Toronto

A broadly conservative place Toronto has emerged in recent years as the powerhouse of Canadian prosperity. Toronto is the busiest port on the Lakes and it has grown to become Canada's largest city and premier business centre.

Toronto has been an English counterpoint to the 'Frenchness' of Montreal, this is increasingly less true as Toronto becomes more cosmopolitan. As the city has become more prosperous, so it has become a magnet for immigrants from across the globe. This in turn has added to the cultural mix and made Toronto a lively place to visit.

Toronto has been in French, British and, briefly, American hands following its discovery in 1615 by Etiene Brule. The city first came to prominence as the capital of Upper Canada in 1793 although then it was called York. The town was attacked and burned by US troops in 1812 and the name Toronto - meaning meeting place - was not used until 1834. The city continued to prosper becoming a major industrial centre under the guidance of a conservative, anglophile group of businessmen. The city continued in this vein until the 1950's when the St Lawrence Seaway was opened and the world came calling. This brought an influx of immigrants to the city. This coupled with the fact that many businesses relocated to Toronto in the wake of a surge of 'French' nationalism in Montreal caused the economy to boom.

Toronto is a modern city that is clean, efficient, well laid out and safe to visit.

Where to Go and What to See

Royal Ontario Museum

A large museum so be prepared to run around it or to choose selectively which parts you are interested in. The collections here are varied and cover everything from stuffed albatrosses to fine arts. Particularly noteworthy is the White Gallery of Chinese Temple Art and the Dinosaur and Mammal sections. For children young and old there is the interactive Discovery Gallery.

Also worth a look is the Ontario Science Museum, very much a hands on kind of a place. This is a great place to take the kids, the emphasis being on learning about Science and Technology through direct experience.

CN Tower

This is in effect a radio aerial, it is the world's tallest freestanding structure and from the very top, you can see Niagara Falls on a clear day. To the very top is 533 metres and there are two viewing levels. One is at 346m the other at 446m. The lower of these levels has a restaurant and a stomach churning glass floor. During the summer this is a popular attraction so be prepared to queue.

Art Gallery of Ontario

One of the most important galleries in the country. As with the Royal Ontario Museum it is very extensive, so be selective! The Museum has an excellent collection of European art from 14th century Italian Renaissance through to the Impressionists. Into the 20th century and works have been gathered here from all over. Artists on display include Picasso, Monet, Warhol, Chagall, Renoir and Degas.

There is also a large collection of Canadian artists most notably the Group of Seven (seven artists who began work in the 1920's, drawing their inspiration from the Canadian wilderness) and a smaller collection of work from Innuit artists.

The contemporary art section has, as its crowning glory, a collection of sculptures by Henry Moore.

Casa Lomo

Built by Sir Henry Pellat to show off his great wealth, this castle was constructed just before WW1. Sir Henry designed it himself and no expense was spared in furnishing it in lavish style. For its time the castle was very high tech and there are pipes and cables everywhere. The final result of Sir Henrys dream is an odd mix of this technology and gothic make believe. In the summer, the gardens are also open to the public.

Fort York

This fort, now restored, was the original military garrison which defended the town and whose presence helped it grow in stature. It provides a slice of 19th century colonial military life and is one of few 'historic' buildings to be seen.

Paramount Canada's Wonderland

Toronto's 'Disneyland' is a massive theme park that has all the attractions one would expect. It is suitably understated (not) with film, TV and cartoon characters roaming about and a full quota of fear inducing, gut wrenching roller coaster rides.

Niagara Falls

Not really part of Toronto but this is such a massive attraction it cannot be left out. These world famous falls can be reached as a day trip from Toronto and the journey is well worth it. Don't visit Toronto without making the trip.

Food, Drink and a Place to Sleep

Toronto still has a number of old style watering holes that have a very masculine feel to them. The best food can be found in Chinatown, Little Italy, Little India or any of the other ethnic neighbourhoods that have grown up in recent years. For accommodation, there is a wide choice from camping (in the summer) to hostels through budget hotels to top class, high price international hotels.