MAKE sure you have a head for heights when you head for Toronto.
The first thing you see when you enter the city is the 553m-tall CN Tower. It dominates the city's skyline - little wonder, since it is the world's tallest free-standing structure - and beckons visitors with an almost hypnotic stance.
Perched at a height of 446.5m, its Skypod is the highest public observation deck in the world. With three observation levels and a 360-degree view of Toronto, Lake Ontario and a horizon that stretches to the mists of Niagara Falls almost 130km away, it's no surprise that it draws more than two million people every year.
Those who quiver at the thought of going higher than the second floor don't have to worry. There are plenty of more down-to-earth attractions in Canada's largest city, which is considered the best-run large urban centre in the western hemisphere.
Vying for visitors with CN Tower is the Royal Ontario Museum, Canada's premier museum. It contains internationally renowned collections of human culture and natural history and one can stroll among replicas of colossal dinosaurs from the Jurassic era or discover the richness of the planet's modern bio-diversity.
More modern is the Ontario Science Centre which has hundreds of exhibits on outer space, sports, the human body and the living earth that encourage visitors to think about the world around them.
For a feel of culture, the Gallery Of Ontario presents an outstanding collection of 38,000 works while Black Creek Pioneer Village, a restored living Ontario town, takes one back 100 years in time.
FAIRY TALE AND ADVENTURE: The 98-room majestic landmark castle Casa Loma has secret passages and a 243.8m-long tunnel leading to luxurious stables.
You can even get a taste of culture on a global scale, thanks to this city's multitude of ethnic neighbourhoods.
There is the Arab Strip, at least three Chinatowns, Greektown, Little Italy, Corso Italia, Korea Town, Little Poland, Little India, Portugal Village and others - all replicas of the immigrants' former homelands.
In fact, it is this rich cultural diversity that makes Toronto a foodie paradise too.
With around 7,000 restaurants dotting the city, one can almost understand why locals claim you can eat a different ethnic meal 365 days of the year and still not run out of options.
Sport lovers have plenty to cheer for in this city. The Hockey Hall Of Fame - we're talking ice hockey here - is full of exhibits and testimonials to the history of the sport.
Tagged a 'hockey-mad land' by some writers, Canada is known for producing probably the greatest ice hockey player ever: the legendary Wayne Gretzky.
SHOW AND TELL: Find out about the history of ice hockey in Canada through exhibits and testimonials at the Hockey Hall of Fame.
If you're into wildlife, or travelling with children, the Toronto Zoo has a magnetic appeal.
It houses over 5,000 animals in a spectacular 287.3ha zoological park. Highlights include a dynamic interactive children's wildlife experience, a 12ha African Savanna and the Gorilla Rainforest which is recognised as the largest indoor gorilla exhibit in North America.
For a touch of history, head for Casa Loma, a fairy-tale castle that was once a renowned palatial home. This 98- room majestic landmark features unique architecture and beautifully decorated suites complete with soaring ceilings, rich woodcarving and sumptuous marble.
It even has secret passages, twisting towers and a 243.8m tunnel leading to luxurious stables.
When it comes to getting around this city, public transport is the way to go. Buses, streetcars and subways crisscross the area, with a single fare starting at C$2.25 (S$3.20).
Taxis are available but most visitors use them only for getting to their hotel from the airport (C$45) and back to the airport.
CATCH DINOSAURS HERE: The Royal Ontario Museum, Canada's premier museum, offers history buffs collections of human culture and natural history, including replicas of dinosaurs.
