Toronto

Quick Area Guide

Toronto is located on the northwest shore of Lake Ontario at Latitude 43 39 N, Longitude 79 23 W. Located on a broad sloping plateau cut by numerous river valleys, Toronto covers 641 sq.km. and stretches 43 km from east to west and 21 km from north to south at its longest points. The perimeter is approximately 180 km.

With a population of 2.48 million people ( 5 million in the GTA - Greater Toronto Area ) Toronto is heralded as one of the most multicultural cities in the world and is ranked as the safest large metropolitan area in North America by Places Rated Almanac. Over 100 languages and dialects are spoken here and over one third of Toronto residents speak a language other than English at home.

The City of Toronto has plenty of parklands, historical neighbourhoods, world-renowned theatres, recreation centres, cosmopolitan shopping, world-class schools, state-of-the art affordable health system and superb public transportation. This vibrant city with museums, art galleries, superb restaurants and nightlife offers something for everyone.

As Canada's corporate capital and leading business address, Toronto is a home to more nationally and internationally top-ranked companies than any other Canadian city. The city's business infrastructure makes modern business in Toronto seamless. In this era of inter-connected global business, Toronto, with one of the largest networks of fibre-optic cable of any North American city, has the technology and bandwidth to move information faster than the speed of modern business. Toronto's highly skilled, educated and multi-lingual workforce provides the knowledge and know-how to keep Toronto businesses ahead of the rest. Toronto has two airports. Lester B. Pearson International Airport provides a connection to and from every corner of the world. Toronto Island City Centre Airport, located on the island on Lake Ontario, directly from downtown, provides convenient service to short-haul commuters.

Toronto is a home to its landmark CN Tower (553.33 m) and the world's longest street which starts at the City's lakeshore (Yonge Street at 1,896 km). Toronto is as far south as the French Riviera or more people live in Toronto than in Canada's four Atlantic provinces combined.

Courtesy of Sonja Nielsen, RE/MAX Condos Plus Corp. Brokerage

Attractions

CN Tower

The CN Tower is Toronto's tallest and most defining landmark. Photos of Toronto are often defined by the building stretching more than 550 metres into the sky.

The CN Tower was originally built to solve communications problems caused by the skyscrapers dotting Toronto's landscape in the '70s. The new buildings towered over past transmission towers and caused poor reception for televisions and radios in the city. So work began on a tower to stand above all of Toronto's skyscrapers and serve as the centre of telecommunications in this ever growing city. In June of 1976, after 40 months of construction the CN Tower was complete.

Today, aside from serving as a hub for telecommunications across the city the CN Tower has become major tourist destination. Visitors can test their courage by walking across the glass floor 113 stories above the ground. The first of its kind in the world, the glass floor give you that dare to walk on air experience, with only 2 ½ inches of glass holding you 342m in the air. The glass floor is actually stronger than most commercial floors and has the strength to hold 38,556 kg (85,000 lbs) or 14 hippos! Or if you dare, travel higher up the tower to the Sky Pod another 33 storeys above ground.

The tower's revolving 360 Restaurant offers an award winning wine list and spectacular view for any romantic evening. If you're not wild about heights, at the base of the tower, a fully licensed fresh market café that serves an array of international foods and there is plenty to shop for in the 10 000 sq. foot Marketplace.

If the glass floor isn't enough excitement for you, hit the Arcade or HIMALAMAZOM motion theatre ride (must be 107cm (42 inches) tall to ride). The Maple Leaf Cinema also plays a 15 minute film on the construction of the tower 30 years ago.

The Distillery Historic District

During the 1800's the Gooderham and Worts Distillery was a huge manufacturing district in the city of Toronto and the largest distillery in the British Empire. Today the Distillery district is not only Toronto's only heritage district; it is also Canada's largest centre for arts and culture.

Founded in 1832 by brothers-in-law William Gooderham and James Worts, the Gooderham and Worts Distillery produced millions of gallons of distilled whiskey and spirits in the 1800's. After the Great War prohibition set in and business began to slow. In 1990 after over a century and a half of continuous production the distillery ceased operations.

