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For an authentic taste of early settler life, visit this re-creation of a 19th-century rural Ontario community. Among the dozens of buildings – a handful original to the site, the rest moved here and restored – are a school, a church, village shops, houses, and barns. The grounds include an orchard, millpond, restored gardens, and grazing livestock. Costumed staff demonstrate pioneer crafts and carry out tasks such as tinsmithing and milling flour (the flour is available for sale). Free wagon rides are popular with the kids.

Art exhibits, award ceremonies, and films to celebrate and educate.

An upscale shopping strip of high-end fashion and home-decor stores (see Bloor Street).

Bloor Street between Church Street and Avenue Road is lined with international designer boutiques: Gucci, Tiffany’s, Hermès, Chanel, and Max Mara, as well as excellent homegrown stores. Drop by fine jewelers Birks; William Ashley China, a top-notch china and glass store; Holt Renfrew, a small department store specializing in high-end clothing; Harry Rosen, a superb men’s clothing store with impeccable service; and the Roots flagship store, offering quality leather and sportswear (see Holt Renfre, Harry Rosen, David's, ManuLife Centre, Roots).

This sleek Japanese joint excels at sushi and sashimi , but cooked mains such as duck are equally delicious.

Fans of CanStage’s contemporary drama fill the seats.

For muscle boys and stylish guys, the flagship store of this Toronto-based apparel line offers formfitting under- and outerwear for clubbing and cruising. Though the store’s video imagery of superb models is intimidating, the staff isn’t.

This festive Moroccan restaurant serves classic couscous with meat and vegetarian tajines (stews), along with scrumptious starters. Mint tea – packed with fresh leaves and sugar – is the real thing.