Located on the northwest shore of Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes that form the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world, one can find TORONTO – one of the greatest and most comfortable cities in the world to live and work in, or just to visit, a place where international ideas intersect with Canadian culture.
Rich in a unique mix of historical attractions, seasonal celebrations, vibrant nightlife, world-class restaurants, stunning architecture, great museums, wonderful vintage stores and luxury shops and everything in between, Toronto, Canada is an intimate metropolis that is sure to take your breath away. The city’s skyline includes the famous CN Tower – one of the modern architectural wonders of the world; miles of waterfront, boardwalks and trails and even more. The city’s population is one of the most diverse in the world, speaking more than 100 languages and dialects.
Toronto is a city of neighborhoods with more than 100 distinct districts, including Chinatown, Greektown, Little Italy, Little Portugal, and Kensington Market – the most touring spots in Toronto, each with its own inspiring surprises – from artisans’ exhibits to cool cafes – around every corner. Get acquainted with Asian culture and industry in Chinatown, along with enjoying the mouth-watering cuisine at the many restaurants of the district, or else indulging in great shopping; soak in the distinctly European ambiance in Little Italy, with an abundant quality Italian cuisine in the area’s many restaurants; sample authentic and internationally influenced fare at the many dining and drinking venues of Greektown District; or else have a wonderful time in the renowned Kensington Market, a bohemian melting pot of stunning shops, artisans and restaurants.
Of great interest are also the Art & Design District, home to the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art, the famous chic hotels of the Drake Hotel and the Gladstone Hotel and a myriad of cafes, small clubs and dining venues; Entertainment District, boasting countless theaters and movie houses, as well as many kid-friendly attractions; and Bloor West Village – one of the city’s greenest neighborhoods, offering a leisurely adventure in Eastern European pastry, coffee and culture.
No matter you are in town for only a weekend or for much longer, your visit will be incomplete if you miss out Harbourfront, an amazing 10-acre complex of theaters galleries, shops, antique markets, studios, restaurants and hotels, ideally situated next to the lake and within a short walking distance from downtown. Worth a visit are Ontario Place Cinesphere; Harbourfront center, which hosts tenth of hundreds of annual events, drawing more than three million visitors each year; Toronto Islands just off the harbor, offering a wonderful day out from the city, and Ontario Palace – a family-oriented entertainment complex with something for everyone.
Accommodation options in Toronto vary greatly, ranging from budget hotels to high-end boutique hotels with the ultimate in terms of quality, service and facilities. The Drake Hotel and The Gladstone Hotel are two of the most famous choices in Toronto, catering to the needs of even the most demanding travelers. Once a railway hostel on the edge of town, the Drake hotel underwent a $6 million facelift, complete with luxurious guestrooms, 19 crash pads, a superb lounge, raw sushi bar, neighborhood café, rooftop patio, yoga studio, spa, restaurant and last, but not least an underground entertainment space.
As to the luxurious Gladstone Hotel, it is housed in a stunning Victorian building and created in an artful concept. The hotel invites guests of all interests to have a wonderful stay in a truly majestic atmosphere. Each room in this hotel is uniquely designed by a contemporary artist and well-equipped with modern amenities.
Toronto is a city that is easy to get around with several means of transportation: public transit, cycling, walking and driving. Public transit system is extensive in Toronto, with buses, subways and streetcars that will get you just anywhere you want to go within the city. Taxi service in Toronto is easy to find; the fares are standard and there are many taxi companies to choose from. Walking is another great way to get around Toronto, as the city is easy to navigate. Make sure to get Toronto Maps, so that you can easily find the best Toronto has to offer.
