Today’s guest blogger will talk us through the perks of living or visiting Toronto.
“When people ask me where I am from, and I tell them that I am from Toronto, Ontario, and if the person asking is familiar somehow with Toronto they always say: “I love Toronto!”
Indeed, I love Toronto as well – after all: What’s not to love?
Toronto is Canada’s most populated city, and also Ontario’s Provincial capital. It is a vibrant city full of eclectic multicultural neighborhoods, fantastic concert venues and nightlife, as well as more refined places such as the Royal Ontairo Museum that is affectionately known as the ROM.
I no longer live in Toronto, and I find that writing these words now, I am experiencing goosebumps and from my eyes a few tears are escaping. Possibly that may sound overly emotionally to you, but I truly do love this great city, and my mind is full of memories of endless hours riding the subway with friends, having tea in China Town, or shopping along Queen Street West; taking in the hipster vibe of upcoming artists and fashion designers.
Visit Toronto and you too will fall in love. No matter your lifestyle and interests, you can find a place in this wonderful city that will feel like home. Are you an affluent young professional? Then you will love strolling and taking in the funky yet prestigious neighborhood known as Cabbagetown, named after the Irish immigrants that grew cabbage in their front lawns. This neighborhood is rich in Canadian history, originally populated by poor working class, but now today a stark difference with many of the Victorian homes having been restored and historical plaques installed.
If you love a multicultural experience; be sure to take in the distinct Kensington Market. When I think of this area, immediately my nose twitches with the memories of the food vendors selling a variety of meats and vegetables, as well as the aromas from bakeries, cheese and spice shops.
Or possibly you are more inclined to enjoy a downtown vibe and so for you; Yonge Street is where you should be. However; you must beware as to which portion of Yonge Street you start your exploration because it is fifty six kilometers long. Ideally if you want to be in the heart of Toronto, you will want to be at the corner of Yonge and Dundas to take in some mainstream shopping, head shops, street vendors of various merchandise, sausage carts, and the Public Square where people voice, sometimes quite loudly, their thoughts on anything from politics to the end of the world.
If you are fortunate enough to be in Toronto mid August, plan a day or two so you can be one of the 1.3 million world-wide visitors at Canada’s largest annual fair called the Canadian National Exhibition also known as the Ex. This is an eighteen day event held at the 192 acre site of Exhibition Place. Calling the Ex a ‘fair’ is a total understatement! It is a massive event of food, rides, culture, entertainment, shopping and family fun.
I could write volumes about this rich city that is abundant with history and culture, but I will instead leave it at this, hoping that these few words regarding the city I love, will inspire you to visit Toronto, creating for yourself memories that may even produce for you, nostalgic tears of joy.