"The Scoop on Toronto from a Native." a Toronto Travel Page by Unknown

Okay, I admit it, us Cannucks might be a bit reserved when it comes to extending a hand to a stranger, but once you get over our initial cautious exterior, you have likely made a long-lasting friendship. Not nearly as loud or brash as our American neighbours (not that there is anything wrong with that!), we hold our head up high knowing we live in the best country in the world. The United Nations agrees - and has agreed for the past 7 years when it has rated Canada the best country in the world. Toronto itself is very cosmopolitan, encompassing a Chinatown, Greek Village, Little Italy, Gay Grotto, Vietnamese Market, Porteguese Strip, a huge summertime Caribanan festival and various other communities. The theatre in Toronto is the third largest in the world - after London and New York, but at far better prices thanks to the cheap Canadian dollar (note: the dollar is also called the "loonie" here in Canada because of the coins image of a loon on its face and a two dollar coin, which was introduced after the loonie has unfortunately been nicknamed the "twoonie"). The Eaton's Centre in the heart of downtown has all the shopping anyone could ever want with 5 floors and hundreds of stores - but if you get bored being in a mall enviroment, you can always hit the still funky but far too trendy Queen St. West which is only a short walk away. A bustling night life can also be found just off Queen St. West, particulary if you are 20-30 years old, but you will likely have to endure long lines to get into these massive dance clubs and restaurants if you arrive after 9:00pm (yes, things in good old "TO" start much earlier than they do in London or New York). And expect cover charges of about $10 per bar. If you are like me and line ups and blaring sound systems aren't your thing any more, then head off to any of the more intimate restaurants and bars that litter the very safe and lively downtown core of the city - try College Street for example which caters to the late 20's - 40 year old crowd or try the smaller restaurants on "west Queen St. West" (those west of Bathurst Street qualify under this heading) that cater to everyone. And don't have any fears about using the public transit late at night or flagging down a cab - this is Toronto after all and we are all friendly here. Trust me on this one.