Anyways when you land here, the most striking thing is that the people here are calm and friendly. Everything and everybody moves in deliberate harmony. Despite being a big financial capital like NYC in the US and Mumbai in India, we did not see any urgency in the air. In NY and Mumbai, people are always running around lost in their own thoughts and world, as the events and the market dictates the mood of everyone in the city. Toronto seemed different in this regard. This got me to summarize that people in colder regions are more tolerant and patient than those in warmer climates. Due to their hardships in colder months, they know that things take time and that there is no point fretting about anything. Hence, Torontonians are tolerant than New Yorkers that are waaaay more tolerant than Mumbaikars.
Our stay was at the Delta Chelsea -a Mammoth hotel with some 1500-1600 rooms , in the heart of Toronto downtown. Their in-house restaurant is a little pricey but all in all its a decent place if all u need is a room to crash for the night. Our room was on the 25th floor with excellent views of Yonge and Dundas. For those of you that have never been to Toronto, this is the Toronto equivalent of Times Square in Manhatten.
A few must do's in Toronto.. The CN tower ofcourse . There is an adrenaline boost when you jump on the glass floor at 1122ft looking down at the ground below..or Edge walk at 1168 ft around the periphery of the tower. Their (City Sightseeing Toronto) hop on hop off Double decker tour bus is another must do (The tickets are valid for a week so hold onto it or hand it over to a friend if you are gonna be staying there for a shorter time). Casa Loma, one of the stops on the tour is beautiful but don't know if its worth the extra bucks to see the castle. Yorkville is another good hangout place especially if you are looking for designer boutiques and /or there for celebrity spotting. If you are a bargain hunter then Kensington is the place to be. Eaton center, off of Dundas is definitely worth a visit.
The combined boat/free ride on the harbor and island cruise is worth the time to relax and take in the city from a distance. And while you are at the harbor and if you would like some peace and solitude then, Toronto Music Garden on the harbor front facing the Toronto Island airport on Queens Quay West, between Dan Leckie Way and Lower Spadina Avenue, is the lesser known attraction.
Whatever your interests in the city, I would definitely recommend a breakfast, lunch or dinner at Marche' near the financial district. After a visit to the Distillery district, an evening post dinner on the Dundas Square, Spring through Fall is time well spent. Two things to try while you are in Toronto if you like ethnic food .. Indian (Punjabi Fare) and Srilankan cuisine. And for vegetarians there are always plenty of options in Lebanese, Egyptian , Thai & Indian food besides the usual Italian.
