Happy Canada Day!

I'm so proud to be a Canadian!  I love living in Texas and I have lived there most of my life but I was born in Canada and enjoy visiting friends and family every summer.

We love our sunsets at the lake here but we also enjoy visiting Toronto, one of my favorite cities in the world.  Here are a few of our favorite things to do:

WHERE TO STAY:

The view from our room!  Photo credit: Kaitlyn Berry

We typically stay at One Hazleton (big rooms and located in our favorite part of town) but because the Texas Rangers were playing the Toronto Blue Jays, we decided to stay at the Renaissance Marriott in a room that overlooked the Roger's Centre Field.  It was a blast!  We bought tickets to the Friday night game and our son watched the Saturday and Sunday afternoon games from the room while his little sister took her naps!  It was great!

WHAT TO DO:

Wander in the funky and artistic Junction area

Head to the 2900 block of Dundas Street West and find a parking spot (don't forget to feed the meters here!).  We pulled out the stroller and explored this up-and-coming area that is filled with great coffee shops, cafes, local shops and small businesses such as:

 Latre Art + Style - super cool unisex designs based on Vintage Japanese Military Wear. 

Gerhard - wonderfully curated men's collection and Canadian Made items such as Hudson's Bay Blankets - a must have souvenir!)

La Vizziata - the most delicious Gelato, Espresso, Panini, and Cannoli

We also stopped into some really charming "junk shops" and art supply stores and found some little treasures and craft supplies for the children.

See the sights

In the tunnel at the aquarium where sharks and sting ray swim over above and all around you!

Checking out the Jelly Fish at the Ripley's Aquarium

OK...I am not a "touristy" person and we don't often do something in another town that we could do in our own but the Ripley's Aquarium has a line for hours for a reason.  It is spectacular and was a highlight of our weekend with the children.  Be sure to buy your timed tickets in advance because otherwise the lines are dreadful!

Our view of the CN tower from our seats at the Rogers Centre

The CN Tower is a must as well! You have great views of the city and it is a blast for all ages.  You can even walk the ledge if you dare!

JR at the Pompeii Exhibit at the ROM

We always check the schedule to see what special exhibition is going on at the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) and this time it was a treat!  Our son is obsessed with Pompeii thanks to his teacher last year and we lucked into being in Toronto during the exhibit!  This is another spot you might want to purchase your tickets in advance for.  The building itself is a sight!  

Shop in Yorkville

We love to meander through Yorkville and shop away in both the small and large luxury shops. This area is kind of the antithesis of The Junction but it has lots of charm too!  I could spend the entire day in Holt Renfrew and my husband loves their new men's annex too!  Don't forget to wander down the side alleys as they are full of great boutiques that carry lines you might not be able to get at home.  

And I never ever miss a chance to stop in the super-chic Pink Tartan Concept Shop in a historic Georgian gem of a building built in 1837 at the corner of Belair and Yorkville.  I love Pink Tartan (a Canadian Line) but I also love so many of the other brands they carry like stationery from Mrs. John L Strong and these Giambattista Valli Flats.  Swoon! 

WHERE TO EAT:

For a delicious and indulgent Italian meal, make a reservation at the newly rebuilt Soto Soto.  Their former location burned but the food is still fantastic! 

Our children love the food and the atmosphere at Yamato Restaurant.  Teppanyaki is always a crowd pleaser and the location is in walking distance to The Hazleton Hotel.

For a quick and easy delicious lunch,  One Pizza won't disappoint.  The first location is open on King Street but I have a feeling we are about to see this restaurant grow into a chain. You select your ingredients and watch as they make it in front of you.  Yum!