Toronto, Ontario

T.O. Goes Underground

Monica Poling

When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping. And even if the “going” means facing hail, sleet, snow or traffic snarls, Canada’s vibrant metropolis, Toronto offers ideal year-round shopping conditions in an underground series of tunnels known as “The Path.” Dating back more than 100 years, the Path’s early origins connected the T. Eaton Company’s main store by tunnel to its bargain outlet. Now The Path is listed by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest underground shopping complex, and the 16 miles (27 km) of underground walkway connect nearly 1,200 retail shops, cafes and restaurants.

Toronto Eaton Centre

The now defunct Eatons Company has always been a center of commerce in Toronto. Originally the creator of the city’s first underground shopping tunnel, Eatons in its current iteration--the Toronto Eatons Centre--celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2007. Canada’s third-largest mall, the centre is home to 350 high-end retail shops and restaurants and is most famous for its stunning architecture, a multi-level glass galleria. Sears Canada now occupies the anchor location vacated by Eaton’s and the massive department store is Sears’ largest retail location in the world.

Hockey Hall of Fame

One of the eastern most points along The Path is Canada’s Hockey Hall of Fame. This is a paradise for the hockey fan, who can do much more than just view the Stanley Cup. Free, interactive games provide a virtual hockey experience, and dedicated fans can suit up and tend goal against video images of Wayne Gretsky and Mark Messier.

Fairmont Royal York

An excellent people-watching location, the Fairmont Royal York holds a fond place in the heart of locals. Built in 1929 by the Canadian Pacific Railway across the street from Union Station, the Royal York was then Toronto’s tallest building. The hotel is home of York Station, touted as Toronto’s smallest bar, and the place where business professionals come to unwind before catching their commuter trains home.

The CN Tower

Defining Toronto’s skyline, the CN Tower is arguably the city’s most recognizable icon. The world’s tallest free-standing structure, the CN Tower offers stunning views (not for the faint of heart) from its four look out levels, including an all-glass floor. And if following The Path has not yet quenched your shoppers’ lust, the CN Tower offers 10,000 square feet of retail space.

Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

Beyond shopping, The Path also leads to Toronto’s most important cultural outlets. The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts is Toronto’s Opera House and also home of the famed National Ballet of Canada. In 2007, the theatre is introducing a free concert series, with performances scheduled at noon every Tuesday and Thursday and at 5 pm on the first Wednesday of the month. Scheduled through June, free performances include a Korean drumming ensemble, a retrospective on modern dance, and a history of the opera.