Thursday, February 26, 2015
LEANING out over the edge of Toronto's CN Tower, with just two harnesses to stop me from plunging to my death, has to be the most extreme way to see Canada's most populated city.
Welcome to Edgewalk - which, at 116 floors above ground level, is the highest full-circle, hands-free walk in the world.
In groups of six, daredevils are encouraged to hang right out from the tower's main pod.
But at 356m up, my legs refused to stop shaking for the first five minutes and looking down was just too scary to contemplate.
But when I did finally man-up and take a peek over the edge, I was rewarded with a spectacular view of the glistening waters of Lake Ontario - as well as one almighty adrenaline rush.
If you don't fancy going to such lengths to take in the scenery, riding the glass lift, which takes just 58 seconds to catapult visitors to the top of the tower, is heart racing in itself. Then try walking on the glass floor inside the dome, which is a mere two-and-ahalf inches thick but feels as solid as a rock thanks to a whole host of industrial reinforcements.
If you prefer getting to know a city with your feet firmly on the ground, take a walking tour of its street art - or graffiti, depending on how you look at life.
Kit Knows was our brilliant tour guide. A passionate and knowledgeable Torontonian, he brought public art in the urban landscape to life by explaining the differing viewpoints on graffiti in the city, from property owners and the police to the public and the artists themselves.
Dynamic art is big in Toronto and one of the most exciting events in its cultural calendar is Nuit Blanche, or "White Night".
This all-night arts festival made its way across the pond from Europe.
It's now an annual event in Toronto (and 120 other cities across the world), which sees people flock to the moonlit spectacular to experience street art which pushes the boundaries.
The latest stand-out attractions were globe balloons filling an entire park, palm trees floating in cranes, a maze appearing to be a construction site, a screaming box and a human aquarium.
Anything but a museum trip, Nuit Blanche happens on the streets and brings a genuinely organic feel to urban art. This year's event takes place on October 5. There is also the newlyopened Aga Khan Museum of Islamic arts on the outskirts of the city.
Inside this white spaceage-looking building, there are thousands of artefacts and artworks spanning 1,000 years, including glassware, ceramics, metalwork and paintings. Back in the heart of Toronto is Kensington Market, the city's most vibrant and diverse neighbourhood.
A maze of narrow streets, many lined with colourful Victorian houses, it is a bargain-hunter's paradise with vintage stores and arty shops. There are plenty of dinner options in Toronto and we enjoyed a sumptuous steak dinner at Montecito, a plush California-inspired restaurant just off the business district.
Nota Bene, meanwhile, serves some of the region's best seafood, classics such as matzo ball soup and unique DIY gin-and-tonics.
Alternatively, try the less formal CopaCabana Brazilian Steakhouse downtown for Rodizio-style dining, where skewered meat is brought to your table and carved fresh on your plate.
“Delving into the caves behind the amazing torrent allows you to understand the back-story to how one-fifth of the world's fresh water crashes into the Niagara basin”
A great lunch-stop is Richmond Station. Done out in the style of the subway, the place has its own on-site butcher and the house burger is terrific. Many visitors combine a trip to Toronto with a stopoff at Niagara Falls, a twohour drive from the city. The Horseshoe Falls are the main attraction and sit on the American side of the divide, close to the smaller American Falls.
Take a journey on the thrilling Hornblower to feel the full force of the water plunging into the Niagara River. But be sure to wear the waterproofs provided - you will get wet!
Also be sure to embark on "A Journey Behind the Falls" and discover how the wonder of Niagara works.
Delving into the caves behind the amazing torrent allows you to understand the back-story to how one-fifth of the world's fresh water crashes into the Niagara basin.
It really sounds like thunder as you stand in the mist while the waterfall tumbles down from 13 storeys above.
Signs in the caves tell of the horror stories and daredevil stunts that have taken place over the years, with some ending fatally but others miraculously going to plan.
And if you stick around until nightfall, you can see how colourful spotlights illuminate the falls to mesmerising effect.
FACT FILE
RETURN flights to Toronto with Air Canada from London Heathrow start from £468.96 per person. Book via aircanada.com.
Where to stay: Room at the Hilton Toronto from £105 per night. Book via 3.hilton.com
Activities: Prices for CN Tower Edgewalk start from £102 per person (aged 13+) and include Edgewalk, Tower Experience and access to the SkyPod. See edgewalkcntower. ca. For details on Nuit Blanche festival visit scotiabanknuitblanche.ca
For Niagara Falls coach tours departing from Toronto see torontobusco.com
Restaurants: For Richmond Station visit richmondstation. ca and for Nota Bene visit notabenerestaurant.com
For more information on Toronto visit seetorontonow.com
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Kara Scott
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