Toronto: CN Tower Edgewalk, Niagara Falls helicopter ride and lots of wine
TWO beautiful Texan girls stepped up first as I watched in terror…
I’m shaking, palms sweating and hands tightly clenched onto a piece of rope which prevents me from a 1,168ft plummet to death.
Surely there’s a better way to view Canada’s most popular city? Not according to Tom – our enthusiastic height junkie guide who claimed “we could not have chosen a better day to Edge Walk”… he was right.
It’s not often you get to peer over the mighty CN Tower – one of the tallest freestanding structures on the planet!
It took some serious convincing, but after plucking up the courage and fighting my height phobia – the reward was nothing less than spectacular.
There’s something magical about being ‘up there’ – it’s unexplainable. I could see EVERYTHING!
But it’s not cheap. If you’ love a good view but haven’t got the balls to take on the challenge – or the $175.00 (£95) price tag – then the revolving ‘360 Restaurant’ is a no-brainer.
You’ll still benefit from the heaven-like views, whilst taking advantage of the award-winning wine selection 351 metres above the ground.
No wonder the CN Tower is in the Guinness World Records for having the highest wine cellar.
Toronto isn’t just about heights though.
It’s one of the most multicultural cities in the world and whether you’re into clubs, bars, music, arts, fashion, food or nature this beautiful city has something for everyone.
It’s like a cleaner, more condensed New York City – which explains why it’s doubled up as The Big Apple on-screen.
The organised streets are filled with the friendliest people and the city offers dining and bar experiences befit for a Hollywood star. No wonder its film festival attracts A-listers from all over the globe.
Ever heard of Peameal bacon? No. Well then you haven’t been to Toronto.
Its signature dish is made from boneless pork loins, so if you’re like me and love a bacon sarnie – you’ve got to bite into one of these, or several.
St. Lawrence Market is considered by National Geographic as the best food market in the world!
Talking of records.. Ever wondered what Earth’s largest underground shopping complex looks like? – Well then head on down to PATH which boasts over a thousand shops!
If you’d prefer to spend your Canadian Dollar above ground then check out the Eaton Centre, which rivals almost any shopping mall I’ve ever visited. The list of brands here is ridiculous (in a good way).
Personally, I’m not into vintage stuff but for those of you who are, Toronto does not disappoint.
Kensington Market is a cute, diverse neighbourhood made up of eclectic shops, cafes, and other attractions. Need a morning cuppa? Perfect, this place is full of some of the best coffee shops in town – you won’t find any Starbucks here.
You’ll find it hard NOT to notice some of the urban masterpieces – graffiti is a big thing here.
Just a short walk from downtown lives the Distillery district, where you’ll find plenty of designer boutiques, cafes, artisan shops and art galleries.
There’s tons of photo opportunities in Toronto, although few would rival a selfie with the Niagara Falls – which technically isn’t Toronto, but you can’t come here without a trip to the world famous waterfalls.
So, on my last day I did just that.
Now there’s more than one way of seeing the natural phenomena… above and inside – I did both.
To my surprise, I found the helicopter ride was underwhelming. But the inside tour was nothing less than breath-taking.
On our way back we stopped at Inniskillin Niagara Winery, where I got to experience Ice Wine for the first time.
Although far too sweet for my liking, I’d recommend the trip as it’s surprisingly interesting – and you get to try lots of posh booze.
Just make sure you visit the iconic Horseshoe Falls BEFORE you head to the vineyard…
Of all the people who have fallen down them — unless safely tucked up inside a barrel — not one has lived to tell the tale.
And trust me, Toronto is the kind of city you’ll find it hard to shut up about when you get home.
