I've often wondered why we insist on visiting the major tourist attractions when we're on vacation. The Statue of Liberty, Alcatraz, The Hollywood Sign and the Space Needle are all places we'd make a point of seeing and yet would we be as interested if those landmarks were here in Toronto?

I say we should be! You always hear people saying how much they love coming to Toronto. Tourists flock to the CN Tower, the AGO and the ROM. But, when is the last time you rode that elevator into the skies?

It's time to experience Toronto the way a tourist would. I know I've been to the CN Tower, the ROM and the Ontario Science Centre, but I was 10 and my memory is suds. It's time for round 2!

Here is how to do it:

Purchase a City Pass for under $50, which includes admission to the AGO, ROM, CN Tower, Casa Loma, Ontario Science Centre and the Toronto Zoo.

Or for a leisurely ride around the city, hop aboard the Hippo Bus Tour, but beware: this bus floats!

Hungry for more? Try out the Shop & Dine Tour bus. You pick a neighborhood you'd like to explore and the bus will take you to their favourite spots along that route.

Looking to explore things from the comfort of home? Check out Mike Filey's extensive reading list to discover Toronto's eclectic past.

At the end of your tour, don't forget to pick up the tackiest souvenir you can find. A constant reminder of those wonderful places you visited.