Bohemia and academe meet head on in this lively downtown community surrounding the University of Toronto. Stretching for a kilometre along Bloor Street West between its intersections with Bathurst and Spadina, the Annex offers visitors an intoxicating blend of beautiful old homes, art galleries, theatres, beatnik coffee shops, bookstores, discount stores, restaurants and bars.

It’s a great place to idle away a few hours during the day, browsing through the terrific book and music stores, and all kinds of clothing, antique and giftware stores. Don’t miss Honest Ed’s, the eclectic landmark discount store founded by the late philanthropist Ed Mirvish, or the nearby Mirvish Village.

When evening falls, the Annex turns into one of the busiest, hippest areas of town, with people flocking from all over the city to the many restaurants, bars and patios offering food and drink from all around the world – with a pulsating soundtrack provided by the many venues offering live music. It is a great example of Toronto’s diversity at its very best.

Website: http://www.bloorannexbia.com

This charming neighbourhood was designed to fit into the natural beauty of the Don Valley parklands, which flank the east side of the Don River. Cycle, rollerblade or stroll through this expansive green space that defines Bayview Village. Enjoy many lovely picnic locations and recreational facilities that include baseball diamonds, basketball and tennis courts, soccer fields, an ice rink, a pool and more. 

When you’re ready to leave the woodlands, step into one of Canada’s most prestigious shopping centres, where you’ll find yourself on the edge of the fashion frontier. Indulge

in over 100 luxury boutiques offering everything from fine fashions to fabulous jewellery.
It’s a shopping experience designed to satisfy your appetite for elegance.

This Toronto hotspot is strictly upper crust. One of Toronto’s most elegant shopping and dining areas, Bloor-Yorkville's designer boutiques, antique shops and galleries are absolutely first class. The area features many small courtyards and alleyways, and a contemporary park located in the very heart of the neighbourhood. The park features a giant granite boulder, which brings the raw beauty of cottage country right into Toronto’s urban centre! It’s a great place to rest between shopping bouts.

Hailed as the “Mink Mile,” Bloor-Yorkville is home to high-end designers like Tiffany, Chanel, D&G and Hermès. But here you can also freshen up your wardrobe with unique fashions from the hottest Canadian designers, including Jeremy Lang, Hoax Couture, Izzy Camilleri and Nadya Toto.It’s the gleam of high-priced art, haute couture and fine dining that draws stars, fans and paparazzi here during the Toronto International Film Festival. No visit to Toronto is complete without a thorough exploration of this chic neighbourhood.

Website: http://www.bloor-yorkville.com

The unusual name of this downtown Toronto neighbourhood originated in the mid-19^th century, when Irish settlers planted cabbage patches in their front yards. Today,
the area has one of the largest concentrations of Victorian houses on the continent, most of which have been beautifully restored. Cabbagetown is one of the most attractive neighbourhoods in Toronto, with residents taking great pride in their historic community.

A stroll down Parliament Street, the main street in Cabbagetown, will charm you with its hodgepodge of restaurants, cafés and one-of-a-kind shops. Adding to its small-town appeal is the Cabbagetown Festival held every September. This community-based week-long celebration features concerts, a film festival, an absolutely smashing dog show and tours of many marvellous homes. This is the one time you can see some of the best and most imaginative home renovations in North America.

Cabbagetown sites include the tranquil Allan Gardens and Toronto’s oldest cemetery – the Necropolis. With outdoor landscapes and greenhouses, Allan Gardens is blooming all year round. Christmastime is especially beautiful, when the indoor tropical gardens feature a holiday flower show. In the Necropolis you’ll find the moss-covered tombstones of some late, great Torontonians, plus a haunting gothic chapel.

If you have children, bring them to meet the animals at Riverdale Farm and explore its 7.5 acres of wooded pathways and ponds. Volunteers bake bread each Tuesday morning on the farm using a traditional wood-fired brick oven in the historic Simpson House.

Website: http://www.oldcabbagetown.com/

The corner of Spadina and Dundas Street West wouldn’t look at all out of place in the middle of Hong Kong. The crowds of people and the buzzing activity add to the captivating atmosphere of Toronto’s downtown Chinatown. Elegantly stroked Chinese characters grace store and street signs. Oriental shops and markets with exotic fruits and vegetables spill onto the sidewalk, where grocers literally sing as they invite you to browse their selection.

Wandering along Spadina Avenue, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Toronto’s fashion district. Hundreds of local designers make this the place to go for the latest styles in fabric, leather, fur and wedding dresses. Visit Dragon City Mall for more Asian fashions, electronics and restaurants. Try on some beautiful silk dresses or grab some rare martial arts gems for your DVD collection.

And of course, Chinatown prides itself on the wide variety of authentic Asian cuisine. A bountiful selection of Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese restaurants. Experience Peking duck served in two courses at the Bright Pearl, or visit the Golden Leaf for fabulous dim sum that’s available all day long. The red cow on the sign of Pho Hung marks Toronto’s favourite destination for real Vietnamese beef pho. Lotus Garden offers fresh vegetarian options.

Delicious food and constant excitement give more than enough reason to visit Chinatown, but it gets better. Toronto’s Chinese New Year celebrations rival those of the ancestral homeland. See the spectacular decorations, the dancing dragons and endless amounts of food that accompany the festivities each year.

