I've learnt one thing about writing travel blogs ... if you don't write them immediately after the trip, then it's very hard to get back into the moment. So here I am, several months after having been in Toronto, sitting on my terrace with a sprained ankle … finally getting back to the distant memories of Toronto!!
I would never want to come close to Toronto in the winter … picture -20 degrees (doesn't even matter if it's C or F!!) and wind. No amount of clothes could keep me warm. However, Toronto in the summer is a happening and exciting city … making up for the permafrost that the city seems to be in for most of the year :-)
It's August, it's warm, the skies are a crystal blue and there are people, parties, music, events everywhere! Toronto has a big city feel. The downtown area has massive, tall buildings and wide streets filled with suits walking around making important financial transactions. What most people don't realize is how cosmopolitan Toronto is. There are immigrants from all corners of the world living here, which adds to a very rich cultural and ethnic mix. And this mix is what comes alive in the summer and makes this a fantastic city. And besides the great vibe, I have to say that Toronto has got some amazing branding … which certainly doesn't hurt in building up the excitement.
HOW TO GET AROUND:
You won't have a problem getting to Toronto. As one of the major Canadian cities, most major airlines fly here ... including Emirates with its A380. I noticed their ads everywhere! I will share my general rule with you now … if you have to fly on a north American carrier … then let it be Air Canada. They are by far the best in terms of product and service.
> Metro: Toronto has a great metro system. Very clean, cheap and efficient. For the metro map, go to www.ttc.ca
WHAT TO DO:
On their maps, Toronto Tourism divides the downtown Toronto area into 7 districts:
Bloor - Yorkville
> this is where you will find the high-end shopping. On Bloor street are all the typical lux stores, but don't forget to walk down Yorkville, which has a much more boutique-y feel to it. If you have time, drop-in the ultra futuristic annex of the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum - designed by Daniel Libeskind) ... fun-nky!
Downtown Yonge
> the main structure that identifies this area of downtown Toronto is Eaton's centre ... which is a massive covered shopping mall. If you can't find it here ... it most probably doesn't exist.
> Underground Toronto: Given that the winters here are harsh and freezing, there is a whole Toronto that lives underground for half of the year. Walk through the maze of tunnels ... you will see, you can survive underground without ever having to step into the daylight.
Market Street
> this is the old, historic part of town. We had an excellent event at the distillery Historic District, with its many bars and restaurants. Don't miss the St. Lawrence Market … come here for a wonderful breakfast.
Entertainment District
> this is where all the theatres can be found, a thriving nightlife and some of the major sporting facilities.
> CN Tower: if in Toronto, you of course have to go to the top of the 553.33 m tower for the spectacular view of the city. To avoid the long line-ups, why not have lunch/dinner at the 360 revolving restaurant … the 72 minutes it takes to make one full turn is just enough for a scrumptious lunch … and after that you just walk down the stairs to the observation deck where you can dare yourself to stand on a glass floor … without the hassle of mega-long lineups.
> Much Music building: Much Music in Canada is what MTV is for the US. As I'm sitting at the Second Cup on the corner of Queen and John Street I hear some screaming teenagers. And then I realize I'm right by the side of the Much Music building. It's fun to go stand by their windows and open doors to see them taping some live show or another. You know how on live TV shows you often see people waving from the background, or from outside the window ... well, this could be you.
Queens Quay Harbourfront
At the foot of Bay street, take a ferry to Polson Pier in the Port of Toronto for a stunning view of the skyline at sunset … and a cocktail at one of its bars. From the Queens Quay Harbourfront you can also take the ferry to the Toronto Island right in front, where you can cycle, go to the beach or picnic with the picturesque Toronto skyline right in front of you.
Church Wellesley Village: this is Canada's largest gay village. Lively, colorful with an energetic crowd spilling onto the streets with cocktails in hand :-)
Chinatown: need I say more other than it being one of the biggest ones in North America?
RESTAURANTS:
Toronto in the summer is a dining extravaganza ... especially since all the restaurants have street-side terraces. And given it's multi-cultural social fabric, you will find a restaurant for every palate.
> Milestone's on John and Richmond Street: this is a Canadian classic! Milestone's is a large Canadian chain ... and what you have to absolutely try is the spinach and artichoke dip with tortilla's and a bellini, which is one of the very few drinks that gives me a complete head rush!
> Mercatto: a reliable and consistent Italian restaurant ... as my friend put it who lives in Toronto. Located right in the heart of the city, on Bay Street (crossing Adelaide St) ... don't forget to try the antipasto. Buonissimo!
> Second Cup: if you ever tire of Starbucks coffee, Second Cup is the Canadian alternative ... and a good alternative at that. And it's as ubiquitous in Canada as its more famous sibling.
> Canoe Restaurant: What a fantastic view of Toronto from the 54th floor of the Toronto Dominion Bank Tower on Wellington Street. Facing the lake and watching a beautiful sunset, you get to savour a regional inspired Canadian cuisine.
> Panorama at Manulife Centre: slightly more pedestrian but equally amazing view, try the Panorama on Bay and Bloor Street. Was recommended by a friend.
> Dimi Bar & Trattoria (140 Cumberland Street): located just off Bloor Street in a lovely side-alley, this is a great place to stop by for lunch ... to break up your expensive shopping extravaganza. Sat on the patio for hours, drinking wine and eating delicious Italian food. And the staff were sooooo friendly.
> 360 at the CN Tower: great view + wonderful food + chilled white wine = _____
HOTELS:
> Fairmont Royal York Hotel: This historic hotel opened in 1929 and was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company. The building which is very centrally located across from Union Station, is best described as having a chateau-like appearance. The interior is Victorian grand … this is exactly the type of place the Queen of England would stay at. Luxurious, ornate and with flowered wall-paper. The service was impeccable.
> Park Hyatt Hotel: had a wonderful gala dinner on their rooftop ballroom, with a beautiful view of the Toronto skyline (from behind … you always see pictures of the Toronto skyline from the water - the front). Situated right on Bloor Street, in the middle of the grand shopping district.
> Four Seasons Hotel: although worldwide the brand is synonymous with ultimate luxury, their Toronto hotel looks sad and dreary (like their Vancouver property, if I may add). It's a bit ironic since the brand comes from Toronto and this should be their flagship property!
Bojan Tercon
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