toronto, eh!
Toronto, often mistakenly considered the capital of Canada (it's Ottawa), is home to approximately 2.5 million inhabitants. Merging every possible nationality under the sun, TO is like multiple vacations in one.Let's start off with what everybody looks for when visiting the city, and what you shouldn't miss.
sights and sounds
CN TowerThe world's tallest freestanding structure, located on Front Street (like you really need directions to see it anyway), stands tall at 1,815 feet. Built in 1976, it welcomes approximately 2 million visitors annually.
I suggest going up the tower at sunset, which is a beautiful visual experience in itself. Expect a long lineup, so give yourself at least one hour of leeway. In other words, don't show up at the last minute.
SkyDome
Home of Major League Baseball's Blue Jays, the SkyDome has a sought-after retractable roof to cover you during rainy days and welcome the sun during clear days. Whether you like baseball or not, it's still worth a visit.
The Docks
If you enjoy strolling by the water with your lady friend, then The Docks is a great escape from the hectic downtown lifestyle.
Take time to visit the small antique stores, but be careful because they'll keep you busy for an entire afternoon.
Streetcars
Maybe you've already experienced the tramway, but even if you have, this is different. It's a lot like the conventional bus, where you ride amid the usual traffic. Just be careful that cars actually stop when you plan to exit.
all you can eat
Dining locales are a dime a dozen in TO, but here are some I treated my palate to.Wrap 'n Roll
Smack in the middle of Queen Street, you'll find yourself in wrap heaven. If you like foods rolled up nice and tight in a pita-like dough, then you're set.
My personal favorite is the Chicken Stir Fry.
Cafe Nervosa
Two floors of sleek design, Cafe Nervosa holds a restaurant on the first floor, and a cigar lounge on the second. If you're not a cigar fanatic, then pop in to see the occasional star like Samuel L. Jackson; it's worth the trip.
If the trendy, funky and non-pretentious layout is not enough to get you coming back, its angel hair pasta will. You can find this quaint Italian Restaurant and Cafe on Belair and Yorkville, in the posh Yorkville district.
Just Desserts
If you have a sweet tooth, Just Desserts will fill any void in your stomach after a hearty meal (but not too hearty). A few of them operate in the suburbs, but if you're downtown, visit the one on Richmond street.
Try their Reese's cake. You'll leave a couple of pounds heavier, but with a smile on your face.
the nightlife
FusionRight on Queen street, this nightclub is a good fusion of R&B, hip-hop and house music. If you don't like the ambiance in one room, the second alternates in styles.
Although it might look small when you walk in, walk to the end and you'll realize that the size doubles to the left. Check out its semi-private room with the exotic decor and cool couches.
On a side note; if there's one thing I realized, it's that there are a lot of couches in many clubs. Torontonians seem to enjoy dancing as much as they do chilling, laying back and people-watching.
Whiskey Saigon
Probably one of the biggest clubs you'll ever set foot in, this four-story dancing establishment doesn't require a map, but it may as well.
An interesting concept is when staff members film clubbers getting jiggy with it on the dance floor, while broadcasting it live on other floors. Imagine dancing with your lady on the second floor, and watching buddies try to pick up a group of women on the third. Funny stuff.
You won't get the best drinks in the city, but it's still worth the experience. Remember that the legal drinking age in Toronto is 19, so if you're out looking for an older clientele, this isn't your best bet.
G-Spot
If the name isn't enough, this nightclub oozes sensuality. This 2-level complex has a section to please every musical taste. The entire open ceiling left side plays house, electronica and trance music. On the top right side, the DJ will get you bumping and grinding to some calypso, soca and traditional Caribbean beats.
The bottom right side serves a plate of sensuous salsa and side order of merengue mania. This is the perfect time to grab your woman, forget everything, and move your bodies in unison.
Guvernment
The Guvernment Entertainment Complex provides a great blend of sights and sounds. Host to a world of special events, concerts and DJs like Paul Oakenfold, everyone will find something to appreciate.
It's located in The Docks, and if you want more information, check out http://www.theguvernment.com/.
festivals
If you go visit Toronto during the summer, you'll be overwhelmed by the amount of festivals and parties taking place all over town, as one doesn't wait for the next to finish.Caribana
Overtaken by calypso, steel pan and elaborate masquerade costumes, the annual Caribana Festival is renowned worldwide. Just celebrating its 34th anniversary in 2001, Caribana is the largest Caribbean festival in North America.
Bring lots of fluids, grab a partner and start dancing the day away. Enjoy some curry and grilled corn while you're at it.
Toronto Film Festival
Probably the biggest gathering of celebrities you'll get in Canada, the Toronto Film Festival just concluded with celebrities like Heather Graham, Gene Hackman and Julia Stiles in attendance.
It's the perfect setting to munch on some popcorn and shoot the breeze with big-shot actors like Anthony Hopkins. Prepare your thumbs for some Ebert & Roeper action and go watch some artsy flicks.
out of town
Before you head out from this cosmopolitan city, take a stroll through Chinatown and mingle (more like haggle) with store owners over everything from sandals to sunglasses.Get ready for the noise and hectic on-foot traffic, this is just something you need to get used to in the city. Since you're prone to spending lots of time searching for parking, equip yourself with some good sneakers and be ready to walk when you end up parking 2 miles from where you want to be.
Also, if you don't mind driving a couple of hours out of the city, then head to the acclaimed Niagara Falls, where many a couple heads for their honeymoon. Consider this the aftermath of the typical express wedding in Vegas.
Another feature is Niagara on the Lakes, where you'll visit amazing wineries and cellars. See how they make the wine you love so much, and let them teach you how to appreciate it. (Like you need tips on that anyways.)
toronto here we come
After all these insider tidbits, change your US dollars to Canadian currency and head out to this megacity. Don't forget to buy some souvenir T-shirts for your mother.Resources:
Toronto Travel Guide
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