Neighborhoods: Toronto is home to a wide range of fantastic ethnic pockets and neighborhoods, one of the most well know is Greek-town where you can relax and enjoy a festive atmosphere until sunrise! Other neighborhoods to experience are Little Italy, Corso Italia, 3 Chinatowns, Korea Town, Little Poland, little India, Portugal Village. other ethnic communities centralize together and are great cultural experiences. Explore stores and restaurants of Jewish, Russian, Ukrainian, Somalian flavor. Purchase specialized foods, spices, art, clothing and more from the countries all in your own backyard.
Aside from the ethnic diversity Toronto also offers some unique and interesting communities and villages to check out:
– The Financial District: A great spot for seeing amazing skyscrapers but also for the underground world it houses. Take a walk in the 6 mile underground mall and shop, eat or get a manicure- everything is available in the underground concourse!
– The Downtown Entertainment District: Where all the best clubs, bars and pubs are. Go there for a great night on the town.
– Queen Street West: Check this shopping street out if you have hip, eclectic taste, you won’t be disappointed.
– The Gay and Lesbian Village: Where Toronto’s gay and lesbian community meet, offering stores, patios, cafes, and restaurants for all.
– The Fashion District: Need I say more? Shop away in outlet heaven surrounded by trendy lofts redone from 19th century factories.
– Harbourfront: A wide range of activities to capture your attention ranging from boat cruises to music or theater performances, shopping and eating.
– Rosedale and Forrest Hill: Two ritzy communities that have incredible homes and properties set against a park background. Beautiful to drive through or walk through.
– Cabbagetown: This pocket of Toronto was a middle class area that now has some of the most impressive classic Victorian homes in the area.
– The Distillery District: Classic Victorian architecture in an industrial setting this distillery area has been around since 1832. Visit the stores, galleries, studios, bars, cafes, and much more in this lively, upbeat pocket of Toronto.
– The Beaches: An outdoor, activity filled area for people of all ages. Bike along the trails, play beach volleyball, visit the parks, sports facilities and more. Boasted as Toronto’s own California type beachfront.
Main Attractions
Being a pretty young city, Toronto has a good mix of architecture and design including:
– The CN Tower is a free standing structure that rises 553m straight up! An amazing piece of architecture and world famous building.
– The Skydome is a unique sports and music stadium with a retractable roof for off weather days.
– Historic Fort York is the place where the Battle of York was fought in the War of 1812. Take a tour and learn about Canada’s history.
– Old City Hall is interesting because it is built in the Richardson Romanesque style.
– UofT campus, Canada’s most popular university.
– Casa Loma is a beautiful medieval castle from the 1920s designed by a Canadian named Sir Henry Pellat.
– Queen’s Park is home to provincial government and designed in the Romanesque fashion.
Theater, Music, Museums
Toronto has a very talented and creative theater community. Enjoy broadway musicals, local productions, international visiting shows and classical musical events. A few of the best theatre venues are the Royal Alexandra theater, Princess of Whales, the Elgin, Hummingbird Center, and Royal Thompson Hall (and so many more). A full list and details can be found at www.showmetoronto.com/toronto_theatres.htm).
Cultural Diversity
-ROM (Royal Ontario Museum)
-AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario
-Bata Shoe Museum
-The Hockey Hall of Fame
-The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art
-The Bay of Spirits Gallery
-Black Creek Pioneer Village
-Holocaust Centre of Toronto
-The Ontario Science centre
Farmer’s Markets and Great Shopping Centres
St Lawrence Market: Check out local artists and go grocery shopping at this unique farmer’s market known for it’s fresh produce and high quality meats.
Kensington Market: A busy and fun market with surprises at every stop. Check out all the stores for specialty items.
Eaton Centre: The well known indoor shopping centre with an incredible 285 stores for all your shopping needs.
Yorkville: A popular stop for an fashionsita, this area is full of upscale shops and spas and restaurants.