Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world, evidenced by its Chinatown, Little Italy, Little Korea, Little Portugal and Greektown neighbourhoods, as well as areas of the city inhabited largely by immigrant groups but not yet named. One doesn't need to live in Toronto very long to discover where to shop for East Indian foods, Ethiopian spices and Indonesian delicacies that are difficult to find in many North American cities.
Visitors and new residents to the city who are searching for entertainment, family gathering sites and interesting places to insinuate themselves into Toronto life will find here a place to begin.
Lake Ontario Sites
1. The Beaches - The Beaches area is a nice spot for walking along the board walk, peddling or blading the long and winding waterfront trails and sunbathing or playing beach volleyball near the waters of Lake Ontario. The nearby commercial area showcases interesting boutique-style shops for window or serious shopping as well as a host of eclectic cafés and restaurants.
2. Toronto Island - The trails, picnic areas and beaches of the Toronto Islands make them an ideal place to spend a lazy afternoon. If you're more inclined to get up and move around, why not investigate the mysterious history of the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse - or get up a game at one of the many baseball diamonds or volleyball courts.
For the Physically Active
3. Don Valley Trails - The 10 kilometers of walking and biking trails along the lush Don Valley invite all levels and all ages out for a ride, hike or run. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the whole day. Experienced folks will like the more challenging trails along the stretch of ravine between the Don Valley Brickworks up to Thornhill Park.
4. Riverdale Farm - Nestled in Toronto’s Olde Cabbagetown neighbourhood east of the downtown, this 7.5 acre farm has wooded paths, flowering and vegetable gardens and a number of animals, including cows, horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and rabbits, which you can view for free in the barns or outdoor paddocks. Don't, however, bring your dog to this farm. That's a no-no.
A Touch of Culture at the AGO
5. Art Gallery of Ontario - With over 36,000 works of art in its collection, the famous AGO is a gallery well worth a visit. On Wednesday evenings between six and nine p.m., the museum drops its admission fee for the night.
Shop Toronto Neighbourhoods
6. Chinatown - The bright colours, chattering sounds and constant movement in this vibrant area just west of the downtown core make it excellent for shopping and exploring, dining on authentic Chinese foods, and meeting fascinating people.
7. Kensington Market - Colourful corner fruit stands, a selection of thrift stores and the friendly neighbourhood pubs where the locals gather for a brew make Kensington Market a hot meeting place for Toronto folks and visitors. Each month, the narrow streets are blocked off to vehicular traffic for a Sunday afternoon festival celebrating the area’s diversity with drums, dances and lively music.
8. St. Lawrence Market - Now a bustling marketplace filled with vendors of delectable meats, cheeses and victuals, the Victorian building that hosts the St. Lawrence Market was once home to Toronto’s City Hall. It's a great place to wander, or just sit and people-watch. The gallery on the second floor, in what once was the council chamber, now hosts paintings, artefacts and furnishings. Admission to the market and the gallery is free.
Myrna Burgoyne - Myrna has had the pleasure of a long career in writing broadcast radio commercials. She would describe that experience as "going to coffee ...
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