DAY 3-City Tour-Toronto Highlights

MORNING

We had such a fun-filled day, that I had to divide it into 2 parts.  

After a filling breakfast at a quaint breakfast cafe, Chez Cora, we explored the highlights of Toronto, a multi-cultural city, bursting at the seams with growth.  Everywhere I looked was a booming crane creating an exciting modern sculpture next to a stately, historic-looking building.   The city is quite beautiful with a vibrant aura and vibe.   I’ve not been here since 1969 and at that time, I recall it having more of an industrial feel.  Our first stop was on the banks of Lake Ontario, looking back towards the picturesque skyline.  

Next we visited the world famous St. Lawrence Market which was quite interesting.   Not familiar with this Marketplace, I fully expected to see small booths of dresses, jewelry and knick-knacks.  What a shock!  It’s an electric feeling market bristling with merchants selling everything from meats, sea food and bakery goods to the most colorful, mouth-watering fruits and vegetables.

It was a sensory delight.   You can further explore the highlights of this interesting Market at St. Lawrence Market

Here are some shots of the market and our group.      

Next we were off to THE PATH, which is a network of underground pedestrian tunnels, elevated walkways and walkways connecting the office towers of Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is more than 30 kilometres long.   It’s billed as the largest underground shopping/business district in the world.  It would have been fascinating to explore, but with time restrictions, the group stuck close together.  It’s just too easy to get lost down there.   It’s very interesting too that the first level also has sculpture and art exhibits which I really enjoyed.   The ceiling is structurally stunning and illuminates the entire first floor.  

The other pictures are of buildings and scenery as we were driving Thursday Toronto, including the Hockey Hall of Fame and Casa Loma.  I love Casa Loma as it’s the first castle I ever visited.  I went there in 1969 with my friend Ruth Smith who is the Tour Director on this trip.

 

Pictures of Casa Loma

DAY 3-AFTERNOON 

We dined at the Hot House Restaurant which offered us several menu choices including char-grilled salmon, chicken marsala and New York Sirloin.  The service was prompt and everyone enjoyed the food.  I love how Sunrise Tours insures that all diners needs are met by offering several menu choices and accommodating special dietary requests such as for vegetarians or food allergies.

From there we went to the CN Tower which is a 553.3 meter high concrete communications and observation tower located in Downtown Toronto.  From the floor-to-ceiling panoramic window walls to the thrilling descent in just 58 seconds, it’s an exciting landmark to visit.  You’re so high up, that when looking out, you feel like you’re eye level with the jets flying by.  

Here’s some shots taken from the top floor of the tower.