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Off the Beaten Path in Toronto
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Off the Beaten Path in Toronto

Tips and photos of unusual, out-of-the-way Toronto attractions, posted by real travelers and locals.
Local Time 8:39 pm Friday, November 21, 2008
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Toronto Islands: Git in your Birthday Suit!!!
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  • I was at the Toronto Island going for a nice long blade when I saw a sign that made me halt and I almost went crashing into bushes...

    "Clothing Optional Beach"...

    WHAT!??! IN TORONTO!!
    At the Island of all places?? I used to come here with my Daddy when I was 7!!!!

    I didn't go so don't ask me what it was like but...when you get to the island go on the path to your right....

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    Parks & Gardens: Rouge Park - Wild in the City
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  • Beautiful fall colours in Rouge Park - Toronto
    Beautiful fall colours in
    Rouge Park
    by mim95
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    Rouge Park is a large natural area along the Rouge River and its tributary in the eastern boundary of Toronto. It includes beaches, marsh, forest and meadow. There are hiking trails and even campgrounds in the park. There is an abundance of wildlife, including beaver, coyote, deer, frogs, turtles and many species of song birds.

    There are many access points to the park. Check the Rouge Park website for details.

    Visit my Rouge Park travelogue for more fall foilage photos.

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    Brew-brew-brewery Tour. *hic*
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  • Housed in the original "CPR John Street Roundhouse" downtown near the CN Tower and Skydome, Micro-brewery Steam Whistle Brewing run daily half hour tours of its facilities, giving you a firsthand peek of, and behind the scenes of, its Premium Pilsner brewing process. There are 6 differently priced tours (depending on the souvenir you choose) but the basic tour is $4.00 per person, which includes the full tour, a tasting at the end as well as your choice of a souvenir glass or bottle opener.

    So what are you waiting for? Give them a call,...set up a tour! They're a great group and I guarantee you'll love it, and if you end up loving the beer? It's now exported to Germany so next time you're there you can relive the memory of your Toronto visit. Of course,...that's if you can remember your visit: Steam Whistle is just that tasty. ;oP

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  • Phone: 416-362-2337
  • Website: http://www.steamwhistle.ca
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    Niagara Falls: NIAGARA FALLS
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  • kAT (Keida84 ) & Lori & Hansi - Toronto
    kAT (Keida84 ) & Lori & Hansi
    by LoriPori
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    Sunday, September 25, 2005
    After our VT meeting in Toronto was over, Hans and I wanted to show Kat (Keida84) the Niagara Falls, as she expressed the desire to do so. It is just a short drive from Toronto. It was a hot and humid day and the Falls were very misty. The picture shown is of Kat ,Hans and Lori in front of the AMERICAN FALLS which is the smaller of the two Falls. They are located in Niagara Falls, New York.

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    The Bank inside a Building
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  • The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce at the corner of Yonge & Front was, I believe, classified as a historical building... so, it couldn't be torn down. The BCE Place was constructing there... they bought that spot... so, what did they do? They built around it! And inside the BCE, is the CIBC!!! So, a bank inside a building!!!

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    Financial District & Underground City: "The Flatiron Building" of Toronto
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  • The Flatiron Building with BCE Place behind it. - Toronto
    The Flatiron Building
    with BCE Place behind it.
    by Paul2001
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    Okay it is nothing compared to the Flatiron Building in New York. In fact I have no idea why they call it the "Flatiron Building" in the first place. I always assumed because of its triangular shape like the more famous building in New York. I do know that it is one of the most photographed landmarks in Toronto. This probably because it is infact a rather attractive piece of late 19th century architecture and that it serves to as interesting contrast to the late 20th century office towers in the backdrop.
    The building was actually built in 1890 and served as the corporate offices of Gooderham & Worts distilleries. Recently new owners have restored the builidng to its original splendor. On the upper floor are very expensive offices while in the basement, there is a very nice bar called "the Flatiron and Firkin". It operates a charming patio on the southside of the building in the summertime.
    The Flatiron Building is on the corners of Esplanade, Wellington and Church Streets.

