So , while locals know that Toronto is a great city to call home , what ’ s the experience like for visitors ? I think most would agree that the very same qualities that make Canada ’ s largest city such a great place to call home are also the very same reasons it ’ s a must-see destination , starting with our multiculturalism .

At a time when religion , race and culture can divide us , Toronto remains a place where one ’ s differences are not only embraced but celebrated . Our assortment of neighbourhoods — some just blocks apart — coexist peacefully and colourfully , offering residents and travellers alike the opportunity to savour and soak up different languages ( even dialects ), customs , and authentic flavours from an array of countries , whether it ’ s Hellenic flare in Greektown in the east end or Polish pride in Roncesvalles Village in the west end . Even those areas that aren ’ t closely affiliated with a particular nationality have their own identities as you ’ ll see in “ Districts of Distinction ” ( page 49 ), which highlights seven pockets ranging from the Financial District to Bloor-Yorkville .

Toronto ’ s reputation for embracing diversity and being open to new ideas isn ’ t going unnoticed . Some big names from the culinary world have recently opened restaurants here , including Jamie Oliver , Daniel Boulud , and David Chang . As Canada ’ s own master chef Michael Bonacini notes in “ Taking a Bite Out of Toronto ” ( page 20 ), the city ’ s diversity provides “ so much opportunity to experiment and push the culinary envelope .” Chefs aren ’ t the only ones taking note of Toronto ’ s receptiveness : businesses such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom are elevating — and refining — the shopping experience . In “ Redefining the Ultimate Retail Experience ” ( page 43 ), you ’ ll discover the myriad ways department stores and shopping centres are attracting your buying power with prestige services . And not to be excluded , the city ’ s stages are demonstrating their varied appeal in the shows they ’ re presenting — some of which debut here before heading to Broadway while others arrive straight from London ’ s prestigious West End . “ Stories , Songs and Shows ” ( page 26 ) highlights some of the award – winning productions entertaining audiences this season , including a new adaptation of Louis Riel by the Canadian Opera Company in honour of Canada ’ s sesquicentennial , and the New York-bound Come From Away from Mirvish Productions following its Toronto run .

I hope that throughout your stay here you ’ ll discover the many things Torontonians already know and love about their city . And because you can ’ t possibly see and do everything in just one visit , you ’ ll surely be booking a return trip soon .

Enjoy your visit !

photo by janet kwan .

Linda Luong Luck

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