Canada’s largest city, Toronto, is home to a diverse population of nearly three million people which includes virtually all of the world’s culture groups, reflected in the more than 100 languages and dialects spoken. As a result of this diversity, Toronto is known for its tolerance, open-mindedness, and acceptance. Multiculturalism is also reflected in the international cuisine found everywhere, in traditional dining establishments as well as at the hundreds of cultural events and festivals happening throughout the year.
The city is home to a thriving local scene of theatre, dance, music, and other art forms. Mirvish Productions owns and operates four magnificent theatres in downtown Toronto – the Royal Alexandra, the Princess of Wales, the Ed Mirvish, and the Panasonic. Embrace is a music promotions company putting on the hottest and hippest shows in the city at various clubs and venues. For more than 30 years, Harbourfront Centre in Toronto has been on the cutting edge of all that is current and creative, including dance, film, theatre, music and more, with much of it free of charge. Finally, the Toronto International Film Festival happens annually in September and is one of the leading film festivals in the world.
The city centre core is comprised of many distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own uniqueness and character. Primarily, it’s divided into the east end, the west end and downtown, with most streets running north-south or east-west. The southern end borders on Lake Ontario, creating several miles of waterfront playground that extends out to the Toronto Islands, hidden gems in themselves. Many say that the northern portion of downtown core ends at Bloor Street, the city’s major east-west commercial and residential thoroughfare, but the city boundary continues much further north to the less touristy areas of St. Clair and Eglinton Avenue. In fact Yonge Street, Toronto’s central artery, beginning at the shore of Lake Ontario and continuing for over 1,000 miles north, is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest street in the world.
Trying to list all of Toronto’s neighborhoods isn’t easy but it certainly is fun trying. Downtown east of Yonge St. are eclectic Cabbagetown and Church-Wellesley Village, as well as Greek Town along Danforth Avenue, Little India along Gerrard Street and the Beach and Leslieville areas, both offering a variety of unique dining, drinking and shopping opportunities. To the west is the Bay Street financial district, majestic University Avenue and bohemian Queen Street West as well as Chinatown and Kensington Market, home to vibrant street vendors selling pretty much anything you’d want. There’s also Dundas St. West and West Queen West/Parkdale, which have become hip havens to hang out both day and night while back up along Bloor St. further north there’s The Annex university area and Korea Town. As well, Ossington Avenue between Queen and Dundas, recently transitioned from gutter to glamour and is now home to celebrity chefs, a micro-brewery, a tequila bar, and trendy boutiques and galleries. Finally, Eastern European culture is alive and kicking along Roncesvalles Avenue, with its quaint bars, cafes, and delicatessens.
The best way to explore Toronto’s eclectic neighborhoods is by foot, public transit, or the Bixi bike share program. Single day transit passes can be purchased for only $10.00 allowing unlimited use of the entire system, while $5.00 gives you 24 hour access to a bike with unlimited use of 30 minute time periods within the designated hours. The #501 Queen St. streetcar is a great way to leisurely discover the city. It runs 24/7 stretching 15 miles from The Beach in the east end to Long Branch in the west end, making it the longest streetcar route operating in North America and one of the longest routes in the world. Summer is definitely the best time to visit Toronto, when the city is alive and vibrant with literally hundreds of outdoor street parties, reflective of its international flare.
The area code for Toronto is 416.
