New York City 1.5 hours

Boston 1.75 hours

Miami 3 hours

Philadelphia 1.5 hours

Los Angeles 4.5 hours

Chicago 1.75 hours

Dallas-Fort Worth 3 hours

San Francisco 4.75 hours

The Toronto Islands: These unique little islands just off the coastline from Toronto are called home by a few residents but are completely absent of cars. They provide a spring and summer haven for urbanites with a lots of green areas for bicycling and picnicking, affordable boating, and a children's theme park.

Harbourfront/Lakefront: The new waterfront is now home to a popular antique market, Queen's Quay, and the Harbourfront Center, which contains a theatre and venues devoted to the arts, as well as a variety of eateries and entertainment.

Chinatown: Revolving mostly around Dundas Street, this area of Toronto may have you fooled into believing you are actually wondering around some Asian city. Dundas Street is lined with food markets displaying a dizzying variety of fresh and dried fish products as well as many exotic vegetables that you would find around an Asian kitchen. The streets branching off to the north and south host many restaurants ranging from holes-in-the-wall to elegant rooms serving Asian fusion cuisine.

Cabbagetown: Named for the rows of cabbage that have since been replaced by lawn, this strip of refurbished Edwardian and Victorian houses make for a scenic walk through the city and an interesting piece of living history.

Toronto is flat cityscape located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario. It is home to a few skyscrapers and an interesting mix of old and new architecture.

Hot summers, very cold and snowy winters, and idyllic spring and fall seasons define Toronto's weather.

Spring low 43°- high 50°

Summer low 50°- high 78°

Autumn low 40°- high 59°

Winter low 23°- high 37°

The best weather is during the spring and fall. You'll be welcomed by blooming flowers or a leafy feast of colors, and ideal weather that is not too cold, nor too hot, and the smallest crowds of the year. Summer is peak season, bringing together the hottest temperatures with the largest crowds.

Toronto is just beginning to put itself on the tourist map, and it's off to a great start with a rich cultural diversity, cosmopolitan shopping and nightlife, a booming theater and performing arts scene, over 5,000 international dining choices, and affordable prices with a favorable exchange rate. Toronto is becoming the Manhattan of the Great White North! It also has natural attractions like beautiful lakeside beaches and serene islands.

Broadway Shows: Toronto features all the best of Broadway and Broadway-bound shows in its incredible theatre district. Catch a new show each night!

Olde Towne Tours: Double-decker buses shuttle you around the city sights and to the major shopping and restaurant areas. One ticket is good for 24 hours of unlimited rides to places like Casa Loma, CN Tower, Harbourfront Center, and the major museums.

CN Tower: This is the world's tallest freestanding tower, and has great views of the city and far beyond. Ascend in a glass elevator to the Outdoor Observation Deck, or even higher to the Space Deck, where the view extends all the way to Niagara Falls and Buffalo!

Casa Loma: A tribute to medieval times, this castle has 98 rooms connected with secret passageways and spooky hallways. Childhood fantasies come to life, with secret panels leading to hidden stairways and other rooms amid blooming manicured gardens.

The Islands of Toronto: Since they are just a short ferry ride from the city, these islands have provided a picnicking and beach-going escape from urban life for centuries. Most of the 3 islands are now preserved as parkland, except for the land occupied by extravagant Victorian mansions built in the 1800s.

Day Trip to Niagara Falls: Take a day trip to one of the wonders of the nature. These powerful falls amaze onlookers with the sheer force and volume of water tumbling over the cliffs. The town is a kitschy little place, full of diversions with a carnival atmosphere.

Discovery Walks: A footpath connects most neighborhoods with the parklands, beaches, and city ravines. Clear signs are easy to follow, so go take a hike!

Harbourfront: The newly-renovated lakeside is now a vibrant nightlife center for the performing and contemporary arts, and has great restaurants.

Art Gallery of Toronto: This museum houses an extraordinary collection ranging from Warhol to Renaissance masters. There is also a large exhibit dedicated to the sculpture of Henry Moore and a small section devoted to a featured local artist.

The Royal Ontario Museum: This building comprises the 2nd largest museum in North America and houses a collection of over 6 million objects dedicated to the exploration of science, archaeology, and art.

Hockey Hall of Fame: The largest city in Canada wouldn't be complete without a dedication to its favorite sport. This great hall provides interactive exhibits where you can test your slapshot and even go head-to-head with a hockey legend in a virtual-reality face-off!

