Toronto is the largest city in Canada and one of the largest in North America. It is the most diverse city I have ever been in. Houston, where I lived for years, takes pride in being a diverse and multicultural city. Toronto is even more so. More than 50% of residents are from distinct minority groups and over 160 languages are spoken here. Somehow it works. As a result, it’s one of the most interesting and livable cities in the world. If you like to walk, this city of neighborhoods is perfect for you.
My base of operations this week is the Old Mill Inn. It’s located on the Humber River on the site of an old grist mill. The nearby Old Mill Chapel makes the Inn one of the prime sights for weddings in Toronto. It’s not unusual to run into a bride and her bridesmaids in the hall of the Inn waiting for the wedding in front of hers to finish.
The subway system here in Toronto is clean, efficient, and reliable. The Old Mill subway stop is only a block from the Inn.
My first stop today was the St. Lawrence Market. It’s one of the largest food courts and farmers’ markets in the world. Of particular interest was the stand that advertised that Anthony Bourdain, Emeril, and Guy Fieri had eaten one of their Peameal Bacon sandwiches. For those of you who are salivating at the thought of a bacon sandwich, be aware that Canadian bacon bears no resemblance to the bacon we are used to in the States. It is a good sandwich, just not what I expected.
The next stop was the Distillery Historic District. It is about a twenty minute hike from the St. Lawrence Market. The District is a group of old distillery and warehouse buildings that now house restaurants, brew pubs, art galleries, boutique clothing stores, and a performing art center. It’s a great place to grab a bite, have a beer, and do some people watching.
Here are some pictures to share my experiences in Toronto.
