Pictured: Various sights around Toronto: ( from left ) the Oasis Spa, Church Street Bar, Woody's. Photos by Peter Mavrik.
Did you know that Toronto has an all-gay radio station? 105.9 Proud FM with hosts DJ Cajjmere Wray, Ken Kostick and Mary Jo Eustace, Deb Pearce and Shaun Proulx. Listen live on your computer at www.proudfm.com anytime day or night.
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When Midwesterners consider where to head for their next vacation, thoughts generally turn to warmer climates. Yet, there is a growing buzz about a city just north of us that seems to consistently wow all who visit.
Toronto. You've heard the name, and if you know anyone who has visited, you've probably heard only good things about the city. And if you've never been, or just haven't been back recently, it's time to plan a long weekend up north because Toronto is the place you want to be.
In many ways, it's like a cousin to Chicago. The similarities are obvious the moment you land: Both cities sit on the water. Toronto's streets follow a natural grid. And one look around at the diversity of the people and the cultures will make anyone comfortable.
Speaking of landing, did you know that, by air, Toronto is just over an hour away from Chicago? That's closer than L.A., NYC or Miami. All you need is a passport to hop on the plane and. before you know it. you've arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport. A bus or taxi ride and you can be in the heart of downtown Toronto in no time, mingling with the native Torontonians.
Toronto has been consistently diverse. Having been settled by various European countries whose members had been displaced, by the early 20th century Toronto became home to many European immigrants. Even more migrated after the Second World War, along with a significant Chinese population. By 1951, the city was populated with over a million people, and by 20 years later the population had doubled. Today, the city is home to more than 2.5 million people, with 5.5 million living in the greater Toronto area.
Like Chicago, this city is super-green, with trees and rolling valleys winding throughout the downtown area. The downtown area is quite residential, with many of the wealthiest homes adorning neighborhoods such as Rosedale and Forest Hill, which was named one of the top five neighborhoods in the World. This landscape provides gorgeous biking, but if the weather is unfavorable you can enjoy the pedway for getting around efficiently and warmly. It is 27 kilometers of malls, transportation and more.
Interestingly enough, no single culture dominates Toronto's population. That diversity is clearly evident both around town and in the various ethnic neighborhoods. Little Italy, Chinatown, Greektown, Portugal Village, Little India, Little Jamaica, The Westway ( formed by a significant Somalian population ) and the ultra-diverse Kensington Market all provide not only extraordinary eating and shopping experiences, but proof that Toronto is a world-class city that successfully and harmoniously weaves many parts of the world together.
Any visit to Toronto should mandate a shopping excursion or two. The Church and Wellesley area, known to many a native as simply the Village, is a great place to begin. It's the center of the queer community in Toronto and bordered by the streets Bloor, Yonge, Jarvis and Carlton. If the view along Church Street—right in the heart of it all—looks familiar, it's because much of Queer as Folk was shot there, including the famous steps of Woody's Bar. And there are many other experiences to try in this area, such as cocktail hour at Zelda's, late nite at the Manhole and Slacks ( for the gals ) . Fun shops are scattered around the Village, plus there's Timothy's Coffee Shop, a favorite LGBT hangout day or night for a cup of joe, or the elegant restaurant Fuzion.
Traveling along Yonge will carry you to the Bloor/Yorkville area if you're interested in hitting high-end shops. Bloor Street is home to Hermes, Gucci and Prada plus Canadian high-end retailer Holt Renfrew and Winners, the latter which houses designer brands with big-time savings. And if you get tired of shopping, pop into the Bata Shoe Museum ( yes, it is all about shoes! ) or venture over to the architectural wonder that is ROM, the Royal Ontario Museum. At the other end is Eaton Centre, the largest shopping mall in the city.
If you happen to come upon the TTC, Toronto's subway system, it's an easy way to get around town. Head to the Queen's Park station and then catch a streetcar to Kensington Market for a serious taste of how diverse shopping can be. Flea-market delights, kitsch deals, second-hand shops, Bohemian styles and more—you may be surprised what you find in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Toronto.
East of downtown Toronto is a 13-acre area called the Distillery District, formerly known as the Gooderham and Worts distillery. Founded in the 1832, the distillery became the largest in the world by the 1860s when it was producing nearly 2 million gallons of whiskey each year. The once-flourishing area eventually ground to a halt by 1990, finding some life as the number-one film location in Canada, and the largest film location outside of Hollywood. Films such as Cinderella Man, X-Men and Chicago were all shot on location in the this district.
In 2001, the area was purchased by pair of development companies and, in only a few years, was open to the public as a pedestrian-only village dedicated to arts, culture and entertainment. What was once a collection of thickly walled empty industrial brick buildings has given way to a flourishing destination in the city. Independent art galleries, stage theatres, designer furniture, boutiques, cafes and more have all moved into the historic buildings and invigorated the area. During the Toronto Film Festival, the Distillery's restaurants hosted many of the star-studded parties. The largest day spa in Canada, Oasis, resides on the site, as well as a child-care facility, a dance studio, several restaurants and a micro-brewery, which all make the Distillery District a worthy place to spend a day.
For theatre and music, head to King Street in the theatre district. Sweeney Todd is currently playing at the Princess of Wales Theatre and Dirty Dancing is pounding the boards at the Royal Alexander. Plus, the Roy Thomson Hall is a wonderful concert facility. And surrounding this thriving district of theatre and music are small restaurants and clubs plus a booming condo and loft market. And ride the streetcar down King Street to see it all.
Sound like paradise? It's no wonder so many decide to move to Toronto. More than half of the people in Toronto are not from there. It is a supreme place to live. The healthcare system is universal. Crime is low. Sixty to 100 percent of maternity leave ( and paternity leave ) is paid for a year. And, best of all, LGBT people can live out and proud, openly and legally, since it only takes same-sex couples a day to get married in Toronto.
Toronto. It is more than a city. It feels like home away from home.
For more info visit www.tourismtoronto.com or www.conxity.com .
To listen to more about Toronto, visit windycityqueercast.com for shows 153 and 154 about Amy and Peter's travels.
To read more about Toronto, read Ross Forman's curling article on page 34.
