Financial District & Underground City, Toronto

Okay it is nothing compared to the Flatiron Building in New York. In fact I have no idea why they call it the "Flatiron Building" in the first place. I always assumed because of its triangular shape like the more famous building in New York. I do know that it is one of the most photographed landmarks in Toronto. This probably because it is infact a rather attractive piece of late 19th century architecture and that it serves to as interesting contrast to the late 20th century office towers in the backdrop.
The building was actually built in 1890 and served as the corporate offices of Gooderham & Worts distilleries. It is in fact properly known as the Gooderham Building. The Flatiron Building in New York, which it resembles was actually built about ten years after this one. Recently new owners have restored the builidng to its original splendor. On the upper floor are very expensive offices while in the basement, there is a very nice bar called "the Flatiron and Firkin". It operates a charming patio on the southside of the building in the summertime.
The Flatiron Building is on the corners of Esplanade, Wellington and Church Streets.

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Just another tall office building from the outside, BCE Place has a remarkable atrium running through the main floor. In fact it’s so unique, that movies and commercials often use the location as a backdrop (Gattaca, Dracula, Tommy Boy). Stop by and have lunch in the basement food court and next time you’re watching TV you might be able to shout out “hey, I’ve been there”.

Address: 161-181 Bay Street

General Area:Downtown bounded by Yonge Street to the east, Wellington Street West to the north, Bay Street to the west, and Front Street to the south.

The financial core of the city ('Bay Street', but it includes more than Bay Street) might not be world-famous, but it is interesting. The former Toronto Stock Exchange building on Bay Street is a beautiful piece of Art Deco architecture and is now home of the Design Exchange. The TD towers--the original two, at least--are classic Mies Van der Rohe. And the Royal Bank Tower really does have gold windows. The vista created by Union Station and the main Post Office is stunning (across from the Royal York Hotel, which used to be the tallest building in the Commonwealth).

PATH - It's not really all that culturally significant, but take a wander through the maze of tunnels under Toronto's financial district. It's like a big underground mall that goes on for like ever. It's especially useful during the cold winter and the humid summer months. Enter anywhere from Union Station north to the Eaton Centre, usually on Bay or York Streets. Look for PATH signs.

FINANCIAL CENTER As a center of banking and commerce as well as the home of many multi-national corporations...massive skyscrapers dominate the Manhetten-like skyline. I have always considered Toronto the BIG APPLE of Canada.

When in Toronto, keep to the PATH - the massive underground mall that spreads all through downtown. A Great idea for all those cold winter days (and rainy summer showers ).
Shoppers Beware! You have been warned.

Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Toronto's largest and most popular showcase centre. Many exhibitions are held here throughout the year, & some may interest you = )

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It is an indoor pathway that connects the Toronto Convention Centre with Union Station. Great place to avoid the chills!

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