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    Parks & Gardens: Toronto Music Gardens
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  • Toronto Music Garden bandshell - Toronto
    Toronto Music Garden bandshell
    by Dabs, 2 more photos
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    On a rather overcast Sunday morning we headed to the harbour (spelled with a u to appease my Canucky tormentor rmdw) area and walked from the Union Station area to where the Toronto Music Gardens. Fellow Vter Greg (can't remember his screen name) recommended it and it was indeed a lovely stop.

    The Music Garden was designed by cellist Yo-Yo Ma and is often used as an outdoor musical venue. Even without the music, it's a lovely park to sit in, there are benches scattered throughout.

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    Canada's Wonderland: Paramount Canada's Wonderland
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  • From May to October, thrill seekers head to Wonderland for the 60+ rides. There are also a large water park, children's area and Kingswood Theatre where concerts or special events are held.

    Admission for ground and rides are around $50 for adults. It's cheaper to go either earlier or later in the season, with fewer ppl too in line for the rides.

    Wonderland is located north of Toronto, at Hwy 400 and Rutherford Road. You can also take the GO Bus from York Mills or Yorkdale subway stations.

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    DOORS OPEN TORONTO
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  • Canada Life Building 330 University Avenue - Toronto
    Canada Life Building 330
    University Avenue
    by grandmaR
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    I took some photos out of my hotel room window. This was one of them. After Laura tentatively IDed the building as the Canadian Life Building, I went looking for a picture of that to compare.

    I found that there is now (starting in 2000 the year after my visit) an architectural weekend, when historic buildings of Toronto open their doors to the public for a tour. The Canadian Life Building is/was part of the tour (in 2003 it was in May)

    Information from their website:

    "Designed by architects Sproatt and Rolph, Canada Life's impressive building was designed to symbolize the company's stability. At 17 stories and 276 feet, it was the tallest building on University Avenue when completed on March 16, 1931. The weather Beacon was added in 1951. Described as neo-classical or Beaux Arts style, the lobby is impressive, with many features including decorative ceilings, floors, columns and trim of various types of marble. The Canada Life Environmental Room houses a variety of plants and aquatic creatures. Its key feature, a 'breathing wall', which purifies the recycled air, enabled University of Guelph researchers to study the effects of the eco-system on air quality."

    Self-guided tour of the Canada Life office building lobby, 17th Floor Tower Room which overlooks the city, the Hugh C. Baker Room, and the Environmental Room at 180 Simcoe.
    Photography for personal use only.

    Getting There:
    Near Osgoode subway station.

    More information on Doors Open: "Over 100 of Toronto's most historic and/or architecturally significant buildings open their doors. Many participating buildings are not normally open to the public. No pre-registration or tickets are required. DOORS OPEN TORONTO creates access, heightens awareness and generates excitement about this city. "

    Mailing address:

    Doors Open Toronto Program Development Office, Culture Division, City of Toronto
    Metro Hall Room 207, 55 John St.
    Toronto, Ontario M5V 3C6
    Attention: Jane French

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  • Phone: 416-597-1440
  • Website: http://www.doorsopen.org/building/building.cfm?id=130
  • Other Contact: www.canadalife.com
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    Challenge Tall Ship
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  • Challenge at the dock (inset under sail) - Toronto
    Challenge at the dock
    (inset under sail)
    by grandmaR,
    4 more photos
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    One of my goals was to go out on the tall ship Challenge. I thought June was late enough in the year that I could do that. However I was informed that general tourists could only go at the weekend and they were having school groups during the week. I took some pictures of it anyway.

    The brochure says that an Adult is $11.95 for the one hour tour and $16.95 for the sail around the islands.

    This is what the website says:
    The Tall Ship Challenge is a 96 foot, three masted Schooner designed on the lines of the original clipper schooners that dominated the Great Lakes shipping in the late 19th century.

    From May to September, your group can board this modern-day replica near the Queen's Quay Terminal and sail into the open waters of Lake Ontario.

    Challenge can comfortably accommodate groups up to 72 people in any weather.

    Your group can enjoy a breathtaking view of Toronto's skyline from the open deck, or can relax in the enclosed banquet rooms and lounge areas. Delicious hot and cold buffet meals can be arranged.

    Capacity for 72 guests.
    Fully licensed bar.
    Coast Guard approved.
    Professional DJ service.
    Complete catering service.
    Barbeque facilities.
    3 banquet rooms.
    Outside deck for all guests

    The brochure emphasizes that it isn't a tour boat and says to call for reservations.

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