One of Toronto’s most lasting impressions must be its futuristic skyline. The financial district around King Street is particularly impressive, where architects have tried to make their constructions ever more distinguished in a bid to outdo their rivals.  Here you will find the twin towers of the Royal Bank Building glittering with 24 karat gold, the towering red marble of Scotia Plaza, the distinctive Canada Trust Tower and, of course, the world’s tallest building, the CN Tower.  But the whole city is renowned for its unique architecture.  Historic stone buildings such as the Old City Hall, Union Station and McKenzie House sit comfortably alongside more modern constructions such as the Ontario College of Art & Design, the Toronto City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square.  Perhaps the best example of old and new combined can be found within the 6 storey-tall pedestrian Alan Lambert Gallaria, whose graceful arches also shelter the city’s oldest surviving stone building. 

But these towering buildings are only the tip of the iceburg for below their foundations is a whole other city, built to withstand the extreme cold of winter. PATH is Toronto’s subterranean walkway, running underground from the CN Tower in the north to the Eaton Centre in the south, connecting major hotels, subway stations and the world’s largest underground shopping complex.

And if you want to shop, you’ve surely come to the right place!  Toronto is rightly proud of its shopping scene - from designer boutiques and ethnic stores to organic markets, you’re sure to find something of interest.  The Old Town neighbourhood is home to the St Lawrence Market with over 50 gourmet food stalls.  Here, visitors can wander along the archived photograph gallery upstairs before enjoying a spot of lunch.  Alternatively, head for the hugely popular Eaton Centre - this multi-level shopping mall has recently been named Toronto’s number 1 visitor attraction.  For something a little more exclusive, peruse the art galleries and small boutiques of the village-like Yorkville district or visit the newly restored Distillery District.

Home to more than 80 different cultures, Toronto also offers a number of atmospheric neighbourhoods which lend yet more colour and flavour to this diverse city.  Savour the delicious aromas of fresh pizza in Little Italy, browse the speciality shops in GreekTown or enjoy a lively evening out in ChinaTown.

With so much to see, visitors wanting to take a break from streetscene should catch the ferry to Toronto’s islands where they can admire the city’s skyline from afar and relax amongst the shady trees and walkways.