Toronto - Overview
Toronto is located in the South East of Canada on the shore of Lake Ontario. Although not the capital it is the country’s most densely populated city with over 2.5 million residents. The huge city covers an area of 630 square kilometres it is the economic centre of Canada and is considered to be the centre of culture. One of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities in the world Toronto is becoming ever more popular as a tourist destination.
The multicultural city is brimming with artistic talent and there are an abundance of venues and events celebrating this. The Art Gallery of Ontario and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection both house some fine examples of Canadian and international art with the latter being renowned for displaying art specifically by Canadian artists or relevant to art history in Canada. To get involved in a variety of different activities, check out the Harbourfront Centre located on the shore of Lake Ontario. This purpose built exhibition and performance centre is at the cutting edge of Toronto’s art scene and the events are often free.
Despite the overwhelming size of the city, one of the best ways to see Toronto is on foot. Tour Guys offer a free walking tour of the downtown area which takes in the beautiful architecture and famous landmarks of the Old and New City Hall’s, the Eaton Centre, Nathan Philips Square and Osgoode Hall. The areas of Little Italy/Portugal Village, Little India and Koreatown where fantastic authentic restaurants and shops can be found are also best explored on foot. Stay outdoors and experience the city’s stunning skyline from one of the walks and trails through some of the picturesque parkland. Sandy beaches can be found along the shore of Lake Ontario and are perfect for swimming and sunbathing in the warm summer months.
Home of many different cultures the city is bursting with fantastic eating opportunities. The compact downtown area of the city, means that those looking for a meal don’t have to travel far to find a wealth of different restaurants and eateries serving up meals for every budget. The place to be seen is Yorkville where the trendier crowd can be found but get back to basics for the tastiest and most diverse cuisines at the Downsview Park Flea Market food court. If eating in, visit one of the many farmers markets held almost every day to sample and buy the freshest locally produced goods.
Toronto has a buzzing nightlife with (the aptly named) Clubland and the fashion districts being home to a large number of bars and clubs. With small family run pubs, to huge club complexes and an abundance of live music there is something to suit everyone. Evening entertainment is not limited to drinking establishments though, with a busy arts scene there are many theatre productions, shows and comedy nights to entertain those not interested in dancing the night away.