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During your visit, be sure to capture the excitement in the Hockey Hall of Fame's brand new NHL ZONE – a tribute to the world's most renowned hockey league featuring Legends Gretzky, Mario, Howe, Orr, The Rocket and others as well as stars of today. In addition to a must-see for individuals, couples or families visiting Toronto, the Hall is an unforgettable All-Star destination for school groups, hockey teams, camps and interest associations. Discounted rates are offered for groups of 15 or more. The Hockey Hall of Fame also offers Hockey HOF weekend packages featuring Maple Leafs home game tickets, first class transportation and accommodation, tickets to the Hockey Hall of Fame plus more. Call 416-360-7735 ext. 292 or toll-free 1-888-879-0970 for more information on special packages. Sitting on top of the world  No fear of flying: Visitors to Toronto can stand on top of the world. The CN Tower is Toronto's tallest and most defining landmark, and no visit to Toronto would complete without a visit. Photos of the Toronto skyline are often defined by the building stretching a quarter mile into the sky. In 2006 the world's tallest freestanding structure celebrates its 30th birthday. The CN Tower was originally built as a television, radio and communications hub in response to the interference problems caused by the city's tall skyscrapers. Today, aside from serving as the focus 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 1⁄2 inches of glass holding you 342m in the air. The glass floor is actually stronger than most commercial floors. If you dare, travel higher up the tower to the Sky Pod another 33 stories 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 fresh market café serves an array of international foods and there is plenty to shop for in the 10 000 sq. foot Marketplace. Animal House  The Toronto Zoo provides year-round thrills for the whole family. The world-class Toronto Zoo 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 almost 500 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 camel. The Zoo is open year round (except Dec. 25) so visit anytime. Fanfare of Fabulous Family Fun  A high time and family fun are guaranteed at Paramount Canada's Wonderland. When families travel, some compromise is necessary. But at the jewel of Toronto's entertainment offerings, no such compromise is needed. Paramount Canada's Wonderland is Canada's premier theme park featuring more than 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 favorite 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 60 miles 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. Paramount Canada's Wonderland is located in the city of Vaughan about 30 minutes by car from downtown Toronto. The Wonderland Express "GO" buses run regularly from Yorkdale and York Mills subway stations. The park is open from early May to mid-October, so plan accordingly. The Belly of the Best: Five Eateries to Dine For - Amuse-Bouche (96 Tecumseth St., 416-913-5830) A happy blend of two cuisines: Caribbean sweet and heat with classic French from Paris. Try the venison tartar alongside, butter-poached lobster.
- Centro Restaurant (2472 Yonge St., 416-483-2211) A $1.6 million renovation made the once dark room bright and airy, and prices are down by more than 25 percent. No wonder the locals love it.
- Izakaya (69 Front St. E., 416-703-8658) Underscores that delicious food like sweet Japanese curry and plump dumplings don't need to be fancy or expensive.
- JOV Bistro (1701 Bayview Ave., 416-322-0530) Some say you'll find the best foie gras in the city – if not in all of North America.
- Peppino's on the Beach (2343 Queen St. E., 416-699-3552) If you want to see how classic Italian cuisine treats bourguignon-style musk ox and seared caribou chop, come here.
Money Matters Toronto offers visitors world-class products without world-class prices. A favorable exchange rate doesn't hurt either. So be sure to pack an extra bag for the goodies you'll want to bring back home. - Toronto's currency is the Canadian Dollar
- For denominations less than five dollars Canada use coins - some even given cute names: the loonie ($1), the toonie ($2)
- US dollars are accepted in most Toronto establishments, although you'll receive change in Canadian funds and exchange rates will differ from merchant to merchant.
- You'll find cash machines/ATMs in most banks, hotels and shopping centres
- Travelers checks and credit cards are accepted at most major retailers
- Currency exchange is available at banks and kiosks throughout the city and at the airport.
- Taxes: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a 6 percent tax that is charged on most goods and services sold or provided in Canada. Since Toronto is part of the Province of Ontario, purchases made in the city are also subject to the 8 percent Provincial Sales Tax (PST). That's the bad news.
- Tax Rebates are the good news: Foreign visitors to Canada can apply for a rebate on the GST that is paid on accommodation (up to 30 nights per visit), and on goods purchased in Canada and exported within 60 days of the purchase. Be sure to keep your receipts – you'll need to have them validated by Canada Customs at the airport or border crossing when you leave.
Weather Toronto has nine months of winter and three months of poor skating – at least so the joke goes. Although residents so experience the four seasons, Toronto has a long winter (about five months, mid-November-mid-April), short spring (mid-April-May) and fall (October-mid-November) and a four-month summer (June-September). Language English is the predominant language of Toronto, although both English and French are official languages, and most government services are available in either language. But there are also large ethnic populations so those languages are prominent in many neighbourhoods. Dual-language street signs can be found in areas such as Chinatown, Little Italy, Little Portugal, and other communities. Smoking and Alcohol Restaurants, dinner theatres and bowling centers are smoke-free, except in approved designated smoking rooms. All bars, billiard and bingo halls, casinos and racetracks are also smoke-free. Currently, smoking is banned in all public, enclosed places in the province. The minimum legal drinking age in Ontario is 19 years old. Bars and restaurants must stop serving alcohol by 2 a.m. Hungry for more Toronto tips and tales? Then log on to these sites to satisfy:
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