Toronto: More Photos from Day Two

First item of the agenda on Saturday was to head out to the CN Tower, also near our hotel and down by the waterfront of Lake Ontario. It wasn't a sunny clear day so we knew we weren't going to able to see Rochester or Niagara Falls, but thought it would be fun to be up that high anyway, plus when are we going to be back there again to do it? This 1,815.4 ft high tower was built as a radio tower, but also as a tourist sight. It is the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere and a signature icon of Toronto's skyline. For more on this incredible structure read the Wikipedia article.

On a cloudy day in late March we definitely didn't have to fight the crowds that this  place was set up to handle. In fact we almost had the place to ourselves. Despite the clouds we still had an incredible view. I made myself stand on the glass floor and look down -- it was amazing how difficult it was to make my body do that -- even though my brain knew that it was safe.

The CN Tower is right across from the Railway Museum and original train turntable. This area by the lake used to be filled with railway yards, but is being reclaimed by tall buildings that look residential -- and I imagine have fabulous views of the Lake. We didn't have time to tour the brewery by the museum or visit the train museum as Jim and to get back for an early afternoon panel presentation. He was attending a conference after all!

After Jim's panel we took the Metro to an area called Kensington Market. It was pretty quiet there too -- not the hustle bustle outdoor market combined with funky shops the guide book described, but we did enjoy the walk past the Art Gallery of Toronto (I wanted to see the Henry Moore sculpture that's outside the building) and through China town. I imagine things are much busier on a warmer Spring or Summer day! I did get a few fun photos though.

Next we rested our somewhat weary legs back at the hotel in the Library Bar, before heading out to dinner at a nearby restaurant called Richmond Station. My friend had given me a gift certificate to this restaurant for my birthday and we were looking forward to a good meal together -- just the two of us. It didn't disappoint! We were sitting right near what they called the "Chef's Table" which was actually a long table right under a window with a view of the kitchen and the chefs at work. The food was terrific and beautifully presented. The desserts were works of art and clever too. I actually loved the carrot sorbet and the cream cheese powder that my creme brûlée was topped with!

It was great to get away for a couple of days -- and maybe sometime we'll get back to Toronto and the Niagara wine growing area!