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Toronto - Canada's New York |
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By Clint Leung » Toronto, my city of birth, is the largest city in
Canada with a population of about three million (five million in the
Greater Toronto area) and it keeps growing every year as it seems to be
the first city of choice for immigrants from around the world.
With over 100 languages spoken here, Toronto is the most multicultural
city in the world according to the United Nations. This is actually a
good thing since Toronto can be a model for the rest of the world in
regards to showing how it is possible for different people of many
different cultures and faiths to get along peacefully. Friends of
different racial backgrounds and religions can be found here where they
would probably be enemies in other parts of the world.
Having lived in Toronto for most of my life so far, I’m always amazed
on how the city has grown as a tourist destination. Torontonians seem
to take world class attractions like the CN Tower and the Skydome for
granted since many see it every day during their commute. Of course,
the CN Tower is a very worthwhile visit as a ride to the top is a must
for every visitor.
Toronto has one of the best redeveloped harbourfronts anywhere. This
area has boutiques at Queen’s Quay, restaurants, cafes and galleries.
Nearby Ontario Place and the Canadian National Exhibition are annual
favorites among locals. This is also where one takes the ferries across
to the Toronto Islands. The islands are all connected via bike paths
and offer a unique view of the Toronto cityscape as well as a nice
break from the busy downtown. Located on the main island, Centreville
is a petting zoo and small amusement park for kids.
The action is downtown and probably where most tourists should stay.
Although the hotel prices are higher in downtown than the suburbs,
Toronto traffic is unfortunately not getting any better so it is best
to stay where commuting is kept at a minimum.
There is a very efficient transit system for those who want to stay
outside of the downtown area though. A walk along Yonge Street near the
Eaton Centre mall will reveal the wilder parts of Toronto life. For the
latest trends, Queen Street West is where the funky boutiques and bars
are. For upscale shopping, go to Bloor Street between Yonge and Avenue
Road as well as the Yorkville area.
Toronto is a live theatre town, second to perhaps only New York or
London. The theatre district on King Street has a lively after theatre
scene including restaurants and clubs. During the day, the world
renowned Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario and the
Planetarium showcase treasures from around the world (as well as out of
the world). Many also come to see the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Toronto has Canada’s largest Chinatown. Actually, the growth of the
Asian population has resulted in four different Chinatowns in the
greater area. The main one is centered around Spadina and Dundas. The
dim sum in Toronto is one of the best outside of Hong Kong since most
Chinese immigrants here were originally from Hong Kong.
Other ethnicities are also represented by such districts as Little
Italy, the Greek Danforth area and many others. For outdoor markets,
the Kensington and St. Lawrence Markets are great. Since Toronto is so
multicultural, it is an excellent place to try out different cuisines.
For animal lovers, the Metro Toronto Zoo northeast of the city is world
famous and will take an entire day to see. During the summers, Canada’s
Wonderland is a family oriented theme park just north of the city.
As a business capital, it is the hub around which cities like
Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Scarborough and Pickering are built,
all those cities now becoming immigrant magnets.
Niagara Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world, is just ninety
minutes away and worth a day trip or even an overnight stay. There are
just too many things to see and do in the Toronto area to mention in
one article.
Vancouver has the ocean and mountains while Quebec City has that old
European touch. But to see world class live theatre and Canadian
multiculturalism at its best, Toronto is where it’s at.
Related:Accommodation in Toronto and area
About the Author: Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery,
an online gallery specializing in Inuit Eskimo and Northwest Native
American art including carvings, sculpture and prints. Free Spirit
Gallery has numerous information resource articles with photos of
authentic Inuit and Native Indian art as well as free eCards.
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