to add caviar for an extra touch of indulgence and texture.

Faiz recommended two sides and he was right on the money! The truffle risotto is a rich, deeply flavorful dish that highlights the earthy elegance of truffles in a refined yet satisfying way. First, there is creamy arborio rice cooked to a silky consistency and infused with the aromas of wild mushrooms. They finish it off with a parmesan fondue. You can opt to elevate the dish further with shaved black truffle.

We also added in some confit truffle potatoes.

Yes, we still had room for dessert. The tres leches is composed of mango, vanilla anglaise and gold leaf while the salted caramel and chocolate truffle is beyond decadent, with swiss meringue, vanilla pavlova, chocolate almond crumble and chocolate ice cream.

Some dishes here are finished tableside, bringing an element of visual excitement and theatrics to the dining room. Statement items also include the Tomahawk featuring a 44oz Wagyu cut, campari tomatoes, potato confit, smoked butter and shaved black truffle, and fire-roasted Pacifico striped bass with a fennel citrus salad, fresh corn tortillas, sunburst salsa, avocado tomatillo salsa and cherry chipotle salsa.

Each visit to this place is an immersive, sensory experience, transporting guests to a boho-chic coastal atmosphere where a captivating vibe welcomes wanderers from all paths. Diners will be immersed in a curated environment that smooths the sharp line between coast and kitchen while it complements the menu, service, and commitment to authentically inspired cuisine. Each evening brings a celebration where local and international DJs play alongside tantalizing performance artists and talented live musicians.

"The vision for Casa Madera is to combine our culinary creativity with our passion for Mexican cuisine," said Tosh Berman, Chairman and Co-Founder of Noble 33. "The Mayan Riviera has established itself as a highly influential food region, and at Casa Madera, we will transport guests there through a fully immersive dining experience, delighting guests with something unique each night."

Guided by French technique and Japanese precision, authenticity and inclusivity anchor Casa Madera's impressive menu is drawn from the culinary traditions of Mexican coastal cuisine. The menu accommodates a variety of dietary preferences including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and keto, a pillar of the restaurant's ethos striving to ensure every patron is considered. Casa Madera places great importance on local purveyors and sustainably grown products with fresh and organic ingredients at the forefront. A variety of fresh produce and herbs used for house-made specialties will be harvested onsite.

Adding yet another important layer to the overall guest journey is the restaurant's pioneering diverse beverage program led by Beverage Curator, Carla Lorenzo. Once again drawing on the earth's elements to inspire flavors, colors and ingredients, an impressive selection of premium tequilas, spirits and wines are used to carefully create a vibrant lineup of beverages. The farm-to-glass libations will use fresh, seasonal ingredients, and offer non-alcoholic and low-proof options, making this the most sophisticated beverage program to date.

1 Hotel Toronto is a sustainable venue in King West Village, a luxury pet-friendly sanctuary with additional on-site dining and wellness programming. It boasts a seasonal rooftop swimming pool, 91 guest rooms and 21 suites. The rooms were designed to emulate a lakeside escape, while the hotel’s corridor carpets mimic a sandy beach.

The hotel and restaurant entrance are fully accessible as are the washrooms. There is valet parking and a lobby free of any steps. Service animals are welcome.

Casa Madera is located at 550 Wellington Street. Log on to  www.thecasamadera.com or call 416 601-3593. It closed on Mondays and offers a brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

For more ideas go to https://www.destinationtoronto.com/