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Toronto the New York of Canada
Toronto, the New York City of 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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