The streets of Corktown are rich with history. Located just east of the original Town of York, Corktown was named after its early settlers in the 1800s, who came from County Cork, Ireland. These original residents of Corktown were very poor and unable to afford pew rentals at the local cathedral. The settlers took it upon themselves to build their own church, Little Trinity Church, which was erected in 1843 and still stands today.

In 1848, Corktown residents also erected the Trinity Schoolhouse, Toronto’s first “free” school. Now a museum, visitors can still experience the atmosphere of a 19^th-century classroom here. You’ll also find Toronto’s first Catholic elementary school and Roman Catholic church, St. Paul’s Basilica, founded in 1822.

Take a gander through Corktown for a peek into Toronto’s past.

Little Italy was the original home to Italian immigrants and Corso Italia is like the sophisticated sibling who moved uptown. Here the streets are lined with fashionable, high-end Italian shops, Italian-style lampposts, trendy gelaterias and cappuccino houses. Torontonians know to come here to find the hottest styles from Europe and delicious cuisine from all over Italy.

Despite its sophisticated façade, this neighbourhood isn’t afraid to let its hair down. During the 2003 Corso Italia Fiesta the community came together to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest spaghetti noodle ever made. It stretched 160 metres. The annual Fiesta features live bands and authentic tastes, plus many other ways to experience Toronto’s vibrant Italian culture.

Website: http://www.torontocorsoitalia.com

The wide variety of antique and specialty shops on Davisville Village’s Mt. Pleasant Road attracts serious collectors and curious browsers alike. It may be the glint of 19^th-century flatware that catches your eye. For others, it’s a charming example of Canadiana or the elegant curves of a vintage vase. Whatever era or style suits your taste, you’re sure to find a signature collector’s item or a unique souvenir in this neighbourhood.

Along with the treasures of bygone eras, many boutiques offer contemporary pieces by local and national artisans. Marvel at the miniature furnishings in the largest dollhouse shop in the country, or take home an original Canadian sculpture, painting or stoneware bowl.

When you’re ready for a shopping breather, visit one the many local cafés and restaurants in the area. Or enjoy a movie at the historic Regent Theatre, built in 1927for both motion pictures and vaudeville acts.

Anchored by popular shopping districts on Yonge Street to the west, and Bayview Avenue to the east, Davisville Village’s residential areas are favoured by professionals, young couples and singles. Just a short jaunt from downtown, this neighbourhood offers diverse amenities and energetic nightlife. It’s easily reached via Davisville station on the Yonge-University subway line and is also well serviced by buses.

The Gooderham & Worts Distillery was founded in 1832 by James Worts and his brother-in-law, William Gooderham. Their distillery flourished and by 1871 produced almost half of Ontario’s total spirit production, exporting whisky and spirits to many Canadian markets and even to New York.

This 13-acre historic enclave on Toronto’s shoreline, complete with 45 19^th-century buildings, has undergone careful restoration. As a result, it is now recognized as North America’s best-preserved collection of Victorian industrial architecture. Its new name – the Historic Distillery District – embraces the area’s rich past and architectural legacy.

The Distillery has been developed as a centre for arts, culture and entertainment. The picturesque, pedestrian-only area is filled with over a hundred tenants, including galleries, museums, rehearsal halls, boutiques, retail shops, artist studios, restaurants, bistros and cafés. The Distillery bustles with activity day and night. You can catch live music, outdoor exhibitions, fairs and special events year-round.

Website: http://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/

The first thing you need to know about Yonge Street is that it’s pronounced “Young.” And its downtown stretch is the most vibrant and bustling district of the city, famous for its world-class shopping, dining and entertainment. Toronto’s most visited attraction, the Eaton Centre, is modelled after European indoor gallerias.Worth seeing for its architecture alone, the Centre’s natural light, interior space and over 350 shops, restaurants and services draw millions of visitors every year.

If you can tear yourself away from the fabulous shopping, you’ll find lots of other things to do in Downtown Yonge. You can go to the theatre or catch a movie, concert or live event. In fact, there’s always something interesting going on here. And there is no end of restaurants, bars, pubs and coffee shops, ranging from quick and convenient food courts to elegant, upscale establishments where you’ll want to linger long into the evening. Then, when the evening does draw to a close, it’s just a short walk back to one of the many superb hotels.

Website: http://www.downtownyonge.com

The Entertainment District has earned a reputation for constant excitement. Day or night, this neighbourhood is bustling with activity. It’s not unusual to see crowds gathering here or there, and if there’s a line-up, chances are it’s worth the wait.

The area is home to lavish Broadway musicals, travelling road shows, home-grown productions and classical concerts. Theatres include the Pantages, the Royal Alexandra, the Princess of Wales, the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre Centre, Roy Thomson Hall and Massey Hall.

Sports fans cheered when the Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome) opened as the first stadium in the world with a fully retractable roof. This stellar entertainment centre is home to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team, the Toronto Argonauts football club and an exciting roster of big-name concerts, sporting events and trade shows.

The restaurant selection in the Entertainment District is where you’ll really get a taste of Toronto’s multiculturalism. The area is packed with eateries of every kind. With such a grand selection, you’ll never go hungry or bored.

