Toronto: a breath of fresh air

Toronto is a source of inspiration for the world at large. The millions of people living in the greater Toronto area represent countless ethnic communities. Where this diversity of cultures might cause problems in other cities, Toronto is known as a welcoming, wonderful place to live, an environmentally friendly haven which is very prosperous and has remarkably low crime rates. The multicultural population is gloriously reflected in the many colorful neighborhoods, such as Little Italy, Little India, Chinatown, Koreatown, Greektown, Portugal Village, and Malta Village - each and every one a district where you will be cordially welcomed.

The world-famous pianist Glenn Gould (1932-1982) can be proud of his birthplace: nowhere in Canada does the world of the performing and visual arts flourish quite as well as in Toronto. Culture-loving Torontonians cherish the over fifty ballet and dance companies, six opera houses and two symphony orchestras.

Important performing venues include:

• Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
  145 Queen St. W., Toronto
• Roy Thomson Hall
  60 Simcoe Street, Toronto
• Princess of Wales Theatre
  300 King St. West, Toronto
• Toronto Centre for the Arts 5040 Yonge Street, Toronto
  5040 Yonge Street, Toronto
• Massey Hall
  178 Victoria Street, Toronto

Toronto may be famous as a green city, but to experience the real green spaces you should take a camper into the vast wilds of Canada and Toronto is a perfect home base for such explorations. In contrast to the densely populated areas of Western Europe and large parts of the USA, the nature parks and preserves are relatively untouched. Make sure to reserve a day of your vacation to see Niagara Falls, a huge waterfall on the border between the United States and Canada that provides a stunning demonstration of the forces of nature.

Tip:
The best time of year to visit the parks - such as the relatively quiet, but old and extensive Algonquin Park - is the autumn: that season brings out more colors in nature than you could ever have dreamed.

Over 5 million inhabitants in the greater Toronto area make this city an official metropolis. Besides being the capital of the province of Ontario, Toronto is also the largest city in Canada, as well as the financial and commercial heart of the country. Its prosperity is expressed in the presence of Canada’s most important stock market, the countless insurance companies and banks, three universities and unparalleled industry - and of course the many imposing skyscrapers!