The most heavily populated city in Canada, Toronto is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, financial, commercial and cultural centre with a rich multi-cultural heritage of more than 80 ethnic groups, speaking more than 100 languages. It has a lively stock exchange, soaring futuristic architecture, museums, art galleries, performing arts companies, fine restaurants, large shopping complexes, a waterfront and hundreds of parks.

The city is sited on the north shore of Lake Ontario, and sports distinctive neighbourhoods as well as the longest street in the world, Yonge Street, as its main north-south artery. Toronto's main landmark is the CN Tower, which is the world's tallest free-standing structure with glass-fronted elevators that rise 1,815ft (553m) to indoor and outdoor observation decks. The city also boasts the 'Skydome', which is a multi-purpose entertainment complex with a retractable roof, billed as the world's greatest entertainment centre.

In the 17th century Toronto was a small French colony; then came the American Revolution which encouraged scores of families whose loyalties lay with the British to flee north. Many settled beside the lake establishing a town known as York, which slowly grew in importance as an administrative and manufacturing centre. In 1834 the name was changed to Toronto, an Indian word meaning 'meeting place'. The new name proved worthy when about a century later the city's English character began to be buried beneath the conglomeration of cultures brought in by a massive tide of immigrants from all corners of the world. Old English pubs and Victorian and Edwardian architecture survive among the skyscrapers, but Toronto is today a lively and cosmopolitan city and Canada's commercial capital.

Casa Loma

Address: 1 Austin Terrace Toronto

Admission: C$18 (adults), C$10.50 (children); other concessions available Daily 9.30am to 5pm

Telephone: (416) 923 1171

Canada's own castle, Casa Loma, is today owned by the City of Toronto and draws plenty of interest standing in medieval splendour on its hilltop site. The castle was formerly the home of Canadian financier, Sir Henry Pellatt, who engaged the noted architect E J Lennox to help him realise a life-long dream of building a castle. Construction started in 1911 and it took 300 men nearly three years to complete the impressive Casa Loma. Inside visitors can see the magnificent decorated suites, secret passages, and 800ft (244m) long tunnel, while outside it is possible to stroll through the beautiful five-acre estate gardens. Self-guided audio tours are available and the castle is open every day.

CN Tower

Address: 301 Front Street West Toronto

Admission: Rates vary from C$18.99 to C$32.99 depending on the ticket type 10am to 10pm daily in season. Phone for other seasonal hours

Telephone: (416) 868 6937

Standing 1,815ft (553m) high, Toronoto's landmark CN Tower is the world's tallest building, a celebrated icon, an important telecommunications hub and the centre of tourism in Toronto. About two million people visit the tower each year to take in the panoramic view and enjoy all its attractions. The tower was built in 1976 by the company Canadian National, who undertook the project simply to prove the strength of Canadian industry and solve the city's communication problems. Since then tourist attractions and facilities have been added, and the revitalised tower opened to the public in 1998, proving a hit with locals and visitors alike. The tower has four look out levels. At the first at 1,122ft (342m) is an outdoor observation deck with a spectacular glass floor; somewhat higher at the next level is an indoor observation deck and the Horizon's café, offering light meals high in the sky; at the 1,150ft (351m) level is a revolving restaurant, which rotates once every 72 minutes, allowing a stunning view of the city below while dining on the award-winning fare; finally comes the top level, at a dizzying 1,465ft (447m), known as the Sky Pod. At the top of the CN Tower visitors stand on the world's highest public observation deck. The tower is situated in the heart of Toronto's entertainment district, on the north shore of Lake Ontario.

Royal Ontario Museum

Address: 100 Queen's Park Toronto

Admission: Monday to Friday: C$22 (adults), C$15 (children), children under 4 free. C$11 (adults) and C$7.50 (children) on Fridays from 4.30pm to 9.30pm Monday to Sunday 10am to 6pm, late opening until 9.30pm on Friday

Telephone: (416) 586 5549

Pride of place in this large and varied museum is held by the golden mosaic ceiling inside the main entrance to the building in Queen's Park, Toronto. The ceiling is adorned with patterns and symbols representing cultures from around the world throughout the ages, and is made from cut squares of imported Venetian glass. The museum consists of three buildings housing 200,000 square feet (18,581 sq m) of galleries and exhibitions. The more than 40 galleries showcase art, archaeology and science exhibits. Among the most popular are dinosaurs, galleries of Chinese Art, a bat cave, a gem and gold room, exhibits about Ancient Egypt and Nubia, and the Samuel European Galleries.