Website: http://www.thedistrict.ca

The stretch along Spadina Avenue known as the Fashion District (or the Garment District)
holds the city’s largest collection of fabric and fashion outlets. It’s the place for hot deals on even hotter styles in fabrics, leather and fur. The popular trend in this neighbourhood is buying direct from the manufacturer and saving loads of cash. And if you’re planning a trip down the aisle, you’ll also find a large selection of affordable wedding gowns.

Soaring architectural marvels fill the horizon in Toronto’s Financial District. This bustling business core, centred on Bay and King Streets, is home to banks, corporate head offices, law firms, stockbrokerages and other big businesses. But under the glass, concrete and steel monoliths reaching skywards, a whole other city thrives below the surface. The PATH, or Toronto’s Underground City, is a subterranean shopping concourse that weaves its way for more than 27 kilometres (16 miles) beneath the financial core. With close to 1,200 retail shops, cafés and restaurants, the Underground City connects to 48 office towers, six hotels and five subway stations.

Rain or shine, you can explore the Financial District in perfect comfort.

Website: http://www.toronto.ca/path/index.htm

Forest Hill is one of Toronto’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. An old bylaw required each home to have an original design developed by an architect and a tree planted in its front yard. Now, decades later, the winding streets of this picturesque neighbourhood are adorned with elaborate mansions and majestic trees, making it a pleasure to wander through.

Or, for a more natural excursion, explore the 14.5 kilometres of the Belt Line fitness and nature trail. The Belt Line Railway was Toronto’s first commuter train, but its route is now travelled by walkers, joggers and outdoor enthusiasts. The wooded path graces Forest Hill on its way down to Rosedale.

Forest Hill Village, the neighbourhood’s main shopping area, consists of a single street lined with boutiques, restaurants and galleries that add to the small-town feel. The eclectic collection of fashion, art, food, services and specialty shops provides the locals with everything they need, plus a few healthy indulgences.

Also known as the Danforth, Greektown is an integral part of Toronto’s identity. The Greek community started with only 20 Greek names in 1907, and has grown to become the second-largest outside of Greece itself – a testament to the area’s strong character and welcoming atmosphere.

The streets are lined with the unmistakable blue and white of the Greek flag and signs are displayed in both English and Greek. As one of Toronto’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, it is a premier destination for shopping, dining, strolling, patios and people-watching. It’s a place that’s always buzzing with excitement. Shouts of “opa!” waft through the air in the summer months, mingling with the scent of garlic and rosemary. Summertime also finds many restaurants and cafés open until the wee hours of the morning.

Most notably, Greektown hosts the annual Taste of the Danforth festival. This event brings the delectable cuisine out of local restaurants and into the streets. Listen to Greek bands while getting your fill of authentic souvlaki, stuffed grape leaves, grilled lamb and moussaka. Every year, it feels as if the delicious food and entertainment draw the entire city to Greektown.

Website: http://www.greektowntoronto.com

Toronto’s Harbourfront neighbourhood is an upscale community with a picturesque view of Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands. Residents and visitors enjoy many fine cultural, recreational, shopping and dining opportunities.

Enjoy award-winning architecture as you explore the elegant shops in the Queen’s Quay Terminal. The spacious building is filled with natural light pouring in from towering ceilings. Its unique design is reflected in the one-of-a-kind gifts, fashions, home accessories and toys found within the stores.

A stone’s throw from the Terminal, you’ll find Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre. This arts and culture hub assists over 450 groups in bringing their artistic visions to the public. The 10-acre site houses studios, theatres, galleries, markets and more. Watch as glass blowers shape their molten material at the Craft Studio. Dance troupes have their own stage at the Premiere Dance Theatre. And The Power Plant is Toronto’s foremost showcase for contemporary arts. As a whole, the centre strives to bring people the magic of an internationally-inspired creative spirit.

Stately Victorian and Edwardian homes line the winding residential streets surrounding Toronto’s largest greenspace, High Park. About a 20-minute subway ride from downtown, this tree-filled area of the city enjoys easy access to the tranquil paths and diverse recreational activities of the nearly 400-acre oasis.

The playgrounds, animal paddocks and other attractions of the park are ideal for a leisurely afternoon of exploring with young children. And visitors of all ages will love the European charm and café culture of the nearby shopping district, Bloor West Village. Take the Bloor-Danforth subway line to Keele, High Park or Runnymede stations for easy access to both the park and nearby shops.

As you stroll westward along Bloor Street West, the delectable scent of fresh-baked goods will entice you from the sidewalk. Bloor West Village boasts authentic European bakeries and delicatessens, some specializing in homemade perogies and other Ukrainian delicacies.

The Kensington Market area is a maze of narrow streets and alleys, many of which are lined with brightly-coloured Victorian houses. During the 1920s, when it was a predominantly Jewish neighbourhood, families would set up stands in front of their homes and sell their goods to one another. This was the start of Toronto’s famous Kensington Market.

Today the neighbourhood and the market make up one of Toronto’s most diverse areas.

The rich multicultural mix is obvious in the shops packed with goods from Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East, South America and Asia. A visit to Kensington Market is like a sensory trip around the world. It’s also a treasure trove of vintage and second-hand clothing shops tucked in among eclectic restaurants and cafés.

