Toronto, the New York City of Canada

Toronto, my city of birth, is the largest city inalong Yonge Street near the Eaton Centre mall
Canada with a population of about 3 million (5will reveal the wilder parts of Toronto life. For the
million in the greater area) and it keeps growinglatest trends, Queen Street West is where the
every year as it seems to be the first city offunky boutiques and bars are. For upscale
choice for immigrants from around the world.shopping, go to Bloor Street between Yonge and
With over 100 languages spoken here, Toronto isAvenue Road as well as the Yorkville area.
the most multicultural city in the world accordingToronto is a live theatre town, second to perhaps
to the United Nations. This is actually a good thingonly New York or London. The theatre district on
since Toronto can be a model for the rest of theKing Street has a lively after theatre scene
world in regards to showing how it is possible forincluding restaurants and clubs. During the day, the
different people of many different cultures andworld renowned Royal Ontario Museum, Art
faiths to get along peacefully. Friends of differentGallery of Ontario and the Planetarium showcase
racial backgrounds and religions can be found heretreasures from around the world (as well as out
where they would probably be enemies in otherof the world). Many also come to see the Hockey
parts of the world.Hall of Fame.
Having lived in Toronto for most of my life soToronto has Canada's largest Chinatown. Actually,
far, I'm always amazed on how the city hasthe growth of the Asian population has resulted in
grown as a tourist destination. Torontonians seemfour different Chinatowns in the greater area. The
to take world class attractions like the CN Towermain one is centered around Spadina and Dundas.
and the Skydome for granted since many see itThe dim sum in Toronto is one of the best
every day during their commute. Of course, theoutside of Hong Kong since most Chinese
CN Tower is a very worthwhile visit as a ride toimmigrants here were originally from Hong Kong.
the top is a must for every visitor.Other ethnicities are also represented by such
Toronto has one of the best redevelopeddistricts as Little Italy, the Greek Danforth area
harbourfronts anywhere. This area has boutiquesand many others. For outdoor markets, the
at Queen's Quay, restaurants, cafes and galleries.Kensington and St. Lawrence Markets are great.
Nearby Ontario Place and the Canadian NationalSince Toronto is so multicultural, it is an excellent
Exhibition are annual favorites among locals. This isplace to try out different cuisines.
also where one takes the ferries across to theFor animal lovers, the Metro Toronto Zoo
Toronto Islands. The islands are all connected vianortheast of the city is world famous and will
bike paths and offer a unique view of thetake an entire day to see. During the summers,
Toronto cityscape as well as a nice break fromCanada's Wonderland is a family oriented theme
the busy downtown. Located on the main island,park just north of the city. Niagara Falls, one of
Centreville is a petting zoo and small amusementthe natural wonders of the world, is just ninety
park for kids.minutes away and worth a day trip or even an
The action is downtown and probably whereovernight stay. There are just too many things to
most tourists should stay. Although the hotelssee and do in the Toronto area to mention in one
prices are higher in downtown than the suburbs,article. Vancouver has the ocean and mountains
Toronto traffic is unfortunately not getting anywhile Quebec City has that old European touch.
better so it is best to stay where commuting isBut to see world class live theatre and Canadian
kept at a minimum. There is a very efficientmulticulturalism at its best, Toronto is where it's
transit system for those who want to stayat.
outside of the downtown area though. A walk