Welcome to Toronto!
Friday August 12, 2022
After the long travels in, Friday evening we had officially checked into our place. Keeping it low-key we went to the Fox and the Fiddle, a casual alehouse that offers pub style food. I had poutine for the first time in Canada! For those back home in the South Shore area of Massachusetts there is an amazing food truck called “The Poutine Peddlers” which I highly recommend. Although not as good now that I have had the original, it is still a place to check out.
Poutine is a dish of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.
We also tried a selection of the local breweries and ciders. Mom tried the Brickworks Batch: 1904 Cider, while Dad and I both tried Local Beers; Granville Island English Bay Pale Ale and Creemore Lager respectively.
Saturday August 13, 2022
Saturday was a day of exploration with lots and lots of walking.
St. Lawrence Market
Just like the name sounds it is a major public market building in Toronto. The building has two main floors with over 50 vendors selling fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses daily, while the lower floor has a portion that is non-food. On Saturdays it has an extra building with even more farmers and vendors. We just happened to luck out that we went on the perfect day!
Side Fact: The building was once home to Toronto's first permanent city hall and jailhouse from 1845 to 1899.
Like father-like daughter both Dad and I can get hangry (and if you’ve experienced this I apologize as it is just part of who we are).
Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit!, a delicious restaurant, came to the rescue as both our stomachs started growling. “Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit” is a superstitious saying. The story goes that you repeat the word “Rabbit” when you wake up at the beginning of every month, for good luck all month long. They had a wide variety of gluten free options which was perfect for Mom with a fantastic patio that we got to sit out under and enjoy our brunch.
As we started walking back we stumbled upon this charming fountain!
Located within Berczy Park by Claude Cormier and Associates this whimsical Dog Fountain is absolutely stunning. Each dog is gleefully spitting spurts of water! If you look close enough playing a game of eye spy, next to the German Shepard their is one cat too. (Although it is clear the fountain is for dogs)
Of course I had to stop by the Bernese Mountain Dog and take a picture for Kyss. (Kyss is my godparents 2 year old Berner that I had been training with since she was a puppy until I left.)
That evening we journeyed out after a quick rest to the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. We walked through North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel. It was great getting to hear Mom connect what she teaches her students to the aquatic animals we saw on our underwater adventure.
Fair warning though it is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, next to the CN Tower and Rogers Centre. There are lots and lots of people. We accidentally timed it just as the Blue Jays game ended, which they lost so I’m not upset about that. We went from being under a sea of blue to walking within one.
Sunday August 14, 2022
In true Scottish fashion as the Hay family we had to see the only full size castle in North America, Casa Loma. Breathtaking architecture with an incredible collection of paintings. Every room had its own appeal. We lucked out with the weather. It was the perfect sunny day! Mom even braved the heights and made it up both towers so that we could see the Unicorn and Lion statues (for those who may not know the Unicorn is also the national animal of Scotland).
For a bit of historical context Casa Loma was first built in 1914 by financier Sir Henry Pellatt. From his travels to Europe sparked a love for fine art and architecture, which spurred his vision of Casa Loma-“House on the Hill.” One of my favorite spots was the room dedicated to the Group of Seven, which was a group of Canadian landscape painters. They were dedicated to sketching the landscape and developing techniques to represent Canada in art. The Castle is now owned by the City of Toronto and is regarded as a treasured heritage landmark.
Mom found a fantastic place where we had our farewell dinner together! DASHA is a new and unique modern Chinese restaurant and karaoke bar in Toronto. The gluten free options were incredible and I had Dim Sum for the first time! The cocktails are made with fresh ingredients with a variety of flavors. Our waitress was so sweet and this is someplace I would go back again!
Monday August 15, 2022
We had one last breakfast together before I checked into my own place and said our final farewells. I say it sometimes but not nearly enough; I wouldn't be where I am without their constant support. Knowing that they believe in me, my passions and often crazy ideas has allowed me to take chances I never thought achievable.
** Thank you for reading and the next posts will be the beginning of my solo travels and what I discover along the way!**
