DK Travel : Toronto

Torontonians are justifiably proud of their vibrant and exciting metropolis. Canada’s largest city and its financial hub, Toronto has a tremendous amount to offer, including a thriving theater, music, and arts scene, top museums, world-class restaurants and shops, a beautiful lakeside location with lovely beaches, and streets safe and inviting to walk in. Its cultural diversity – over 90 ethnic groups are represented in Toronto – enhances the urban experience.

Church Street

The intersection of Church and Wellesley Streets, the epicenter of Toronto’s gay village, has been home to a large gay and lesbian community for decades. A profusion of excellent bars, restaurants, and specialty shops make the strip a great place to just hang out and soak up the scene as leathermen, muscle boys, and drag queens strut their stuff. The 519 Community Centre at 519 Church Street hosts regular social events and neighborhood gatherings, as well as offering a multitude of drop-in programs and short-term counseling.
Churrasco Chicken

Spiked with tangy Portuguese piri piri sauce, then barbecued to perfection; served on a bun or with roasted spuds.
City Hall

Causing a significant stir in 1960s Toronto, the design of New City Hall is bold, daring, and unique. Finnish architect Viljo Revell’s two curving towers seem to embrace the central domed structure between them. A sweeping public plaza out front, Nathan Phillips Square, is the symbolic heart of the city (see City Hall).
City Hall

When first opened in 1965, the result of an international design competition won by Finnish architect Viljo Revell, this building was highly controversial. The two curving towers caused an uproar and possibly even led to the then mayor losing an election. The building has since become a prized landmark of the city, and the central plaza, Nathan Phillips Square, an animated symbol of civic life – a place for political demonstrations, winter ice skating, a summer farmers’ market, outdoor concerts, and celebrations. Inside are murals and other fabulous artworks (see City Hall).
City People

Colorful aluminum figures spin softly in the breeze.
Club Monaco

Cool and sleek characterize the clothes and accessories of this monolithic retailer, started in Toronto in 1985. The chic flagship location has the widest selection.
CN Tower

Defining the skyline, Toronto’s most recognizable architectural icon is also the world’s tallest freestanding structure (see CN Tower & Its Views).
CN Tower

Soaring 1,815 ft (553 m) above downtown Toronto, this is the defining icon of the city’s skyline and the world’s tallest free-standing structure. On the mezzanine level, check out the exhibit on the tower’s construction before “bungee jumping” from the top at an interactive daredevil display. Then let a glass-fronted elevator zip you, in less than a minute, to one of four lookout levels. The extra fee for the highest lookout, Sky Pod, ensures fewer crowds. The revolving restaurant, 360, offers fine food in serene surroundings (see CN Tower & Its Views).
CN Tower & Its Views

High-speed elevators mounted on the outside of this, the world’s tallest telecommunications tower, whisk you up 181 stories to an unforgettable view of the city (see CN Tower & Its Views).
Colborne Lodge

This 1837 house was the residence of land surveyor John Howard and his wife, Jemima. Howard deeded the estate to the city, thereby forming the basis for High Park. Located at the south end of the park, the Regency-style house, with its gorgeous circular verandah, has been fully restored and includes many of the Howards’ original belongings, including John Howard’s original watercolors of early Toronto scenes. Costumed guides lead tours. Don’t miss the garden, planted with kitchen herbs and flowers. Seasonal celebrations, such as the Harvest Festival and the lamplit processions at Christmastime, are particularly popular.