WELCOME TO TORONTO!!!
Part 1
Let me start of by saying "Thank you" to everyone for checking out our new thread....well 14 pages old thread.
After coming in late in the CMO contest thread, and never even entering it, I must acknowledge everyone from over there as being most cordial in their acceptance of the "Newbie" as I was back then.
I feel as though we really are a "family" even if only a few have actually met each other.
I hope to someday meet some of you, and have a Dole Whip or something.
My appointment over there as "Director of Transportation" was a surprise, to say the least, since it had a lot to do with a snowstorm and a bad U-turn....but anyway!!!!
I have taken the job to heart!!
Much to the dismay of my wife who thinks I spend too much time obsessing over little things that.....well.....you get the idea.
And lastly, WELCOME to ALL the new passengers on the DISbus!!
I know you will be accepted here as warmly as I was!!!
On to the tour!!
I will be breaking this into parts so as not to get too long winded.
Niagara Falls has the Falls but Toronto....lets just say its a little bigger.
Toronto Facts
THE largest city in CANADA!
"You may already know that Toronto is home to the world's tallest building (CN Tower at 553.33 m) (soon to be replaced by that building in Dubai) and that the
WORLD'S longest street starts at the City's lakeshore (Yonge Street at 1,896 km, 1178 miles), but did you know that Toronto is as far south as the French Riviera or that more people live in Toronto than in Canada's four Atlantic provinces combined?"
"Toronto, with a population of 2.48 million people ( 5 million in the GTA - Greater Toronto Area ) is heralded as one of the most multicultural cities in the world and is ranked as the safest large metropolitan area in North America by Places Rated Almanac. Over 100 languages and dialects are spoken here, and over one third of Toronto residents speak a language other than English at home."
Toronto Wikipedia link..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto
Below is the Toronto area and suburbs.
I am in Richmond Hill, about 30 mins without traffic
into the downtown waterfront.
Ok, the Toronto Waterfront on Lake Ontario,
Lets start with the most visible of Torontos attractions, The CN Tower.
"The CN Tower, located in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is a communications and tourist tower standing 553.33 metres (1,815.39 ft) tall. It surpassed the height of the Ostankino Tower while still under construction in 1975, becoming the tallest free-standing structure on land in the world. On September 12, 2007, after holding the record for 31 years, the CN tower was surpassed in height by the still-under-construction Burj Dubai. It remains the tallest free-standing structure in the Americas and the signature icon of Toronto's skyline, attracting more than two million international visitors annually."
Now, I have heard lately that they are thinking of putting a glass floor in the elevators (which run up the outside of it).
I have a friend that does the service work on them and he says its very cool looking down the shaft!!! (not me thanks)
There already is a glass floor in one part of the observation deck, but just looking out the windows of the elevator now while going up is enough for me!!!
I was up in it before it was finished (thanks to a friends father, he worked in the communications bubble under the restaurant) and twice since.
The restaurant revolves for a complete view.
It really is cool but moderately expensive.
"Located at a height of 342 m (1,122 ft) you will find the Glass Floor and Outdoor Observation Deck.
At 346 m (1,136 ft.) is Horizons Café and the Indoor Observation Deck. Horizons Café offers casual dining for those looking to enjoy a light meal at the top of the world.
360, our award winning fine dining restaurant is located at 351 m (1,150 ft.) and offers guests a complete 360 degree view of the city. The floor in the 360 Restaurant rotates once every 72 minutes allowing you a complete and unobstructed view of the city below. Along with the view 360 also offers an internationally recognized wine cellar of nearly 500 choice labels. Be sure to take a moment to enjoy the artwork located throughout 360, all is provided by the Art Gallery of Ontario and is available for purchase at the gallery.
"Think you're high enough now. Think again. Sky Pod, the World's Highest Public Observation Deck is located at a dizzying 447 m (1,465 ft.)."
http://www.cntower.ca/portal/
http://www.cntower.ca/portal/GetPage.aspx?at=848
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CN_Tower
MORE VIEWS AT....
http://www.hanifworld.com/Toronto-View.htm
Below the CN Tower is the SkyDome, Home of The Toronto Bluejays, now called the Rogers Centre.
http://www.rogerscentre.com/about/facts/index.html
Some facts...
"The world’s first fully retractable roof opens or closes in 20 minutes
The entire Rogers Centre development is 12.7 acres (5.14 hectares)
The diameter of the building is 700 feet
The ceiling height is 310 feet
The roof rises to a height of 86 meters (282 feet), high enough for a 31 storey building at centre field with the roof closed.
The roof is made up of 4 sections which open in a smooth, circular motion
The roof covers 8 acres (3.2 hectares) and weighs 11,000 tonnes
All videoboards in Rogers Centre are LED displays that are capable of displaying 4.3 trillion colours
The main video board is 110' x 33'
The boards are only 2" thick
If a ball were to strike part of the board during the game, and break it, that piece could be replaced instantly"
Its not as big as some stadiums in the US, but the roof sure helps with our winters, and the summers!!
Also below the CN Tower are the Toronto Islands, complete with "CentreVille", a small amusement park, and a small community of residents.
Not quite Disney, but fun nonetheless.
Focused on pre teen mainly, although there is a log ride and BUMPER CARS!!! (or at least it did)
I have no pics handy as I have not been there since I was 15, so....
http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/
Although I did find this one.
Next up, we delve into the city...
Well not DELVE so much as ......swish...through...the city....yeah.
You rock, dude! 
