The CN Tower

While it has lost the title as the world’s tallest free standing building, it is still holding the title of The World’s Highest Wine Cellar ;)

A Giant Plush Moose

I had to hug this big guy, he must be about 7-8 feet tall!

Mountie Moose

One of the many moose statues in Toronto, this one is in the main floor of the CN Tower and is dressed as one of the Canadian Mounted Police.

Overlooking Toronto

Looking out over the city of Toronto from the CN Tower made me realize just how large this city really is!

Looking Down

The sky rises look so tiny!

Sunset from the CN Tower

We timed our visit to the tower so that we could look out over the city during daylight and catch a breathtaking sunset over Lake Ontario.

A Long Way Down

The tiny white spot by the lake is actually an ice rink, the barely visible dots are ice skaters enjoying the mild autumn.

The Skydome

Technically it’s named the Roger’s Centre now, but most Torontonians still call it the Skydome.

I’d lived in Toronto for years and just before I left realised I’d never done the tourist thing. Here’s some of the photos from the day my friend Mike and I visited the CN Tower. (He has vertigo and still went up the Tower with me, now that’s a true friend!)

Everyone’s home town is special to them for different reasons. Toronto will always hold a special place in my heart as one of my favourite cities for these 10 reasons.

1. Kensington Market

This was my home while I lived in Toronto and for a vegan it’s heaven! For all you non-vegans, don’t worry, it’s heaven for you to, but then again… so are most areas ;) Fresh fruits and veggies, amazing restaurants, lots of vintage shops and a unique vibe that I’ve never felt anywhere else. Friendly and unique.

2. Multiculturalism

No, it’s not just a catch word that Toronto tourism uses, according to statistics Canada’s 2006 reports, 49.9% of people living in Toronto were born someplace other than Canada. So what does that mean really? Authentic food from around the world, lots of different opinions and ideas, cultural festivals of all flavours and basically a place where everyone belongs no matter what color their skin, their native language or their political views.

3. The Festivals

Film, arts, pride, cultural festivals and even unique local celebrations like the Kensington Market Pedestrian Sundays and Lighting of the Lights.

4. Easy, Reliable Public Transportation

After living in some places that made it near to impossible to get from point A to B I really learned to appreciate the TTC, despite their strikes.

5. The Parks

While Toronto isn’t world famous for it’s parks and public spaces it does have some of the nicest one’s I’ve seen.

6. The CN Tower

Not for the reason’s you’re guessing I bet, although I did finally go up it shortly before I left and have to admit the view is breathtaking… but for the simple fact that being able to see the tower no matter where I was in most areas served as a very handy reference point to which direction I was going.

7. The People

Overall Torontonians are very friendly and considerate, sure there’s some more stressful areas and other peoples experiences may vary, but over all I found that if I stopped to ask someone for help (the time, directions to the nearest subway line etc.) they were friendly and helpful.

8. The shopping

No matter what you want, it can be found somewhere within this city. From the latest designer clothes and Tech gadgets to Vintage shops to unique cultural stores from all over the world.

9. Museums

The ROM, AGO, The Shoe museum and all little ones scattered throughout the city mean a never ending supply of stuff to go do.

10. Knowing that it will still be there when (if) I’m finished being a nomad.

While knowing that while a lot will change when I’m gone (shops will close, new ones will open, people will leave and new ones will arrive) it makes me feel safe knowing that there will always be a home for me when / if I want to go back. That to me is priceless!