Toronto: Places to Explore

Harbourfront, the Financial District, and Old Town

Packed into this area, which runs from Bay Street east to Parliament Street and from Queen Street south to Lake Ontario, you'll find the city's main attractions and historical roots and the financial hub of the nation. As many of its attractions are outdoors, this downtown core is especially appealing during warm weather, but should a sudden downpour catch you off guard, shelter can be found in the area's museums and underground shopping city.

In fair weather, the Harbourfront area is appealing for strolls, and myriad recreational and amusement options make it ideal for those traveling with children. The nearby Toronto Islands provide a perfect escape from the sometimes stifling summer heat of downtown.

Farther north lies the Financial District with its unique and wonderful architectural variety of skyscrapers. Most of the towers have bank branches, restaurants, and retail outlets on their ground floors and are connected to the PATH, an underground city of shops and tunnels.

East of the Financial District is Old Town, where the city got its municipal start as the village of York in 1793. A pleasing natural disorder now prevails in this neighborhood, which blends old and new buildings, residential and commercial space. At the far east end of Old Town is one of Toronto's hottest entertainment destinations, the Historic Distillery District, in which contemporary galleries, bustling pubs, and chic restaurants fill restored Victorian-era factories.