Culturs TV Expert Carri Wilbanks, visited Toronto, Ontario, Canada to explore winter adventure. The city was bursting at the seams with development around the 2015 Pan American Games, which took, place July 10-26, 2015. Which is notable not only because it’s the world’s third largest international sporting event but also because Toronto is setting a precedent in sustainable development.
Ontario offers some of Canada’s best of everything as told by the former President and CEO of Ontario Tourism – including being one of the country’s most multicultural cities. Here are some of the city’s highlights:
A rusted over industrial Canary District was renovated as the main hub for the Pan Am Games and now has become a center point for community with a transit system and pedestrian promenade lined with boutiques, restaurants, public art displays and green gardens. The YMCA, where athletes worked out during the games, features an indoor track, lap pool and weight room. Post games, the facility now welcomes members and guests. And housing built for athletes is being sold as condos or used as student housing to avoid wasted construction around temporary structures.
The city also stays relevant with newer concepts like Carbon Bar, a former TV set turned electric restaurant. Here, a cocktail called the Borealis sour intended to be sipped was guzzled. It’s made with Pike Creek Rye, Sortilege maple whiskey, baking spices, banana and egg. I debated calling for another, but was enticed by the Cheddar Ice Cream Sandwich – served with a thin slice of cheese on vanilla ice cream, covered with Quebec maple syrup and sprinkled with a mild and finely shredded cheese in top.
Other tourist attractions include the CN Tower, the second tallest structure in the world and the highest in Canada. Catch views of Lake Ontario, towering skyscrapers and even Niagara Falls on a clear day.
Next door, you will find Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada where you can spot sharks and even sea turtles from and underwater viewing tunnel. Make sure to also stop at Ray Bay where stingrays glide through the water and right up against the glass. At Canadian Waters, you will spot sea life found in the waters of the Great Lakes.
The Distillery District is another must see spot. This area was once the largest whiskey producer in the world and has since been restored to an area filled with unique restaurants, a brewery, sake distillery, boutiques and art galleries.
Then, head on to the historic 200-year-old St. Lawrence Market where you will find all sorts of fresh baked treats like iconic butter tarts or even a pea mill bacon sandwich for one of the most iconic Canadian Meals. You will also find more than 100 longstanding vendors selling everything from fresh produce and even antiques and crafts inside the red brick walls.
Finally, wind down your sight seeing at Art Gallery of Ontario, where art meets astounding architecture designed by Toronto Born Frank Gehry. Find more than 80,000 works of art and incredible pieces from prominent Canadian artists.
Culturs.guru is a global multicultural philanthropic brand that brings lifestyle content to liminal identities – populations that are “culturally mobile,” and represent “hidden” rather than “visual” diversity. This includes cross-cultured individuals, Third Culture Kids and multi-racial and multi-ethnic persons whose lives are punctuated by “straddling” of different cultures during their formative years. The online magazine focuses on international news and lifestyle topics, including travel, education, entrepreneurship and human connection. For more information, visit www.Culturs.guru.
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