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| Toronto |
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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