Sitting on the coach and on the way to our second Canadian stop, Montreal – we’re aboard a Megabus (great discount group over this way, also in the UK) and am pretty pleased with the free WiFi – can now catch up on my blogging.
We’ve spent the past few days in Toronto, a place where, in all honesty, I always wanted to visit but more for the sake of what has been filmed here rather than for the city itself. For some reason I imagined Toronto to be something like a concrete jungle but I was quite wrong: it’s actually a very colourful, multicultural and beautiful spot, brimming with great cuisine and culture. Toronto is set on the banks of the vast Lake Ontario, so big (similar to Lake Michigan off Chicago) that it looks like the ocean.
The famous Toronto Film Festival had just wrapped up when we arrived. This year the event attracted the likes of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Keira Knightley, so there’s an excited buzz in the air! My personal ‘excited buzz’ however, was when we inadvertently passed filming for one of my fave shows of the moment, Nikita (and yes, for anyone who cares I did also love the ’90s version La Femme Nikita which was filmed in Toronto too), as well as filming for the remake of Total Recall which this time around stars the fabulous Colin Farrell. We spotted Nikita filming within an hour of arrival, which was awesome; and Total Recall on Saturday morning featured a huge futuristic car mounted in the air in front of green screens (as well as several guards surrounding the block who had their eyes on me… ;-).
On Saturday we wandered around the delightfully chic Bloor-Yorkville precinct and then along the world-famous Yonge Street (formerly listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest street in the world), essentially one of the ‘main roads’ into the city which is brimming with every kind of business. Once we made it to the waterfront we decided to take a ferry 15 minutes across Lake Ontario to what is known as Toronto Island – a peaceful oasis of parkland, small amusement park with an animal farm, cafes, restaurants, ducks and bird life, rivers, lakes all the way through to beach-front on the other side of the island. This trip was delightful, a mere $6.50 return and is worthwhile for the photo opportunities alone.
Having viewed the iconic CN Tower from the island ferry, we decided to take a look ‘downtown’ to inspect it further. The impressive structure was actually completed in 1976 and was at the time the world’s tallest building. Surrounding the CN Tower in downtown Toronto are other fun attractions such as Rogers Centre (stadium) and the Steam Whistle Brewing House which we toured – it’s only polite to sample premium local pilsner (especially when it’s as nice as this!): Highly recommended experience and an interesting local company built on the old grounds of an original Roundhouse that was originally used to repair and clean steam locomotives.
Exploring Toronto under a warm autumn (or ‘fall’, as they say here) sun proved to be a really lovely experience. The city is entertaining and enjoyable – everything from the food to the filming, parks, shopping, unique attractions and even the beer. The city is probably better known as being a centre for business in Canada than anything else, but we’ll vouch for its value as a tourist destination too.
The attraction to affirm this point is one that we visited on Sunday, located just a couple of hours from Toronto – the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls, the most powerful waterfalls in North America. These voluminous falls are situated on the Niagara River which drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario and forms the international border between Ontario (Canada, where we were viewing from) and the US state of New York (which we could see across the other side over the falls). I’d booked another Megabus service to the falls in advance in order to score a great deal on price, but there are numerous tours available from Toronto for anyone who is keen.
The day was sunny and the falls glorious. Riding on the famous Maid of the Mist was a highlight – expect to get wet, but also to laugh like a kid again throughout the ride. As the ferry jigs underneath one of the powerful torrents of water the sky around disappears and rain-like mist envelopes all passengers, at which point we realise why the ferry is named as such. It is fun, and always nice to have the opportunity to enjoy a little bit of nature’s magic. We spent the next few hours exploring the falls, surrounding shopping precincts and we were even cheeky for lunch, adding TGI Fridays Niagara Falls to our growing list of the chain’s restaurants dined at; so far we’ve checked in at TGIs Yokohama, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Prague, New York and now here. It’s a trashy tradition, but still, it’s one Cooper and I enjoy together.
Definitely a wonderful time all round – but then, it’s Canada so it’s going to be great (yes, I’m a fan).
Toronto and Niagara Falls top travel tips
1. Keep a city map handy and explore Yorkville and Yonge Streets by foot. It’s easy enough to catch the metro back to your accommodation when/if you get tired (approx $3 for a one-way journey).
2. Toronto is actually quite expensive, so take advantage of supermarkets if you find them. Staying in an apartment or even a nicer hostel such as All Days is a pretty good idea too – is nice to be able to utilise a kitchen – save your money for adventures.
3. Day trip (or overnight) to Niagara Falls.
4. The CN Tower is a must-see, along with the entertainment district downtown.
5. If you have some warmth and sun why not take a day at the beach? Toronto’s waterfront overlooking Lake Ontario is fantastic; alternatively head across to the gorgeous Toronto Island for your pick of parkland, river-side picnic space or sandy beach.
We adore Canada and believe it’s one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
The super sweet Big Apple. We had five days to see, do and experience this fabulous city thanks to a lucky break on Capital FM London. I leave New York City feeling the same way I did ten years ago though – as if I haven’t seen enough, done enough. It’s such a big space with so many dynamic pockets and amazing things to experience – unfortunately there’s just never enough time (or money!). The energy of New York is fantastic, very similar to London (but ‘American’… which is cool), so every experience is a good one.
