Moms Travel TipsTravel Tips and Vacation Ideas for the Whole Family

Communities: Toronto has the unique ability to offer any tourist a multicultural experience unlike any other. Visit neighborhoods like Greek-town (be ready to celebrate until the sun comes up), Little Italy, Corso Italia, Chinatown, Korea town, Little Poland, Little India, Portugal Village and more. Take some time to experience the clusters of ethnic backgrounds that come together such as Jewish, Russian, Ukrainian, and Somalian neighborhoods. Visit restaurants, shop for international and specialty foods, fashion and art.

On top of the cultural diversity that Toronto has, there are plenty of fun, creative and special spots of interest to visit:

– The Financial District: Gives great views of skyscrapers and buildings but the best part is hidden below the architecture! In the underground pathways there are 11km of stores, restaurants and services to explore. Definitely plan a stop here.

– The Downtown Entertainment District: Where you’ll find the party. Lots of high end, fancy nightclubs, bars and dance parties to go to.

– Queen Street West: Check this shopping street out if you have hip, eclectic taste, you won’t be disappointed.

– The Gay and Lesbian Village: A meeting place and community with an open mind, offering restaurants, bars and stores in a homosexual friendly atmosphere.

– The Fashion District: Need I say more? Shop away in outlet heaven surrounded by trendy lofts redone from 19th century factories.

– Harbourfront: Toronto’s harbourfront offers not only cruises but numerous restaurants, art galleries/stores, plus theater and music venues. Something for everyone.

– Rosedale and Forest Hill: High end areas set in park or environmental area. Upscale homes that will make you wish you won lottery.

– Cabbagetown: Formerly a working class village, it is now known for beautiful renovated Victorian houses.

– The Distillery District: Canada’s best collection of Victorian industrial architecture, founded in 1832. Currently includes galleries, studios, workshops, boutiques, stores, restaurants, bars and cafes. A great hot spot for groups to spend a fun filled day.

– The Beaches: A fun, family oriented area where sports, trails, parks, shops are all easily accessible and open to the public. Very popular spot to spend some quality time outside in the beautiful weather.

Main Sights and Architecture

For such a young city, Toronto has a large array of architecture and buildings to see. Here are some favourites:

– The CN Tower is a free standing structure that rises 553m straight up! An amazing piece of architecture and world famous building.

– The Skydome is a unique sports and music stadium with a retractable roof for off weather days.

– Fort York is a neat historical site offering the opportunity to take a step back in time to the Battle of York in the War of 1812.

– To see some Romanesque style buildings make sure you visit Old City Hall.

– UofT campus, Canada’s most popular university.

– Casa Loma has the magic only a castle can offer. Designed by a wealth Canadian in the 20s it is a site to see.

– Queen’s Park is a Romanesque type structure where Ontario’s provincial government meets.

Artistic Culture

Toronto has a very talented and creative theater community. Enjoy broadway musicals, local productions, international visiting shows and classical musical events. A few of the best theatre venues are the Royal Alexandra theater, Princess of Whales, the Elgin, Hummingbird Center, and Royal Thompson Hall (and so many more).

Museums and more

• ROM (Royal Ontario Museum)
• AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario
• Bata Shoe Museum
• The Hockey Hall of Fame
• The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art
• The Bay of Spirits Gallery
• Black Creek Pioneer Village
• Holocaust Centre of Toronto
• The Ontario Science centre

Farmer’s Markets and Great Shopping Centres

St Lawrence Market: A fun shopping experience in a farmer’s market where freshness and high quality products are demanded.

Kensington Market: a large market full of international vendors and unique goods to purchase.

Eaton’s Centre: The best known shopping mall in Toronto, jam packed with 285 retail stores.

Yorkville: A popular stop for an fashionsita, this area is full of upscale shops and spas and restaurants.