Toronto metropolitan area
Canada: Toronto, Niagara Falls and Great Lakes
Canada is extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering 9.98 million square kilometres (3.85 million square miles), making it the world’s second-largest country by total area and the fourth-largest country by land area. Canada’s border with the United States is the world’s longest land border.
It is a federal parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II being the head of state.
Toronto, the capital of the province of Ontario, is a major Canadian city along Lake Ontario’s northwestern shore. It’s a dynamic metropolis with a core of soaring skyscrapers, all dwarfed by the iconic, free-standing CN Tower. Toronto also has many green spaces, from the orderly oval of Queen’s Park to 400-acre High Park and its trails, sports facilities and zoo.
Toronto’s motto is “Diversity Our Strength”.
Known as one of the world’s most multi-cultural cities, Toronto prides itself on its wide range of cultures, languages, food and arts. Almost half of its population are immigrants.
Forbes Magazine tracked the “World’s Most Economically Powerful Cities” and included Toronto in its top ten list.
In addition to IT and high finance Ontario’s plentiful natural resources, such as hydroelectricity and raw materials, have helped Toronto and its surrounding municipalities to become major industrial centres, producing more than 50 percent of Canada’s manufactured products.
Toronto is one of the very few North American cities in which people can choose not to own a car without suffering major inconveniences. This is largely due to The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)
Per the Guinness Book of World Records, the Yonge Street is considered as one of the longest streets in the world. As Toronto is the proud home of citizens representing over 200 distinct ethnic origins, you can see a quite life on streets. It'’s kind of a cultural mixture of all world. Although next to the United States, one would expect a similar life influence; however, it is quite oposite.
On one side, the PATH is the largest underground shopping complex in the world connecting around 70 buildings in downtown Toronto by tunnels and walkways.
On the other side, the Toronto Islands are the largest urban car-free community in North America. There are some cars on the island, but only service vehicles are permitted. That community rather get around by foot, bicycle, kayak, canoe or other means. The Toronto Islands are absolutely awesome.
Canada’s largest city also boasts one of the world’s longest urban waterfronts with nearly 30 miles of beaches, marinas, and green spaces. If that wasn't enough, the shores of this great lake are also home to art galleries, concert venues, and even a BMX bike park
Enjoy a roving lunch as you stroll. Swim and work on your tan at popular Woodbine Beach, sip cocktails at a lakeside patio, take a sunset gourmet dinner boat cruise, sail on a 19th century tall ship, windsurf or kite surf, canoe or kayak, or venture out in a paddle boat for two.
Niagara Falls
Known for its jaw-dropping scenic beauty, thundering roars and shimmering rainbows, Niagara Falls has been captivating millions of visitors each year. The raw power of 4-6 million cubic feet of water rushing over the edges every minute of the day, is a true natural wonder that can be experienced by land, or water.
The American and Bridal Veil Falls are entirely in the US, the Horseshoe Falls flows in both countries although a major portion is in Canada.
The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, is a collection of one city, two towns, two villages, a host of parks, sites and attractions along the Niagara River.
The “Falls to Fort” region offers the world-famous Niagara Falls, a variety of heritage tourism activities, quaint village shops and restaurants, a downtown tourism area and a variety of outdoor activities including boating, fishing and hiking. From the War of 1812 to its role as a nexus in the Underground Railroad and a catalyst of the hydroelectric power, Niagara has been and continues to be of critical importance.
▶ You are almost always guaranteed to see a rainbow if you are on the Canadian side of the Falls.
▶ Fish actually travel over the Falls. Approximately 90% of the fish that travel down Niagara Falls survive. It is believed that the white foam from the rushing waters acts like a cushion for the fish.
▶ The first person to ever go over the Falls was a 63 years old teacher. She traveled down the Falls in a barrel.
▶ Niagara Falls is also a popular filming site. Parts of the movies Pirates of the Caribbean and Superman were filmed here.
▶ Nik Wallenda, the tightrope walker, recently walked over the Falls. Although having a permission from both countries governments, he had to present his passport.
▶ About 20% of the drinking water in the United States goes through and over Niagara Falls.
Great Lakes Tour
Lake Locks
▶ The Great Lakes of North America are a series of interconnected freshwater lakes located primarily in the upper mid−east region of North America, on the Canada−United States border, which connect to the Atlantic Ocean through the Saint Lawrence River.
▶ The Great Lakes are also important because they contain 20 percent of the world's fresh water and exhibit tremendous biodiversity
▶ These pictures are made on much smaller level of waterway transportation, used by owners of smaller boats to pass from one lake to other one during their vacation trips. The entire system used to accomplish such transfers is called locks.
▶ The lakes and surrounding nature are very tranquil, providing a very relaxing ambient just perfect for the outdoor activity and enjoying the life.
▶ During summer time, lakes are just perfect for swimming and all other water activities
▶ To pass from one level to other, apparently boat owners have to follow very strict lock rules. Also, this isn’t a free service and it does not operate per a predetermined schedule, but there is no ruch nor stress.
Authentic Huron Indian Village near Midland
Huron, also called Wyandot, Wyandotte, or Wendat, Iroquoian-speaking North American Indians who were living along the St. Lawrence River when contacted by French explorer Jacques Cartier in 1534.
Traditionally, the Huron lived in villages of large bark-covered longhouses, each of which housed a matrilineal extended family; some villages were protected by an encircling palisade. Agriculture was the mainstay of the Huron economy; men cleared fields and women planted, tended, and harvested crops including corn (maize), beans, squash, and sunflowers. Hunting and fishing supplemented the diet.
Here are some images from our visit: Read more...
Midland
Midland is a town located on Georgian Bay in Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. It is part of the Huronia/Wendat region of Central Ontario. Located at the southern end of Georgian Bay’s 30,000 Islands, Midland is the economic centre of the region, with a 125−bed hospital and a local airport
Midland squeaked into the top 100 as one of Canada's best communities in which to live, according to a recent survey. ... Ranked 98th this time around, Midland had a number of top features highlighted including “community involvement” and improved on its 2019 assessment where it were ranked 247th.
Midland, Ontario is a visitor’s dream. Not only a paradise for cottagers, this area on the southern end of the Georgian Bay boasts fantastic sights, sounds, and scenery for all who visit. With walkable historical sights, a cultural centre, great restaurants, bakeries, and harbour views, the town of Midland makes for an ideal Canadian weekend getaway during the summer or winter months.
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