On busy days, the market is every bit as lively as street markets around the world: a cacophony of sounds, piles of fruit and vegetables, exotic spices and sweet treats. People are attracted not only to the good prices but also to the market’s wide variety of unusual shops, including some of Toronto’s best vintage clothing stores.

Every December 21, Kensington celebrates the winter solstice in a colourful pageant called the Kensington Karnival. The neighbourhood stages a traditional candlelit mummers' parade, with gigantic costumes and wonderfully atmospheric music. It takes place in late afternoon, after the sun goes down and the market is bustling with holiday shoppers.

Website: http://www.downtownyonge.com

Once a gritty industrial zone, King West Village has been reborn as the chic, dynamic cousin of trendy Queen Street West. Historic factory buildings still dot the area, many converted to unique residential and commercial spaces.

Foodies will delight in the gastronomic variety of King West Village, including two restaurants created by Canadian chef and international culinary star Susur Lee. This neighbourhood is also a creative hotbed filled with galleries and artists’ studios.

For those keeping fit while on holiday, the area offers excellent recreational facilities just a short streetcar ride from downtown. Trinity Bellwoods, one of the largest local parks, features a community fitness centre and marked trails with stunning views of Toronto’s skyline. And don’t miss a sunset walk along Lake Ontario under the sheltering trees of nearby Coronation Park.

Come evening, residents of King West Village enliven a host of stylish bars and restaurants. Despite its hipster status, the neighbourhood has a reputation for friendliness. For a taste of local history, belly up to the bar for a pint at the famous Wheat Sheaf Tavern, a local fixture for more than 150 years.

Koreatown is just outside the downtown core, situated on Bloor Street West – one of Toronto’s main arteries. This fairly young neighbourhood is easily accessible on the city’s subway system and offers many ways to indulge in Korean culture.

Browse through high-end boutiques featuring vibrant Korean fashions. Feeling adventurous? Visit one of the acupuncture clinics or show off your talent at a karaoke lounge. If you’d rather let your taste buds do the exploring, dine at one of the many authentic restaurants, including sushi bars, barbecue, vegetarian and more. And don’t forget to pick up a box of delectable walnut cakes to go.

Each year Koreatown presents the Dano Festival, where visitors can witness spectacular martial arts demonstrations, exotic dancing and music.

Lawrence Park is one of Toronto's most exclusive residential neighbourhoods. It is located in a very peaceful and tranquil setting that includes gently rolling hills, winding roads and a lush topography. Lawrence Park's shops, schools, and recreational facilities are located on its periphery, which keeps traffic on the residential streets to a minimum.

Shopping: The high profile shops and restaurants in the Yonge and Lawrence area, are well patronized by Lawrence Park residents. This shopping district includes fashion stores, children's stores, sporting goods stores, gift shops, bakeries, and gourmet coffee shops.

Recreation: This park has three clay surface tennis courts, a lawn bowling club, and the Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens, an award winning multi level strolling garden. This park also provides access to the Lawrence Park Ravine footpath that’s popular with fitness and nature enthusiasts.

History: The Lawrence Park subdivision was assembled in 1907 by the Dovercourt Land Building and Saving Company. The Dovercourt Land Company acquired the north parcel of Lawrence Park from John Lawrence, after whom this neighbourhood is named. Wilfred Servington Dinnick was the president of the Dovercourt Land Company. It was under Dinnick's direction that Lawrence Park was developed as a suburb for the 'well to do'. The first advertisement for Lawrence Park trumpeted it as an 'aristocratic neighbourhood', 'four hundred feet above Lake Ontario', and 'Far from the Lake Winds in Winter'. Despite all its fanfare, Lawrence Park's development was sporadic. The building of houses was interrupted by two world wars, a recession, and a depression. It wasn't until the 1950's that this neighbourhood was completely developed.

The green and white Leslieville street signs that run along Queen Street were installed in 1987. These historic markers are symbolic of a renewed interest and pride in Leslieville among the residents of this quiet east end neighbourhood. Leslieville still feels very much like a small village. Its cozy houses, quaint stores, and tree lined streets, seem surprisingly serene and peaceful considering Leslieville's close proximity to downtown Toronto.

Shopping: Leslieville's main shopping district runs along historic Queen Street. Most of these stores are small independently owned shops that cater to the specific needs of the local residents. The area on Gerrard Street East between Greenwood Avenue and Coxwell Avenue is known as the ïIndia Bazaar'. This is the commercial centre of Toronto's East Indian community. The smell of incense and the sound of music provide an exotic backdrop to the shops on this street. The clothing stores sell imported silk fabrics, and the restaurant vendors barbecue spicy corn on the cob out on the sidewalk.

Little India is home to the Gerrard India Bazaar, North America’s largest South Asian ethnic market. Browse textile shops full of colourful silks to make the perfect sari, or buy vibrant ready-to-wear clothing at import clothing shops. Find bargains on exotic home furnishings, jewellery and art from the south Asia. There’s plenty to keep you busy and that’s before you even get to the Bazaar’s main attraction – the food.

The food alone makes this Toronto experience a must for any visitor. You’ll find a mishmash of eateries featuring delicacies from North and South India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Savour fresh tandoori chicken or rich masala dosai at an authentic “chat house”. And as many traditional meals contain no meat, vegetarians will feel more than satisfied with the range of delicious options.

