TORONTO

With mixed emotions....On Monday morning we secured Thistle at the Peterborough Marina, and headed to Toronto for three days! We will miss her and "Loop Life". 

Toronto, located on Lake Ontario, is the fourth most populous city in North America, after Mexico City, New York and Los Angeles. It is also an international center for business, finance, arts and culture. The urban history of the city dates back to 1793 when British officials negotiated it's purchase and established the town of York. The town of York was ransacked in the Battle of York, during the War of 1812. York was renamed Toronto in 1834.

We have enjoyed a very full three days in Toronto...There is sooooooooooo much to do! It's been tricky to prioritize options to fit in everything? Some of our favorite outings the last few days:  2015 Pan Am Games, a U2 Concert, and exploring by bike Toronto's diverse districts, architecture and restaurants.

We are flying back to California for a week to check on our home, take care of business, open mail and enjoy the summer Festivals in Laguna Beach. While we are away, Thistle is in good hands and getting spa treatments, including a bubble bath and polish for the return of "Loop Life". (Please be patient, our next Blog entry will be in about 10 days...XO).

Riding our bikes to the the Peterborough Bus Station. Our bikes are at the local bike shop for a scheduled tuneup.

GO ticket to Toronto....about an hour ride on the bus and train to Union Station.

Our Hotel...It originally opened in 1929 with 28 floors and was the tallest building in Toronto. The beautiful Chateau style building is now an official Canadian Landmark.

The last two days we have had some extra excitement at the York ... The hotel is hosting The International Climate Summit of the Americas. We woke up yesterday to a large protest in front of the hotel, including a huge police presence with lots of secret service types standing guard in the hotel. This morning we were told that there are many important political dignitaries, including Parliament Leaders of Canada, Al Gore and California Governor Jerry Brown.

Historic Toronto, beautiful old buildings and parks.

Modern Toronto, lots of art and high-rise buildings.

Bike Share Toronto - we paid a $15 fee to use bikes for three days.  Once registered you receive ride code for bike use. The first 30 minutes are free, and we continually repeated the 30 minute time use over our three days in Toronto :). Bikes are located in bike racks all over the City.

There are many diverse Districts in Toronto... Here are just a few: Chinatown, The Distillery and the Water Front. 

U2 at the Air Canada Center...Great SHOW!

PACHI the porcupine is the official mascot of the 2015 Pan Am Games. Toronto is decorated with colorful flowers and ribbon. We also saw the Torch Relay Parade. 

We watched the USA vs CUBA Water Polo Game...USA won!

Thanks Toronto, until next time.