Overview
Toronto is
a city rich in history; yet, it is also a city that never grows old. Canada’s
most cosmopolitan city is the cultural heart of south central Ontario and of
English-speaking Canada. One of the greatest benefits of
living in or visiting Toronto is its location. From the United States, it is
just a 90-minute drive along the Queen Elizabeth Way. Weather-wise, the location
is ideal.
Toronto is situated on beautiful Lake Ontario. A walk along the
waterfront leads to beaches, marinas, boating facilities, parkland, bike trails,
and tennis courts. The lake’s influence keeps the winters in Toronto from being
severe. The heart of the city is adorned
with millions of plants and trees. It is also filled with galleries, museums,
restaurants, music halls, theaters and sports facilities.
Toronto is the
economic capital of Canada, with all major banks and most corporations
headquartered there as well as a Stock Exchange. The city has been called the
Hollywood of the North because of the number of movies and television shows that
are filmed within it. The retail sector is enormous, with major shopping
centers, both in malls and in every neighborhood. Recreation is never hard to find
in Toronto. There are miles of paths for hiking and bicycle riding, easy access
to golf, tennis and swimming in summer and to skiing and ice skating in winter.
There are over 2,000 public parks and gardens as well as secluded woodland
nature reserves to explore. Toronto’s 2.4 million residents
welcome 22 million visitors each year. Families are
honored guests with many hotels
providing special services for guests with children, including separate
child-sized registration desks, separate recreation areas and pools just for
families and playrooms and games for families with children. There is even an
entire museum designed just for children. The Toronto Zoo, Paramount Canada’s
Wonderland Amusement Park, Children’s Village, and Wild Water Kingdom are
popular family attractions.
Toronto is a favorite convention
city and gathering place. Toronto’s
streets are safe, the air is clean, and the water is safe to drink. The city is
strikingly cosmopolitan and vital in every aspect. In recent years, the United
Nations named Toronto as the most ethnically diverse city in the world. Its
residents have come to Canada from 170 different countries and speak more than
100 different languages and dialects.
Within Toronto, the visitor will pass
through neighborhoods that are Italian Asian, Greek, Portuguese, Jewish, Polish,
West Indian and Pakistani. Toronto has welcomed its immigrants and the vitality
with which they have infused the culture, religion, customs and cuisine of the
city. The
Toronto Eaton Centre is more than just a shopping centre. It is an architectural
model for shopping malls around the country. Built in 1979, and given a new
facade in 1999, it is the third largest mall in Canada and is recognized as one
of the city's most popular attractions.
The 3 million square foot building with its
over 300 stores and services extends along the west side of Yonge Street all
the way from Queen Street to Dundas Street (with subway stops directly entering
and exiting it at each end). The Eaton Centre, and in
fact the whole metropolitan area, are easily accessible by public
transportation. The city’s PATH system connects miles of downtown buildings by a unique
underground walkway lined with attractive shops and restaurants. Toronto is the capital of the
performing arts in Ontario. The Canadian Opera, the Mendelssohn Choir, the
Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the National Ballet of Canada, and the Canadian
Stage Company are all based in Toronto.
The theater scene rivals that of London
and New York. While in the city, be sure to
spend some time at Harbourfront Centre, the recreational and cultural expanse of
shoreline that stretches from York Street west to Bathurst. Boutiques,
theaters, restaurants, an antique market, art gallery, and playgrounds are
permanent features. From the harbor, tour boats and private charters take
tours of the harbor and Toronto Islands. Toronto Islands are only a 15
minute ferry ride from the foot of Bay Street, yet a world away from the bustle
of city life.
No cars are allowed in this island paradise. The islands are
perfect for a picnic, a walk or bicycle ride, or a swim at the beach. There is
a farm to visit, rides, playgrounds, tennis, and boat rentals. A free trolley
provides island transport. Just outside Toronto is the
region of Peel with its many picturesque spots for a day trip.
The Caledon
Hills are a pleasant destination for antique shopping, country auctions, or just
admiring the scenery. Toronto is the fifth largest
city in the world, yet one of the most pleasant and welcoming and most easily
accessible to visitors. There is something in Toronto for every interest and
every budget. Few visit only once. It is a city to return to again and again.
Come and see for yourself!
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