Toronto Zoo

Address: Meadowvale Road, Scarborough Toronto

Admission: C$21 (adults), C$13 (children); other concessions available Daily 9.30am to 4.30pm (13 October to 31 December); 9am to 6pm (8 September to 12 October); 9am to 7.30pm (16 May to 7 September)

Telephone: (416) 392 5900

The Toronto Zoo covers 710 acres (287 hectares) and is divided into 'zoogeographic' regions. It features four major tropical indoor pavilions and several smaller indoor viewing areas, plus numerous outdoor exhibits with more than six miles (ten km) of walking trails. The zoo houses more than 5,000 animals representing more than 450 species; it draws more than 1,2 million visitors each year. It is located north of Highway 401 and is easily accessible by public transport.

Niagara Falls

Address: Toronto

Admission: Admission tickets vary from C$7.50 to C$13 depending on which attractions are visited Different attractions have different opening hours and seasons

Straddling the Canadian-United States border and sited between the province of Ontario and the US state of New York, the awesome Niagara Falls attracts about 12 million tourists a year. It makes a spectacular day's outing from Toronto. The Niagara River has been flowing for about 12,000 years but the eroded escarpment over which the falls flow today is much older, having been formed during the ice age. The river plunges over a cliff of dolostone and shale to make it the second largest waterfall on earth, after the Victoria Falls in southern Africa. Apart from appreciating the mighty torrent of the falls itself, perhaps from a spray-filled boat tour, there is plenty more to see and do on the Niagara peninsula, including indulging in some wine-tasting at one of the local wineries; visiting the exotic butterfly conservatory, marvelling at the floral clock in the Niagara Parks Greenhouse; or playing a round of golf on one of the 34 courses that dot the peninsula.

Distillery Historic District

Address: Mill Street Toronto

Admission: Monday to Wednesday 11am to 7pm, Thursday and Friday 11am to 9pm, Saturday 10am to 9pm, Sunday 11am to 6pm. Hours of restaurants, cafes and shops may vary

Telephone: (416) 364 1177

The brick-paved streets of the pedestrianised village have been designated a National Heritage Site, containing the finest collection of Victorian era industrial architecture in North America. The historic Distillery District, spread across 13 acres (5 hectares) in downtown Toronto, is a development dedicated entirely to arts, culture and entertainment with its plethora of art galleries, restaurants, bars and live music venues. Founded in 1832, the Gooderham and Worts Distillery became the largest distillery in the British Empire until it ceased operations in 1990 after 153 years of production, and was opened in 2003 as the pedestrian-only village it is today. It is also a popular film location and its numerous festivals and special events attract thousands of people every month.

Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art

Address: 952 Queen Street West Toronto

Admission: Free Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm. Closed Mondays

Telephone: (416) 395 0067

Formerly the Art Gallery of North York, the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art opened its doors in 1999 keen to display modern Canadian art that addresses current Canadian narratives. Situated in trendy downtown Toronto, Mocca boasts a collection of 400 artworks by 140 different Canadian artists, despite its small size. With most works created since 1985, Mocca offers great insight into contemporary Canadian society. A country once renowned for its loose immigration laws, Canada is home to a mix of cultures, which makes for a stimulating art world. Look out for group exhibitions with international artists and the annual Mocca Award in Contemporary Art.

