As the main area and one of the central business districts of the city, Midtown is the real heart of Toronto defined not by a large number of tourist attractions but by small, independent places and a unique local atmosphere. The boundaries of the area include Bloor Street, Lawrence Avenue, Oakwood Avenue and Bayview, which border the area of Midtown. It is in the north of the city of Toronto, Ontario on the east coast of Canada and divides into various neighbourhoods.
The best way to appreciate Midtown Toronto is by visiting independent cafes and exploring the small shops of the area, which reveal the spirit of the local community and offer great spaces for visitors to relax. There are some tourist attractions in the area including the Ontario Science Centre, an educational centre, and Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens which provide walking trails through beautiful forested areas. Visitors can explore a number of other parks and partake in a discovery walk through the Don Valley Ravines, or indulge in the local jewellery, craft and clothing boutiques. Midtown Toronto has a buzzing nightlife with many original restaurants and cafes to enjoy, ranging from patisseries to sushi to Middle Eastern cuisine, in addition to various pubs, bars and clubs.
Visitors can easily reach Midtown from throughout Toronto on the city subway by taking the Yonge Line to the any of the many stations in the area and local bus services run throughout the city. For international visitors, the nearest airport is Toronto Pearson International, a 20-minute drive from Midtown, although the journey on public transport can take over an hour.
The history of Midtown begins with the founding of Toronto in 1750 by the French settlers, although First Nations people occupied the land for several thousands of years before the arrival of the Europeans. The Midtown neighbourhood came into being around the 19th century when surrounding areas became farming villages, which over the years slowly developed into a unique, yet integral, part of the larger city of Toronto.