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Sightseeing in Toronto
Introducing Toronto’s Sights…
Combining a rich, varied history with daring modern architecture, Toronto is Canada’s most cosmopolitan city and one which more than holds its own on the international stage.
As well as being the cultural heart of south central Ontario (and of English-speaking Canada) it’s a safe, family-friendly destination that also ranks highly in urban quality-of-life studies. No wonder then that Torontonians are such a wonderfully friendly bunch!
As well as being an easy city to get around, with downtown areas such as the financial and theatre district, St. Lawrence and Chinatown all being easily accessible, Toronto offers an amazing variety of things to see and do. What’s more, its location from the United States, being just a 90-minute drive along the Queen Elizabeth Way, makes it great for U.S. residents planning to tour by car, coach or bus.
Weather-wise, Toronto’s location is also ideal. Situated on beautiful Lake Ontario, a stroll along the harbourfront leads to beaches, marinas, galleries, shops (including Queen’s Quay Terminal) and restaurants. It’s a great place to be in spring and summer, while the lake’s influence keeps winters in Toronto from being too severe.
The centre of the city is adorned with millions of plants and trees. Moreover, the Toronto islands create a pleasant sheltered inner harbour, while green areas including High Park, the Don Valley and Riverdale Park let visitors and locals unwind at weekends.
Recreation facilities are also comprehensive, with miles of paths for hiking and bicycle riding, plus easy access to golf, tennis and swimming in summer and to skiing and ice skating in winter. In addition, you’ll find over 2,000 public parks and gardens as well as secluded woodland nature reserves to explore.
Toronto is also filled with galleries, museums, restaurants, music halls, theatres and first-rate sports facilities (including the hugely impressive Rogers Centre). Moreover, it’s the economic capital of Canada. Major banks and most corporations are headquartered here, with Toronto also being home to a Stock Exchange (TSX).
The city has also been nicknamed "the Hollywood of the North" because of the sheer number of movies and TV shows - including The X-Files - which have been filmed within the metropolitan area. The retail sector is also enormous, with major shopping malls and factory outlets, including the world famous Eaton Centre, being located in almost every neighborhood.
Toronto’s 2.4 million residents (4.6 in the metropolitan area) welcome 22 million visitors annually. Families are especially well-catered for as many hotels provide a wide-range of services for guests with children, including separate child-sized registration desks, dedicated recreation areas and pools, plus playrooms and games to suit all ages. And, in Toronto itself, there’s an entire museum designed just for children, while the Toronto Zoo, Paramount Canada’s Wonderland Amusement Park, Children’s Village and Wild Water Kingdom are also popular family attractions.