In 2001 the area was bought by Cityscape Holdings Inc. and in 2003 was unveiled as a pedestrian-only village entirely dedicated to arts, culture and entertainment. Set on 13 acres in downtown Toronto, The Distillery is the largest and best preserved collection of Victorian Industrial architecture in North America. Aside from tours of the distillery and segway the area boasts about 15 art galleries, and several performing arts theatres. Along with arts it also offers a sophisticated shopping district with interesting boutiques for every kind of shopper as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes.

Throughout the year, the Distillery hosts celebrations and special events such as the Distillery Jazz Festival, Partigras, Roots Music Festival, Antique Festival, Art exhibitions and much more.

During the nineties the empty distillery buildings became the number one film location in Canada and continue to be used for that purpose. Past productions include Chicago, X-Men, Cinderella Man, Against The Ropes and The Hurricane.

Ontario Science Centre

Don't think you have to be a kid to enjoy the Ontario Science Centre. Since opening its doors in 1969, the centre has fascinated more than 40 million visitors, including more than 220,000 students per year, with the wonders of science and technology. If you talk to anyone who has visited the centre, they'll rave over the hair-raising electrical ball, wall of bubbles and the simulated Rain Forest.

With hundreds of exhibits in a variety of exhibition halls plus visiting exhibitions, one visit doesn't scratch the surface. Communication, Sport, Human Body and The Living Earth are a few of the in-depth exhibits worth exploring, along with a film at the OMNIMAX movie theatre. Plus KidSpark is a learn-through-play area that is specifically designed for kids eight and under.

Canada's Wonderland

Canada's Wonderland is Canada's premier theme park featuring over 200 attractions, 65 thrilling rides, North America's greatest variety of roller coasters, Splash Works, a 20-acre water park and great live shows!

Tried and true favourite thrill rides and coasters return, ready to do what they do best; make you scream. The daring may want to be lifted 23 stories high and then dropped at 100 kilometres per hour aboard Drop Zone or test their ability to hold in their lunch on Top Gun, Canada's only inverted jet coaster. Not to be outdone by Vortex, Canada's first suspended roller coaster, the intense corkscrew design of The Bat, Skyrider's shark curves and side-winding helix (standing up of course), Dragon Fire's two 360-degree loops, the trek through Wonder Mountain aboard Thunder Run and let's not forget the coaster that lives up to its name, The Mighty Canadian Minebuster, the largest and longest wooden coaster in Canada.

Casa Loma

Casa Loma can't be missed, even if you tried. Perched atop a hill in the north end, Casa Loma draws thousands of visitors each year who look up and proclaim, "It's a castle in the middle of the city!"

Casa Loma was built by Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellatt to fulfill his childhood wish for a castle. His dream took three years and .5 million to complete.

It may appear anachronistic now, but it hasn't lost its majestic charm. Its secret passageways, breathtaking towers, sweeping staircase, 800-foot tunnel, stables and 5-acre gardens continue to excite all ages.

After World War One, Sir Pellatt lost his fortune and was forced to auction off his prized possessions, including Casa Loma in order to pay off his debts. For years the stately house sat unoccupied while the city tried to decide whether to tear it down, or turn it into a museum, high school, art gallery or veteran's home. Finally in 1937, the Kiwanis Club of West Toronto suggested turning Casa Loma into a tourist attraction. Today, Casa Loma is owned by the City of Toronto and is still operated by the Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma. It is one of Toronto's top attractions.

Pellatt Newsreel: The Story of a Lifetime is a twenty-two minute docudrama, will run daily in the recently restored Billiard/Smoking Room as an extra charge attraction. Special events at the castle throughout the year include the annual Renaissance Festival on Canada Day Weekend, performances by the Toronto Theatre Organ Society and monthly Sunday Royal Brunches April through October.

Ontario Place

Located on the waterfront of Lake Ontario, this world-class attraction has been entertaining families and kids since 1971, and is still a must-see. Ontario Place offers 96 acres of family fun and entertainment and kids of all ages will enjoy exciting rides and attractions such as: Soak City water park, Bumper Boats, Free Fall, The F/X Adventure Theatre featuring Ecozone, Mini Golf, th Wilderness Adventure Ride, along with the Cinesphere, the world’s first permanent IMAX® theater featuring the new film Dinosaurs, Giants of Patagonia and much, much more.