Toronto Islands

Address: Toronto Island Ferry Docks, foot of Bay Street and Queens Quay Toronto

Admission: C$6.50 (adults), C$3 (children). Concessions available

Telephone: Toronto Island Ferry: (416) 392 8193

A chain of small Lake Ontario islands just offshore from the city, the Toronto Islands were created from a series of continually moving sandbars connected to the mainland by a frail peninsula, which finally disintegrated after a major storm in 1858. Only a short ferry ride from the mainland, the Toronto Islands provide a peaceful green refuge from the hubbub of the city and afford attractive panoramic views of downtown Toronto. Hire a bike or relax on the beach, take the kids for a day at Centreville Amusement Park or have a languid picnic in one of the many designated leafy areas.

Gardiner Museum of Ceramics

Address: 111 Queen's Park Toronto

Admission: C$12 (adults), C$6 (students). Children under 12 years go free. Free entry on Friday between 4pm and 9pm Monday to Thursday 10am to 6pm, Friday 10am to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm

Telephone: (416) 586 8080

Housed in an attractive building across from the Royal Ontario Museum, the Gardiner Museum of Ceramics is one of the city's finest examples of modernist architecture. Giving visitors a glimpse into a universal art form that has spanned centuries, the Gardiner Museum exhibits over 3,000 historical and contemporary ceramic pieces. With earthenware of all different shapes and sizes from the ancient Americas, China, Japan, the Italian Renaissance and more, a tour through the museum will shape visitors' understanding of the development of the ceramic process. On Friday evenings visitors can try their hand at sculpting and wheel throwing in the open clay studio or attend free films and seminars.

Kensington Market

Address: Area bordered by Spadina Avenue, Dundas Street, Bathurst Street and College Street Toronto

Admission: Open seven days a week. Most opening hours are 11am to 7pm, although fresh produce stalls usually open earlier

A National Historic Site, Kensington Market embodies Toronto's multicultural society. Founded in the early twentieth century by eastern European Jewish immigrants and Italians, the area was renowned for its open-air market, evocative of those found in Europe. Home to immigrants from the Caribbean, China, East Africa and Vietnam War veterans, Kensinton Market is an infusion of world cultures, all of whom have left an imprint in the music, shops and restaurants of the area. A hybrid of cheap eclectic clothing retailers, fresh produce stores, cheese merchants, fishmongers, cafés and general bric-a-brac stores, the Kensington Market area offers a rambunctious downtown atmosphere. The most prominent streets are Augusta Avenue and Kensington Avenue.

Harbourfront Centre

Address: 235 Queen's Way Toronto

With an idyllic setting right beside the lake, the Harbourfront Centre is the spiritual heart of the city where locals gather on weekends for some gallery hopping, shopping, biking and concerts. Used as an industrial docklands for decades the abandoned warehouses and disintegrating factories have been transformed into a treasured recreational and cultural public space. Stroll along the waterside promenade, indulge in theatrical performances and browse craft boutiques or head to Queen's Quay Centre for some superb shopping. Year round events at this urban playground include film, dance, theatre, music, children's events and marine events.

Hockey Hall of Fame

Address: 30 Yonge Street, Brookfield Place Toronto

Admission: C$15 (adults), C$10 (children). Concessions available Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 9.30am to 6pm and Sunday from 10.30am to 5pm

Telephone: (416) 360 7765

Any avid hockey fan must make a turn at Toronto's Hockey Hall of Fame, an ode to hockey's greatest players and most prized teams. A shrine to Canada's national sport, visitors can learn about the history of the game through memorabilia from every era, hockey artefacts from around the world, interactive exhibits and images of great moments in hockey history. Marvel at Terry Sawchuck's goalie gear, Newsy Lalonde's skates and the stick used by Max Bentley. The Stanley Cup never fails to delight visitors and most fun is had trying a hand at shooting or goalkeeping in the interactive displays. You won't be disappointed.

Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People

Address: 165 Front Street East Toronto

Admission: $10 a show

Telephone: 416 363 5131

The largest theatre for young audiences in Canada, the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People is also a drama school, creating theatre for the youth, by the youth. The productions put on here aim to have a lasting emotional and educational impact on the youth of today. Children will love watching performances here.

