JOIN THE CANADIAN CLUB ...

Forget New York...Toronto has everything you can get from the Big Apple, but with less hassle and for less money.

For a start, there are enough stores in Toronto to last any self- respecting shopaholic a lifetime.

There are the usual vast American warehouse style outlets in the Eaton Centre, selling all the latest designer labels like Levi, Nike and Ray- ban.

But for great bargains and trendy boutiques there are dozens of off-beat shopping areas, such as Cabbage- town, Queen Street West or Yorkville.

Throughout Toronto, you'll come across tiny gift shops full of unusual nick-nacks, second-hand stores and designer clothes shops every bit as good as in New York's Soho district.

Toronto is rightly proud of its extraordinary ethnic mix, each with their own districts.

Chinatown is huge and has wonderful restaurants and markets which give you the feeling that you have stepped into the Far East.

You can buy anything here, from beautiful porcelain and jade, to herbs and spices, even pickled seaweed.

Kensington Market is packed full of little shops and stalls from many different races, like Portugese, West Indian and Jewish, offering an incredible variety of goods.

Toronto really caters for everyone. If you fancy an Italian, head for Little Italy. Craving a curry? There's a Little India too.

The city's restaurants have absorbed influences from a succession of immigrants, and in the newer establishments the cooking is some of the most modern and exciting in the world.

It's the same with the nightlife too. You can salsa at a Latin American bar, listen to jazz, or dance at one of the many clubs.

And if your credit card is getting close to its limit with all the shopping and partying, Toronto offers plenty in the way of tourist attractions.

The CN Tower is a must. The tallest building in the world, it gives fabulous views over the city. If you're feeling brave you can risk standing on the glass floor, which gives a dizzying view 1,122 feet down to ground level.

For a quieter break, take the ferry across to the Toronto islands, where no cars are allowed. You can walk or cycle through the relaxing parks, past quaint artists cottages, with the stunning skyline of the city just over the water.

If you still have the time, head off to one of the world's most exciting and well-known tourist sites - Niagara Falls.

As natural wonders go this one will certainly not disappoint. And the good news is that if you're using Toronto as a base then it's just an hour from the city.

Niagara Falls - the name conjures up the sound of crashing white water and a vague memory that somebody once did something unbelievably silly in a barrel.

Since the gambling laws were relaxed there are no end of companies angling to get you to the town of Niagara. There are frequent coaches from Toronto and some superb accommodation deals if you chose to stay over. One hotel offers bed and breakfast for two people from pounds 23 a night, with two double beds to a room plus camp beds for the kids.

The Falls are an inspiration, with boat trips to the foot of the roaring wall of water, or a helicopter ride over it, and plenty of well placed viewing platforms. But there's more to see than the waterfall, fabulous though it is.

The gambling palace Casino Niagara opened just over a year ago. It has 123 gaming tables and over 3,000 slot machines. Just one word of warning, you have to be over 19 to get in.

There's also an Imax movie theatre which, with six screens and special viewing goggles, puts you right in the middle of the action.

Niagara is a barrel of fun, and you won't need to go hurtling over the falls to find it.

FACT FILE

SCHEDULED flights to Canada can be booked with Bluebird (0990 320000) on Canadian Airlines or BA.

Canadian Airlines (0181 577 7722) have a New Year sale of flights from Heathrow to Toronto and Montreal from pounds 217 per person.

Vacation Canada (0990 168215) offers tailor-made packages to Canada including whale-watching trips.

Bluebird Holidays (0990 320011) can tailor-make a package taking in travel, accommodation and activities.

Canada 3000 charter flights to Montreal pounds 259 (June) (0990 320000).

A 'Montreal Experience' - 3 nights at the Crowne Plaza, pounds 138 per person includes sightseeing tour of Montreal and Quebec City (flights extra) (0990 320011).

B&B accommodation in Quebec ranges from pounds 17 per person. for two sharing.

You can choose from 19 different tours through Canada based on a fly- drive package with seven nights accommodation from pounds 149 per person, flights extra.

For further information call the Canadian Tourist Office, 62-65 Trafalgar Square, London WC2 (0891-715000).

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