Toronto Canada
by Clint Leung

Toronto, my city of birth, is the largest city in Canada with a
population of about 3 million (5 million in the greater 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 hotels 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. 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.

About the author:
Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery
http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca , 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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