One-Tank Trip for
Dec. 7/13
By Jim Fox
There’s nothing
quite like a big-city getaway around the holidays.
“City sidewalks,
busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style,” Bing Crosby sang in the song Silver Bells.
Toronto, Canada’s
largest city, is bustling with seasonal activities, making it a fun place to
spend some time.
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| The holiday window displays at the Hudson’s Bay Co. in downtown Toronto attract crowds. (Jim Fox photo) |
Fun, wow
“Activities include
many outdoor skating rinks, a one-of-a-kind Christmas market, theatrical and
musical performances, and special restaurant menus,” said Vanessa Somarriba of
Tourism Toronto.
Diversity adds to
the holiday spirit, with many themed displays, a variety of annual events and numerous
neighbourhood celebrations, she added.
To check it out, we
returned to my hometown as a tourist and were wowed.
Immersing ourselves
in TO history, we met up with legendary tour guide Bruce Bell at the historic
St. Lawrence Market.
“I just love the
market at this time of year with the vendors going all out to stock their
booths with holiday goodies,” he said.
Don’t miss a taste
treat, he said, as we sampled the Carousel Bakery’s loaded peameal bacon sandwich
and “homemade” butter tarts.
 |
| The ever-popular Carousel Bakery (Jim Fox photo) |
Bell’s Old Town
Toronto tour included stops at the King Edward Hotel adorned with its gigantic
decorated Christmas tree in the lobby, St. Lawrence Hall and St. James
Cathedral. brucebelltours.ca; (647) 393-8687
Next stop was opening
night of Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District.
This “celebration
of the romance and magic of traditional Christmas” captures the charm of a
European market.
Santa arrived to
the delight of waiting children, along with his roaming elves and Rudolph’s
Reindeer Zoo, and flipped a switch to light up the 13.7-metre-high white spruce
tree.
Continuing through
Dec. 15, the market showcases handcrafted products with musicians, carollers, children's
choirs and stage presentations.
 |
| The Distillery District's Toronto Christmas Market recreates the old European tradition. (Barbara Fox photo) |
The specialty beer
and mulled wine gardens are heated by roaring wood fires in outside pits.
We dined at a new
hotspot, El Catrin Destileria, serving up authentic Mexican cuisine in portions
suitable for sharing.
Say ole to “Canada's
largest mescal and tequila bar” as it had more than 120 different labels. ;
(416) 364-1177
 |
| Chicken burritos at El Catrin Destileria (Barbara Fox photo) |
Lights, cameras, action
The Cavalcade of
Lights kicked off in Nathan Phillips Square, outside city hall, with the
lighting of a huge Christmas tree that took two weeks to decorate, musical performances,
a fireworks show and skating party.
Head over to Queen
and Yonge streets to view the elaborate holiday window displays at the Hudson’s
Bay Co. while across the street, the Eaton Centre is decked out with lights and
decorations – and hordes of shoppers.
 |
| Toronto’s “official” Christmas tree outside city hall took two weeks to decorate. (Barbara Fox photo) |
The Natrel Rink at
Harbourfront Centre offers free outdoor skating, along with a DJ on Saturday
nights.
With festive red
light beam illuminating it, the CN Tower should be on every visitor’s must-do list.
Along with
panoramic views is the acclaimed 360 The Restaurant some 351 metres above the
ground.
After a ride up the
glass-enclosed elevator, the revolving restaurant offers seasonal themed menus
and some 550 selections from its “wine cellar in the sky.”
 |
| At 360 Restaurant, CN Tower, wine 'cellar' with Vanessa Somarriba and $1,600-an-ounce bottle of Black Pearl Remey Martin cognac (by my right shoulder). — with Vanessa Somarriba. |
Diners also have
access to the Look Out and Glass Floor levels. cntower.ca; (416) 868-6937
There’s still time
to check out the popular One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale, tonight
(Saturday) until 9 and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
It’s at the Direct
Energy Centre at Exhibition Place and features the works of 800 artists,
designers and craftspeople. oneofakindshow.com
The curtain rises
The National Ballet
of Canada performs the holiday classic The Nutcracker from Dec. 14 to Jan. 4
with lavish costumes, humour and fantasy. National.Ballet.ca
Aladdin, the new
musical, is at the Ed Mirvish Theatre through Jan. 5. mirvish.com
The Second City
Holiday Spectacular (Miracles Not Included) continues through Jan. 1 with an
irreverent collection of sketches, songs and improvisations. secondcity.com
An ongoing
tradition is Ross Petty’s The Little Mermaid at the Elgin Theatre where he
appears as a female character. rosspetty.com; 1-855-599-9090
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| Skaters enjoy the ice rink in Nathan Phillips Square outside Toronto’s city hall. (Jim Fox photo) |
Where to stay
We stayed in the
fashionable part of town at the Toronto Marriott Bloor Yorkville Hotel (90
Bloor St. E.).
This renovated boutique-style
hotel, noted for its great service and amenities, offers direct underground
access to the Yonge and Bloor subway lines, making it easy to get around and
with shopping, dining and entertainment nearby.
Room rates are from
$139 nightly while concierge-floor rooms include breakfasts and evening food
and drinks in a private lounge. marriott.com;
1-800-859-7180
To plan a getaway: SeeTorontoNow.com;
1-800-499-2514
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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca
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