BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Toronto

Here’s a curveball that won’t appear on most Toronto bucket lists, but absolutely deserves a spot: the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Built literally on the side of a highway in Etobicoke, Toronto’s western suburb, this $40-million Hindu temple is free and open to anyone. Walk right in and you’ll likely be greeted by someone who’ll be more than happy to show off the intricate craftsmanship that went into carving every statue of Italian marble and Turkish limestone. Upstairs at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mendir temple there’s a dizzying array of Hindu statues and ornate pillars, colorfully illuminated in rainbow shades. On your way out, stop at the gift store for some barfi, chewy milk-based sweets. Since the museum is free, you may as well buy a little treat for yourself.