Queen Street and Yorkville Galleries: Take a walk along Queen Street West or anywhere in Yorkville, and pop in and out of the many galleries. There's an astonishing range of art in these tiny shops, from local abstract works to traditional Inuit designs.

Shopping: The Beaches neighborhood is a great place for window-shopping as you stroll along the waterfront. The atmosphere is one of a laid-back resort, reflected in the shops and cafés that line the streets. Queen Street plies lots of '50s memorabilia and antiques in thrift shops. Further west, the choices turn to funky boutiques featuring the newest young designers. Underground City is just that, a subterranean maze of endless shops and eateries designed to escape inclement weather.

A surge of ethnic residents has fueled the fire of Toronto's dining scene, now offering over 5,000 restaurants. Mediterranean and fusion cuisine dominate, and chefs adapt their favorite techniques and flavors from each culture to create original dishes.

Gourmet

North 44: Regarded as the finest restaurant in Toronto, North 44's recent renovation has it looking the part. Mirrors and a marble floor add a sleek look to the spacious room. The menu changes seasonally, but you can always get fusion delights like veal tenderloin roasted with orange peppercorns or roasted Muscovy duck breast with orange soy marinade. The service is an extra treat. 2537 Younge Street

Avalon: Gourmands will find a real treat with 2 daily menus -- an á la carte dinner menu and a Chef's Gastronomic Menu, plus a special Adventure Menu on Fridays only. The latter menus feature a progression of small plates artfully paired with wines, and change daily to incorporate seasonal ingredients. The á la carte menu features fresh fish and seafood, plus dry-aged Alberta rib steaks and Muscovy duck breast. There is a wine list with more than 350 labels. The room is marked by an understated elegance, and the service is attentive. Reservations recommended. 270 Adelaide Street West

Highly Recommended

Patriot: This restaurant has a classic décor with modern touches and graceful regional fare complemented by an extensive list of Niagara Region wines. Favorite meals include the stuffed rabbit and other French-Canadian specialties, with service that offers a perfect balance of attention and privacy. 131 Bloor Street West

Rain: Chef Guy Rubino's exotic, refined Asian fusion dishes compete with the stark industrial décor in this acclaimed eatery built in a former women's prison. Comfortable black sofas arranged around low tables, soaring ceilings, a waterfall on black granite, frosted glass, bamboo-stalk screens, and chandeliers made from clusters of frosted lights set the tone for this futuristic room. Bamboo beef tenderloin, wok-charred scallops, and black grilled cod marinated in saikyo miso and sake are among the delights. Reservations essential. 19 Mercer Street

Local Flair

Canoe: Polished wood and simple décor blend into the terrific views of the Toronto Islands and Lake Ontario from almost every table in this room. Canadian entrées with a multi-ethnic twist range from pan-seared Quebec foie gras to herb-stuffed breast of Ontario pheasant. 66 Wellington Street West

Hope Street Café: An all-day Canadian breakfast menu highlights this quaint, comfortable restaurant that offers a real neighborhood feel inside a nondescript brick building featuring a covered and heated sidewalk patio as well as a pleasant interior with loads of art adorning the walls. The home-style lunch menu features such basics as fish and chips, homemade soups, and fresh salads. There is occasional live jazz. 324-326 Lonsdale Road

Romantic

Senses: This eatery is dedicated to pleasing all 5 senses. The owner combines a sophisticated dining room of soothing sandy tones, with music to match, and aromatic, creative meals to wow even the most jaded gourmand. Feast on delicacies such as crabmeat salad with apple, and grilled salmon with roasted fennel. Don't miss the dessert delicacies! 15 Bloor Street West

Le Petit Liban: Serving Greek, Italian, and international cuisine, this 120-year-old Victorian house has been converted into a white-linen establishment with a covered backyard patio, gazebo, waterfall, and mood lighting. Moussaka and pork souvlaki are popular, and there is a selection of vegetarian meals. This gay-friendly restaurant resides on Toronto's predominantly gay Church Street. There's music and dancing on Saturday nights. 580 Church Street

Although it's hardly a city that never sleeps, Toronto makes a good showing at night. You'll find some of the best comic performances anywhere, and the theater is tops. Toronto attracts all the best of Broadway, and often many performances are shown here even before they make it to New York. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra has earned international respect, and the city jumps with international dance and music. The bar scene revolves mostly around crowded, trendy clubs, but classic pool halls are still favorites.

Eligin and Winter Garden Theatres: This former vaudeville hall is the last operating double-decker theatre in the world. Shows range from comedy to Shakespeare.

