centre of europe
Centre Island Beach, on Lake Ontario, on the Toronto Islands, is a short ferry ride and walk from Toronto's Harbourfront and -- unlike the beach at Hanlan's Point, where bathers have fought for the right to leave their swimsuits at home -- is an ideal family beach, frequented mostly by Toronto families.
When arriving in Montreal by air you might get lucky with your approach to Trudeau Airport and fly right past the downtown core. From that perspective you can view Mont Royal, downtown itself, Old Montreal and the port.
Downtwon Chicago is an amazing array of water, steel and glass... beautiful buildings set in a functional pleasing manner for the everyday pedestrian.