Canada's megacity, Toronto, is the fifth-largest city in North America. Whether your summer tastes run to active pursuits or theatrical experiences, this culturally diverse city offers something for everyone.

Canada Day
Kick off your summer by spending July 1 at Toronto's Mel Lastman Square at 5100 Yonge Street. Fireworks, live music and entertainment (all free!) cater to a family budget.

The Chin International Picnic
This annual event at Exhibition Place (on Lakeshore Boulevard) runs daily (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.) from July 1 to July 3. More than a traditional picnic, it includes entertainment, a circus, amusement park rides, food concessions, and a shopping bazaar. Admission is free.

Toronto Fringe Festival
Running this year from July 5 to 16, 2006, the Toronto Fringe Festival seems to get bigger and better every year. Last year, 11 venues and more than 130 theatre companies performed for 46,000 people. This year's performances for kids include Three Billy Goats Gruff, The Tale of Pigling Bland: A New Musical Based on the Story by Beatrix Potter, The Magic Paintbrush and The Stone Princess.

Toronto Street Festival
This summer marks the eighth year of the Toronto Street Festival. Take to Yonge Street on July 7, 8 and 9, 2006, where the world's longest street entices you with food, jugglers, stilt-walkers, buskers, music and children's artists.

From July 2 to July 23, 2006, Summerlicious piggybacks onto the Toronto Street Festival. More than 100 of Toronto's restaurants offer up great local fare to festival-goers.

Sunday Serenades
On Sunday evenings, between July 16 and August 27, 2006, head to Mel Lastman Square for free swing, big band and jazz concerts.

Where are you going this summer? Discuss your travel plans with other readers in our forums!

Image courtesy Tourism Toronto.

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Caribana Festival
The Caribana Festival runs from July 24 to August 7, 2006. Food, music and fun are the order of this festival and if you like reggae, steel drum and calypso music, you'll be in your element.

Bloor West Ukrainian Festival
The Bloor West Ukrainian Festival, taking place in 2006 from August 25 to 27, represents the largest Ukrainian festival in North America, with expected crowds topping 300,000. Aimed at families, the festival admission is free and live entertainment, free pancake breakfasts, Ukrainian and Canadian food kiosks, plus a Saturday parade combine to make this a not-to-be-missed family event.

Toronto Islands
For a minimal charge ($6/adult; $3.50/students between 14 and 18; $2.50/kids under 14), you can take the ferry to the Toronto Islands, where you'll find picnic spots, concessions, bike rentals, tennis courts, beaches, wading pools and amusement areas.

Niagara Falls
One of nature's most powerfully breathtaking scenes is an hour-and-a-half drive from Toronto -- 13 million visitors annually take in the sight and sound of 150 trillion litres of water pouring over the falls every minute.

Stratford Festival
Less than two hours away from Toronto is the town of Stratford, home to a world-class Shakespearean festival. Stratford also offers backstage tours of the theatre, costume warehouse tours and opportunities to meet with the staff and actors.

Where are you going this summer? Discuss your travel plans with other readers in our forums!

Image courtesy Tourism Toronto.

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