EAST TORONTO. One of Toronto's most engaging and popular communities, this charming neighborhood is known for its parks, fun public events, outdoor pursuits, and dining scene. During the warmer months, you can enjoy a wide range of activities, including windsurfing, rollerblading, boating, swimming and sunbathing in the sand. When the weather turns frosty, the activity doesn't stop ­ cross country skiing, ice skating, hiking, and shopping are all high on the list of favored winter pastimes.

MIDTOWN. Bounded by Davenport Road, Charles Street West, Yonge Street and Avenue Road, this district is known for its high-end fashion house boutiques, gourmet restaurants and fabulously famous celebrity visitors. The historic district has undergone a few facelifts over the years and is today an exciting mix of traditional architecture and contemporary décor, classic and modern. Several malls, including the prestigious Hazelton Lanes, are located here as well.

DOWNTOWN. Although Toronto has four districts with large Chinese populations (not surprising, since more than 10% of Toronto's population is Chinese), this is the heart of the city's Chinese culture. Streets are lined with shops, apothecaries, and markets selling a large mix of traditional Chinese goods. This is the place to pick up everything from produce to porcelain at half the price of designer boutiques.

DOWNTOWN. Located just west of Chinatown, this matrix of busy streets is defined by a broad offering of produce, meats and dry goods. The area becomes an open-air market on Saturday ­ the busiest day of the week. The market originated during British settlement in the 1790s and has since undergone many permutations due to flurries of immigration that brought in folks representing more than 30 cultural backgrounds. Bordered by Spadina Avenue, Dundas Street, Bathurst Street and College Street. Individual business hours vary, but most are open daily from 11am-7pm.