When people ask about Toronto, I say it’s a food mecca because the population is so ethnically rich and diverse. It’s a big melting pot. I grew up in the Bloor West Village, a neighborhood of Polish and Ukrainian shops. (I can still remember those smells.) The best way to try new cuisines and cultures is to take the TTC public subway and hop off in Greektown, Koreatown, Chinatown and the West Indian neighborhoods. Meet the people. On the ride downtown, stop at St. Lawrence Market, the year-round indoor farmers market where over 120 vendors sell specialty foodstuffs from Canadian products to European pastries, Montreal bagels, smoked salmon, the best meats, handmade pasta, fruits and vegetables. In winter, the Distillery is big fun — walk cobblestone streets lit with holiday decorations while sipping hot chocolate or a hot toddy.

So, Toronto is the perfect year-round, weekend destination, for food, hijinks or just some clean Canadian air.