Where to Stay:
Windsor Arms – Discrete luxury, a caring staff and suites the size of a one bedroom apartment make this hotel the first choice in Toronto. Add marble baths with Jacuzzi tubs, Molton Brown amenities, a fully stocked mini-bar and an indoor pool open to guests 24/7 and you just may decide to extend your stay. 18 Saint Thomas Street, Toronto; 416-971-9666; www.windsorarmshotel.com
Ritz Carlton Hotel & Spa – Reeking of over the top RC touches and visually arresting, this is the new kid on the block that’s well-worth your attention. Spend a day at their state of the art MY BLEND By Clarins spa and you’ll feel like a million bucks when you head out on the town. This truly personalized spa experience is unlike any other. 181 Wellington Street West, Toronto; 416-585-2500; www.ritzcarlton.com
The Drake Hotel – This is the place to stay if you’re looking for more than a night’s sleep. This multi-level playground has several dining and drinking areas on premise and is host to the hottest parties with both live music and DJ’s. 1150 Queen Street West, Toronto; 416-531-5042; www.thedrakehotel.ca
Westin Harbour Castle – For those wanting to stay in the city without the crowds, this waterfront property offers the perfect balance of an urban oasis. Onsite facilities include a huge indoor pool with outdoor terrace, tennis courts, magnificent 360 degree views from the 38th floor circular restaurant, Toula Italian Dining, and convenient access to Harbourfront Centre andToronto Island ferries. 1 Harbour Square, Toronto; 416-869-1600; www.westinharbourcastletoronto.com
Shangri La – This centrally located five star luxury property is perfect for both business and leisure travelers. The health club features a sauna, whirlpool, salt water lap pool, yoga studio, and spa services. With over 200 rooms and suites, a lobby lounge and Asian inspired fine dining at Bosk, this hotel is an escape from the ordinary. 188 University Avenue, Toronto; 647-788-8888; www.shangri-la.com/toronto/shangrila
Where to Eat:
Nota Bene – Sophisticated food, sophisticated surroundings, and the coolest crowd in town. What more do you need? Oh, yeah, forgot to mention all those craft beers and fabulous wines poured by the glass. You’ll go back! 180 Queen Street West, Toronto; 416-977-6400; www.notabenerestaurant.com
Lucien – Exciting interpretations of Canadian regional specialties created with ingenuity and served with aplomb by a stellar team of pros. Great cocktails too, to kickstart a Friday or Saturday night. 36 Wellington Street East, Toronto; 416-504-9990; www.lucienrestaurant.com
La Societe – Authentic French bistro in the heart of downtown, close to great shopping and museums. Order a dozen oysters with a bottle of champagne for lunch, then head over to the Bata Shoe Museum before embarking on a shoe shopping spree of your own. 131 Bloor Street, Toronto; 416-551-9929; www.lasociete.ca
Grand Electric – Recently opened in Parkdale, this tiny enclave quickly established itself for its tasty tacos, long line ups, and place to be seen. They don’t take reservations, but you can give them your mobile number, go grab a drink at one of the many bars nearby, and they will call you when your table is ready. 1330 Queen Street West, Toronto; 416-627-3459; www.grandelectricbar.com
FRANK Restaurant –a distinct Frank Gehry-designed space located within the Art Gallery of Ontario with casual, chic décor that includes modern Danish furnishings and a contemporary installation of Frank Stella’s work. The menu consists of contemporary comfort cuisine, food that is warm and inviting, and prepared with honesty and integrity. 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto; 416-979-6688; www.ago.net/frank
Where to Drink:
Mill Street Brew Pub – The atmosphere here is infectious, you may just wind up sitting all night and trying a dozen beers from their endless selection of amazing home-brewed suds. 21 Tank House Lane, Toronto; 416-681-0338; www.millstreetbrewpub.ca
Dakota Tavern – This tiny basement bar is one of the only places to catch that honky-tonk vibe from bluegrass and rockabilly to straight up country crooning. The bands and crowd are always gung ho to go. 249 Ossington Avenue, Toronto; 416-850-4579; www.thedakotatavern.com
Reposado Tequila Bar – Toronto’s largest selection of premium tequila served up seven nights a week. There’s also a great selection of tapas, wines, and beer. Check out the intimate patio and watch for live music acts and other events that randomly take place. 136 Ossington Avenue, Toronto; 416-532-6474; www.reposadobar.com