In November, Little India celebrates Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Hundreds of twinkling tea lights decorate the neighbourhood with a warm, majestic glow. The Bazaar also celebrates with many festivities, including henna artistry, Bollywood films and tasty treats.

No matter what time of year you choose to visit Little India, your senses will be dazzled by the vibrant colours and aromas.

Although Little Italy is now demographically more Portuguese, the atmosphere is still very much Italian. This lively neighbourhood is packed with trattorias, trendy restaurants, cafés, pool halls and some of the hottest nightclubs in Toronto. Little Italy's sidewalks are humming with activity on weekends – especially in the summer, with locals and visitors alike sipping espressos on outdoor patios.

The traditional Italian trattorias, known for their family-style, casual dining, are as much about the social atmosphere as the food itself. If you’re not that hungry, but still craving good company, head to one of the traditional Italian coffee shops or billiard halls. These “social clubs” are filled with conversation, laughter and many passionate discussions about soccer.

And your visit would not be complete without a bite or a sip at Café Diplomatico. This popular destination has become a Toronto institution for coffee lovers. Affectionately known as “The Dip” by locals, the café is often used as a set by filmmakers. There might be a line-up just to get a seat, but the savoury Italian dishes, reasonable prices and people-watching opportunities make it well worth the wait.

Take a walk through Little Poland and no doubt its small-town European charm will capture your heart. The area is home to many small, family-owned retail and food shops. As you explore the different boutiques, you may find yourself following the irresistible aromas that waft out of the local bakeries.

Also called Roncesvalles , this neighbourhood should definitely be on your itinerary if you have an appetite for East European delicacies. Savour hand-made perogies, juicy sausages, sauerkraut, cabbage rolls and traditional soups. One of these hearty meals will sustain you for a full day of exploring, or help you recharge.

In September, Roncesvalles hosts the annual Little Poland festival. The main street is closed off to make room for dancers, games, rides, food and thousands of people. There are plenty of activities for children and adults and delicious treats to go around.

Venture uptown for a dose of glamour and chic. Browse through Yorkdale Mall’s upscale urban shopping streetscape, housed under a 60-foot-high glass atrium. Add to your wardrobe with designs from posh shops like Holt Renfrew, Sephora or Lululemon or get the latest electronics at Apple. There are over 240 stores of high-end retail rapture in this buzzing mall. 

For an educational experience, visit the Gibson House Museum and peek into the lives of the Gibson family, who lived there in 1851. Children can participate in interactive games and dress in costumes from that era. On a more serious note, the Holocaust Education and Memorial Centre uses artifacts and films to portray the experiences of European Jews before, during and after World War II.

If you want something to get your adrenaline pumping, head to the hills at North York Ski Centre in Earl Bales Park. You can schuss to your heart’s content with day and night skiing on three intermediate-level slopes. If you can’t make the ski season, gallop over to Sunnybrook Stables, where an impressive selection of rental horses and experienced, well-qualified coaches are waiting carry you away. You can choose from English riding lessons in both Hunter and Dressage.

When you’re ready to sit back and relax, take in a performance at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. Let the soothing strains of a concerto or chorale wash over you in the large Main Stage Theatre or the more intimate George Weston Recital Hall.

Old Town is an important historical area that dates back to Toronto’s beginnings in the early 19th century, when horse-drawn carriages were the popular mode of transportation. Nine neighbourhoods in Toronto’s lower east end make up what is affectionately referred to as Old Town.

Revitalized areas such as the Distillery District, the picturesque Flatiron Building, St. Lawrence Market, Front Street and King Street have made this community popular with shoppers, art lovers and photographers looking for a glimpse into Toronto’s past. Stroll through enchanting cobblestone streets, and enjoy the community’s flourishing arts and culture scene.

Also known as the SoHo strip, Queen Street West is one of the hippest, trendiest shopping scenes in Toronto. Filled with cool, upbeat shops selling clothing that ranges from grunge to daring to ultra-chic, it’s a goldmine for the fashion-hungry.

If you’re into shoes, be prepared to stay a while. Find the perfect pair that will knock your socks off, plus an equally cool pair of socks to knock your shoes off. And browse through funky accessories which that will great gifts, especially for the younger crowd.

When you’re all shopped out, or just need a little break, pop into one of the many little restaurants squeezed between all the shops. And if you’ve got any energy left, head to a dance club for the evening and try out one of those outfits you’ve just bought.

Riverdale is the gateway to Toronto's east end neighbourhoods. It is a large and diverse community that is especially well known for its colourful shopping districts and quaint Victorian homes. North Riverdale from Gerrard to the Danforth is very popular with young affluent professionals, while South Riverdale has traditionally attracted a wide mix of people looking for affordable homes close to downtown.

Shopping: Riverdale's best known shopping district is along Danforth Avenue, east of Broadview. The Danforth is the heart of Toronto's Greek community. It features many first class Greek restaurants and a dazzling array of stores. Riverdale also has a Chinatown shopping district centred in Gerrard and Broadview. This stretch of stores is known for its bakeries, grocery stands, and restaurants. Another shopping destination point for Riverdale residents is Queen Broadview Village. This historic shopping district includes some interesting antique and collectible stores. Gerrard Square located at the corner of Pape Avenue and Gerrard Street is a large indoor shopping mall with over 70 stores.

