As a bustling city center, Toronto is home to many famed attractions that are sure to suit everyone’s style. Anyone travelling to Toronto for the first time will want to experience the world’s tallest free standing structure and a renowned icon, the CN Tower. Take an elevator ride up the Tower to the observation deck where you will get a remarkable view of the entire city and beyond! If you want to experience a thrill, take a walk across the glass floor. Embrace the arts and culture with a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Take in the opulent atmosphere while admiring works of art in its 40 galleries and featured World Culture and Natural History exhibits. The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) showcases great collections of European and Canadian art and is most recognized as home to the famous “Group of Seven” paintings. The Distillery District is a great relief from the downtown core, offering a pedestrian only village boasting wonderful architecture and quaint cafes. History buffs can marvel in times past at Historic Fort York, where the Battle of York took place in 1812 and became the birthplace of modern Toronto. As a majestic castle set on a hill top overlooking the city, Casa Loma is an enchanting site that will take you back in time to an era of European style and luxury.

For those looking to experience the great outdoors, the Harbourfront is the place to be! Watch as boats sail by while enjoying the musical delights that fill the air and local artisans selling unique arts and crafts. Next, head on over to the Toronto Islands, a short ferry ride from the Toronto harbour. The Islands boast incredible views of the city’s skyline, the perfect place for rest and relaxation with an assortment of recreational activities for all to enjoy. The Toronto Zoo is a popular city attraction; with over 5000 animals of 450 species, you would think you travelled half way around the world! Itravel2000 suggests if you are travelling to Toronto in the last two weeks of August a visit to the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is a must. Home to the Maple Leafs, Raptors and Blue Jays; Toronto is the perfect city for the avid sports fan. Head on over to the Rogers Center (formerly the SkyDome) and take in all the excitement at a Blue Jays game, be sure to look overhead as the retractable roof may be open exposing the sun kissed sky and CN Tower. If it’s hockey you favour, visit Toronto’s legendary Hockey Hall of Fame. It is a shrine to Canada’s favourite sport and features plenty of hockey memorabilia including the original 1893 Stanley Cup.

Experience the cultural diversity with a visit to the city’s famed ethnic neighbourhoods: Chinatown, Greektown (The Danfourth) and Corsa Italia (Little Italy). Kensington market takes you around the world within only a few blocks, with its multicultural mix of shops, foods and great vintage finds! If you’re looking to quench your appetite the St. Lawrence Market is where you will find the best selection of everyday and gourmet foods. Take a stroll along Queen Street West where you will discover some of Toronto’s trendiest shops, restaurants and bistros. Itravel2000 recommends Toronto’s Eaton Center, a shopper’s haven with over 280 shops tucked under a glass domed ceiling. Indulge in upscale shopping and dining district located along the streets of Yorkville. Here, admire the many designer boutiques, art galleries and restaurants lining the street; remember to always keep your eyes peeled as Yorkville is known to be a hot spot for celebrities. When the sun has set, watch as the city’s vibrant nightlife takes center stage. Whether you’re looking for a party on the dance floor or a drink at the bar, Toronto’s nightlife is sure to suit every style and leave you with an unforgettable experience! The currency used is the Canadian Dollar (CAD) The climate in Toronto is moderated by its proximity to the Great Lakes (in particular Lake Ontario). Summer tends to be hot and very humid, while winter is harsh with heavy snowfall. The average maximum temperature in January is 28°F (-2 °C), while the average maximum temperature in July is 80°F (27°C). Rainfall tends to occur throughout the year, but summer, though the sunniest season, is also usually the wettest. Autumn is perhaps the best time to travel to Toronto, as temperatures are less extreme than summer or winter, with mild days and cool nights. Toronto has one major airport, Pearson International Airport. It is located 16 miles (27km) northwest of downtown Toronto. A 24-hour courtesy shuttle bus links the three terminals. The Airport LINK train system also operates a 24-hour free service between Terminals 1 and 3, as well as to the Reduced Rate Parking Lot. Several companies provide bus transit services to and from the airport into Toronto and surrounding areas. The 24-hour Airport Express bus picks up passengers from the Arrivals level of all terminals and services the downtown bus terminal and major downtown hotels. Taxis, limousines and car rentals are also available. 110-120V 60Hz The official languages are English and French; however with Toronto being a multicultural city you will find many other languages spoken throughout. Vancouver to Toronto: 4hrs. 15mins.
Montreal to Toronto: 1hr. 14mins.
Halifax to Toronto: 2hrs. 16mins. Government of Canada
Address: Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9
Tel.:1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232)
Fax: (613) 941-1827 Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).