By Katy DeHaven
If you have been following our Where in the World posts on Wednesdays you know that we just completed a Canada and New England cruise port series. For our next location I thought we would stay in Canada and check out Toronto!
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and one of the most multicultural cities in the world. The city is known for its many skyscrapers and it is home to the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere, the CN Tower. The city is also home to many parks, museums and art galleries, and is located only about an hour and half away from Niagara Falls.
One of the Seven Wonders of the modern world, the CN Tower stands at 553 meters, or just over 1,814 feet. It has the highest glass floor paneled elevator in the world, which takes visitors up 342 meters. Those wanting to go higher can go up to 447 meters and check out the SkyPod. If that doesn’t get your heart pumping check out SkyWalk, where participants stand on a hands-free ledge over the city. To learn how the tower was built:
While Canada is not the birthplace of hockey, Toronto is the home to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Located just east of Union Station, this 65,000 square foot museum has such amazing exhibits including the original Stanley Cup, Max Bentley’s stick, and Terry Sawchuk’s goalie gear. There is also a reproduction of the Montreal Canadiens’ locker room. Check out this video for a look inside.
Described as a foodie paradise, the St. Lawrence Market has been located in the South Market House building since 1803. The building previously served as Toronto’s City Hall and jail. Residents and visitors come here to meet, eat, and shop for everything from specialty mustard, to fresh pasta, lobster and artisan bread. For some must-eat suggestions from the market:
Located within the buildings of the former Gooderham and Worts Distillery, the Distillery District is a commercial and residential district located just east of downtown. Opened in 2003, it is home to numerous cafes, restaurants, theaters, galleries and shops. Widely regarded as Canada’s premier arts, culture, and entertainment destination, the district also has some of the best preserved 1800s-era industrial
The Toronto Botanical Gardens offers free admission to the grounds and tours, nature camps, courses, and summertime farmers market. Guided tours of the 17 themed gardens which last about 45 minutes to an hour do have a fee. For those that want to walk around on their own there is also a guided-App. This is wonderful place for a casual stroll to relax and take in the beauty of one’s surroundings. Check out this peak at the gardens in the springtime.
Toronto’s largest park, High Park offers tons to see and do. The 400 acres offers themed gardens, a zoo, an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, athletic fields, a dog run, playgrounds and ice skating rinks. During the summer months the Canadian Stage Company puts on select Shakespearean plays in the amphitheater. Check out this look at the park.
Located in North Toronto is Casa Loma a 98-room full-size castle built in the early 1900’s by Sir Henry Pellatt. The house features horse stables, a massive wine cellar, a 5 acre garden and secret passageways. To learn more about the home and its history, click here.
If you are looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city take the ferry to Toronto Islands a popular recreational destination. Centre Island offers an amusement park, beaches, canoe and kayak rentals, nature paths and gardens. Check out this video to see more of what Toronto Islands has to offer.
Straddling the US and Canadian border is Niagara Falls, a 90 minute drive from Toronto. The falls are actually a group of three waterfalls at the southern end of Niagara Gorge. The more glamorous side of the falls is from the Canadian side where you get the panoramas of both the American Falls and the Horseshoe Falls. To learn more:
We hope you have enjoyed our look at Toronto, for a wonderful video overview of the city and to see some more highlights I didn’t mention, please click here.