Toronto is the largest city of Canada and the capital of the province of Ontario. Until about 50 years ago, it was a sleepy provincial town with its inhabitants being predominantly Caucasian, protestant and of mostly Anglo-Saxon descent. After WW II, a wave of immigrants changed Toronto into a lively modern metropolis.
GATHERING PLACE OF CULTURES
The mirrored glass-façade towers of the financial world and international corporations crowd the downtown core. A mosaic of countless ethnic neighbourhoods extends in all directions. You will experience a colourful mixture of people and their cultures when you venture into Chinatown, the Portuguese markets, Greek taverns and Caribbean clubs. Toronto is the native word for ‘gathering place’, a name this multi-cultural city has truly earned. Despite its rapid growth during the last few decades, remnants of its provincial beginnings remain. When comparing Toronto with other large North American cities, this city is a clean, safe and thoroughly friendly place. Some even claim Toronto to be the most congenial metropolis of North America. Furthermore, this has an excellent transportation system, lots of green space and a large number of recreation opportunities to suit every preference. The variety and abundance of concerts, theatre plays, movies and other events will surely prevent boredom. If you are keen on history and architecture, the Nathan Phillips Square, in the heart of the inner city, is an ideal starting point for an excursion that covers both aspects. Here, behind splashing fountains you find the New City Hall of Toronto. To the east borders the old city hall of 1899 and the modern Eaton shopping centre. Queen Street and Young Street are favoured shopping and restaurant avenues. During the summer, open-air concerts take place at Ontario Place, a large amusement park spreading over three artificial islands in Lake Ontario that offers many sights worth visiting. On weekends, half of Toronto meets in parks, galleries, terraces and shopping centres, while street entertainers and groups of musicians entertain the crowds. About three kilometres from the port, the Toronto Islands beckon with beautiful parks and beaches. Outside of Toronto is Canada’s biggest amusement park, called Canada’s Wonderland, featuring breathtaking roller coaster rides and water parks.
