12 Step Planet: Toronto

Where exactly is it?
The largest city in Canada, Toronto is located in the south-eastern state of Ontario. The burgeoning metropolis of 2.5 million citizens sits on the north-western shore of Lake Ontario, with Niagra Falls and the US border a mere 80 miles due south.
How do I get there?
Air Transat currently offer very competitively priced direct flights from Dublin, while Air Canada and Lufthansa schedule direct flights during peak periods.
What language do they speak?
The spoken language is, of course, English, with a Canuck accent. On the other hand, Toronto boasts a large number of ethnic neighbourhoods and is one of the planet’s most culturally diverse cities. For starters, over 10% of its inhabitants are Chinese, with Cantonese widely spoken in the sprawling Chinatown district. Due to considerable levels of immigration in recent decades, Toronto is also home to sizeable populations of Punjabi, Tamil and Polish natives.
What is the local beer like?
Seventeenth century, European settlers brought the fine art of beer brewing to the shores of Lake Ontario. The speciality is pale lager, of which Molson and Labatt’s Blue are amongst the most popular. Toronto’s ‘Festival of Beer’ is held annually and celebrates the craftsmanship and variety of the local microbrewery scene.
Other drinks?
Canada has a long and rich tradition of distilling whiskey, the most widely known internationally being Canadian Club. Caribou is a popular cocktail, blending red wine, whiskey and maple syrup, while a Bloody Caesar, containing vodka, tomato juice, mashed clams and tabasco is definitely the most challenging!
What is the transport like?
‘The Big Smoke’ as it’s affectionately known to locals, boasts a world class transportation system that’ll have you from lakeside to downtown in two shakes. Keen to promote the green initiative, Toronto has an extensive network of cycle lanes and trails and if ever you need to escape ‘abroad’ a high-speed ferry connects the city to Rochester, New York State. The city subway connects all the key points and everywhere else is serviced by buses and streetcars. In fact, Toronto is second only to the Big Apple in the use of public transportation.
What’s the food like?
Toronto is a veritable foodie paradise with a diverse range of ethnic eateries available. Danforth is the haven for lovers of Greek cuisine, while Chinatown, Corso Italia and Little India are self-explanatory. Other explicitly titled neighbourhoods offering delectable national dishes include Koreatown and Little Jamaica. The city centre area also offers many Western European style, fine dining options. Take some advice and loosen that belt...
What’s the nightlife like?
Due to its proximity to NYC, Toronto attracts cutting edge music to its myriad of downtown clubs and venues. Add to this Canada’s burgeoning, homegrown music scene and you’ve enough acts to keep the Queen Street district rocking seven nights a week. The Kensington Market area boasts two of the best late-night venues/clubs in Neutral and The Boat, while Little Italy’s The Mod Club is a fantastic live venue, which also masquerades as one of the city’s finest clubs. Depending on the weather, there’s the option of hitting one of the many swish patio bars in the Danforth area, while in deepest, coldest winter you’ve a wide choice of cosy bars to choose from. Perhaps the hottest spot of recent times is Ossington Avenue, once a rundown quarter and now the weekend haunt of the cool kids and choc-full of alternative clubs and cafes.
Why should I go?
Toronto is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities with much to offer the discerning traveller. In some ways Toronto resembles a miniature version of its more illustrious southern cousin New York. Its citizens are a grand mixture of ethnic diversity, while distinct neighbourhoods, including our very own, unfortunately named, Cabbagetown reflect the often chaotic history of its inhabitants. Unlike many other North American cities, Toronto’s downtown isn’t simply a cold, deserted CBD by night. Its leafy neighbourhoods, such as the ‘old money’ Rosedale area, encroach right into the municipal centre.
It consistently makes the ‘top 5’ of the world’s most liveable cities, ticking the box for fantastic public transport, diverse cuisine, liveable/affordable accommodation and offers a wide array of cultural and sporting activities. It also sits on Lake Ontario, which itself is dotted with havens of waterside tranquillity, many only an hour drive from the bustling downtown.
What are the touristy things to do?
The focal point for touristic endeavour in Toronto is the CN Tower, a gigantic, needle-like structure that dominates the cityscape. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding neighbourhoods from atop its 1,200 ft high observatory. For those who prefer to unwind, the car-free bliss of Toronto Island offers something entirely different. It’s an alternative urban community that prioritises healthy living, offering beaches, water-sports and other activities just a short spin from the city. The pedestrian only Distillery District houses some of the city’s most well preserved Victorian architecture and doubles as a sanctuary for the artistic community, while the Art Gallery of Ontario is amongst the world’s best, showcasing a large permanent collection.
Anything else?
Like all North American cities, Toronto can’t rival a Rome, Paris or London for classic architecture and centuries of historic upheaval. However, for you connoisseurs of the good life there are few places better. Your hosts are sociable, hospitable people and the city itself exudes a laid back charm. The seasons bring both hot summers and snowy winters, while nature lovers are only a short trip away from the calm of wilderness.
Anything to avoid?
In winter, Toronto City Hall transforms Nathan Philips Square into a huge outdoor ice-rink, which itself is a joy to behold. However, unless suitably skilled, don’t make the fatal mistake of trying to join in! Canucks begin skating at knee high and the sight of a stumbling Irishman or woman, crashing into oncoming kids isn’t likely to endear you to the locals.
What should I bring home?
For that music lover in your life, Toronto offers a huge range of vinyl record stores, flaunting enormous collections of 12” plastic magic. Sonic Boom Records on 512 Bloor Street is open from 10am to midnight, 365 days a year, stocking a huge range, across all genres and hosting frequent, free in-store performances! So, stay clear of the tat stalls and pick-up that rare Captain Beefheart album you’ve always craved!
When should I go?
For a taste of the outdoor life, the best time to visit would be the summer months, June to September, when the city is alive with street festivals, food fairs and outdoor shows. However, for those who crave that classic winter scene, Toronto has much to offer. The city hosts a series of Christmas parades, markets and is lit-up by the dazzling Trail of Lights display in the Downsview Park. A city for all seasons, take your pick...
What’s my challenge?
To unwind and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this lovable, laid back city. Sample cuisine from the world’s great nations, hire a bike and freewheel through the abundance of diverse neighbourhoods, but don’t leave Toronto without indulging in one of the city’s main obsessions, ice hockey! The Toronto Maple Leafs are the local representatives in the NHL and play/brawl in the Air Canada Centre on Bay Street during the regular season. The bitter rivals are obviously their near neighbours the Montreal Canadiens. It’s like Dublin versus Meath on a soggy summer’s Sunday!
What’s the currency?
The Canadian Dollar (CAD$)
Something to remember...
Toronto is a city to be admired. The local government, with the support of parliament have set a target of making Toronto the world’s most liveable city, based on ‘The three T’s’, talent, technology and tolerance. They’ve correctly recognised that a well integrated socially diverse city will benefit both the local economy and the citizens general quality of life. While Toronto has its share of social problems, they’ve worked hard to correct them and are gradually succeeding.