Ontario Place is also ideal for taking in special summer events including the Rogers Chinese Lantern Festival, the Canada Dry Festival of Fire pyromusical series, and the CNE's Canadian International Air Show.

Toronto Zoo

This is where kids and adults become one and the same. Located in the forested region of northeast Toronto, the Toronto Zoo is home to more than 5,000 animals representing just over 460 species

Experience amazing wildlife from all over the world within 710 acres in the beautiful Rouge Valley. Explore areas such as the award-winning African Savanna, the largest indoor Gorilla rainforest exhibit, the Zellers Discovery Zone, featuring the Kids Zoo, a dynamic, interactive children's wildlife experience, and Splash Island, an exciting 2 acre water play area and the 750 seat Waterside Theatre, home of exciting family entertainment.

Chat with an Animal Keeper or take in an Animal Feeding. Or try a truly wild ride on a pony or even a camel! Or buy your ticket to Virtual Reality on the Safari Simulator.

The Zoo is open year round (except Dec. 25) so visit anytime to see all your favourite animals.

Courtesy of Sonja Nielsen, RE/MAX Condos Plus Corp. Brokerage

Golf and Tennis

Don Valley Golf Course

Lush Vegetation and a rolling landscape present an exciting natural setting for Don Valley Golf Course. It's classic Howard Watson design has a traditional variety of holes and a legendary reputation for its exciting natural setting. Hallelujah Corner includes the signature par 5 12th hole followed by an outstanding par 3 challenge, providing breathtaking scenery and spectacular golfing.

Humber Valley Golf Course

Humber Valley's par 70 course challenges golfers with its combination of links and valley land holes, appealing to all ages and skill levels. Accuracy is crucial - especially on the final three holes.

Scarlett Woods Golf Course

Scarlett Woods Golf Course is an executive-length par 62 course suitable for beginners and experts alike. Save your best shot for our 17th signature hole - the elevated tee of this par 3 hole overlooks a pond, 140 yards away from a well-bunkered green. When you're short on time but not willing to sacrifice a quality experience, Scarlett Woods offers and easy escape from a busy day.

Tam O’Shanter Golf Course

Nestled along side the Highland Creek is north-east Toronto's premier golf course. When the wind blows, Tam O'Shanter's links, holes, and water hazards will test every golfer's patience and concentration.

Dentonia Golf Course

Without a doubt, Dentonia Park Golf Course is one of the finest and most challenging par 3 facilities in Ontario. It is perfect for beginners just learning the game or advanced players sharpening their short shots. With many great programs now available, a visit to Dentonia Park Golf Course makes an inexpensive and fun outing for all.

Tennis

Tennis is a great way to have fun and get fit. Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division maintains approximately 200 locations throughout Toronto. The courts are open from April to October (weather permitting).

Courtesy of Sonja Nielsen, RE/MAX Condos Plus Corp. Brokerage

Museums

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

Generations of children and adults have trooped through the museum since it opened in 1914. With six million objects in its collections and 40 galleries of art, archeology and natural science, the ROM offers a whole world to explore. Four giant carved totem poles rise in the centre of the stairwells; the largest is 24.5 metres (80 ft. 6 in.) tall. The Hands-on Biodiversity gallery offers families a fun interactive experience about the interdependence of people, animals and plants.

In June of 2007 the ROM unveiled the dramatic new expansion, the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal. Made up of interlocking prismatic forms the bright, modern addition to the museum expansion was one of the most challenging construction projects in North America, but the results are a sight to be seen.

To commemorate the late Elizabeth Samuel, Liza's Garden is a contemporary secret garden of greenness and sustainability, installed on the south portion of the Philosopher’s Walk wing. Created by PLANT Architect Inc, the 10, 000 square foot area offers a dynamic haven of greenery. Aside from aesthetic appeal, the garden is a practical landscape that reduces the heat island effect and provides shelter for birds and other small creatures. The garden can be viewed from c5 Restaurant Lounge, located at the pinnacle of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal.

