Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2006 | Page 65

Travel By Martin Eccott Terrific Toronto If you’re looking for a city break that’s slightly off the beaten track , then why not consider Toronto. A six-hour flight will get you to this sophisticated Canadian city, with its endless sights, attractions and shopping malls. This might be a city filled with skyscrapers - including the world’s tallest freestanding building – but Toronto also boasts remarkable architecture, lush and expansive parks and gardens, and miles and miles of beaches, boardwalks and bluffs. This is a nature-loving city that even gives every tree its own number, just to ensure its growth and protection! Described as a marvel of balance. Toronto’s charm is the way it cradles the space and calm of nature in the midst of such a vibrant, fast-paced metropolis. In the space of an hour, you can explore the waterfront, stroll through a park and then get swept up in a bustling crowd in amongst the array of shops and marketplaces. A word of advice though: walking shoes are a must if you want to experience the city from the outside in. However, there’s plenty more to keep you busy away from the downtown core as well. To the east, you’ll find the wonderfully bohemian Toronto Beaches, and to the west, Niagara Falls – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. North of the city, you’ll find an array of ski hills, hiking trails and wilderness adventures. And when you’re hungry, Toronto’s incredible tally of 7,000 restaurants reflect tastes, cultures and ingredients from around the world – all delivered with a distinctive Toronto flair. From upmarket to home cooking, you’ll find dining experiences and culinary adventures to satisfy every taste. With the city’s wealth of theatre, attractions, museums, art galleries, theme parks, markets - and even its very own islands there’s plenty to pack into your personal Toronto itinerary – whether you like to pre-plan or discover as you go. Holiday details: Call Regent Travel on 01983 863013 The package below includes 7 nights at the 4 Star Delta Chelsea Hotel in Toronto. Flights from London Gatwick flying to Toronto. Prices may be subject to change. Pricing Adult Price £798.00 Taxes/Fees/Charges £92.82 Fuel Surcharge £140.00 Total cost £1030.82 Price includes flights and accommodation. Taxes and fuel surcharges are subject to change and will be confirmed at the time of booking. Island Life - www.islandlifemagazine.net EXCURSIONS Being just 1 ½ hours from Toronto, Niagara is an ideal location for a 2nd Centre holiday or day excursion. Picture Left: 4 Star Delta Chelsea Hotel Picture above: The Maid of the Mist by Niagara Falls. Maid of the Mist This is the trip that I would recommend for Niagara Falls as you actually get so close to the waterfalls you have a spray mist from the falls drench you. Not only do you have the mist to contend with you also have the swell of the boat which adds to the adventure!. Great fun for all. This is extremely wet and the boat does rock a lot, there is limited seating so please be aware. Behind the Falls Here you get the chance to actually walk directly ‘behind the falls’. After you descend to the lower levels, by access of a short lift trip, you are suddenly hit by the deafening thunder that you encounter. Mother nature shows her awesome power and you begin to appreciate the ferocious force of this natural wonder. Ponchos are given out for your protection if required and having been there I would thoroughly recommend it, even if you do look silly. There is a good viewing platform close enough to the Falls, but at a safe enough distance. 65