Toronto

Toronto is Canada's largest city and one of the world's most diverse — a city of 2.9 million (metropolitan area 6.2 million) on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario where over 200 languages are spoken, over half the population was born outside Canada, and neighbourhood diversity creates an extraordinary range of authentic global cuisines within a metropolitan area. The CN Tower, at 553 metres the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere, offers extraordinary views over the city and Lake Ontario from its observation deck and glass floor. The Royal Ontario Museum (Canada's largest museum, excellent Egyptian, Chinese and natural history collections), the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO, recently transformed by Frank Gehry), the Bata Shoe Museum and the Aga Khan Museum are all outstanding. The St. Lawrence Market, operating since 1803, is North America's finest food market. The Distillery District (Victorian industrial complex converted to galleries, restaurants and design shops), Kensington Market (funky, multicultural, excellent for street food), Chinatown (one of the largest in North America) and the Danforth (Greek culture, excellent tavernas) are the most interesting neighbourhood explorations. The Toronto Islands (10-minute ferry from downtown) provide an excellent car-free park and beach with city skyline views. Niagara Falls (1.5 hours by car or Go Train+shuttle) and the Bruce Peninsula (2.5 hours north) are outstanding day trips. Toronto's winter skating rinks (Nathan Phillips Square, the Bentway under the Gardiner Expressway) are excellent.