George R. Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art

The Gardiner Museum is internationally renowned for its collections of ceramic art. From South American religious worship to century-old British drinking games and aristocratic pursuits, the collection offers visitors a glimpse into civilizations past.

Having just completed a million makeover, the Gardiner Museum is also recognized as being one of Toronto's most outstanding examples of modernist architecture. The Museum’s gift shop offers a stunning collection of artist-made objects. Perched on the third floor of the Museum, famed restaurant Jamie Kennedy at the Gardiner offers sumptuous fare and gorgeous views.

Art Gallery of Ontario

The Art Gallery of Ontario installed recently some 5,000 works in 110 galleries, marking the final phase of the Transformation construction project. Designed by renowned Toronto native Frank Gehry – the architectural genius behind the Disney Concert Hall and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao – the transformation includes a physical expansion of the Gallery by 97,000 square feet, the addition of more than 10,000 new works of art to the already vast collection and a 47 per cent increase in art viewing space.

The Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School provides a full slate of classes for adults and children. Classes are taught by professional artists specializing in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and mixed media.

The AGO Art Rental and Sales Gallery continues to offer an extensive selection of works from such celebrated Canadian artists as Jean-Paul Riopelle, Michael Snow and Ed Burtynsky in its current location at 481 University Avenue. Artwork is available for sale to the public, or can be rented out by AGO members for as little as per month.

Works from the AGO’s permanent collection can be explored online through an innovative web project called Collection X (www.collectionx.museum). This fully interactive website allows users to view works from the AGO collection, curate their own online exhibitions, as well as showcase their own work and connect with other users.

Textile Museum of Canada

Incorporated in 1975, the Textile Museum of Canada (formerly the Museum for Textiles) is the only museum of its kind in Canada. The collection was originally shown in a small space in Mirvish Village. The museum is now housed in a total of 25,000 square feet of exhibition, library, conservation and preservation and retail space devoted to promoting the importance and craft of the textile arts through time and around the world.

The internationally recognized collection goes far beyond fabric swatches with quilts, garments, carpets, ceremonial objects and objects of workmanship and artistic endeavor on display. The historic and ethnographic pieces give insight into other cultures and individual lives. Represented are: China, Japan, Africa, South East and Central Asia, South and Central America, Europe, and the Pacific. The museum's educational programs, lectures and tours are designed to increase public knowledge of the beauty and cultural and historical significance of the artifacts.

The Museum's Contemporary Gallery is the only gallery in Canada devoted to regular exhibitions of contemporary visual arts in textile media. Fibrespace, an educational gallery, provides a hands-on, interactive experience where visitors can try a foot-powered or Japanese braid loom.

The gift and bookstore carries textiles, carpets, clothes, cards, paper from around the world, one-of-a-kind textile gifts and books on textiles.

Bata Shoe Museum

An unusual idea for a museum collection, but the international variety housed in this museum near the University of Toronto is vast and fascinating, ranging from the fantastical to the practical. If clothes make the man (or woman), then surely we can learn much from his or her footwear.

The museum began as a personal passion for shoes. Sonja Bata has been collecting shoes of every flavour since the 1940's and in 1979 her collection had grown too large for her own private storage space. So the Bata family established the Bata Shoe Museum Foundation and in 1995 the shoes moved to their current home at 327 Bloor St. W.

The museum houses a variety of collections including shoes worn by North American Indigenous people, shoes representing every age of Western fashion, shoes from every corner of the world and even shoes from the 'Walk of Fame' worn by everyone from John Lennon and Marilyn Monroe to Donovan Bailey and Pablo Picasso.

Shoes have always reflected something of the wearer's culture, social status, age, affiliation and needs. This collection, housed in an architecturally-unique building, includes more than 10,000 shoes, boots and sandals spanning 4,500 years and thousands of stories -- stories of vanity, practicality, and a touch of mad vision.