Cocktail Bar – This place fully endorses cocktail culture, creating everything from classics to contemporary. The candlelit interior and old time lounge tunes give it a speakeasy vibe of yesteryear. 923 Dundas Street West, Toronto; 416-792-7511; www.theblackhoof.com
Pravda Vodka Bar – Designed with a modern Russian theme, this bar empowers its patrons to think outside the box when it comes to vodka, offering a Soviet inspired, interactive and educational tasting experience. There’s also an Eastern European inspired menu to complement the booz. 44 Wellington Street, Toronto; 416-366-0303; www.pravdavodkabar.com
What to See & Do:
Soulpepper Theater – A vibrant community arts organization producing first-rate shows that provide a visceral theatrical experience. From the moment you set foot inside the impressive contemporary structure in the heart of the Distillery District, you know you’re in for something good. 50 Tank House Lane, Toronto; 416-203-6264; www.soulpepper.ca
Bata Shoe Museum – Ever heard of Roger Vivier? You’ll know the full story when you leave here. This museum uses footwear as the point of entry into the cultures of the world with fascinating displays from all periods, even Michael Jackson’s high tops. 327 Bloor Street (at St. George), Toronto; 416-979-7799; www.batashoemuseum.ca
Casa Loma – An unforgettable step back in time, this “medieval castle” on a hill overlooking Toronto, is the former estate of Sir Henry Mill Pellatt, a prominent Canadian industrialist who realized his lifelong dream in 1914 after spending almost $4 million on its construction and taking 300 men three years to build. 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto; 416-923-1171; www.casaloma.org
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) – Canada’s largest museum of world culture and natural history. Just entering architect Daniel Libeskind’s dazzling 2007 main entrance addition to the original 1933 structure, called “The Crystal”, is enough to stop you in your tracks. 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto; 416-586-8000; www.rom.on.ca
Gardiner Museum – The only museum in Canada devoted exclusively to ceramic art. When have you ever been? 111 Queen’s Park (at Museum subway), Toronto; 416-586-8080; www.gardinermuseum.com
Where to Play:
Distillery District – Stroll the warehouse district and revel in the power of the past. Take your pick of endless restaurants, bars and shops to wile away an evening. www.thedistillerydistrict.com
Waterfront – Toronto is lucky to have its southern boundary as Lake Ontario, making this an all year destination, from swimming and tanning in the summer months at the manmade Sugar Beach and the HT0 Park, to ice skating at Sherbourne Common or Harbourfront Centre, which also hosts lakefront entertainment. The Power Plant has year-round art installations, and Kew Beach or Sunnyside Beach are great spots for people watching or a game of volleyball. www.waterfrontoronto.ca
Toronto Islands – A ten minute ferry ride away is a natural urban oasis. This is a playground for both locals and tourists, where one can walk, bike, or kayak. There are also great dining spots, bed and breakfast accommodations, and hidden beaches, including one clothing optional. Ferries depart regularly to three different destinations, and the return can be made from any of them as well. www.torontoisland.org
CN Tower – One of the world’s tallest towers stretches 1,800 feet upward defining Toronto’s skyline and offering magnificent views in all directions. Guests can drink and dine at the 360 revolving restaurant, or just head up to the observation deck with the glass bottom floor. Daredevils may want to try Edgewalk, an outdoor suspended walk around the circumference of the tower nearly 1,200 feet above the ground. 301 Front St. West, Toronto; 416-868-6937; www.cntower.ca
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre – Established in 1979, this company is dedicated to the development and presentation of LGBT and alternative theater. The venue also doubles as a late night cabaret space hosting monthly parties, concerts, and other entertainment. This is the place to catch leading edge productions. 12 Alexander Street, Toronto; 416-975-8555; www.buddiesinbadtimes.com.
Canada’s Wonderland – One of the largest amusement parks in the country, head here for some thrills and chills. Located just north of the city, there’s fun for everyone from gigantic roller coasters to an extensive water park. Every October, the park opens for a couple weeks for Halloween Haunt, always a scary experience. www.canadaswonderland.com