Although I now live in the Ottawa area, I used to live in Toronto - it feels like a lifetime ago because it's been nearly 20 years! But in fact, I grew up there. It has changed a lot in that time. Since being away, I have come to appreciate a Toronto mind-set that I grew up with, which I thought was prevalent everywhere, but it turns out to be specific to Toronto: the desire to escape the summer heat in the city. Hot and humid in the city? Escape North for the weekend. Barrie / Orillia, Haliburton or Parry Sound, here I come! Biting cold in the winter? Go skiing on Hamilton Mountain! The activity will warm you up. Staying home? Visit the theatre downtown. We used to go to one of Honest Ed's restaurants on King Street, then to a play. In any season, anyone would enjoy shopping and eating in the distillery district. This is where I saw a Busker Festival a few years ago.
We recently had the opportunity to go right downtown into the heart of the city to attend a special event with family, down at the National Yacht Club at the foot of Bathurst Street. They have been an institution in Canada - as stated on their website: "On the water since 1894!" Driving through the city, we were plagued by heavy traffic and rude drivers (ok, so this part made me happy to come home!) But the waterfront location and views of the city, the experience at the Yacht Club also made up for the hard ride down to the site!
Another great venue I have enjoyed visiting is Roy Thompson Hall. We got tickets for the National Geographic Speaker Series, which has been offered for 5 or 6 years now, I think. They offer 4 events for as inexpensive as $79.00 (and up) for 4 tickets for 4 different events in this series, which run from the fall to spring. One time we even parked for free at the CBC building! The speakers have been photographers of still pictures and video, showing their work and speaking about their adventures.
While growing up, I really enjoyed attending the Canadian National Exhibition (this is the one reference to "The EX" that is upbeat, happy, and a good thing! LOL) The CNE is on from August 19 to September 5 this year.
Keep it coming, Toronto!