Courtesy of Sonja Nielsen, RE/MAX Condos Plus Corp. Brokerage

Neighborhoods

Rosedale

Toronto’s most established residential neighbourhood. Located within easy walking distance of Yonge and Bloor Streets and bound by Bloor Street on the south and St. Clair Avenue on the north, Rosedale is primarily residential.

Local businesses are essentially retail and service-oriented as opposed to heavy industrial. Restaurants, clothing and furniture stores abound.

Forest Hill

Forest Hill is an exclusive neighbourhood, recently voted among the Top 10 neighbourhoods in the world in which to reside. This neighbourhood is between Eglinton and St. Clair Avenues, and between Avenue Road and Bathurst Street. Homes in this elite area are spacious and elegant. Forest Hill is also home to two of Canada’s most exclusive private schools, Bishop Strachan School for girls, and Upper Canada College for boys.

Forest Hill Village, at the junction of Spadina and Lonsdale Roads, is the neighbourhood’s commercial centre, with quaint boutiques and shops that offer a variety of goods and services.

Bloor-Yorkville

One of the more upscale districts when it comes to condo life, with the exclusive shops, restaurants and hotels, to serve the needs of well-heeled urbanites. An almost endless stream of actors, celebrities, successful business people and artists make this neighbourhood their Toronto headquarters. There are a number of art galleries in the area including The Royal Ontario Museum and the George R. Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art.

St. Lawrence Market

Located north of the Toronto harbour at Front Street East and Jarvis Street, the St. Lawrence Market is on the original site of the old Town of York, founded in 1973. The South Market, constructed in 1833, is known for the variety and freshness of its fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, grains, baked goods, dairy products and restaurants.

The Market Gallery is located on the second floor and features displays of current and historic artwork – admission is free and open to the public.

The North Farmers Market operates year round on Saturdays. Its tradition began in 1803 and is stronger than ever with a showcase of seasonal harvest, preserves, organic produce, as well as a variety of seafood, meat and poultry.

The St. Lawrence Hall, on the southwest corner of Jarvis and King Street East, was built in 1850 and restored in 1967. A favourite feature of this area is the eye-catching mural by Calgary artist Derek Beasant depicting a Victorian façade on the broad back wall of the Flatiron Building on Wellington Street.

The area is dotted with renovated historical buildings, office complexes, boutiques and assorted residential buildings. For homeowners there are a number of condominium developments near the markets. Rents here are plentiful and pricey.

Entertainment District

An area whose boundaries are tough to define, but it is generally considered to be directly north of the Rogers Centre (formerly known as SkyDome). Once a relatively quiet part of the downtown core, today the entertainment district is the hottest ticket in town, with ‘round-the-clock’ entertainment, food and activity.

As a residential neighbourhood it’s beyond compare, offering easy access to the financial district and the rest of downtown, with a good selection of condos and lofts of varying sizes and prices. Here, neighbourhood amenities are ones that the whole city envies – The Rogers Centre and The Air Canada Centre some of Toronto’s best theatre venues, including the Royal Alexander and The Princess of Wales, plus a number of concert halls, including the Roy Thompson Hall.

Harbourfront

In addition to its many cultural and commercial attractions, Harbourfront is the site of a wide range of luxurious condominiums.

The Annex

Located between Dupont and Bloor Streets, Avenue Road and Bathurst Street. Because of its proximity to University of Toronto’s St. George Campus, many academics and students live in this area which is well-serviced by great bookstores.

The Annex contains the largest concentration of historic buildings in the city and offers great shopping. Hones Ed’s is a renowned bargain emporium owned by the Mirvish family, local entrepreneurs and entertainment ambassadors. Around the corner on Markham Street are antique shops, bookstores and galleries. This Bloor Street strip is lined with outdoor cafes and small restaurants.

Housing is a mix of Century or near-Century renovated Victorian homes and modern apartment high-rises. Many of the homes have been subdivided into rental apartments – some reasonably priced due to the student population.

Studio District

Loosely defined neighbourhood, generally considered to be east of Yonge Street, around Sherbourne and King Streets. One of the oldest parts of the city, its rich diversity has called out to many movie location scouts over the years. There area a wide variety of new developments and conversions in this area, with something for every price range. From here, you’re within easy cycling or walking distance to Toronto’s best shopping, business complexes and entertainment venues.

