{"id":1369,"date":"2015-05-13T17:27:10","date_gmt":"2015-05-13T22:27:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/shaleewanders.com\/?p=1369"},"modified":"2015-05-13T17:27:10","modified_gmt":"2015-05-13T22:27:10","slug":"a-toronto-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shaleewanders.com\/a-toronto-travel-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"A Toronto Travel Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"IMG_3935\"<\/a><\/p>\n

(Insert Canadian National Anthem here)<\/p>\n

First of all, just got my grades back and I made the Dean\u2019s list\u2026WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER. Especially because there was one class I thought I was going to epically fail halfway through the semester. Then I stopped going to class and did better on all the exams once I stopped caring. Now how the hell does that happen? Also, kids, don\u2019t try that at home.<\/p>\n

Summer is right around the corner (and here for us college students), so that has me thinking about my favorite summer memories and locations. You all know I am much more of a naturey-hikey kind of girl, but that doesn\u2019t mean I don\u2019t love cities. Especially cities with character and good blogging activities. My favorite being Toronto, Canada. Besides the whole \u201cyou can\u2019t hate a Canadian\u201d stereotype, Toronto is a clean city with minimal tourism traps and enough adventure to stay sane in all the commotion.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to fit in with the locals, unique, accommodating, and perfect for a city budget adventure. I can say Toronto has my urban heart. The mountains are always calling, but sometimes I want to get fancy and shower every day like a normal human being.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Toronto Island Park <\/strong><\/p>\n

Just off the coast of Toronto is an archipelago of islands that make up Toronto Island Park. The 15 islands strung together make up parks, biking paths, beaches and neighborhoods to the thousands of residents who call them home. A ferry ride from the downtown marina in Toronto will take you to one of three drop-off points, Ward\u2019s Island, Centre Island and Hanlan\u2019s Point.<\/p>\n

To catch the sunset with the Toronto skyline, take the ferry line to the Ward\u2019s island drop off, which gives a clear shot for the show. Once night rises, catch the ferry back across the bay and gleam at the nightline from the bay boat. This is a scene not to be missed.<\/p>\n

Kensington Market<\/strong><\/p>\n

Markets, college kids and old hippies, parks and playgrounds, art shops and boutiques. I heard of this spot from a friend, and when I got there I realized exactly why he loved it so much. It\u2019s quiet and brings you away from the rest of the city.<\/p>\n

Brightly painted houses, distinct architecture and blissful gardens line the streets. The area is prime for a college kid hangout, but most of the neighborhoods are made up of established and creative adults who enjoy characterizing their village. I also bought bacon chocolate there so maybe that\u2019s why I love it so much. Mmmmmm.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_3830\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Casa Loma<\/strong><\/p>\n

Move aside Canada, your unofficial Queen Shalee is here to live in this castle and not do any governmental work because she doesn\u2019t like that and she just wants to play in the gardens and create ear-bleeding tunes on the organ and snuggle with the tiger rug that she named Kevin\u2026all hail!!!<\/p>\n

The castle was constructed in 1911 by a financier who wanted a palace to call home. Today it is open to the public with gardens and free roam of the castle all the way to the top tower. It comes complete with an audio guide to learn about each of the 98 rooms history that was once the largest private residence in Canada.<\/p>\n

O\u2019Noir <\/strong><\/p>\n

Sitting on a bluff high above California, I once thought about what it would be like to be blind for a very long time. I thought about how different the world could be and how the simple gift of sight allows me to share my experiences with you.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll let you read about my post dedicated to this experience<\/a>. If you are looking for a humbling experience, head to O\u2019noir to dine in darkness with a wait staff who are all legally blind. Step into their world, and see darkness in a whole new light.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_4084\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Easy on the Fifth <\/strong><\/p>\n

Social night club with games like cornhole and bocce ball are aimed at twenty to thirty-somethings looking to socialize, share stories, have a few drinks and dance. Being in the city, everyone wants to go out and hit the town. The atmosphere begins very relaxed and progresses to high energy by the end of the night.<\/p>\n

Hint: shots are expensive\u2026don\u2019t do it. Wait for the free shots to come out with sparklers in them. Free and sparklers? You heard it here, folks!<\/p>\n

Places to stay <\/strong><\/p>\n

Canadiana Backpackers Inn<\/a> has been voted a top hostel around the world. Travelers can\u2019t pass up the free pancake breakfast, wine social nights, and take full advantage of their laundry room and movie theater. Prices are reasonable and it\u2019s located between King and Queen Street\u2026it doesn\u2019t get any better than that.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_3772\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Places to avoid<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dundas Square and the CN Tower if you\u2019re looking to ditch tourists and unreasonable prices. Dundas Square is the \u2018Times Square of Canada\u2019. It\u2019s really not, just an overcrowded and over-advertised block of mall clothing stores and expensive ice cream. And I love ice cream.<\/p>\n

The CN Tower is better to see from a distance. The only reason I was remotely interested in paying to go to the top was to do the CN Edge Walk. Visitors can walk and lean out over the edge of the tower while being tied to a bar on the building. Fears, heights and adrenaline? Sounds like my thing! And it totally was until I realized they were expecting people to pay $195 for 20 minutes on the edge. LOL. No thanks!<\/p>\n

\"IMG_3872\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Before I go\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Summer is the best time to visit Toronto and get the most of its biking, walking, exploring, and adventuring. Even at night, the streets are alive and safe. I have never had a bad experience there…except for the guy in a pickup who kindly showed me his middle finger on the freeway. It was a nice middle finger\u2026didn\u2019t appear broken or anything. Not sure why he wanted me to check it out.<\/p>\n

Have you ever been to Toronto? What did or didn’t you like? Where did you stay?<\/p>\n

Happy Travels! <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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