African Lion Safari

Address: 1386 Cooper Road, Flamborough Toronto

Admission: Spring and Autumn: $24.95 (adults); $19.95 (children). Summer: $29.95 (adults); $24.95 (children) Summer: Open daily from 10am - 5pm. Autumn: Open daily from 10am – 4pm

Telephone: (519) 623 2620

Children of all ages will love the African Lion Safari where they can take a drive through the game reserve, cruise on the 'African Queen' boat, watch bird and animal performances, experience an 'elephant round up', pet some baby goats, or even enjoy the Misumu Bay Wet Play area.

Ontario Place

Address: 955 Lake Shore Blvd. West Toronto

Admission: General admission: $17.75 (children over 6 and adults); $11.75 (children aged 4 – 5); Children 3 and under free Opening hours depend on season

Telephone: 416 314 9900

A fantastic day out for the kids and the family, Ontario Place offers hours of action packed entertainment and some exhilarating rides that kids of all ages will enjoy. Attractions at Ontario Place include the 0 Generation Station, the Atom Blaster, First Flight, Free Fall and Super Slide, to name a few.

Paramount Canada's Wonderland

Address: 9580 Jane Street, Vaughan Toronto

Admission: $42.44 (adults); $31.49 (children) Open daily from 11am – 6pm

Telephone: (905) 832 8131

Boasting over 200 attractions and more than 65 exhilarating rides, Splash Works and a huge variety of roller coasters, Paramount Canada's Wonderland is Canada's favourite theme park. Kids will enjoy the fastest and biggest roller coaster, the Behemoth as well as carousels, train rides and Canada's only flying roller coaster, the Time Warp. This park is a must for a great day out with the family.

High Park

Address: Toronto

High Park is Toronto's largest park and features sporting, cultural and educational facilities, gardens, playgrounds and a zoo. A great place for a stroll or a family picnic, High Park also features two children's playground, a communal swimming pool which is manned by lifeguards, and plenty of open space to tire the little ones out.

Toronto Pride

Where: ‘Unity' takes place at the National Trade Center; the Pride Parade follows a route down Yonge Street; the Dyke March route is north on Church to Bloor, west on Bloor to Yonge, south on Yonge to Wood and east on Wood to the South Stage. Other events take p,Toronto

When: Last week of June, annually

Toronto Pride is the third largest gay and lesbian celebration in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors in the last week of June to participate in hundreds of events. The Pride week has a different theme each year which sets the tone for the hundreds of activities and events on the programme, culminating in the massive pride parade with its floats and performers, and the 'Dyke March'. The main event of the week is 'Unity', a non-stop all-night dance party featuring spectacular stage shows, billed as one of the best parties in the northern hemisphere.

Canada Dry Festival of Fire

Where: Reserved seating available on Ontario Place pier or on Mariposa Harbour cruise boats, otherwise watch from anywhere on the lake shore,Toronto

When: June 2010 TBA

Easily the most spectacular event during the summer in Toronto is the annual fireworks extravaganza that lights up the sky over the city's waterfront, watched by an estimated two million people. The show is set to music and the fireworks are set off from barges in Lake Ontario. For more information phone (416) 314 9900.

Cavalcade of Lights

Where: Nathan Phillips Square,Toronto

When: 28 November to 19 December 2009

Toronto's festive season officially kicks off at the end of November each year with the brilliant illumination of Nathan Phillips Square with more than 100,000 lights, spectacular fireworks and a massive Christmas tree, heralding a month of merry-making and fun events in the city centre. Events include 'Designs in Ice' exhibition, outdoor concerts, street theatre and skating parties. For more information contact Toronto Special Events on (416) 395 0490 or email spevmktg@toronto.ca

Contact

Where: Various galleries, museums, art centres and other public places in Toronto,Toronto

When: May 2010 TBA

Taking photography far beyond the realms of the snapshot, Contact is the most important annual photographic event in the Americas, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and exhibitors, highlighting the enduring significance of photography in modern life. About 140 different exhibitions make up Contact, sited in various locations throughout the city.

Toronto Jazz Festival

Where: Numerous locations in downtown; main stage at Nathan Phillips Square,Toronto

When: June to July 2010 TBA

No self-respecting Canadian city can be without its annual jazz festival, and Toronto offers one of the best in north America. Each year the festival attracts about 2,000 international and local musicians, along with thousands of fans and jazz fundis.