The Eaton Centre, St. Lawrence Market, Hummingbird Centre for the Arts, and the Martin Goodman Trail are just some of the places to explore. Along King Street are some of the city’s best antique, interior decorating and design shops, ranging from modern to very traditional.

Cabbagetown

Bounded by Sherbourne Street, the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) and Bloor Street East, Cabbagetown has been transformed into one of the most fashionable and sought-after districts. Home to affluent young couples and singles who frequent the area’s cozy pubs and restaurants, Cabbagetown offers a variety of old housing styles uniquely renovated to maintain original architectural integrity. You’re in the area when you see Amelia, Winchester, Sackville or Berkeley Streets.

Riverdale

Riverdale has seen extensive renovation in recent years. It runs east of the DVP to Pape Avenue and south from Danforth Avenue. It is also very trendy in its own right. Chinatown East is located at Broadview and Gerrard, and many Greek bakeries and restaurants spread along the Danforth. Grocery shopping and reasonably priced restaurants, draw crowds from all over the city.

Moore Park

Located just north of Rosedale and south of Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Moore Park is a residential community of gracious older homes and quiet streets. The Moore Park Ravine, also called the Belt Line Ravine, stretches from the Don Valley Parkway east of Rosedale to Mount Pleasant Cemetery – a veritable sanctuary for birds. Moore Park is convenient to some fine retail shops located in and around Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue.

Davisville

The Davisville area, located south of Yonge and Eglinton, is a residential area popular with both families and singles. Schools, shopping, trendy restaurants and boutiques are predominant, with easy subway access to downtown Toronto. There are a number of apartment complexes in mature park-like settings, plus well-established pockets of single family homes on such streets as Chaplin Crescent, Manor Road and Oriole Parkway.

Yonge/Eglinton

Comfortable homes integrated with lots of greenspace characterize this area north of Eglinton Avenue, south of Lawrence Avenue, between Bayview Avenue and Bathurst Park are North Toronto neighbourhoods.

The Yonge/Eglinton area is affectionately dubbed ‘young and eligible’ denoting the proclivity of singles living here. Shopping is excellent in the Yonge and Eglinton area. Sherwood Park offers a great children’s playground and Muir Park features lawn bowling and tennis.

The Beaches

The Beaches is a trendy Toronto neighbourhood where many of the city’s young artists, families and singles live. This friendly community is located north of Lake Ontario and south of Kingston Road between Woodbine and Victoria Park Avenues.

Queen Street East is noted for its eclectic shops and restaurants and was voted, in TVOntario contest, Best Main Street in Ontario. On sunny summer days the lakeside boardwalk bustles with activity.

Both rentals and owner-occupied housing are available in the Beaches, a long –established Toronto neighbourhood where the majority of housing is over 50 years old. Rental duplexes are plentiful – some especially coveted locations near the water.

High Park

High Park is one of the city’s most popular green-spaces, attracting visitors who enjoy a game of baseball, soccer, tennis or cross-country skiing. Each summer an outdoor theatre production is offered to the public free of charge. Much of the housing in the neighbourhood is reasonably priced.

There is an inventory of rental accommodation available at High Park, ranging from units in older 3-storey walkups to more modern buildings.

Courtesy of Sonja Nielsen, RE/MAX Condos Plus Corp. Brokerage

Preserves and Parks

Edwards Gardens

Bridle Path residents can walk to beautiful Edwards Gardens, the home of the Civic Garden Centre, one of Canada's finest public gardening resource centres. Edwards Gardens contains rockeries, perennial gardens, a pond, waterfalls, a rose garden and the beginning of a nine-kilometre paved trail that extends through the Don River Valley all the way to Warden Woods Park in Scarborough.

The Edwards Gardens trail passes through Sunnybrook Park, which features top-quality sports fields for cricket, field hockey, rugby and soccer. Sunnybrook park also has riding stables that offer lessons to the public. It is appropriate that these equestrian facilities are located on the border of the Bridal Path neighbourhood, which has such a rich horse-riding history.