Recreation: Riverdale has a myriad of parks and parkettes situated throughout the neighbourhood. The three largest parks are Riverdale Park East, Withrow Park and Jimmie Simpson Park. Each of these Parks have tennis courts, a wading pool, a hockey rink, and a baseball diamond.

History: Riverdale's development was accelerated in 1918 with the building of Toronto's largest bridge, the Prince Edward Viaduct. The Viaduct provided Riverdale with an important link to the City of Toronto, west of the Don River, and marked a coming of age for this popular Toronto neighbourhood.

When in this picturesque neighbourhood, surrounded by beautiful ravines and parkland, it’s easy to forget that you’re just minutes from downtown Toronto. For over 100 years Rosedale has been home to many of Toronto’s most established and wealthy families. Winding streets weave through the many secluded parks in the area. Saunter by magnificent houses and marvel at the well-manicured landscaping.

A short walk north on Yonge Street will lead you to a collection of high-end boutiques that cater to the residents of this prestigious neighbourhood.

Back in 1803 the governor proclaimed this area the “Market Block”. Today three historic buildings remain as the old city’s social centre, including the North Farmers’ Market, the South Market and Gallery and the beautifully restored St. Lawrence Hall. Over 120 specialty merchants and vendors display a variety of authentic market foods, delicatessen specialties and wines. You will find vendors selling unusual crafts and gifts, with ongoing entertainment in the form of art displays and live music.

On Saturdays the north building springs to life at five in the morning. Local farmers start setting out their seasonal produce at first light, introducing 1,001 aromas and tempting tastes to the hall. The site also hosts a regular antique and old paper market.

Follow the locals for a favourite Toronto tradition – the Canadian peameal bacon sandwich. This signature snack of Toronto features salt- and sugar-cured extra-lean back bacon, rolled in cornmeal, and is well worth trying.

Summerhill's turn of the century houses, winding tree-lined streets, and abundance of parkland have made it one of Toronto's most preferred neighbourhoods. It is conveniently located along the Yonge Street corridor, providing Summerhill residents with easy access to Toronto's downtown business and entertainment districts.

Shopping: Summerhill residents are within walking distance of the many fine shops and restaurants centred around Yonge Street and Summerhill Avenue. The Bloor-Yorkville and Yonge and St. Clair shopping districts are also easily accessed from the Summerhill neighbourhood.

Recreation: The Rosehill Reservoir Park is located east of Yonge Street, with access from Summerhill Gardens. The lower portion of this park features a foot path that is used by walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The north-east corner of this path leads to the David A. Balfour Park, a nature trail that winds through the Vale of Avoca Ravine. The upper portion of the Rosehill Reservoir Park includes a childrenÍs playground, a wading pool, a waterfall, and reflecting pools. Lionel Conacher Park, situated off Birch Avenue, is a memorial to Lionel Conacher who was CanadaÍs athlete of the first half of the twentieth century. Conacher, who grew up in the Summerhill neighbourhood, played on two Toronto Maple Leaf Stanley Cup teams. He also competed at the highest level in a dozen other sports and served in the Ontario Legislature, as well as the House of Commons.

History: The Summerhill neighbourhood is named after 'Summer Hill' house, a magnificent Regency cottage built in 1842, by transportation baron Charles Thompson. Summer Hill stood on the crest of the hill where the houses on Summerhill Gardens are located today. Thompson's two hundred acre Summer Hill estate stretched from the present day Yonge Street to Mt. Pleasant Road. On this site Thompson established the 'Summer Hill Spring Park and Pleasure Grounds'. This amusement park featured rides, games, swimming and a popular dance pavilion that was located inside the Summer Hill house. Thompson's heirs subdivided Summer Hill in the 1860's. From the 1880's onward Summerhill's development revolved around the railway. The first residents of this neighbourhood worked at the North Toronto Railway station which was established on Yonge Street near Summerhill in the 1880's. This station - rebuilt in 1916 - is distinguished by its grand clock tower and now serves as the neighbourhood liquor store. In the 1920's the Canadian Pacific Railway made Summerhill their main Toronto station. When Summerhill station closed this neighbourhood went into a period of decline that lasted until the Summerhill subway station opened in 1965. Summerhill has enjoyed a position of prominence among Toronto neighbourhoods ever since.

The Beach, or “Beaches” as many locals call it, is a charming, laid-back neighbourhood with a relaxed small-town vibe. Just 15 minutes east of downtown Toronto, the area has two main attractions: the beach and Queen Street, with its eclectic mix of shops, sidewalk cafés, pubs and restaurants.

The inviting Lake Ontario beachfront features acres of soft sand, shady parks that are ideal for a picnic, bike and rollerblade paths and a 3-km boardwalk. All are beautifully maintained and very popular with the locals. Come people-watch while you soak up the atmosphere. Or work up a sweat along the paths or at one of the many beach volleyball courts. Cool off in the lake or at the Olympic-size swimming pool (entry is free), before taking a few minutes to stroll up to the main street along Queen Street East.

