How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Toronto, Ontario

On the north shore of Lake Ontario sits an international city with endless attractions and a truly eclectic mix of residents. For those who've yet to experience Canada's largest city, world-class culture and cuisine-in a safe and clean environment-are waiting.

Instructions

1. Shop 'til you drop at Eaton Centre, a seemingly endless multi-leveled hall of stores and restaurants enclosed under an atrium glass roof. With more than 300 shops in all, this is definitely a shopper's paradise---and Toronto's top tourist attraction.

2. The ROM is da bomb! Canada's version of New York's Museum of Natural History, the Royal Ontario Museum is a showcase of more than six million objects and artifacts reflecting world cultures and natural history.

3. Wander the waterfront at Toronto's Harbourfront Centre. This is actually more of a neighborhood than a singular attraction, with a craft studio alive with working artisans, a host of wildly diverse gardens, a popular theatre center and far more; with thousands of annual events hosted here, there's bound to be a festive affair going on every weekend of the year.

4. On a clear day you really can see forever from the CN Tower. This is, at over 1,800 feet, the tallest building in the world, with the accompanying spectacular vistas; the revolving restaurant is an unforgettable way to relax after a day out seeing the town.

5. For a taste of European-style royalty, visit the famous Casa Loma, a castle estate complete with dramatic turrets and towers and a beautiful five-acre flower garden. An 800-foot-long underground tunnel connects the castle with the stables, and secret passages add to the estate's mystique.

6. Anyone with a sense of exploration will enjoy the Ontario Science Centre, a sprawling complex with countless hands-on activities. An IMAX theater, water maze, musical fountain and an actual rainforest area are just the tip of the iceberg.

7. Have a high time at High Park, in the western-midtown section of Toronto. Canada's answer to Central Park, this nearly 400-acre escape from city life boasts a pretty pond, cozy but colorful zoo, and wonderful picnic areas.

Tips & Warnings

• Summertime visitors should consider a visit to the Skydome-at the base of the CN Tower-one of the most unusual baseball stadiums you'll ever encounter, ensconced with gargoyles, a hotel and restaurant beyond the center field fence, and a retractable roof. The Al's Blue Jays play home games here from April through September.

• As of January, 2007, passports are required for US citizens traveling between the US and Canada by air. In January, 2008, the requirement will extend to include those traveling by land or sea.