Toronto is the capital of Ontario, and is an Aboriginal word meaning "meeting place." Only an hour away from and founded at the same time as Chicago, this area split from the United States in 1776. Both cities were considered gateways to the west.
Being the largest city in Canada, Toronto is expansive and has a personality all on its own. While nice to visit, Toronto is not cheap to live in; in fact, it was the highest ranked this year for cost of living.
Flying there is a breeze, as Porter Airlines daily leaves Midway Airport, where the snacks and drinks are flowing on the designer jet; the unlimited free Starbucks in the private lounge on return flights were a hit. There is a short ferry ride across the pond upon arriva,l and then you are on your way. Traffic can be tight though so plan on being patient. Getting around the city is very easy with railway buses, cabs and trains.
There are several Marriotts located in Toronto but the Eaton Center location offers a closed in walkway to start that shopping. Bars and attractions are nearby along with an excellent breakfast buffet to start the day off right.
The Royal Ontario Museum is currently presenting "Maya: Secrets of Their Ancient World," which shows past civilizations alongside dinosaur bones.
Take a walk on the high side at the CN Tower. More than 1,000 feet tall, Chef Peter George serves a cuisine that keeps diners a 360-degree view, as the restaurant slowly spins. After having the chocolate tower for dessert, head to Edge Walk, where you can be buckled in for a stroll on the outside ledge—giving "sightseeing" a whole new meaning.
The St. Lawrence Market has something for everyone who loves to cook, from meat to cheeses. Indulge in breakfast with a traditional peameal Canadian bacon sandwich at the Carousel Bakery.
Many people travel to see celebrities at the Toronto International Film Festival every year and now have a new place to eat with Luma located in the TIFF Lightbox. As you walk up the steps, don't miss the encased Oscar from the director of winner The Barbarian Invasions. The Grace Kelly exhibit runs in the same building, displaying her rise to fame and the incredible outfits that she knew how to work.
Missing the comedy of Chicago? Take in an early show with Second City (notice the Chicago connection) presenting holiday-themed shows throughout the year.
Fighting a foot fetish? Step over to the Bata Show Museum, where founder Sonja Bata first started collecting footwear in the 1940s. Now with more than 13,000 artifacts—including shoes from Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand—this place really has sole with the biggest boot ever from Mexico.
Decorated for the holidays was the castle Casa Loma. The previous estate of Sir Henry Mill Pellatt is the home of many movie sets, including the X-Men, although Hugh Jackman was not to be found.
Every year the Historic Distillery District's Christmas Market opens with wooden booths to shop at or just stroll around with a hot chocolate in hand. Barenaked Ladies front man Steven Page sang for the shoppers while Santa took care of the kiddies for the opening ceremony. Pure Spirits nearby always has a line outside for their swordfish steak and tiger shrimp angel hair pasta.
Off the beaten path is The Spa at the Old Mill Inn, which provides a getaway for travelers far and near. An indoor chapel for weddings, a 300-seat restaurant and luxurious spa conveniently means a couple never has to leave the premises.
Step back in time with the Black Creek Pioneer Village. Flaming pudding, yarn-spinning and history are all fun to witness while visiting a village founded in the 1800s.
Speaking of blasts from the past, for fans of the Mildred Pierce movie Mildred's Temple Kitschen is named after the film. This establishment made headlines this year when customers were encouraged to have bathroom sex on Valentine's Day to celebrate. After your torrid toilette rendezvous return to your seat for a Makers Mark apple cider drink or the delicious gnocchi poutine.
After dinner, the gay area is not too far—where there are blocks of bars to try out such as world-famous Woody's, massive in size with room after room of activity. Zipperz has a piano bar and Fly is the place to be on the weekends to dance. Pride week in June is one of the biggest LGBT festivals in the world.
Take care of your sweet tooth with a Canadian baking class by Le Dolci, where people of all ages learn to decorate cupcakes. All classes are two hours long, and can celebrate any special day or holiday.
Head to more shopping in the historic Yorkville area, where upscale chains such as Roots and Club Monaco are all the rage. The Guild Shop featured local artists and was very reasonable with prices.
Sassafraz is a nice place for a lunch break right in the middle of this square, and has a bar area to rest your feet.
Located inside an upscale mall, La Societe—with Parisian cuisine and a stained-glass ceiling—is a must-try.
After all this shopping, dining and sightseeing, it is only a quick trip back to Chicago. For a nearby sister city that is among the world's top tourist destinations, there is no excuse not to experience Canada and Toronto for yourself.
For more information on many of the places mentioned above, visit www.seetorontonow.com .
