Toronto ...and it's Mayor

Toronto, Ontario Canada.

My home town.

First, I'm going to write about the wonderful things that I love about Toronto (aka T.O), and then there is Mayor Rob Ford...he comes later.

When I get the opportunity to "go back home" between the months of May and November, I'm all over it.

Bluffers Park Marina Houseboats

If there is any advice I can give to a Toronto Newbie...

Save yourself the headache and don't rent a car. Learn the Toronto transit system (TTC), a city wide subway, bus and streetcar system and the GO Train system. The Go Train connects at Union Station and takes you to places the TTC doesn't.

Both are safe, clean, relatively cheap and easy to navigate. For TTC travel, buy your tokens/Day Pass from real live people at any subway station or use the automated token vending machines.

Toronto Transit Commission

$3/ride - exact coin change
TTC Tokens - about $3 each
Day Pass for $10.75 .

Canadians have coins that are called "Loonies" ($1) and "Toonies" ($2) so the exact change issue is not so problematic but if you happen to arrive at Toronto's Lester B Pearson Airport and want to travel into the city via TTC...

1. Stop off at any Currency Exchange booth in the airport and exchange cash for a couple of "Loonies" or "Toonies" or purchase TTC tokens there.

2. Go outside of Baggage Claim and look for a TTC bus stop. You are looking for the '192 Airport Rocket'. It is outfitted to stow travel luggage and will take you to the 'Kipling' subway station. From there, you're on your own. When making your hotel reservations, just ask what subway station is closest.

Note: You won't always need it, but when traveling around Toronto (without a Day Pass), get or ask for a "transfer". It's a paper ticket that ensures you can get on to the next bus or train without having to pay again.

Soon, (2014?) Toronto will have a train that will take you directly to Union Station from the airport.

Toronto's amazing Subway ...

The GO Train service is separate from TTC but as effective for travel outside of the city boundaries... Look for this logo...

 

Go Transit

Back to "What I love about Toronto"...

"Butter Tarts".

Mr Something thinks "they taste like Pecan Pie without the pecans" but he is wrong. "Butter Tarts" are in a class of their own. That is all I have to say on that subject.

"Tea".

Tea in Toronto is generally flavoured with milk (not cream) and sugar. Lemon? Not so much. Be aware that if you order tea in Canada, you will get hot tea - not iced - unless you specifically request it.

Toronto has been defined as a "Mosaic" and not a "Melting Pot".

A "Mosaic" is a city where the many cultures have been encouraged to maintain their 'roots' through their art, culture, music, religions and food.

The 'sub-cities' within Toronto include Little Italy, China Town, Greek Town, Little India and a host of others. Visiting these neighborhoods are a feast for the senses and make dining as authentic an experience as one could imagine.

The Royal Ontario Museum  -  'Museum' Subway

Outdoor markets - 'Jane' Subway

Chinatown - 'Spadina' or 'St Patrick' Subway

World Class Theatre - 'St. Andrews' Subway

Scarborough Bluffs - Take the "GO Train"

...High Park, The Science Center, The Planetarium, The Kensington Market, Casa Loma, Yorkville, Yonge Street at night and Toronto Island.

Kid-Friendly...
- Toronto Island
- Casa Loma
    - A real castle in the middle of the city.
- Black Creek Pioneer Village
   
- High Park
    - It's got its own little zoo, great place for a picnic. Beautiful gardens

- The Toronto Zoo

Canada's Wonderland
   - might be too far outside of the city - its like Six Flags

Will appeal to adults..not so much for kids
- The Ontario Science Center
          Very cool place devoted to Science
- The CN Tower
- Rogers Center
           Home of The Bluejays
- The Royal Ontario Museum
 

I'm certain I'm forgetting someplace spectacular. Any fellow Torontonians out there want to add a place not to miss?

Mayor Rob Ford

...and then there is Toronto's crazy-ass, Mayor Rob Ford who refreshingly admitted to smoking crack cocaine last year but defended his actions by explaining he was in a 'drunken stupor' at the time. Despite his honesty, there comes a time in life where self-examination and reflection are warranted. This looks like one of those times for Mayor Ford.

Photo Credit: Chris Young / THE CANADIAN PRESS

His televised tirades, sophomoric antics, public use of foul language and disrespect for city council protocol combined with his drug use tells me he is in serious need of counseling. Maybe he is receiving it. Maybe not.

What can I say about the mayor of a city I love?

An expression used in the south fits nicely..... "Bless his heart".