Family Vacations in Canada: Toronto

Canada's Castle Loma, Toronto.
Casa Loma, Canada's famous castle,
features 98 rooms, decorated suites,
secret passages, stately towers, estate
gardens, and gift shops.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, with about five million people in its metropolitan area. The name Toronto actually comes from the Huron Indian word for "meeting place," and it rings true in this multicultural city. It is one of the most diverse cities in North America, with people from more than 100 cultures speaking more than 100 languages and dialects. After the official languages of French and English, the five most-spoken languages are Chinese, Italian, Portuguese, Punjabi, and Tamil.

The ethnic neighborhoods of Greektown, Little Italy, and Chinatown are a special treat. A must-see is the CN Tower; at 1,815 feet, it's the tallest freestanding structure above water in the world. The St. Lawrence Market in historic Old Town Toronto is one of the world's top 25 food markets. Tourists can explore Eaton Centre, a premier shopping destination with more than 320 shops, restaurants, and cinemas.

And there's the Toronto Zoo, which at 710 acres is one of the largest in the world. More than 5,000 animals representing 450-plus species inhabit the zoo, and six miles of trails wind among the exibits.

Toronto Information

Canadian Tourism Commission
Suite 1400, Four Bentall Centre
1055 Dunsmuire St./Box 49230
Vancouver, BC V5P 1L2 Canada
Telephone: 604/648-8300

The Yukon covers a vast expanse of territory and boasts fantastic landscapes. Keep reading to learn about the national parks and ice fields that are abundant in the Yukon.

To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:

  • Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
  • Toronto City Guide: Find out where to stay, what to do, and where to eat when you visit Toronto.
  • Ontario State Guide: Learn about Mobil Travel Guide-rated hotels and restaurants in Ontario, as well as other recreational activities.
  • Scenic Drives: For those who think that getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.