If ever a street was made for idly sauntering, it’s Queen Street in the Beaches. Reflecting the diversity and easy-going attitudes of the neigbourhood, the bustling thoroughfare is lined with quaint and quirky stores, and a cool collection of bars and restaurants. Nestled between Queen Street and the beach is Kew Gardens, a large public park which is home to the neighbourhood’s many festivals, craft shows, concerts and exhibitions, including the annual Beaches International Jazz Festival, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every July.

Website: http://www.beachesbia.com

Toronto is home to Canada's largest gay community and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Gay Village, or “The Village” as the locals call it, is a predominantly gay neighbourhood nestled within Toronto’s downtown core. Centred at the intersection of Church and Wellesley Streets, the area is packed with cafés, restaurants, gay-oriented shops and a vast array of hot bars and nightspots.

Despite the many shops, people-watching remains one of the most popular Village pastimes. On any given day, hot boys and hot girls fill Church Street with energy, passion and opportunity. For even sweeter eye-candy, come out and see the costumed revellers dressed to shock for Halloweek in October. Experience the fun and frivolity of this wicked week-long October celebration. Think costumed mayhem, free-flowing cocktails, fashion, entertainment and countless cute trick-or-treaters.

But it gets even better. Each year at the end of June, Toronto plays host to Pride Week, one of the largest pride festivals in the world. This ten-day queer celebration turns streets into parades and parking lots into parties, and draws a crowd of over a million supporters from around the globe. With concerts, galas, and cultural events throughout, the festival climaxes on its last day with the famous Pride Parade that takes over Toronto’s Yonge Street and fills it with all the colours of the rainbow.

Just a stately 10-minute ferry ride from the mainland will take you to another world of quiet tree-filled picnic spots, marinas, quaint old cottages and beachfront attractions. Come across and catch your breath.

Toronto Islands are made up of three major islands, eight islands with names and several more without. The absence of cars creates a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Here you’ll find four great beaches – Centre Island Beach, Gibraltar Point Beach, Hanlan’s Point Beach and Ward’s Island Beach – paths, bridges and boardwalks that connect the islands.

Ward and Algonquin Islands feature summer cottages from the 1920s mixed in with breathtaking modern cottages and charming English-style gardens. Hanlan’s Point provides a quiet escape, with an excellent clothing-optional beach and Toronto’s famous haunted lighthouse.

The most popular is Centre Island, which features huge picnic areas, bike paths, a maze, a beach, a chapel and award-winning gardens. Paddleboats, bicycles and in-line skates are available to rent on the island. You’ll also find Centreville, an amusement park geared towards younger children with some 30 rides, a petting zoo with pony rides, and picturesque swan boats circling a small lagoon.

Hop aboard one of the three regular ferries that depart from the foot of Bay Street and Queen’s Quay and escape the hustle and bustle. The view of Toronto’s skyline across the bay is worth the trip alone.

This distinctive neighbourhood is filled with unique boutiques, restaurants and a diverse collection of galleries. Over the past decade, this area has been revitalized by an influx of custom retailers, designers and artists rewarding shoppers with original fashions, guitars and art and home furnishings. This eclectic street is home to antiques and Art Deco, beautiful Trinity Bellwood Park and inspiring meals at intimate cafes and laid-back bistros. It’s chic yet friendly community, bustling with culture and creativity for all to enjoy. (From TT website)

Enjoying an ongoing renaissance, the West Queen West Art & Design District has become one of the city’s most visited shopping quarters. As one of Toronto’s most dynamic and progressive neighborhoods, it has become the destination of choice for tourists and Torontonians alike.West Queen West houses a variety of boutiques: interior design shops, antique and vintage stores, a selection of distinctive and enticing restaurants. It is also home to the largest concentration of art galleries in the city; including the new and highly acclaimed Museum of Canadian Contemporary Art.

Located on Queen Street West, between Bathurst Street and Gladstone Avenue, the area has over 400 businesses.  With restoration of major landmarks like the Drake Hotel and The Gladstone Hotel, West Queen West is currently experiencing an infusion of new activity and investment, creating one of the most vibrant commercial areas in the City. (From W.Q.W BIA site)

Take a bite out of Bloor West Village, a carnival of tastes, sights and sounds – many of them from Eastern Europe. Browse through delicatessens brimming with sausage, perogies, paska, borscht and other mouth-watering goodies. After you’ve had your fill, venture into High Park, almost 400 acres of parkland and wilderness. Wander down the Spring Creek or West Ravine nature trails, admiring the rare oak savannahs towering overhead, remnants of the sand prairie system that once covered Ontario eons ago.

A little further east lies the Humber River Valley, discovered by French explorer Étienne Brulé in 1615 and used by the first European settlers. The graceful Humber Bridge links the Waterfront Trail to the Martin Goodman Trail to the east and the Tommy Thompson Trail north along the Humber, all perfect for rollerblading, bicycling or a leisurely stroll.

If you have higher expectations, head north to Toronto’s Aerospace Museum and marvel at the fabric and wire biplanes of the 1920s or the sleek supersonic lines of a full-scale mock-up of the Avro Arrow – Canada’s legendary, but never produced, interceptor that was far ahead of its time. Travel further back in time at Black Creek Pioneer Village, where 40 original heritage homes and shops recapture the 1850s. Banter with a blacksmith in period costume or learn how to spin wool or build a log cabin. 

