Toronto

An over-flowing metropolis that has embraced the influx of cultures that have poured into it since the post-Second World War years, Toronto could be the most multi-cultural burg in North America.

Though not exactly blessed with stunning geography -- the Scarborough Bluffs along its eastern Lake Ontario shores is the lone geographic landmark of any visual note -- Toronto has done a remarkable job at developing itself as a city of neighbourhoods, culture and recreation.

The Annex, the Beach, Bloor West, the Entertainment and Distillery districts and Little Italy are just a handful of the many cool hang-outs in the city where you can enjoy a nice meal, take in a show, have a mad night out, or a quiet drink with friends.

Toronto also has its share of conventional man-made tourist attractions, highlighted by the CN Tower that lords over its central districts. Toronto Island and its main-land connector, Queen Quay, located just across the channel, are the two hubs if you want to enjoy the various activities that Lake Ontario affords. On a bright summer day, go out to the island and have a walk around -- you'll be blown away that such a pretty and sedate piece of land could be literally minutes from the downtown core of a major international city.

Though the collective struggles of the Blue Jays, Maple Leafs and Raptors give the city's sports fans a collective sense of angst that grows with each year, Toronto has a vibrant professional sports scene that is augmented nicely by the MLS team, Toronto FC, and the CFL's Argos. Along this vein, the 2015 Pan Am Games will be hosted by Toronto. If all goes according to Hoyle, it could be the impetus for the city to finally land the Olympics after unsuccessful bids for the 1996 and 2008 Games.

The RBC Canadian Open seems to have a semi-permanent home in and around Toronto, a fitting fact given that the city has an impressive list of public offerings. It needs to be said that most of Toronto's public courses are located in the suburbs, but Royal Woodbine and Piper's Heath are both near the airport.

Silver Lakes in Newmarket, Eagles Nest in Maple (not far away from the impressive Canada's Wonderland amusement park) and Osprey Valley's 54 holes on the other side of the outer city near Caledon, are three of the more notable golf facilities if you want to drive a little further afield.