Toronto Taste

Where: ,Toronto

When: June 2010 TBA

Toronto Taste is a celebration of savoury cuisine, fine wines and stunning waterfront scenery. The annual fundraising event brings together 70 top chefs and 30 of Ontario's premium vintners and beverage companies to provide an evening of gourmet food and drink. Toronto Taste is the single largest fundraising event supporting Second Harvest, a registered charity collecting perishable food that would otherwise go to waste and redistributes it to community organizations that feed hungry people in Toronto.

Toronto International Film Festival

Where: Various,Toronto

When: September 2010 TBA

Toronto's famous film festival is the largest film festival open to the general public. Unlike Sundance and Cannes which see a number of independent features and world cinema, the Toronto International Film Festival has the glamour of Hollywood coated all over it, and is considered by many filmmakers and studio bosses to be a successful launching platform to begin the crazy award season that eventually climaxes with the Academy Awards in March.

Rock Paper Scissors International World Championships

Where: Steam Whistle Brewing,Toronto

When: October 2010 TBA

The World Rock Paper Scissors Society hosts this increasingly popular event to find out who is the champ at the famous game. Rock Paper Scissors is promoted as a game of skill and quick-thinking used to solve disputes and make decisions. Paper beats rock, rock beats scissors, and scissors beats paper. Prize money of C$10, 000 is up for grabs, and visitors from all over the world partake.

Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival

Where: ,Toronto

When: 30 June to 11 July 2010

Over 47,000 people were drawn to the 2006 festival and the Toronto's Fringe Festival continues to be one of North America's leading theatre experiences. Throughout the city thousands of artists perform a variety of comedy, cabaret, music, poetry, drama and the classics to their adoring crowds.

WinterCity Festival

Where: Various, including Nathan Phillips Square,Toronto

When: 29 January to 11 February 2010

WinterCity festival offers a two-week, city-wide celebration of Toronto's incomparable diversity of spirit, including delicious culinary experiences, live bands, skating parties and activities throughout the city. The festival celebrates Toronto's culture, creativity and cuisine. Outdoor entertainment takes place on the weekends at Nathan Phillips Square featuring performances from celebrated Canadian music talent and world-renowned, international theatrical troupes.

Bellini's Ristorante

Address: 101 Yorkville Ave Toronto

Food Type: Italian

With dark wood, white linen tablecloths and soft ambient lighting, Bellini's Restorante serves delicious hearty Italian fare and is popular with locals and celebrities. Try the carpaccio of beef tenderloin with arugula salad, shaved Parmesan cheese and white truffle oil, or the delicate Truffle risotto with Arborio rice, woodland mushrooms, Fontina fondue and white truffle oil. Open daily for dinner. Open for lunch for tables of 25 or more. Reservations recommended.

Bistro 990

Address: 990 Bay Street (Downtown) Toronto

Food Type: French

Known as a Hollywood celebrity hot spot, diners can rub elbows with the stars while delighting in French country favourites such as traditional chicken liver pâté, half roast chicken with garlic mashed potatoes or Steak Frites in a shallot or Roquefort sauce. There are excellent value fixed-price menus available and an outstanding wine list. Reservations required. Closed Sunday. No lunch Saturday.

Lai Wah Heen

Address: Metropolitan Hotel, 108 Chestnut Street (Downtown) Toronto

Food Type: Chinese

The huge menu features the finest traditional and modern Cantonese dishes within the sophisticated setting of the Metropolitan Hotel. The menu offers a large variety of shark's fin and abalone dishes, as well as some of the best dim sum in the city, and delicious meat and noodle dishes. Service is attentive and food elegantly served. Daily lunch and dinner.