On a hot day, cool off at Wild Water Kingdom, with 100 acres of refreshing, exhilarating fun. If it’s too cold for bathing suits, visit RINX, where 100,000 square feet of adrenaline-pumping excitement is sure to heat things up. Try Glo-in-the-dark Cosmic Golf, or Whirly Ball, a crazy combination of basketball and bumper cars.

Save some time for Dr. Flea’s Flea Market at Hwy. 27 and Albion Road. You’ll find over 400 vendors selling everything from sports cards to antiques and electronics, all at generous discounts.

Willowdale is a vibrant and cosmopolitan urban centre filled with luxury condominiums, custom built homes, shining office towers, a newly renovated shopping mall and theatre complex, an ultra modern civic centre, a world-class aquatic centre and a highly acclaimed centre for the performing arts. Willowdale is also the home of the newly rebuilt Earl Haig Secondary School which has an outstanding academic reputation. Earl Haig is also highly regarded for its Claude Watson Arts program where students can major in dance, drama, music or visual arts.

Shopping: The Yonge Street shopping district which runs through the centre of this neighbourhood is a curious mix of small retailers, big box stores, one-of-a-kind specialty stores, fast food restaurants, small shopping plazas and a large shopping centre. This vibrant shopping mecca also features an international selection of restaurants including French, Italian, Greek, Chinese, Japanese and Middle Eastern foods. If you prefer making dinner at home there are numerous food markets along this street. The Bayview Village Shopping Centre, located at the north-east corner of Bayview and Sheppard Avenues, is known for its excellent selection of clothing stores and restaurants. Willowdale Avenue provides residents in the east part of this neighbourhood with additional convenience-type shopping and also contains a number of specialty service stores and professional offices.

Recreation: Mel Lastman Square is a popular public promenade that is equipped with a spacious amphitheatre, intimate wedding pavilions, a garden court, and a reflecting pool which doubles as a skating rink in the wintertime. Next to Mel Lastman Square is the Ford Centre for the Performing Arts which includes the Art Gallery of North York, the George Weston Recital Hall, and the Studio Theatre. The Willowdale Lawn Bowling Club is located across the street from the civic centre at 150 Beecroft Road.

History: Willowdale was originally settled by Jacob Cummer, who immigrated to Canada from the United States in 1797. Cummer was a mill owner on the nearby Don River, a proprietor of a tinsmith shop on Yonge Street and a self trained doctor and veterinarian. Cummer was held in such high esteem by his neighbours that this area was originally known as Kummer's Settlement. David Gibson, a distinguished land surveyor, was another leader in this community. Like most of his neighbours, Gibson participated in the ill-fated Toronto Rebellion of 1837. He was thus charged with high treason and escaped to the United States were he found employment as the First Assistant Engineer on the building of the Erie Canal. Gibson returned to his Yonge Street farm in 1851, after being pardoned for his role in the Rebellion. He then helped to establish the "Willow Dale" post office, named after the many willow trees that once graced this district. Members of the Gibson family were still living in Gibson House (which is still standing in its original location at 5172 Yonge Street and is now a historic museum) in the 1920's when the residential subdivision of Willowdale began to take place.

Website: http://www.yongeeglinton.com

Deer Park is different from many upscale Toronto neighbourhoods in that its homes are not isolated on the periphery of the neighbourhood. The residential streets spill out onto either Yonge Street or St. Clair Avenue, right into the heart of one of Toronto's busiest shopping, entertainment, and business districts. Deer Park's commercial centre provides a good balance for this neighbourhood which is surrounded by lush green parkland, majestic trees, and the Vale of Avoca Ravine.

Shopping: The Yonge and St. Clair shopping district is known for its many fine restaurants. The high profile retailers in this area attract shoppers from all over the city. Most of the local staple and grocery stores are located inside the St. Clair Centre and The Towne Mall or at the Delisle Court.

Recreation: The Rosehill Reservoir Park, on Pleasant Boulevard, is one of Toronto's prettiest parks. Wrapped around the park is a surfaced path that's ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling. The top tier of the park has a large children's playground and a wading pool. This part of the park is also decorated with a water fountain, a reflecting pool, and a waterfall. Next to the Rosehill Reservoir Park is the David Balfour Park which includes a hiking trail through the wilderness of the Vale of Avoca Ravine. Oriole Park is located at the northern tip of Deer Park. It has a playground, a wading pool, two tennis courts and access to the ïBelt Line', a seven kilometre path that follows the route of Toronto's old Belt Line Railway.

History: Deer Park used to be referred to by the First Nations people as "Mushquoteh", which means a meadow or opening in the wood where deer come to feed. In 1837, the Heath family purchased forty acres of land in "Mushquoteh". Appropriately, they named their estate Deer Park. By the 1850's, the Deer Park area had grown to include a handful of country villas, a general store, a school, a cemetery, a race track, and a hotel that was located at the intersection of Yonge and St. Clair. Patrons at the Deer Park Hotel used to delight in feeding the deer that roamed on the hotel grounds. The deer were long gone by the time Deer Park was annexed to the City of Toronto in 1908. Deer Park filled in very quickly after annexation. By the 1930's the Deer Park neighbourhood was established as one of Toronto's finest residential districts.