L
ike most all the world’s
great cities, Toronto’s
beginnings are traced to
its location on the water. The city has
been rediscovering its watery roots in
recent times and summer is the best
time to experience all the city has to
offer.
It is the ideal family weekend
or longer destination for both beach
lovers and those who crave the ex-
citement of the big city — the largest
in Canada. Even for regular Toronto
visitors there is always something
new on the ever-changing skyline and
in the multitude of attractions, neigh-
borhoods, and restaurants reflecting
the city’s very diverse population.
Toronto:
This World
Class City is
Totally Family
Friendly
— by Deborah Williams
From my first visit when a high
school friend and I took the bus from
Buffalo many years ago, Toronto has
been my favorite big city.
Over the years the city has
grown and become a truly world
class city. It really has it all: family
friendly, an easy two hour drive (if
you avoid rush hours), a favorable ex-
change rate, and a host of fascinations
and experiences.
Since its completion in 1975 and its
public opening on June 26, 1976, the CN
Tower has defined Toronto’s skyline.
The telecommunications tower is Can-
ada’s most recognizable and celebrated
icon at 1,815 feet, five inches. It is im-
possible to miss, but if the weather is rea-
sonably clear a trip to the top is a must
see adventure. Though it is no longer the
world’s highest structure, it remains the
highest in North America.
Since 2011, EdgeWalk offers thrill
seekers the chance to walk on the very
34 WNY Family June 2018 • Summer Go! Guide
edge of one of the world’s greatest
man-made wonders. Though my fear of
heights prevented me from taking such a
walk myself, people I encountered who
did it were thrilled and enthusiastic about
the mind-boggling experience.
Adventure lovers walk in groups
of six, while attached to an overhead
safety rail via a trolley and harness sys-
tem. Guides encourage visitors to lean
back over Toronto. At the end, everyone
receives a photo, video, and certificate.
Participants must be at least 13 years old
and weigh more than 75 pounds.
For the less adventurous, the 58-sec-
ond ride in the glass floor paneled eleva-
tor is quite exciting. Our destination
is the Glass Floor with a view 1,122
feet straight down. Visitors are in-
vited to walk, jump, or crawl on
the floor that is designed to hold the
weight of 35 moose. You can then
step outside to the Outdoor Sky Ter-
race.
Armed with a separate ticket,
there is a different elevator that takes
visitors 33 stories higher to the Sky-
Pod. Learn about what happens when
the tower is struck by lightning and
see how the tower moves in the wind.
Under ideal conditions the mist of
Niagara Falls can be seen.
It was a clear, sunny day for a
most memorable dinner at the tow-
er’s revolving 360 Restaurant that
boasts the world’s highest wine cel-
lar. It takes about an hour for the
complete revolution, offering quite
awesome views of the city and
lake beyond. The food and service
matched the fantastic surroundings
and the timing of the sunset made for
a perfect evening. Your reservation for
lunch or dinner includes admission to the
tower viewing levels. A children’s menu
is available.
Back on ground level, neighboring
attractions include Ripley’s Aquarium
of Canada, the Toronto Railway Mu-
seum and the RecRoom.
Ripley’s is Canada’s largest indoor
aquarium, showcasing more than 16,000
marine animals, and features the biggest
shark collection in North America, one
of the world’s most extensive jelly fish
exhibits, 75-year old giant lobsters, sting
ray and bamboo shark touch pools, and
daily live dive shows.