Mr. Toronto

Spring is well underway, which means that Toronto’s fair-weather attractions and events are being promoted and/or opening for business.  Which means that Mr. Toronto has been busy enjoying the beautiful weather, and getting out-and-about…

Although I have lived in Toronto for 25 years now (where has the time gone?!), I have never had the opportunity to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens until this month.  The fact that they are located in Burlington is no excuse – it only took 45 minutes to drive there (shorter than most people here’s commute to work!).  It really is a beautiful place.  Not overwhelmingly huge and very well maintained…a great place to spend a sunny afternoon, especially if you stop off in one of the café’s on the premises for a tea or beer… http://www.rbg.ca/

On the other side of the “breathtaking” spectrum, Canada’s Wonderland opened its gates last weekend, with the new Leviathan roller coaster added to the roster.  Fifth largest in the world, and definitely the most incredibly ride I have ever been on.  Still can’t believe I sat in the front car – they say it is like dropping straight down from the top of the Royal York Hotel…as my son would say…SICK!  Just be prepared for long lines, or get there as soon as the gates open and run right over! www.canadaswonderland.com/

And still, another breathtaking activity – and for this one, you don’t even have to leave your seat!  Cavalia has just brought its new show, Odysseo, to a huge tent by the waterfront.  Like Cirque du Soleil (it was actually created by one of their founders) but with horses as the main attraction, this show has to be seen to be believed.  Truly dazzling. http://www.cavalia.net/en/odysseo

As for announcements of things to come, I’ve already mentioned festivals like Luminato and Toronto Jazz in previous blogs…add to this events like the North by Northeast Music Festival (June 11-17), Honda Indy (July 6-8), Caribbean Carnival (formerly known as Caribana) (Aug 4-6), and Tennis Canada’s Rogers Cup (Aug 4-12) and you have a jam- packed spring/summer season.  And if you stay at my lovely Hotel, the Delta Chelsea (sorry, gotta plug it once in a while), you’re right around the corner from Yonge-Dundas Square, which has a series of free concerts every Monday (lunchtime) and Friday (dinnertime), starting May 28 and running all the way thru mid-September.  Check it all out on www.ydsquare.ca

C’mon over and smell the flowers!

Mr. Toronto