Five great ways to experience Toronto
hThe CN Tower is the 1,800ft icon that has anchored the Toronto skyline since 1976. On a clear day, its 360-degree view from the LookOut level through floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass floor is spectacular. But the teeth-chattering draw is the EdgeWalk, where groups of six take a tethered walk around a ledge at 1,168 feet, to drink in the view, conquer a fear of heights, scream loudly or all of the above. cntower.ca
hTake the short ferry ride to one or more of the three main sections of Toronto Island. The inhabited Ward’s Island has a beach and a few cafés, while Centre Island is geared to families gathering to picnic,
ride tandem bicycles, explore the gardens or take their children to the small amusement park. Those in the know head to Hanlan’s
Point and pick a spot on the clothing-optional beach to chill out for the afternoon and people watch. torontoisland.com
hAbout 700,000 gallons of water tumble over Niagara Falls every second. You would be remiss to visit Toronto and not go there, considering it is just 90 minutes from downtown. You can buy tickets to walk under them, to zipline alongside them and to take a boat right up close wearing a mac. But the best thrill is simply to stand quietly at the railing and watch. niagarafallstourism.com
hNoted restaurateur Jen Agg and chef Mitch Bates offer up self-described North American cuisine at
Grey Gardens. An hautebut-hip crowd orders little seafood plates – scallops with charred cucumber; smoked fish – as well as things that would be right at home in Grandma’s kitchen: crispy pig’s head; beef tongue; stuffed chicken. An extensive wine list includes a huge selection of international ciders. greygardens.ca
hThe Rex is a jazz-music icon, still swinging since it started booking jazz bands in the 1980s. It packs in fans for its 19 shows a week, headlined by everyone from local greats to legends to talented youngsters. The Tuesday night jam is a weekly fixture. therex.ca