If you want to visit a European city, but you do not want to fly across the Atlantic, then visit Toronto. Toronto, which means “meeting place” in a Native American language, is the world’s most diverse city and Canada’s largest city, with five million residents. Once you arrive at this metropolis, check your bags and relax at a gem of a hotel, Sutton Place. Stay in one of its 230 distinctive guestrooms, or upgrade to one of sixty-four potpourri-scented luxurious suites. This 33-story hotel is located within walking distance of high-end shopping, fine restaurants, entertainment venues, trendy neighborhoods, and downtown. The staff is super-friendly, professional and helpful. For those who prefer a sophisticated environment without the crowdedness of some big hotels, this four-diamond hotel is just for you. Contact the hotel at 416-924-9221 and visit them at www.suttonplace.com/spghg_tor.htm for more information.
There are several ways to tour Toronto. You can walk or cycle in the number one cycling city in North America. Professional tour guides* are another option. You can also catch a streetcar or ride the easy to follow subway system in the city that boasts the third largest public transportation system in North America.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to visit the following landmarks and neighborhoods:
• The St. Lawrence Market contains delicatessens, bakeries, meat markets, and other specialty treats.
• The Hockey Hall of Fame tempts all sports fan to take a peek at the world’s most extensive collection of hockey memorabilia.
• Yonge Street is the longest street in the world at over 1,100 miles.
• CN Tour is the world’s tallest freestanding structure. Travel to the top, in a glass elevator, at 15 mph, which feels like 150 mph.
• Little Italy and over a half a million Torontonians of Italian descent will make any visitor feel as though he is really in the Old Country.
• The Entertainment District is the third largest theatre centre in the English-speaking world behind New York and London. Check out a production of The Lion King.
• Chinatown, at Dundas and Spadina streets, is full of Asian surprises.
• The Village is the city’s premier gay and lesbian neighborhood.
• West Queen West is Toronto’s bohemian centre. It’s cool, funky and artistic.
• The Harbourfront is the place to be to catch a cruise around the unexpected city and its islands.
• Bloor-Yorkville is equivalent to New York City’s Fifth Avenue area. Shop ‘til you drop at upscale stores, such as, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Holt Renfrew, Canada’s version of Neiman Marcus.
• Eaton Square has 285 stores. Even though Sears is located in this huge shopping complex, it is not a standard Sears. This Sears sells Chanel and Christian Dior products, which are absent at American Sears stores. After shopping, you can take in a movie at its Cineplex or come in September to attend The Toronto International Film Festival. This festival is the second largest of its kind in the world, behind the Cannes International Film Festival.
• University of Toronto is the third largest university in North America.
After experiencing Toronto, get refueled at the following eating establishments:
The Standard Pasta & Pizza Bar
667 College Street, 416-588-8170
667 College Street, 416-588-8170
The Boathouse Grill
207 Queen’s Quay West, 416-203-6300
207 Queen’s Quay West, 416-203-6300
Riviera Bakery (makes a mean cannoli)
576 College Street, 416-537-9352
576 College Street, 416-537-9352
Just Desserts (order the strawberry shortcake)
555 Yonge Street, 416-963-8089
555 Yonge Street, 416-963-8089
Even though Toronto may seem like an American city with a European flair, it differs from an American city in many ways. Canadian TV is similar to European TV. Explicit sexual material and coarse language, which is reserved for American cable TV, will play uncut (with commercials) on Canadian network TV. If TV is not your gig, you can choose a print or radio outlet, since Toronto has more of all three of these outlets than any other city in North America. Also, when you ask a Canadian where the nearest restroom is, use the term “washroom” to get quicker directions. Another impressive difference is the city’s commitment to recycling. Throughout the city, there are recycle bins for easy disposing of recyclable items. Sutton Place even has recycle bins in its hotel rooms.
Cosmopolites, do not forget to apply for the Tourist Hotel and Goods Tax Refund. Tourists are eligible to receive a refund on the government tax called GST on any receipt containing at least $50 worth of goods or hotel expenses (some restrictions apply). Whether you visit Toronto for its luxurious accommodations, landmarks, upscale shopping, fine restaurants, or tax incentives, you have many diverse options to choose from in this diverse city.
*Dorothy Khorshed is an excellent professional tour guide. She is also a certified English/German interpreter and translator. Contact her at alexandria@ica.net.