The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) unveils the Teck Suite of Galleries: Earth's Treasures located on Level 2 of the Weston Family Wing on December 20, 2008. Composed of the Vale Inco Limited Gallery of Minerals, the Gallery of Gems and Gold and the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame Gallery, the galleries occupy a combined total of 6,900 square feet and showcase over 2,300 of the ROM’s exceptional specimens of minerals, gems, meteorites and rocks, a collection among the finest in North America. The fascinating displays are contextualized by over 40 interactive touch-screen stations, compelling video exhibits and engrossing information on Canada’s mining industry.

Opening at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) on May 16, 2009, the Schad Gallery of Biodiversity is devoted to exploring our world’s biodiversity and the numerous factors affecting its conservation and survival. This innovative and interactive gallery combines seven ecosystem experiences, approximately 2,500 specimens and the Earth Rangers Studio featuring live animal ambassadors to convey an important message about the stunning variety of life on Earth, the interconnectedness of nature’s amazing web, and the ability that each of us has to care for the environment.

North America’s longest running and most popular dinner attraction is preparing to take guests to the 11th Century all over again. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Toronto today announced the rollout of a completely new show – the company’s first since 2002 – blending a two-hour live performance with a utensil-free meal served in a castle-inspired 1,000-seat arena. More than 30 months in the making, the new Medieval Times production includes audience favorites such as live jousting, swordplay, horsemanship, romance and falconry. Guests are taken back in time and encouraged to cheer for one of six “Knights of the Realm” named after historic regions of medieval Spain. In addition to a new script, the production includes new lighting, choreography and battle scenes, new horse dressage elements – executed by Medieval Times’ famed Andalusian stallions – and a new soundtrack composed by Daniel May and performed by the Czech Republic-based Czech Film Orchestra. A new theatrical element, Medieval Times’ first ever use of a high-output snow machine, also adds an unexpected magical element to the guest experience. Creators of the new production say non-stop action; will keep first-time visitors and returning fans on the edge of their seats. Box office: 1-888-WE-JOUST (888-935-6878).

The 10-acre Tundra Trek, the Zoo’s Awesome New Arctic Adventure is now open to the public and animals from the Far North are ready to get acquainted with their human pals from Down South! Anchored by the Polar bear exhibit with returning bears Inukshuk, Nikita, and Aurora, the Tundra Trek also features northern denizens such as Arctic wolves, Arctic foxes, Reindeer, Snow geese, and Snowy owls.

Harbourfront Centre’s Natrel® Rink will be one of Toronto’s first outdoor rinks to open this winter. This gives savvy students the opportunity to Learn to Skate before the skating season kicks into high gear. This winter, skaters of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in one of over 100 Learn to Skate classes taught by experienced instructors. Each Learn to Skate class is designed specifically to suit each student’s skill level, from first-time skaters to those looking to improve their skating technique. Small class sizes also ensure that students learn to skate in a fun, safe and comfortable environment. New this year are special Teen and Women-Only Classes, along with Drop-In Clinics, romantic Date Skates, Private Lessons and Group Lessons. As always, Harbourfront Centre offers the popular Parent and Tot, Kinderskate, Children and Adult Lessons. Prices for classes range from $45 to $95. For those who have already perfected their double axels Harbourfront Centre offers FREE daily skating from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Skate and helmet rentals, lockers and sharpening services are also available. The Natrel® Rink is open from Nov.21, 2009 through to March Break (weather permitting) and is fully supervised by Harbourfront Centre’s rink marshal.

In winter, the pool at Nathan Philips Square is transformed into a popular outdoor skating rink. Visitors can rent skates, use indoor change rooms, and enjoy a snack at the concession stand.

Can you tell the true artifact from the fake? The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) invites visitors to test their skills in Fakes & Forgeries: Yesterday and Today, a ROM-produced exhibition opening January 9, 2010 in the Centre Block, Level 3. The interactive exhibition presents 115 real and fake objects that run the gamut from historical specimens and cultural artifacts, to household items and designer name brands. Visitors of all ages are invited to guess which objects are real and which are clever fakes. There is also educational information about pirated computer software as well as a section on counterfeit currency. Visitors learn how to tell authentic pieces from sly forgeries and discover the fascinating lengths forgers will take to hoodwink the unwary. This exciting project has been made possible thanks to the exhibition’s Presenting Sponsor Microsoft Canada, Education Partner the Bank of Canada and in part through a contribution from the Museums Assistance Program, Department of Canadian Heritage. Once Fakes & Forgeries completes its ROM engagement on April 4, 2010, the exhibition will travel to museums across Canada.