Plenty to see & do in Toronto
When we moved to Toronto we were hoping that at least some of our friends back east would come visit us, and so far we have had two overnight guests, so we are happy about that.
BUT, I did not think about what to do with guests when they come to visit. Our first guests were a last minute visit, and they were actually here to see another relative and were really busy, so although we did get to spend some quality time with them, we really did not have to entertain them. However, the second booking we had for the guest room - (Sorry at 850 square feet we do not have a “Guest Suite” to offer, just a nice room), they were actually coming to visit and spend time with us, so I had to think about what to do with them.
Fortunately, there is no shortage of events and attractions here in the big city, so before their arrival I sent our guests a list of websites and information about things to do. However the response I got back, was that they were just thinking about walking around the downtown area of Toronto where we live and seeing the sights. Now although I am not a native of Toronto, I have spent enough time here visiting our son, that I do know my way around the downtown and can find my way to most of the major attractions. So I drew up a possible “Downtown Toronto” walking tour that seemed to meet their wishes.
After a hardy breakfast we set out to explore the city.
From the condo, we walked through Allan Gardens which contains a beautiful
Dundas Square
Conservatory full of interesting plants (no time to visit this trip), and a large homeless encampment. On our way to the first stop at Dundas Square we passed and pointed out our son’s condo and also a local strip club (again, no time to visit). Dundas Square, the “Times Square” of Toronto provided a few good photo opps.
Dundas Square is right next to the Eaton Square shopping mall, so we next wandered through this huge major shopping centre, but we only looked; no credit cards were injured during the visit.
The Labrynth
When we exited the other end of Eaton Centre we were on Queen St. which led us down toward Nathan Philip’s Square , Toronto city hall, and the the huge “TORONTO” sign which of course required a few more photos, but on the way, I recalled we were close to the Toronto Labyrinth which was also worth a visit and a walk thorough the Labyrinth.
With the “selfies” of the “TORONTO” sign completed, we headed down towards the CN Tower and the Aquarium but instead of visiting either, we decided it was time for a rest and a beer at the Steam Whistle Brewery Tap Room, which is located in the old railway roundhouse.
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| You have to take a selfie with the sign |
Our next stop was the St. Lawrence Market, where we wandered through looking at the many bakeries, butchers, fishmongers, and vegetable stalls, to try to decided on something to cook for dinner. Not wanting to make a hasty decision, we elected to sample some of the lunch options available and sat out in the sunshine to discuss options. Some delicious steak for mains, and a selection of tarts for desert was finally decided upon and we made our way home.
My handy app on my phone said we walked a total of 13 Kilometres, so it was a full day, but although tired, everyone had a good day.
So I am now a pretty experienced Toronto tour guide, so if you plan to take advantage of our ‘Big City” hospitality, I am ready to show you around.
A Beer Break 
A VERY interesting sculpture 
A Toronto Landmark 
The Strip Club 
No Caption Needed . . . 
Interesting Street Art
Thanks to the guest photographer, Jim Marshall for some of the nice shots of Toronto.
You had time to walk though the Eaton centre but no time for the strip club? Lol. Looks like a fun visit. Maybe next time we're there we can actually take that tour!
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