Toronto on the go

Toronto is a city of skyscrapers. They are having a competition to build the highest condo. The present is 78 floors but it is about to be beaten by an 80 floor building,  Because of the high buildings,the wind rushes down between them.

It is a college city with four main hospitals.

They can be accessed by doctors and patients via underground passageway so the busy roads can be avoided.These are training and research hospitals as well as treating actual patients.

Let’s catch the Hop on Hop off bus…..it includes a cruise around the islands.

There is a historical centre as well which have been repurposed. On the bus we pass the Assembly Of Provincial government, through the Queen Gardens and into a residential area. There is a building called the Castle up on the hill ( we could see the towers) which is now a museum. No you don’t have to visit it. It is an interesting building with 98 bedrooms and 30 bathrooms. The original owner built it for his wife. Crazy man, no women wants to clean that much house. Unfortunately it ran over budget….$2.5 million in 1914. With the war and depression, the owner lost his money and had to sell.

I loved the cruise. Toronto is on Lake Ontario,one of the Great Lakes. There are 15 small islands that with the exception of 2 are for recreation and are car less. You access the islands by water and there are bridges linking them. The islands have become a haven for local and migrating birds. One of the islands has the Toronto‘s second airport. Planes here are mainly domestic but some do fly to north USA. The one permanently inhabited island has 150 residences. There is a 200 year waiting list to buy one of these so I wouldn’t count on you getting one. Perhaps choose a name that is carried down so your great grandchild has a chance of buying. When the lake freezes in winter, an ice breaker ensures that the inhabitants can get to work and mainland children to get to the island school.

Guess what I found for you….can’t guess? A railway museum! It is under development but they had an advertisement movie for the ‘Canadien train’ from 1954 which was interesting because the silver dining cars are still in operation. You could also use a simulator to drive the train.
We braved the sports fans going to a Blue Jays game and the Comic-Con people going to the Fan festival. Some costumes were amazing , and we headed for the Markets ( in the original Council Chambers) (The Blue Jays won) You can buy fruit, Canadien products and foods of all types. The original markets were across the road and burnt down. Toronto has a problem with building fires including a fire station that burnt down. They are being rebuilt.  In Toronto, historical buildings ,if they are to be rebuilt, must keep the facade . Other historical features like the clock tower may remain without the rest of the building.Another building which has been repurposed is the Distillery.it now has boutiques, cafes and bars. Definitely a vibrant place but my feet are complaining so let’s catch the bus and return to the hotel for a rest.

      So here is your dose of quirky art, statues or sights.  

Are you ready? Today we are on the train to Jasper and Banff. Two days. Book that big bag and grab the carry on( the room is small).  Check in….reserve your lunch and dinner. Drink coffee and wait to be called. Excited?