Toronto

Toronto is Canada’s largest city on Lake Ontario with skyscrapers and incredibly diverse neighborhoods. Half the population was born outside Canada which shows in the food and culture. Winters are freezing and summers get hot. Three days is enough for the highlights. It’s pricey but public transit works well.

The waterfront along Lake Ontario has been redeveloped with parks and paths. Sugar Beach has pink umbrellas and sand. The Harbourfront Centre has events and markets. You can walk or bike along the water for kilometers. The views across to the islands are nice.

Yonge-Dundas Square is Toronto’s Times Square attempt with big screens and crowds. It’s not as impressive but always busy. Eaton Centre mall nearby is massive and useful for escaping weather.

The Annex near University of Toronto has student energy and bookstores. Bloor Street has shops and restaurants. The neighborhood feels intellectual and relaxed. Koreatown on Bloor West has amazing cheap food and karaoke.

Yorkville is the fancy area with designer stores and expensive restaurants. It’s where celebrities stay. The vibe is polished and wealthy. Four Seasons and fancy hotels line the streets.

High Park in the west end is huge with trails and a zoo. The cherry blossoms in spring draw massive crowds. It’s a nice escape from concrete and glass downtown.

The PATH underground is 30 kilometers of shopping corridors connecting buildings downtown. Locals use it in winter to avoid cold. It’s confusing but climate controlled.

Graffiti and street art show up in alleys and under bridges throughout the city. Rush Lane and Queen West have good examples.

Food is shawarma, roti, pho, dumplings, peameal bacon sandwiches, butter tarts. The variety is the best part.

Streetcars are iconic red old ones mixed with new sleek versions. The subway has two main lines.