This is Toronto. There is no limit to what’s possible in the most dynamic, culturally-diverse, vibrant, creative place in the world.

First ever two-toed sloth baby arrives upside down
The Toronto Zoo’s newest resident arrived upside down and will spend the rest of his days quite literally hanging around.  A two-toed baby sloth was welcomed by proud parents Tania and Buddy on June 25,  the first ever sloth birth for the zoo.   In fine sloth tradition, mom gave birth hanging upside down from a tree, and the baby assisted at his own birth.  The cutie will ride on his mom’s upturned belly for the next nine months, while his grey-brown coat grows in.  Check out this amazing little guy at the Primate Wing of the Toronto Zoo’s American Pavillion. More »

Revamped Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art fires imagination
After two years and a $20 million makeover, the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art fired up to reopen on June 23.  Transformed with glass and limestone by the Canadian firm of Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg architects, the Gardiner now boasts 29,000 square feet of space.  Additions include a larger retail store, a glassed-in third floor with a restaurant headed by acclaimed Toronto chef Jamie Kennedy, and a Special Exhibit Gallery.  Founded in 1984 by Toronto philanthropists George and Helen Gardiner to showcase their private ceramics collection, the new Gardiner opens with an exhibit of sculptures and drawings by Canadian artist Jean-Pierre Larocque. More »

Uncommon courtesy ranks Toronto in top three cities
According to a Reader’s Digest survey, Toronto is one of the most polite cities in the world.  Out of 36 cities surveyed around the world, undercover testers ranked Toronto’s good manners in the same league as New York and Zurich.  The informal survey used tests like dropping folders full of paper, opening doors for strangers, and soliciting thanks from store clerks.  From bond traders to street artists, 70 percent of Torontonians responded courteously.

Doors Open To Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
The glamorous Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts on Queen Street at University Avenue opened on Sunday, June 11.  Home to both the Canadian Opera Company and The National Ballet of Canada, the $150 million structure was designed by Toronto architect Jack Diamond.  The Centre will mount its first full-scale production, Wagner’s powerful Ring Cycle, in September, 2006. More »

Listen to a radio ad for The Lord of the Rings
Hear rave reviews about The Lord of the Rings in this Mirvish Productions radio ad, and how you can experience this mega-musical as part of a hotel package. Click here to listen.

Toronto’s “The Drowsy Chaperone” Nets Five Tonies
Toronto-born musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” won five Tonies on Sunday, June 11, at the prestigious Broadway awards show in New York. Originating as a workshop at Queen West’s Rivoli Club in 1998, the show grew into a $1-million Mirvish production at the Winter Garden Theatre.  After a Los Angeles run, it debuted on Broadway in May.  The Tonies included best book and best score of a musical, with both awards going to Torontonians.

Toronto Visitor Guide
For everything you need to plan your trip to Toronto, check out our latest digital publication: Spring/Summer 2006 Toronto Visitor Guide

Positive Energy at the Direct Energy Centre
The National Trade Centre, Canada's largest exhibition and convention facility, renamed Energy Centre. Exhibition Place and Direct Energy officially unveil the new Direct Energy Centre, an Exhibition & Convention Centre. Direct Energy Centre, an award winning exhibition and convention centre, plays host to more than 300 consumer and trade exhibitions, meetings, conventions and special events each year; featuring prominent shows such as the Toronto International Boat Show, the One-Of-A-Kind Show, the Sportsmen’s Show, The National Home Show and the Canadian National Exhibition. Owned by the City of Toronto, the facility is an integral program of Exhibition Place which is governed by The Board of Governors of Exhibition Place and professionally managed by O&Y/SMG Canada. More »

Conde Nast Traveller names Toronto hotel on Hot List
Cosmopolitan Toronto Hotel, a Zen lifestyle hotel, has been named one of the world's hottest new hotels in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List 2006 - The Very Best New Hotels in the World.  The list, featured in the May edition, comprises 60 hotels, and Cosmopolitan Toronto is the only Canadian hotel, and one of five North American hotels, included. The Condé Nast Traveller Hot List recognizes hotels and resorts for design, service and ambiance, making it one of the industry's most coveted designations. More »

Read what the critics are saying about the Lord of The Rings
Premiering at the Princess of Wales Theatre, The Lord of the Rings touches audiences as "rousing and resonant." With a 65-person cast and powerful musical score, The Lord of the Rings is a spectacle full of energy and wonder restoring Toronto’s place as an elite theatre destination. More »

Chinese Lantern Festival a North American exclusive
For 65 nights this summer and fall, Ontario Place will host one of the most exciting displays of Chinese culture and craftsmanship ever to be seen in the Western hemisphere with the Rogers Chinese Lantern Festival. This is the first time the People's Republic of China has allowed so many spectacular displays to be shown on North American soil. July 19 – October 1, 2006. More »

Cronenberg to curate Warhol at AGO
In his first collaboration with an arts institution, celebrated film director David Cronenberg will help install and curate the Art Gallery of Ontario’s exhibition titled Andy Warhol / Supernova: Stars, Deaths and Disasters 1962–1964. Exhibition scheduled for July 8 to October 22, 2006. More »