New York inspiration
Upon arrival, I had music on my mind and a vision of bright lights across the Manhattan skyline, as we traipsed around town searching for the ultimate New York City rooftop bar experience. Only problem was, I was coming down with a cold, the weather was chilly for April, and nothing was reflecting my Sex and the City dream. Certainly, I’d done my research, but as we trudged from one metro stop to another, in and out of venues that in reality didn’t match up to Internet imagery, we feared the sun would set on our first NYC bucketlist item. Ever the trooper, I insisted to my very obliging-despite-being-jetlagged man, Cooper, that perhaps this last address might be “it”. We counted numbers along the very fancy Fifth Avenue, and as we turned a corner at 230, gazed up − and up − a glimmer of hope surfaced; when the elevator doors opened at the top of 230Fifth, somehow Cooper and I both knew − we’d found it!
By “it”, I mean a lavish, open-air designer space featuring a number of chic bars and comfy seating, surrounded by the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and next door to the Empire State. Remarkable is an understatement. Danced-up 80s and 90s tracks and the sound of cocktail shakers set the tone, as we kicked back on a comfy couch at the top of the world, and sipped appletinis (best I’ve ever tasted − and did you know it only takes two to cure the common cold?). Snug red robes were handed around to keep revellers warm, and I’ll remember forever, the dazzling matinee that Mother Nature presented. It’s one of my very favourite moments of travel, as the sun set over the extraordinary city that is New York; sunny skies faded to a golden glow, gradually blending to a cerulean blue, only for the skyline to then entirely transform into a magical, sparkling cityscape.
That pretty much sums up New York – big, bold, bright, glittering and enchanting – and yours for the taking. Aside from taste-testing cocktails in a sexy rooftop venue as the sun sets over America, what else is a Manhattan first-timer to do? I’d suggest:
Starring role
In my mind, New York is synonymous with film and television, so what better way to get your bearings than by jumping on one of the popular TV & Movie Sites tours, beginning and ending in iconic Times Square. During the adventure, you’ll see Washington Park (Sesame Street, among hundreds of other productions), The Trump International Hotel (Crocodile Dundee and more filmed here), New York Library (Spiderman, Suddenly 30, Sex and the City), Tiffany’s, the Soup Nazi’s kitchen (Seinfeld), the Friends apartment, and many other fun recognisable locations. Taking a tour of any description however, will give you an idea of what’s where, and those areas you might like to revisit.
Lady Liberty
This historic landmark signifies freedom. I personally found it exciting to see first-hand – it’s a real reminder that you’re in the USA! If you’re disorganised and forget to book a tour (my fault), or keen to avoid lengthy tourist queues, do as we did following advice from a friendly NYPD officer, and catch a ride on the free, local Staten Island Ferry, which passes by the famous lady and presents spectacular views of New York’s boroughs.
“Guarding the entrance to Lower Manhattan since 1886, Lady Liberty is positioned to gaze sternly across the waters at ‘unenlightened Europe’. Known as the ‘Mother of Exiles,’ the statue serves as an admonishment to the rigid social structures of the old world. ‘Keep your ancient lands, your storied pomp!’ says Lady Liberty’s famous poem. ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free”
–Otis, Lonely Planet New York Encounter (2010).
Central Park
On a sunny day, there’s nothing better to do than explore this serene urban wonder. Be prepared to be accosted by street salesmen pushing tickets for horse + buggy and pedicab rides – lovely options, but it’s just as easy to wander on foot or hire a bike. Central Park is vast – there is rock climbing, baseball, playgrounds, performance stages, lakes, food stalls, even ice skating (in winter). It’s an extraordinary space, offering welcome respite from big-city chaos. There’s a new discovery to be had daily, and on our stroll we passed a wedding, a Voguephoto shoot, and a poignant memorial to peace and John Lennon in Strawberry Fields.
Eat at the High Line; Shop in Soho
Of course there’s shopping everywhere in New York City, but Soho’s a cool area full of coffee shops where you can fuel-up before discovering some of the city’s flagship retail stores like UniQlo, H&M and Mango, along with a number of stylish and unique boutiques. From Soho, you can cab (inexpensive in NYC) or take the metro to the Meatpacking District, an area that enjoys rejuvenation year-on-year, and where a fabulous foodie precinct, Chelsea Market, is situated. Above the market overlooking this bustling metropolis and the Hudson River, complete with craft stalls, wooden sun lounges and gardens, is a delightful meeting place – the High Line – built on a 2.5-kilometre-long elevated rail structure which was originally a freight line, 1934 to 1980.
Down to business
Our accommodation was actually near Wall Street, one of the world’s most important financial districts. Along with historical buildings sprinkled across some of the oldest streets in Manhattan, intriguing east-coast architecture and sensational river views towards Brooklyn, we found a nice row of pubs and restaurants around Broad Street and Exchange Place. We’d also recommend exploring the nearby waterfront shopping and dining precinct, South Street Seaport, which boasts beautiful close-up views of the Brooklyn Bridge. The World Trade Centre memorial site is around here too; a landmark that symbolises an event that was to forever change yours and my world. Reflect for a moment when you’re here, and be thankful for our freedom – a state of being which this city has represented to millions of immigrants for hundreds of years. New York, New York; city of lights, big dreams and grand escapades – too many to even begin describing here. It’s a place where you can enjoy the world’s best stage shows, be a live-television studio guest, dance with a “Naked Cowboy” surrounded by a sea of yellow taxis, and indulge in cosmopolitans with a real chance of Sarah Jessica Parker taking a seat next to you. There’s only one problem. One visit – just like one appletini – is never enough.
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