Yonge Street
Not
only does this street designate Toronto's east-west split,
it is also the city's longest artery. In face, Yonge is
known as the world's longest street, stretching from Lake
Ontario to the town of Rainy River, more than 1900 km away.
Used as a trail by the Hurons, the road came to be an official
passage in the 1790s. Today it is a beehive of activity,
with businesses lining both sides—especially in the
section between Front and Lawrence. One of Toronto's three
TTC subway lines operates along this thoroughfare.
Entertainment District
A
pleasure zone located in the core of the city, this area,
bordered by Queen Street West, York, Lakeshore, and Spadina,
is rich with restaurants, theatre, sporting events and live
music. Some highlights include the Princess of Wales theatre
and Roy Thomson Hall for the performing arts. For popular
dining, Alice Fazooli's and Joe Badali's hit the spot. For
the sports nut, there's the SkyDome and the Air Canada Centre,
and to sleep it all off the Crowne Plaza-Toronto Centre
or the Holiday Inn on King.
CN Tower
At
553.3 metres, this is officially the world's tallest building.
Since its spectacular opening in 1976, the tower has hosted
close to two million visitors a year. One of the most exciting
ways to see the world is from the exterior, glass-floored
observation deck, located 342 metres above ground. Or you
can go up to the Space Deck at 447 metres, the world's tallest
observation deck with a 160-kilometre view. The revolving
360 Degrees Restaurant and Horizons Bar complete the dizzying
picture
Harbourfront
Used
primarily as the city's industrial docklands for decades,
the Harbourfront area has been developed over the last 30
years into a recreational and cultural attraction that now
draws more than three million visitors per year. Part of
Harbourfront's attraction is that it is many things to many
people. Some shop at the Newcourt Centre); others take in
an outdoor concert at Molson Place; still others turn out
for the annual book reading events.
Yorkville
Strolling
through this upscale neighbourhood today, it's difficult
to imagine that not so long ago it was a hangout for hippies
and the down-and-out. Now chic shops, posh restaurants like
Sassafraz and Yamato, and the perpetually crowded sidewalk
cafes make this quaint strip home for those with expensive
tastes. During the evening, wrought-iron lampposts light
your way as you dip into art galleries, cocktail lounges
and tiny boutiques selling haute couture. The area is frequented
by celebrities, so you never know whom you will bump into
next.
Ontario Place
Located
along the lakeshore, this amusement complex has been offering
family fun at affordable prices for almost 30 years. Aside
from a scenic theme park with futuristic rides, waterslides,
bumper boats, a huge labyrinth and other play areas, the
facility is home to several cultural and entertainment events
and venues. Among these are the Benson & Hedges Symphony
of Fire and the 16,000-seat Molson Amphitheatre.
Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
What
began as an agricultural fair in 1878 has grown into Canada's
largest annual summertime party. Known for the Midway rides,
games and carnival-like festivities, the grounds are also
home to an annual automotive show, a casino, a food building,
Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, the Medieval Times Dinner
Theatre and the Grandstand, a music amphitheatre that has
been rocked by the Rolling Stones and lampooned by a wartime
Bob Hope.
SkyDome
Home
to the Toronto Blue Jays since the 1989 season, as well
as the Argonaut Canadian Football League squad, this $500-million-plus
architectural marvel is the first stadium to have a fully
retractable roof. Seating more than 50,000 for baseball,
the stadium boasts the world's largest JumboTron scoreboard,
a 346-room hotel with some suites facing the field, and
a Hard Rock Cafe with field-view seating. Guided tours operate
daily depending on the event schedule: CAD12.50.
Casa Loma
A
visit to Toronto's grand castle estate, the former home
to financier Sir Henry Pellatt, is like stepping back into
the Edwardian era. You can tour 98 richly decorated rooms,
secret passages, towers, and an 800-foot tunnel connecting
the castle to its magnificent stables. Outside, you will
find a five-acre estate, with gardens offering dazzling
colours, sculptures and water fountains. The on-site cafe
and gift shop offer delightful food, souvenirs, and breathtaking
views.
Eaton Centre
The
Eaton's department store may be no longer, but even if you
have no desire to shop, make sure to at least look around
this six million square foot glass-roofed arcade. Located
between Dundas and Queen on Yonge Street, it is as exquisite
as it is vast. With five levels, over 320 stores and restaurants,
you will need more than a day to make your way through this
shopping wonderland. The centre is conveniently sandwiched
between two subway stations and is steps away from many
of Toronto's hottest attractions.
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