Senses

Address: 318 Wellington Street West Toronto

Food Type: Modern Eclectic

Senses is a combination of bakery, gourmet food retail outlet and fine dining restaurant that makes dining here an experience for the senses. The upstairs restaurant is delicately stylish and tastefully furnished with luxurious seating, excellent service and superb cuisine. The displays of smoked salmon and caviar in the emporium below prepare the taste buds for starters such as the goat's cheese empanada, or main dishes like the leek cannelloni stuffed with ground lamb, spinach and feta. Dinner Wednesday to Sunday; bar and bistro open daily.

North 44

Address: 2537 Yonge Street (Uptown) Toronto

Food Type: Modern Eclectic

Named after Toronto's latitude, North 44 has been one of the city's most genteel eating places for many years and is an experience in pampering. The artistic interior bathes diners in a warm glow, the food is superb and the service flawless. The seasonal menu is influenced by Mediterranean, American and Asian flavours and might include pepper and sesame crusted tuna, lamb shank or stuffed quail, as well as a few exciting pastas and pizzas. Desserts such as the lemon meringue mille-feuille are the best in town. Reservations essential. Closed Sunday. Dinner only.

Vanipha Lanna

Address: 471 Eglington Avenue West (Uptown) Toronto

Food Type: Oriental

Vanipha Lanna is different from other Thai eateries in that it specialises in Lao-Thai cuisine from Thailand's northwestern Lanna region, and the flavours are permeated by the strong and spicy influences of Lao cooking. This colourful, vibrant restaurant attracts the crowds again and again with specialities like the grilled chicken and garlic in a lime-chilli sauce or the bamboo steamer of chicken and seafood dumplings. Reservations recommended. Closed Sunday.

Truffles

Address: Four Seasons Hotel, 21 Avenue Road, Yorkville (Downtown) Toronto

Food Type: French

Truffles continues to earn international acclaim and top awards on the culinary and service front, and dining here is a luxurious treat for gastronomes seeking indulgence. The soaring ceilings and well-spaced tables create an ambience of sophisticated lightness, and the quintessence of modern French cuisine is brought to the table with a light and fresh, aromatic style of cooking. Truffles' signature dish is the spaghettini with a light truffle sauce. Reservations required. Closed Sunday. Dinner only.

The Boiler House

Address: 55 Mill Street Toronto

Food Type: International

Situated in a lofty industrial space in the trendy Distillery District, The Boiler House restaurant is renowned for being one of the best live jazz and blues venues in Toronto. Indulge in a fine evening meal from Thursday through to Saturday complimented with toe tapping beats. Soak up the chic urban atmosphere, with 22 foot wine racks, intimate private rooms and hand crafted heavy timber tables. Serving up contemporary Canadian cuisine in a warm, chic environment, the Boiler House restaurant is a good bet for a satisfying Toronto evening out.

360 Revolving Restaurant

Address: CN Tower, 301 Front Street West (Downtown) Toronto

Food Type: International

Located in the world's tallest free-standing structure, the restaurant at the top of the CN Tower has floor-to ceiling windows and revolves slowly so that every part of this breath-taking view can be fully appreciated while dining in style. The food is not as high-flying as the location, but the experience is certainly a memorable one. The highlight of the dessert list is the chocolate version of the CN Tower. Reservations essential. No winter lunches.

Bangkok Garden

Address: 18 Elm Street, Toronto Toronto

Food Type: Thai

Established 25 years ago, the Bangkok Garden was one of the first Thai restaurants in Toronto with essential ingredients being delivered fresh from Bangkok to ensure authenticity. The lemon seafood soup is a great starter while the red beef curry, toasted cashew chicken, and Three Pagodas curry are all delicious. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner. Saturdays dinner only, closed Sundays.

Canoe

Address: 54th Floor, Toronto Dominion Bank Tower, 66 Wellington St. Toronto

Food Type: International

This trendy eatery is a must for anyone looking to impress, whether it be a business dinner or a romantic evening out. The minimalist décor, imaginative and inventive menu, and flawless execution will leave diners coming back for more. Flagship dishes include the seared Bluefin Tuna with broccoli hash, kumquat caramel and dandelion as well as the bacon wrapped Monkfish with smoked ham hock, white cabbage and porcini. Open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday. Open Saturday and Sunday for private events.