The Belt Line fitness and nature trail

The Belt Line fitness and nature trail follows the route of the former Belt Line railway, which was Toronto's first commuter train. This 14 and one-half kilometre track passes through Forest Hill on its way to Rosedale. The Belt Line Path is enjoyed by both nature and fitness enthusiasts.

Rosedale Park and ravines; Mooredale House

Rosedale is traversed by a network of ancient ravines, including the Vale of Avoca, Moore Park, Park Drive and Rosedale Valley ravines.

Rosedale Park, located off Schofield Avenue, has eight tennis courts, a sports field, an artificial ice rink and a wading pool. Ramsden Park, off Yonge Street, features four tennis courts, an artificial ice rink and a wading pool.

Mooredale House, at 146 Crescent Road, is a community centre run by the Rosedale and Moore Park resident associations. There is a small annual fee to join Mooredale, which offers sports, fitness, arts and music programs for adults and children.

Shopping

Bloor-Yorkville shopping and entertainment area

Bloor-Yorkville is generally acclaimed as Canada's preeminent shopping district. Its many specialty stores, fashion boutiques, jewellery stores, antique shops and art galleries are a destination point for tourists, as well as Torontonians from all over the city.

York Mills Plaza & Bayview Village Shopping Centre

York Mills Plaza, located at the southwest corner of Bayview Avenue and York Mills Road, was once described by Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman as "the Tiffany's of shopping centres." Here you will find vintage wines, imported cigars, Swiss chocolate, decadent desserts, Cartier eyeglasses, designer lingerie and a glittering coffee shop serving up espresso, cappuccino and café lattes.

Situated at the northeast corner of Bayview and Sheppard Avenues is the Bayview Village Shopping Centre, which features designer clothing and an excellent selection of restaurants.

Forest Hill shopping district

The Forest Hill shopping district is centered on the intersection of Spadina Road and Lonsdale Road. The ambience of this private enclave of stores is that of a small town rather than a big city. The Village's boutiques and shops cater to the specific needs of Forest Hill's affluent residents.

The Eglinton West Village shopping district has a large variety of stores to suit every taste and budget. This street also contains many fine restaurants and food stores.

Summerhill Avenue

Rosedale residents living west of Mount Pleasant Road are within walking distance of the upscale shops and restaurants, located on Yonge Street, in the Summerhill area.

North Rosedale residents, east of Mount Pleasant, can obtain all of their household needs within a small commercial block on Summerhill Avenue, at the very north end of Rosedale.

Theaters

Royal Alexandra Theatre

Saved from oblivion a few decades ago by the flamboyant discount retailer "Honest" Ed Mirvish, the Royal Alexandra Theatre, built in 1907, is the epitome of old world theatre opulence. From the thousands of single lightbulbs that make up the marquee, to waist-coated ushers and polished brass railings, hand-carved walnut and cherrywood, sumptuous red velvet seats and private boxes separated by heavy curtains, this Alex lives up to the royalty of its name. Throughout the years, the theatre has housed performances by theatre greats like John and Ethel Barrymore, Orson Welles, Deborah Kerr and Edith Piaf.

When the Mirvishes purchased the theatre in 1962, it was closed for a year for repairs and restorations to return the theatre to its old splendor. The Mirvishes (Ed and his art-collector son David) also operated the prestigious Old Vic theatre in London, England. So it is not unusual for West End productions to cross the Atlantic to be remounted in Toronto.

In 1987 on the Royal Alex's 80th birthday it was declared a historic monument.

Princess of Wales Theatre

Just a block down the street from the Royal Alexandra and in the heart of Toronto's entertainment district, the Mirvish family's other theatrical landmark sits, the Princess of Wales Theatre, a beautiful theatre built in 1993. The privately funded theatre facility (the first such enterprise in the city in almost 100 years) features extensive murals by the noted contemporary artist Frank Stella. An original model of the mural hangs in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Canada. Other celebrated design touches throughout the building include the finest theatre washrooms anywhere.

