All you need to know about Little Canada, Toronto's largest little attraction next to Toronto's Eaton Centre

In the heart of Toronto lies a newfound treasure: Little Canada, proudly acclaimed as the city's largest little attraction. This enchanting wonderland unfolds a unique tapestry of miniature versions representing iconic destinations from coast to coast. Join us as we delve into the captivating world of Little Canada, a whimsical journey that encapsulates the charm and diversity of Canada through meticulously crafted, pint-sized wonders.

a miniature version of Canada is located at centre of the city of Toronto

Situated at the bustling intersection of Yonge and Dundas, Little Canada unfolds its wonders across an impressive expanse of 45,000 square feet. This extraordinary space serves as a canvas for miniature replicas that breathe life into notable landscapes, famous landmarks, and iconic skylines from coast to coast. Currently showcasing five distinct destinations, including Little Toronto, Little Niagara, Little Golden Horseshoe, Little Ottawa, and Petit Quebec, Little Canada is the brainchild of Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer. Originating from Europe, Jean-Louis, along with his family, embraced Canada as their new home over a decade ago. The spark for Little Canada ignited during a visit to Hamburg, Germany's Miniature Wonderland, the world's largest model train display. This encounter rekindled Jean-Louis's childhood passion for model trains, propelling him to embark on the remarkable journey of crafting a mind-blowing miniature version of Canada.

Little Canada is carefully crafted to match the real Canadian cities and landscapes

Little Canada is meticulously crafted on a scale of 1 to 87, adhering to the standard scale for model train displays. The collaborative effort of 50 skilled artists and model makers has resulted in over a hundred and eighty thousand hours dedicated to bringing this miniature marvel to life. A swarm of about three hundred autonomous vehicles seamlessly navigates the miniature destinations, surrounded by over five thousand individually unique trees that contribute to the authentic ambiance. Precise replicas of iconic structures, including the Rogers Center, mirror their real counterparts, with the retractable roof performing the same mesmerizing dance. Within the miniaturized sports arena, 20,000 seats are occupied by enthusiastic fans, and a small monitor mirrors the grandeur of a real Jumbotron, showcasing thrilling Blue Jays highlights. In Little Ottawa, the attention to detail extends to the miniature Parliament buildings, capturing architectural plans with precision. As the sun sets, a jubilant crowd in Little Canada commemorates Canada Day with captivating video projections and a spectacular fireworks display. The immersive experience spans all four seasons, with a winter scape theme in Petit Quebec featuring snow-covered mountains, bustling sugar shacks, and outdoor enthusiasts indulging in winter sports. Little Canada operates on a 15-minute day cycle, seamlessly transitioning between sunsets and sunrises, allowing visitors to witness each destination bathed in both daylight and nighttime settings. Illuminated by over 30,000 LED lights, the miniatures take on a captivating aura at night, providing a distinctly enchanting atmosphere for all who explore this extraordinary creation.

A trip you should not miss

The meticulous attention to detail within Little Canada is undeniably astonishing. As you wander through the intricately crafted replica destinations, a palpable sense of realism envelops you. The immersive soundscape further heightens this feeling, from the thundering waters of Niagara Falls to the distant hum of an incoming GO train, the wail of emergency vehicle sirens in downtown Toronto, and the melodic chirping of birds among the trees.

Model makers poured their creativity into the scenes, infusing them with personal touches. Upon close inspection, you'll discover delightful and comical additions such as a sunbathing snowman atop a rooftop, a tractor filling up at a gas station, and someone whimsically being swallowed up by a tulip. In Little Ottawa, each staff member was given a room to design within the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, adding a personalized touch to the miniature world.

For those seeking an extra element of fun, embark on a scavenger hunt throughout Little Canada. Maurice the moose is cunningly concealed in four locations within each destination, providing an engaging challenge for both kids and adults alike.

The immersive experience extends beyond mere observation. At Liberalization Station, your image can be captured by 128 cameras, allowing you to order a 3D printed model of yourself delivered to your home. A three-quarter inch version of this model will also find a place within the enchanting world of Little Canada.

Explore the behind-the-scenes magic at Miniature Mission Control, where the technology that breathes life into Little Canada is on display. Engage with the passionate staff, inquire about the intricacies of the attraction, and gain insight into the creative process at the Miniature Maker Studio, where artists handcraft elements that add to the charm of Little Canada.

This captivating world is an in-house creation, with everything designed and assembled by hand. Little Canada promises to be an experience worth revisiting, as even the dedicated staff attests to discovering something new with each visit. The expansion of Little Canada is an ongoing journey, with new destinations like Little North in development—featuring a temperature-controlled space—and future plans to cover the entire map of Canada, including Little East Coast, Little Prairies, Little Rockies, Little West Coast, and Petite Montreal.

Plan your trip to Little Canada

Plan your visit to Little Canada, open every day from 10am until 6:00pm or 7:30 pm. Please check the hours of operation regularly Little Canada's official website[1] since hours of operation change frequently Tickets can be conveniently purchased in advance online. Having provided a glimpse into this enchanting world, I can attest that the level of detail is truly extraordinary, and a few hours within Little Canada will leave you yearning for more.

How much does the ticket cost?

• The adult ticket costs 40 dollars for individuals aged 13 to 64 years old.
• The student ticket costs 32 dollars.
• The senior ticket costs 32 dollars.
• The child ticket costs 26 dollars for individuals age 4 to 12 years old.
• The admission is free for child aged 0 to 3 years old.
• The ticket price will be discounted by $4 for each guest who chooses an arrival time within a 30-minute window.

[1] https://little-canada.ca/visit/