Toronto, the center of the (Canadian ) universe, has always been a place for deal making. Bay Street financial dealings, the Canadian Big Banks; it’s all here. In fact, Toronto started with a deal and such a deal it was. In 1781, 250,808 acres of land that now comprises most of Toronto and York Regional Municipality were “traded” for a mere 10 shillings and some trade goods consisting of 2000 gun flints, 24 brass kettles, 24 laced hats, a bale of flowered flannel and 96 gallons of rum. Now known as the “Toronto Purchase” the Mississauga First Nation believed they were “renting” the land to the British in return for some gifts, not extinguishing their rights to the land. The “deal” remained in dispute for over 200 years until 2010 when the parties reached a land settlement which saw a payment of 145 Million Dollars made by the Canadian government to the Mississaugas.

The name “ Toronto” has interesting origins. The French fur traders had established Fort Rouille in 1750 on lands that had been occupied by various First Nations for centuries. These First Peoples used the area as a “portage” known as the “Toronto Passage” to get from the mouth of the Humber River on Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay and lands further north and west. The name “Toronto” is derived from the Mohawk word tkaronto which means “where the trees are standing in the water”, referring to a fishing weir area with tree stakes in the narrows between Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching. The name migrated southward on colonial maps to the place we know as Toronto today.

After a wonderful weekend with relatives we make our way to Toronto. We have booked a 5 bedroom Airbnb in Cabbagetown, north and east of the Central Business District. Called Cabbagetown by the wealthier residents of Toronto, it was a destination for less fortunate Irish immigrants in the late 1840’s who grew cabbages and other vegetables in their yards to survive. It was used as a term of derision and was meant to poke fun at the residents. The area has many fine examples of Victorian architecture. Many of the buildings are over 150 years old. Our Airbnb was beautifully restored and modernized and very well equiped.

VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE OF CABBAGETOWN TORONTO

This area is also home to the Allan Gardens Conservatory, a series five of buildings housing exotic plants. Run by the Horticultural Society of Toronto which was founded in 1834, it is a quiet oasis in the hubbub of the city on Charlton Ave.

ALLEN GARDENS

We are here to do Toronto touristy things. St Lawrence Market, the Hockey Hall of Fame, CN Tower and of course a Blue Jay game. Even though our seats for the game were in the 500 level, we were thrilled to be there. Truly must do event when in Toronto. The Jays weren’t as thrilled to see us though. They lost to the Tampa Bay Rays 12-2.

NATIONAL ANTHEM

The highlight of the visit was the next day when we all went to Canada’s Wonderland, the large amusement and waterpark north of Toronto in Vaughan. So much fun and another great deal. $45 Canadian to get in and enjoy unlimited rides and the water park for the entire day. An extra $25 gets you “all you can eat” meals for the day.  And what rides they are. The Behemoth, the Leviathan, Alpen Fury, Vortex and the Yukon Striker are just a few of the over 200 attractions at the Park. Amazing times were had by all. I managed to get onto 5 of the more exciting rides before this 75 year old body said “enough”.

OUR DAY BEGINS

THE YUKON STRIKER, 75 METER DROP

YUKON STRIKER, 3 ROWS OF 8 RIDERS, VERY FAST.

The next morning the kids and grandkids were off to the airport for their trip home. Vicki and I headed back to Vineland for one last lunch with more cousins and my Aunt Norma whom I haven’t seen since 1973. She is 98 years old and a real firecracker. Wonderful woman and a joy to reconnect with her.  

We pick up the trailer and we are on our way….destination Kingston, place of my birth. Good night all.