The Traveling American has visited more than sixty cities in the United States and Canada over the past thirty years. The task of naming the Top Ten large cities in these two countries was a difficult one. We defined large cities as those with a population in excess of 300,000 residents and ended up selecting thirteen cities (there were a few ties). We believe these cities are the most memorable places for travelers to experience during a short visit.

THE CITY TIED FOR NUMBER 9 IS TORONTO, ONTARIO:

Background of Toronto - Toronto emerged in the early 20th century as a transportation gateway to the manufacturers and natural resources of Central Canada, and later became an important North American financial center. As services and technology have become increasingly important, Canada used governmental programs to incentivize research and development, encourage investment in technology industries like artificial intelligence and blockchain, and promote startup ventures. These efforts were supported by the many universities and colleges located in the Toronto area. The region now has a highly educated workforce and a technology sector that rivals Seattle, Washington DC, and the San Francisco Bay area. At the same time, the city has a vibrant and welcoming culture which has attracted a steady flow of native Canadians and immigrants. Almost half of the residents are foreign born nationals from Asia and around the globe. The population of the central city and the Greater Toronto Area exceeds seven million which makes it the eighth largest metropolitan area in North America.

Toronto offers residents and visitors a wide range of activities, festivals, and entertainment. Here are some examples:

Attractions - In 1973, Toronto's skyline was pierced by the construction of the CN Tower in the middle of the business district. This 1815-foot-tall concrete and glass structure was recently renovated to provide additional observation decks with huge windows, several restaurants including a 360 degree rotating one, and a challenging feature known as The Edge Walk in which the truly daring can walk around an outside platform or hang there suspended from sturdy cables on a harness. On a clear day, you may be able to see across Lake Ontario to New York. Another tourist attraction that people enjoy is the Casa Loma, a 96-room authentic Gothic castle built by a wealthy financier in 1911 above the city on Davenport Hill. Each year over 650,000 visitors tour the castle to learn about the life of its founder Sir Henry Pellatt and gaze at the secret rooms, classic car collection, and interesting diversions there.

Other fun options in the general area include Canada's Wonderland, a suburban theme park with more than two hundred amusement attractions, Ripley's Aquarium, the Toronto Zoo, IMAX theaters and an indoor Legoland.

Museums - There are many conventional museums to visit in Toronto such as the Royal Ontario Museum, a science center, numerous art galleries and displays, and even a shoe museum. One unusual museum that is popular with railroad aficionados and youngsters is the Toronto Railway Museum. This museum has a variety of engines and railroad cars on display along with the working roundhouse and other railroad exhibits. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th century, Toronto was a gateway for the region and developed a large rail yard along the river to serve the Canadian Pacific Railway. By 1929, the need to expand further became apparent so the city filled in the waterfront and constructed a state-of-the-art railroad terminal there.

The distinctive feature of the Toronto railyard was its huge turntable and maintenance buildings which were capable of servicing dozens of engines at a time. An engine would be switched onto a special siding which could be turned and connected to a track leading to one of thirty-two separate bays. It was considered the most advanced shipping facility in the world. However, after years of servicing engines and managing freight shipments all over Canada, a large facility was no longer needed and the railyard closed in 1986. Several decades later, the area has become an integral part of a revitalized part of the city that includes the CN Tower, the Rogers Centre, and a convention center, along with fashionable condominiums and apartments.

Festivals and events - Events and festivals also play a vital role in the life of Toronto residents. The Toronto International Film Festival held in September is considered by some people to be the most prestigious in the world. It attracts stars from hit international films and the many television shows now filmed in Canada. Other film festivals and a women's fashion week also take place each year. Sports have also gone big time in Toronto and its professional athletes play in modern facilities. The Rogers Center with its retractable roof and loyal fans is an outstanding place to take in a Major League Baseball game and is readily accessible from downtown or the airport. The NBA champion Raptors recently joined the Toronto Blue Jays (2), the Toronto Maples Leaf’s (13), and the Canadian football Toronto Argonauts (17) as title holders. Tennis, soccer, and rugby professional matches are also popular. Hockey is also celebrated at the Hockey Hall of Fame which honors the famous heroes and teams of professional hockey along with presenting exhibits showing hockey artifacts and interactive showing displays.

Nightlife, Coffee Shops, and Winter Activities - For an exciting night out, check out the Second City Comedy Club located downtown where up and coming comedians perform skits as well as improvisations most nights to a packed house of all ages. Just as was the case with the original Second City Club in Chicago, many of its entertainers and students have gone on to great success in their careers. A professional comedy club is a great place to go with friends or an evening with college-age children.

The Toronto venue presents comedy revues by an ensemble cast daily, supports a touring company, and welcomes back their alumni for various special events from time to time. During a visit to Toronto, a friend and I were able to take in a Saturday night show featuring a talented and diverse cast of six “main stage” performers. Their sketches and commentary included satirizing recent events, social trends, and their friends’ habits, while making fun of some well-known personalities. The Second City revue will provide you with excellent laughs, a comfortable venue, and some decent light food for an enjoyable evening.

Another distinctive feature of Toronto is the extent to which the amenities of daily life seem to be all around you. The diversity of the city is reflected in the many kinds of cuisine and goods available in restaurants, cafes, and shops. One thing that is the same throughout the city is the abundance of coffee shops. There are also several quality shopping malls in Center City and suburban locations such as the CF Toronto Eaton Centre and Yorkdale Shopping Centre. People looking for a safe, clean, and exciting place to visit should look at Toronto, and add a stop at Niagara Falls on the way. The city has pleasant weather from May to late September except for the occasional rain or fog. If you enjoy wintertime, it is not too cold to visit the major sites or take in some skating at the Harbourfront Centre Rink which has excellent facilities, a pleasant view of the downtown, and free admission if you have skates.