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The Toronto skyline at dusk.

Toronto is a wonderful place for a getaway. I can say this with some authority, since I've lived in or near Toronto all of my life. I've also gone on countless outings with my husband and two sons, ages 10 and 3. So, here's the inside scoop on some of the best places to play and stay, during your trip to the world's most multicultural city.

The diversity is evident in the mosaic of neighborhoods, which have come to reflect distinct ethnicity's, cultural groups and lifestyles. One of the best ways to experience Toronto is to walk through these areas on tours offered by services such as the Taste of the World Walking Tours. Visitors can choose from a wide variety of walks to neighborhoods like Chinatown, Kensington or Yorkville.

As soon as the weather warms up, Torontonians are out and about, in order to spend as much time as possible outside during our short but beautiful summers.

One of our favorite family outings is a day at the Toronto Island - a ten-minute ferryboat ride from the harbor front. Once we're on the large ferry, I can feel the tension start to melt as I watch the lovely Toronto skyline from the top deck. The air feels cleaner and the spray of the water is refreshing as we quickly approach our city's oasis.

Centre Island, the largest of three adjoining islands, is the site of Centreville, the ideal amusement park for younger kids because as my kids put it, "the rides aren't too scary here." Our top picks? The log flume, the antique cars, which the kids can drive themselves and the swan paddleboats. I highly recommend taking the Skyride cable car that provides a relaxing overview of the parkland and petting zoo.

It is really nice to walk around the eastern part of the Islands, known as Ward's Island, where a community of approximately 250 families make their permanent homes. To get a sense of what it's like to live on the Island, book a couple of nights at Island Memories, a unique Bed &Breakfast that offers family accommodations.

Also, number one with my gang is an area known as the Beaches, which is located in the Eastern downtown area. This is a popular family neighborhood, where people push strollers and walk hand in hand. Our kids love the playground and wading pool and I enjoy browsing in the funky shops where I inevitably find clothes, jewelry and household items often at bargain prices. Lick's, a popular hamburger joint, is a fun place to eat. Here, the food handlers sing and chant your food orders! They make a mean veggie burger and also have salads and ice cream.

No visit to this area is complete without a stroll on the boardwalk along Lake Ontario's shoreline. Although it isn't usually clean enough to swim, you'll see people sunning, skating, dog walking, beating on drums, and generally enjoying the laid back pace. People here seem to be freer of spirit than the rest of the city and the cottage style homes and wildflower gardens are lovely to behold.

Toronto boasts a fabulous Greek restaurant district known as the Danforth. It's fun to browse here or sit on a patio and people watch. Try the Astoria or Pappa's Grill, both have fantastic food at reasonable prices.

Hockey fans shouldn't miss the official NHL Hockey Hall of Fame- a shrine to Canada's most beloved sport. There are displays and interactive exhibits but my guys were thrilled just standing next to the Stanley cup for a photo op. To complete the hockey worship experience have a bite at nearby Gretsky's Restaurant owned by the Great One himself.

One of Toronto's most unique attractions is the Bata Shoe Museum, the only one of its kind in the world. Here you can see Elvis's blue suede shoes, learn about the Chinese tradition of foot binding or make a replica of an ancient shoe out of clay, like my son did.

For those who like to stay right downtown, the Delta Chelsea Hotel offers a clean comfortable hotel with friendly and efficient staff. You can’t beat the location near the Eaton's Centre, a large mall filled with trendy stores and eateries. The hotel offers a business club with modern workstations and complimentary tea and coffee. The Health Club is “adults only” and is located in a room with floor to ceiling windows up on the 27th floor.

There's also a pool but if you bring your kids they may prefer the brand new indoor water slide and family pool right next to the Children’s Creative Centre on the second floor. We stayed in a family suite with kid friendly amenities like bubble bath, bunk-beds, children’s bathrobes, VCR's and take home gifts.

For your eating enjoyment, there are several good restaurants in the hotel including Bv33 Bistro and Brasserie, the Market Garden for upscale self serve gourmet foods and Monarchs which offers a fun pub-like atmosphere with life entertainment Thursday-Saturday nights. There are reasonably priced weekend packages and for those of you spending American dollars, this hotel is definitely a bargain.

If you'd like to get outside of the city I highly recommend a trip to Kleinburg, 40 minutes northwest of downtown. This pretty little town has unique stores such as Rock of Ages, a favorite of my older son who is into crystal rock formations.

In my opinion, you'll never find a more family friendly spot for tea than Mr. McGregors House. They have an honor system for payment; you just pick out whatever you want from their table laden with goodies such as scones with jam and cream, homemade muffins, and tantalizing cakes and pies. Then you take your pot of tea out back to the large garden and pick out a seat from the eclectic mix of lawn furniture, gliders and wooden alcoves. On the way out, tell the cashier what you had and it will be rung up. The great thing is that the kids can run outdoors while you relax and enjoy your afternoon tea. For me it doesn't get much better than this.

While you're in this neck of the woods take in the Canadian culture by spending a few hours at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection which houses the artwork of the Canada's remarkable Group of Seven as well as contemporary First Nations and Inuit art. Set in the forest, this gallery offers guided tours, unique exhibits and craft making for children.

A trip to Toronto is a chance to see the world all in one city. Many of its areas have changed vastly over the years as new diverse residents transform them. But I can guarantee that the essence of Toronto always remains: a safe, exciting, diverse, family friendly 'Canadian' city.

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