New LEGOLAND features stunning models of Toronto

The GTA is now home to the first Canadian LEGOLAND location. Found next to Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge in the sprawling Vaughan Mills Mall, it's hard to miss with its bright purple and yellow facade. Unlike the 100+ acre theme parks found in Florida and California, this LEGOLAND has been pegged an indoor Discovery Centre and spans a mere 34,000 square feet. That being said, the space still manages to house two small roller coasters, a 4D cinema, and an awfully cool miniature version of Toronto.

If I were a kid, I'd be wide-eyed at first sight. Greeted at the doorway by two life-size LEGO figures, I'd immediately make my way to the big bowls filled with bricks and fish for my favourite building materials. I'd listen carefully as the "scientist" in the white lab coat shows how LEGO pieces are made. I'd step on the scale to see how much I weigh in LEGO bricks before moving onto the first roller coaster: Kingdom Quest Laser Ride

If I were a kid, I'd grab my laser and shoot at all of the evil trolls and skeletons, getting as many points as I could before the ride was over. Then I'd make my way to the 4D Cinema where I'd reach for the 3D LEGO pieces that seem so close I can almost touch them. I'd be sprayed with water and lightly covered in snow as I gleefully watched the story unfold. After the movie, I'd visit the Master Builders to improve my building skills and then I'd create my own LEGO Racer and test it on the speed track.

But I'm not a kid, and I don't have a kid either. As an adult with a nostalgia for all things LEGO, I appreciate the attention to detail put into the Discovery Centre, especially the remarkable Miniland of Toronto's most popular landmarks, made completely of LEGO.

You'll see Union Station, the ACC, Rogers Centre, The Waterfront, Casa Loma, City Hall, Bay St, and of course, the CN Tower. There's even a scene with construction workers jack hammering their way into a street — a typical TO sight. Within 10 minutes or so, the room transitions from light to dark, and the city's nightlife shines with the familiar glow of the our major landmarks.

There is an additional display featuring Niagara Falls and the famous Maid of the Mist tour, which is equally impressive. Made of 1.5 million LEGO bricks, the display is remarkable. For more information, visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre website.

Note Well: LEGLOLAND discriminates against adults. According to its admission policy, adults must be accompanied by a child between the ages of 0-12. We suggest "shoulder-tapping" families on the way in should the photos above not satisfy your curiosity.

Photos by Brian Morton