Toronto

Though it's Canada's largest city and business capital, Toronto is surprisingly low-key and a very accessible city to visit. The spot has been controlled by the Seneca, French fur traders, the British army, and even a few days of American looting during the War of 1812 before it settled into its Canadian identity, with only a bit of a rebellion led by William Lyon Mackenzie. Toronto's long history of receiving immigrants is one of its claims to fame, with earlier waves from northern Europe being replaced by peoples from Asia, eastern Europe, and today from all over the world. Exploring the neighborhoods they've created is one of the city's ...

Though it's Canada's largest city and business capital, Toronto is surprisingly low-key and a very accessible city to visit. The spot has been controlled by the Seneca, French fur traders, the British army, and even a few days of American looting during the War of 1812 before it settled into its Canadian identity, with only a bit of a rebellion led by William Lyon Mackenzie. Toronto's long history of receiving immigrants is one of its claims to fame, with earlier waves from northern Europe being replaced by peoples from Asia, eastern Europe, and today from all over the world. Exploring the neighborhoods they've created is one of the city's greatest joys, linking history, architecture, food, shopping, and society. Museums tend to the offbeat and fascinating, from an opulently restored 1913 theater to collections of shoes and textiles. The annual Canadian National Exhibition draws people from all provinces and abroad to revel in Canada's accomplishments.

About the Expert

Stillman Rogers has written more than two dozen guidebooks, including Adventure Guide to Canada's Atlantic Provinces, Guide to Eastern Canada, and Adventure Guide to the Chesapeake.