Toronto Attractions
Toronto is a dynamic, cultured and
prosperous city situated on the Northwest shore of Lake Ontario. It
is the largest urban centre in Canada and the economic engine of the
country. According to the United Nations, Toronto is the world's
most ethnically diverse city. It is home to people from 169
countries and 80 ethnic groups who speak more than 100 different
languages. Despite the challenges that accompany any big city,
Toronto is known for being remarkably safe and liveable for people
from all walks of life. The city is made up of many distinct
neighbourhoods that offer a very strong sense of community to
residents and visitors alike. A diverse economy and a flourishing
arts scene mean that there is something for everyone in Toronto.
Canada's
National Tower (CN Tower)
Defining the Toronto skyline, the CN Tower is Canada's most
recognizable and celebrated icon. At a height of 553.33m (1,815 ft.,
5 inches), it is the World's Tallest Building, an important
telecommunications hub, and the centre of tourism in Toronto. Each
year, approximately 2 million people visit the CN Tower to take in
the breathtaking view and enjoy all the attractions it has to offer.
Rogers
Centre
Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome) was the world's first
multi-purpose retractable domed stadium. Crouched beside the soaring
CN Tower, its round silhouette forms an unmistakable part of the
Toronto skyline. Located minutes from Union Station in downtown
Toronto, Rogers Centre is home to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball
team and the CFL's Toronto Argonauts. The popular venue also plays
host to large concerts, trade shows and other major events.
Air
Canada Centre (ACC)
Toronto's Air Canada Centre is a state-of-the-art sports and
entertainment facility. The ACC, as it is commonly known, is the
home to the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs, the NBA's Toronto Raptors and
the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League. In addition to
housing professional sports teams, the ACC hosts some of the biggest
events that happen in the city, including major concerts and shows.
It is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, just steps from
Union Station.
Art
Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Founded in 1900 by a group of private citizens, the Art Gallery of
Ontario is now one of the ten largest art museums in North America.
The AGO currently has more than 40,000 works in its collection,
documenting over 2100 years of human creativity. It also houses
major traveling exhibits from around the world. A complete
transformation of the gallery has begun, designed by renowned
Canadian architect Frank Gehry, which will thrust the AGO into the
world spotlight when it opens in 2008.
Royal
Ontario Museum (ROM)
The ROM contains Canada's largest museum collections with more than
five million objects. The collections grow by approximately 67,000
items each year, reflecting the Museum's diverse interests. The
collections are extraordinary in their scientific value, territorial
and disciplinary range, containing matchless artifacts of
importance. A major expansion and renovation of the ROM is underway,
set to be completed in mid-2006, that will dramatically transform
the museum into an architectural marvel in the heart of the city.
Theatres
Toronto has a diverse and lively performing arts scene, with some 75
productions on stage each month. There is truly something for every
taste - glittering Broadway musicals, mid-size dramas, stand-up and
sketch comedy, opera, dance, symphonies and festivals to satisfy
even the most devoted theatre-goer. Toronto is the third-largest
theatre centre in the English-speaking world, after London and New
York City.
The
Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo is one of largest zoos in the world, covering over
287 hectares (710 acres). The zoo has over 5,000 animals,
representing more than 460 different species. In addition to many
children's exhibits and activities, there are over 10 km of walking
trails for visitors to navigate through.
Paramount
Canada's Wonderland
Paramount Canada's Wonderland Paramount Canada's Wonderland is
Canada's premier theme park. It features over 200 attractions,
including 65 rides, exciting live events, a 20-acre water park and
North America's greatest variety of coasters. Located off Highway
400 north of Toronto, it offers plenty of options for thrill-seekers
and families alike.
Centreville
Amusement Park
Centreville Amusement Park is located on the
islands that jut out into Lake Ontario just south of Toronto's city
centre. Ferries from the mainland shuttle visitors across Toronto
Harbour to the islands every 15 minutes. Stroll around and admire
the view from over 600 acres of parkland, or take advantage of over
30 rides and attractions and a variety of food outlets.
Ontario
Place
Ontario Place is an internationally acclaimed cultural, leisure and
entertainment complex located on three man-made islands along the
Lake Ontario waterfront. It features a large concert venue, as well
as a wide array of rides, exhibits and activities for children and
adults. Cool down at the water park, test yourself in mini-putt golf
or thrill your senses with a legendary IMAX¨ screening at the famous
Cinesphere.
Ontario
Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre pioneered the concept of interactive
science museums, and has attracted 37 million visitors since opening
on September 27, 1969. A favourite of students of all ages, it has
displayed a wide variety of fascinating exhibits covering all
branches of science as well as explorations of behavior, technology
and the universe. While also playing host to many international
exhibits, the Centre is a leading developer of interactive
exhibitions for science centres around the world. It is currently
undergoing a $40 million renovation and expansion.
Canadian
National Exhibition (CNE)
The CNE is the largest annual fair in Canada and one of the most
cherished Toronto traditions since 1879. Every summer during the
second half of August it takes place by the shores of Lake Ontario
just west of the downtown core. Always a favourite family activity,
it features all kinds of games, rides, shows, special events,
demonstrations, performances, food and shopping.
Fort
York
Historic Fort York was the location of the Battle of York during the
War of 1812. It is very well-preserved and now offers a fascinating
re-creation of what a soldier’s life would have been like 200 years
ago. It is designated as a National Historical site, and offers
tours and full-costume demonstrations that take visitors back to a
time when Toronto was in its infancy.
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