Introduction
Toronto stands on the northern shore of Lake Ontario and the view of the city across the water is stunning and unmistakable – the CN Tower, thrusting skyward near the water’s edge, is the world’s tallest building. Framing it is a glimmering collection of skyscrapers, which give way to a dense city centre with pleasant leafy residential areas and parks, notably along the ravines that cut through the city.
The capital of the Province of Ontario, Toronto is Canada’s largest city and the fifth largest in North America. A dominant force in the business and economy of the nation, it is also the cultural center of English-speaking Canada.
Toronto is a lively place with hot summers and cold, dry winters. It is the most economically important city in Canada, the center of finance, media and services, and home to more corporate head offices than any other.
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Getting There & Around
Toronto is served by two airports: Pearson International Airport and the Toronto City Centre Airport. Pearson is by far the busiest airport in Canada. The smaller Toronto City Centre Airport is used by regional and charter airlines.
Numerous Ontario buses and Canada-US Greyhound buses leave from the Metro Toronto Coach Terminal at the corner of Bay and Dundas Streets.
Trains remain Canada's most enjoyable and romantic way to travel, though they're more expensive than buses. Grand Union Station downtown is served by VIA Rail and GO Transit commuter trains.
The US Amtrak train company also runs services between the US and Canada. A high-speed international ferry service (tel: 585 227 2287, 877 825 3774; www.catsfa stferry.com/hmpg.htm) runs between Toronto and Rochester, New York.
Toronto has a good subway, bus and streetcar system, operating under the umbrella of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).
Toronto's taxis are reliable. There are ferries that will take you to the Toronto Islands, and GO Trains leave from Union Station for points throughout the Toronto suburbs.
Renting a car is only recommended for excursions outside Toronto.
Attractions
Cabbagetown : Cabbagetown, on the eastern outskirts of downtown, was settled by Irish immigrants fleeing the potato famine of 1841.
Today it has possibly the richest concentration of fine Victorian architecture in North America and is worth a stroll to peek at some of the beautifully restored houses.
Downtown Toronto : Downtown encompasses many of Toronto's most significant attractions such as the 533m (1748ft) CN Tower, which has become a landmark of Toronto.
Highlights include the Flatiron Building, with its triangular shape and famous trompe l'oeil mural, and the St Lawrence Market, whose Market Gallery hosts exhibits of art and historic artefacts.
Little Italy : Little Italy, west of the University of Toronto, is famous for its outdoor cafes, bars, bakeries and fine ristoranti.
Toronto Islands : Toronto's islands are south of Toronto into Lake Ontario, creating the Eastern Channel. Centre Island Park has the most amusements, including the quaintly old-fashioned Centreville Amusement Park, the Far Enough Farm, a hedge maze and a boathouse. The best beach on the islands is Hanlan's Point Beach, on the western end of Centre Island.
Yorkville : Yorkville has become the city's glamorous shopping and gallery district. Glitzy restaurants, nightspots and outdoor cafes are all here.
Bata Shoe Museum and University of Toronto are nearby.
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