Ontario, Canada, has much
to offer its visitors, be it adventure, food or shopping. Rakesh kumar
treks through the region to get a feel of the cosmopolitan province
There were four wine glasses of different sizes on each table. We
expected four different wines to go with our lunch but were surprised as
the same wine was poured into two of the glasses. The host explained
that the wine changed its taste with the glass and asked us to check it
out. No wine connoisseurs, we sipped each glass but the subtle
difference missed us. Yet we sagely nodded as the host launched into an
explanation of wine tasting. Thus began our tour of the Inniskillin
Winery, one of the most sought after wineries of the Niagara region in
Ontario, Canada.
Inniskillin Winery is famed for its Ice Wine and Table Wine. Here wine
is served as a dessert not as a drink. And going by its taste, the Ice
Wine can challenge a dessert in terms of sweetness. And the sweet taste
lasted through our sojourn at Niagara,
which is described as a place
where one can enjoy more as they explore more. Take for instance, having
dinner at the world's highest restaurant or the awesome sight of the
Niagara falls.
In fact, the entire Ontario region, where we spent a week, is a
discovery at every turn. Whether one cycles around the serene island of
Toronto or treks, one can see why a diverse population chose to make
this place their home.
Perfect timing
Pleasant weather was the first thing that welcomed us as we landed at
the Pearson Airport of Toronto. Summer is considered the ideal
time to
visit the city because it offers ample chances to explore. For instance,
summer is perfect for outdoor activities and there are many
opportunities for wildlife viewing. The province also hosts an array of
popular festivals. Therefore, what could be more perfect timing than
mid-June to arrive at Toronto.
Multicultural Toronto
Taking a round of the city one could hardly overlook the towering
buildings. At first look, Toronto resembles any other North American
city but after a close look one realises it houses the most diverse
population from all around the world ~ more than 80 ethnic communities
from Africa, Asia, and Europe. Therefore, Toronto prides itself on
earning the name of being the world's most multi-cultural city, as it
caters to a wide range of cultures, languages, food and art. Almost half
of its population comprises immigrants. Therefore, Toronto's motto is
“Diversity Our Strength”.
This diversity was all the more evident as we walked down the lanes of
Toronto. We encountered different ethnic groups residing in different
parts of city. This cultural melange was reflected in the different
types of food and traditional attire.
What to do in Toronto
An interesting arts scene, numerous sporting events, a vibrant nightlife
and restaurants, bistros and eateries describe Toronto. One could enjoy
an incredible view from atop the CN Tower or explore a remarkable array
of attractions, including the Art Gallery of Ontario and Casa Loma. Or
if you are a shopping freak and want shop for latest trends then Eaton
Center will be your halt and for luxury labels Bloor Yorkville will be a
better option. For a break from urban life take a 10 minute ride to the
idyllic Toronto Island. There are so many options and we had only a
week's time to get to know Ontario!
C N Tower
This is one place that no one can give a miss ~ every tourist has to see
it as it is visible from everywhere in Toronto. It is the second
largest building
of the world after Burj Khalifa, having 147 floors. We
zipped up to the 115th floor to dine at 360 Degree Restaurant. As we had
prior booking we escaped the huge wait to get in. The moment we entered
the tower, we were welcomed by a cameraman who clicked our group. We
also learnt that the elevators were the world fastest and it took only
58 seconds to reach the 114th floor, where we got off. This floor is
1,122 feet above the ground and its glass floor made it the best place
to have a panoramic view of the entire city. Of course, it was the best
place to click pictures also. The “360 Degree” is the tower's revolving
restaurant, which offers a fine dining experience and a view of the
city that is second to none. Apart from it, the C N Tower also offers an
edge walk ~ the world's highest full-circle, hands-free-walk.
Adrenaline seekers stroll at the edge of the CN Tower's main pod, just
above 360 Degree restaurant, along a ledge that's only 1.5 metre wide,
116 storeys above Toronto. However, it was a bit expensive at around
200 dollars.
Fashion
Being cosmopolitan in nature, Toronto has every type of cuisine and
fashion. One can seek one's fill with the variety of foods available
there. There is a huge choice for shoppers. For instance, if you want to
shop for designer clothes then you can walk in the lanes of Toronto
Yorkville. This is the place where A-listers have an array of stores. In
terms of malls, Toronto has them in every size. One can wander around
the perennial downtown favourite, the Eaton Centre ~ it is popular among
buyers because of its comparatively low price. Others malls are in
north ~ chic Yorkdale or the open-air shops at Don Mills and many more.
Markets
There are numerous street shopping option available here, for instance,
China Town or Kensington Market. Kensington Market is often ranked as
one of the best street markets in North Markets. It has the dense
cultural labyrinth of narrow streets houses, portraying a mix of
Caribbean, Latin American, European and Middle Eastern shops and
restaurants. One can find here second hand vintage clothing stores too.
It is the place where graffiti is legal ~ people can be seen painting
the walls all the time. The other street market is China Town. A walk in
this part of the city will give a feeling of walking in any city of
China. It is the place where crowds come to for authentic Asian stuff.
Souvenir shopping is an adventure here, with imported goods from China,
Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond. Take a place at one of the
traditional Asian restaurant dishing out plates of fine (budget
friendly) food.
Underground city
This is a labyrinth of 28 kilometres of interconnecting passageway known
as the Path (the world's most extensive underground network). It links
most parts of the city be it office towers, stores, hotel, bus terminal,
railway terminal and restaurants. Inside this market one could find
budget friendly restaurants, bookstores, quaint cafes and bars.
Food
Because of Toronto's cultural diversity, it allows a person to eat one's
way around the world via its ethnic neighbourhoods. From Butter Chicken
to grilled Souvlaki and Saganki, one can sample a variety of cuisine.
One can have a brunch at Dimsum during a visit to Chinatown or in St
Lawrence market, one can try peameal-bacon sandwich from Carousel bakery
or choose mouthwatering mustard from the 30 award-wining varieties
available. Or if one is fond of beer then one can indulge in several
terrific wine bars or take a brewery tour at Mill Street Brewery, Steam
Whistle Brewing and Amsterdam Brewery.
Toronto Island
Fed up with the urban life and want to spend some leisure time amid
peaceful greenery? Then Toronto Islands are where you should head. A
15-minute ferry ride from the mainland will bring one to the island,
which has a small amusement park, a residential community and yes
Toronto clothing optional beach too. The best option is to explore the
whole island on cycle.
Winery
Along with the Niagara Falls, Niagara region is known for
another thing ~
wine. In the entire Ontario region, there are 140 licensed wineries,
including grape and fruit wineries. We halted at the Inniskillin Winery,
Canada's premier estate winery, which was established in 1975 by co
founders Donald Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser. This winery is known for its
Ice Wine, which is made from grapes that are left to freeze on the vine
over the winter. Once temperatures drop to -8 degrees Celsius (about 18
degrees Fahrenheit), the grapes are collected and allowed to thaw, a
process that helps intensify their flavour.
Heavenly!