Macmillian Theatre: This venue is the stepping stone to stardom for many young musicians. Concerts are offered at little or no cost and include some fantastic performances.

Hummingbird Center for the Performing Arts: Home of the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada, you'll enjoy the classics as well as Broadway and Broadway-bound shows, and the occasional rock concert.

Second City: Comedians hone their craft here before moving on to venues like "Saturday Night Live" and gaining international recognition.

Rosewater Supper Club: If you've just gotta have a swanky martini while listening to a torch singer crooning alongside a baby grand piano, this is the place to go. Blue velvet banquettes for 2 add to the Swinging '20s ambiance of this sophisticated little hotspot.

Crocodile Rock: This is a laid-back bar with '70s and '80s dance songs and a cheerful 25-to-40-year-old crowd. Plenty of pool tables complete the scene.

Winterfest: A celebration of all that winter has to offer, the 3 days of festivities include ice-skating, snow plays, ice sculpting, and arts & crafts shows. February

Toronto Festival of Storytelling: In appreciation of international folklore, 60 storytellers read and perform legendary tales from all over the world. February

Sente-The Bloor-Yorkville Wine Festival: Four days of gourmet food, Ontario wines, and jazz fill the streets of Yorkville. April

Harbourfront Reading Series: Readings from famous Canadian authors such as Timothy Findley, Anne Michaels, and Barbara Gowdy take place at various Harbourfront venues. This is a renowned celebration of the literary works of Canada. June

Toronto International Festival Caravan: This is North America's largest international festival and lasts 9 days. Featured events celebrate the cultures that have made their mark on Canada with food, crafts, music, and dance by over 100 ethnic groups. June

Caribana: This 2-week-long festival is a Canadian interpretation of Carnival and results in a feast of the Caribbean and Latin American cultures in Toronto. Cruises, island picnics, concerts, and arts-and-crafts exhibits contribute to the festivities July - August

Toronto International Film Festival: More than 250 films from 70 countries are shown during this 10-day celebration of the art of cinematography. Celebrities mingle and host screenings. September

"Smart" casuals are the norm, and layers are a smart choice since temperatures can vary quite a bit from day to night. Layers also make it easier to adjust from indoors to outdoors. It's also a bit cooler each season than you are used to in the US. Winter requires a full ensemble of layered heavy, waterproof clothing from boots to hat and gloves.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Tax Refund: The GST (Goods & Services Tax) is reimbursable upon departure, but you must keep your receipts. Simply pick up a copy of the Tax Refund Application for Visitors at any Customs Office and most tourism centers, duty-free shops, and some hotels. The form is short and easy to fill out and, along with your receipts, is all you need to be reimbursed on the spot as you exit the country.

English.

The current is the same as in the US, so you will not need an adapter.

Drinking: The legal drinking age in the province of Ontario is 19.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Entry: A photo ID (such as a passport) is required to enter Canada, as is proof of US citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate). Visas are not required.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

The passport requirement does NOT apply to US citizens traveling to or returning directly from a US territory. US citizens returning directly from aUS territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. US territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Canadian Customs: Visitors may enter Canada with personal effects duty-free, provided that they declare them to the customs officials upon arrival and that the goods are not subject to restrictions. Persons aged 16 and over are authorized to take 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, and 2.2 pounds of smoking tobacco. Persons 18 and over may take 40 ounces of duty-free alcoholic beverages.

Cultural Property: Canada has restrictions to ensure that objects of historical, cultural, artistic, or scientific significance remain in Canada. To take objects that are more than 50 years old(or made by a person who is no longer living) out of the country -- including artifacts, fossils, fine art, decorative art, rare books, or archival materials -- you may require an export permit. You must check with the Movable Cultural Property Program, 15 Eddy Street, 3rd Floor, Room 13, Hull, Quebec, Canada K1A 0M5, phone 819-997-7761, fax 819-997-7757.

US Customs: US residents returning from Canada after a visit of 48 hours or more may return with $800 worth of duty-free articles for personal use. Up to 100 cigars (non-Cuban), 32 ounces of alcoholic beverages (travelers over 21), and 200 cigarettes per person may be included in the duty and not included in the basic exemption. Works of art are exempt, though a receipt of purchase may be required.

Toronto Tourism: Newcourt Centre, 207 Queens Quay West, Toronto ON M5J 1A7, Canada, phone 416-203-2600 or toll-free 800-499-2514, fax 416-203-6753, email toronto@torcvb.com