An insider's guide to Orlando

As the home of the world's top theme parks, it comes as no surprise that nearly one million Canadians flock to Orlando each year. What may be surprising is that this city has even more to entertain the most discerning traveler.

For example, did you know that Orlando is home to five-diamond and celebrity-chef restaurants, as well as world-class shopping and to highly regarded cultural institutions and events? With Family Day and March Break right around the corner, this Florida destination is an ideal three-day or week-long getaway. Take a look at these little-known gems, courtesy of Visit Orlando:

Adventure Attractions:

• Airboat Rides: These open-air vessels introduce visitors to the famous Central Florida Everglades. This beautiful and irresistible region is like nowhere else in the world. Zip through narrow paths inside the tall reeds and cattails keeping a vigil eye out for nesting alligators.

• Air Tours: The Orlando Air Tour (Mauiva's aerial tour division) offers breathtaking “flight seeing” experiences that fly guests above Central Florida's top attractions. Celebrate a special occasion with a nighttime champagne fireworks tour.

Arts and Culture Attractions:

• Orlando Museum of Art: The museum includes permanent collections of American, African and ancient American art, and touring exhibitions, including works by famous American artists Georgia O'Keeffe, Ansel Adams and Andy Warhol.

• The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art: The museum houses the world's most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933). Its Tiffany collection includes jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded-glass windows and lamps. The museum's holdings also include a major collection of American art pottery and representative collections of late 19th- and early 20th-century American painting, graphics, and decorative art.

• The Orange County Regional History Center: A historic five-story masterpiece offers Orlando visitors fascinating insight into how this region has made its transition from a small town surrounded by citrus groves and cattle ranches to today's thriving urban community. From guided tours and hands-on historical events to fun-packed, interactive children's programs, learning is fun for all ages.

Shopping and Spa Attractions:

• Shopping: From some of the top department stores including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales to one of the largest outlet locations in the Southeast, Orlando shopping has something for wallets of every size. Visitors looking for unique boutiques can stroll and shop downtown Orlando and Winter Park for hard-to-find clothing labels, home décor and antiques.

• Spas: Get soothed, refreshed, rubbed and scrubbed at one of the city's many award-wining spas. The city beautiful lives up to its name with world-renowned spa brands like the Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain, the Mandara Spa at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and the Ritz-Carlton Spa Orlando, Grande Lakes. Kids can even enjoy the experience at one of multiple resorts with spa menus for children.

More information about the area's attractions, including the Deals Made for Canadians, can be found online at www.visitorlando.com/canada.