Roy Thomson Hall

Roy Thomson Hall, located in the heart of the King St. theatre district, was opened in 1982. Its curvilinear exterior design and sloping glass canopy, which is reflective by day and transparent by night, have made this concert hall a Toronto landmark. Currently, it is the home of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Touring musicians and performers also often perform at the hall and various community events and receptions are held in the grand auditorium.Roy Thomson Hall is air-conditioned and seats 2,812, with no seat being farther than 32 metres from the stage. A commanding full-concert pipe organ, built by Gabriel Kney of London, Ont., sits prominently at front and centre of the stage.

Canon Theatre

The historic, 2,200-seat Canon Theatre began as a vaudeville and movie theatre in the 1920's. The then Pantages Theatre was the largest and most elegant motion picture theatre of its time.

Throughout the year the ownership of the lavish theatre changed hands until a bitter rivalry between Famous Players and Cineplex Odeon let to an injunction forbidding the use of the theatre for motion pictures. So owners Cineplex Odeon gutted out the old movie theatre and made it into a live theatre that opened in 1989. The first and longest running production was Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera.

Panasonic Theatre

Built on the site of the old New Yorker Theatre, this refurbished, state-of-the art theatre is home to many travelling shows coming through the city.

The theatre with a capacity of 701, is not far from Toronto's gay and lesbian community or swanky Yorkville chic, where there are lots of restaurants and cafes.

Massey Hall

The grande old dame of Toronto's classical music halls, Massey Hall was a gift from the Massey family to the city in the 1800s. The first performance at the hall took place in 1894 and featured Handel's Messiah.

Over the years, Massey Hall has continued to be a venue of choice for orchestral ensembles and performing artists, including Stephane Grappelli, Diana Krall, Gordon Lightfoot, Sarah McLachlan and Aretha Franklin. More than 100 events are held at Massey Hall every year -- from jazz and classical music to world music and international dance troupes. The hall seats 2,757 and has a ground floor as well as two steep balconies. Magnificent acoustics make even the furthest seats in the uppermost balcony feel as if they're on stage.

For a pre-concert aperitif, you can relax at Centuries, Massey Hall's Victorian-stye bar and lounge.

St. Lawrence Centre For The Arts

Mirroring the nearby Hummingbird Centre, The St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts is a low-slung modern concrete building that follows the slope of Lake Ontario's former shoreline down from Front Street. Owned by the city, the facility is the premiere not-for profit theatre centre in Toronto. It includes the 900-seat Bluma Appel Theatre, and The Jane Mallett Theatre, which is often used for classical concerts and recitals. The centre which focuses on Canadian performing arts houses six resident companies; CanStage, Esprit Opera, Hannaford Street Silver Band, Music Toronto, Opera in Concert and Toronto Operetta Theatre. Its other performers include local music organizations and international artists such as the Tokyo String Quartet. Chita Rivera and Brent Carver spun the world premier of Kiss of the Spider Woman at the centre in 1994 before going on to Broadway. Other notable Canadian actors who have worked its stage include the famed Fiona Reid and R. H. Thomson.

Premiere Dance Theatre

The reconstruction of the Queens Quay Terminal converted a 1926 warehouse into a waterfront tourist attraction, which features shops, restaurants, studios, offices and the Premiere Dance Theatre. The Theatre was officially opened in 1983 and hosts performances by modern dance companies. It presents work by international, avante-garde theatres as well, and is the venue of choice for Harbourfront Centre programming for the arts, community events and corporate rentals.

Hart House Theatre

Established in 1919, this elegant theatre in the basement of the University of Toronto's (U of T) ivy-covered Gothic marvel showcases a variety of events. You'll find everything from readings to children's shows to faculty revues put on by various student groups and the renowned U of T Drama festival takes place annually at the end of January. Famous actors like Donald Sutherland, William Hutt and the late Kate Reid caught the acting bug while in student productions; the late Robertson Davies called the place "one of the few historic playhouses in Canada."Today, it has become a well-used community theatre. Open to just about everyone, you might say this Hart House has a big heart.

Courtesy of Sonja Nielsen, RE/MAX Condos Plus Corp. Brokerage

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